Septic System GHG Emissions Challenges and Opportunities to reduce GHG emissions from municipal and...

Septic System GHG Emissions

Challenges and Opportunities to reduce GHG emissions from

municipal and residential septic systems

Septic System GHG Emissions

Understanding Septic System Emissions

Reduction Strategies

Measuring Reduction


• Decentralized waste-water treatment arrangement

• Anaerobic (traditional) septic systems and Aerobic Treatment Systems (ATS)

• Major GHGs produced by septic systems are CH4, N2O, and CO2



The global warming

potential of CH4 is 21

times more powerful than

CO2

Total GHG Emissions in the US, million metric tons (2007)


Aerobic Treatment System (ATS)

• Oxygen present• Requires mechanical exposure

to air/atmosphere• Produces NO2, and CO2

Anaerobic Septic System (Conventional)

• No oxygen present• Relies on gravity• Produces CH4, CO2, and NO2

Understanding Septic System Emissions – Advantages

Aerobic Treatment System (ATS)

• Less odor, less CH4• Smaller drainage field

requirement• Greywater can be reused on

surface vegetation

Anaerobic Septic System (Conventional)

• Simple• Less Expensive• Minimal Maintenance• Common

Reduction Strategies - Overview

• Retrofit/Replacement– Direct GHG source reduction– Pairs with regular required maintenance

• Operational/Conservation– Indirect GHG reduction– Provides additional resource conservation

• Public Communication– Resident investment and self-enforcement


Reduction Strategies – Retrofit/Replacement

Exhaust Vent Carbon Filters• Activated Carbon removes

methane from septic exhaust• Filters require regular

replacement and maintenance• Filters require unobstructed

pathways and correct installation

Retrofit/Replacement

Operational/Conservation

Public Communication



Upgrade to Aerobic septic systems• Aerobic systems do not

produce CH4 (methane)• Aerobic systems require a

smaller drain field• Aerobic systems require

mechanical aeration and frequent monitoring

• Direct replacement or supplemental aeration septic tank






BE CAUTIOUS: Aerobic retrofitting• Transition from anaerobic to

aerobic requires expertise• Biomat dissolution may create

rapid drainage flow rate• Aerobic circulation pumps may

agitate settled solids in the septic tank (sludge)






Retrofit/Replacement SummaryStrategy NotesExhaust Vent Carbon Filters • MUST USE ACTIVATED CARBON

• Replace regularly (est. 1-2 years)• Correct installation/seals

Upgrade to Aerobic septic systems • Direct replacement of system• Supplemental aerobic septic tank

Aerobic retrofitting devices • Requires professional assessment of existing system and cautious implementation






How could we make this happen?Strategy NotesEstablish County or municipal rebate program • Provide percentage or fixed-price rebate

for septic system vent filters, quantity limited per household

• Provide percentage or fixed-price rebate for septic system replacement

Private Partnership • Establish partnership with septic services company to provide products and services in exchange for some value (minimum # of units guaranteed, municipality recommended vendor, other publicity)

Public communication • Flyers, mailers, newsletter, article, other distribution to inform residents of benefits and opportunities





Reduction Strategies – Operational/Conservation

Regular Inspections and Maintenance• Check on septic tank

digestion, pH, and sludge build-up

• Verify system piping and tanks are sealed airtight and no leakage is present

• Protect and maintain the drainfield






Manage Household Generation• Lifestyle modifications reduce

hydraulic loading• Home appliance and plumbing

retrofits reduce hydraulic loading

• Avoiding harsh cleaners and garbage to protect the bacterial digestion and tank integrity






Operational/Conservation SummaryStrategy NotesRegular Inspections and Maintenance • Inspections 1-2 years

• Pump out 2-8 years• Broken vent seals and leaks lead to fugitive

GHG emissions• Take care of drainfield

• Loading weight• Vegetation and growth• Over saturation

Manage Household Generation • Install low-flow fixtures• Encourage water use reducing behavior• Limit types of material disposed of• Limit bleach and strong cleaners






How could we make this happen?





Strategy NotesEstablish County or municipal rebate program • Provide percentage or fixed-price rebate

for septic system inspections or septic tank pumping

• Provide percentage or fixed-price rebate for purchase or installation of low-flow faucets, toilets, or kitchen fixtures

Private Partnership • Establish partnership with plumbing or fixture company to provide products and services in exchange for some value (minimum # of units guaranteed, municipality recommended vendor, other publicity)

Public communication • Flyers, mailers, newsletter, article, other distribution to inform residents of benefits and opportunities

Reduction Strategies – Public Communication

Broad Outreach Campaign• Statement by Town Supervisor

or Board issued to town• Direct mailing, including

newsletter flyers, postcards, checklists, or recommended vendors

• Social media activity or email with supplemental tools and resources






Targeted Public Awareness Campaign• Brief talks at local community

centers including churches or senior centers

• Table and flyers at farmers’ markets, school events, or town events

• Partner with local businesses like hardware stores to post information or hold special events






Health/Building Inspector Education• Train health and building

inspectors on signs of failing septic systems

• Provide speaking points for inspectors to share with home and building owners on inspections

• Flag inspected properties as exhibiting signs of septic system failure






Public Communication SummaryStrategy NotesBroad Outreach Campaign • Intended to reach all audiences

• General and non-specific• Less intensive than targeted campaign

Targeted Public Awareness Campaign • Intended to target specific audiences linked to septic system ownership and maintenance (general contractors, homeowners, etc.)

• Better saturation than broad outreach

Health/Building Inspector Education • “Train the trainers”• Municipal staff interacting with the public

can observe septic system issues and inform owners on potential solutions






How could we make this happen?



Strategy NotesPublic Statement • Formal statement of intent to reduce

septic system emissions published by municipal government/committees

Flyers/Mailers • Mailers to residents• Flyers in newspapers• Email distribution• Distribution through existing channels like

schools and municipal committeesElectronic Media • Informational postings on facebook,

twitter, or town website

Direct Outreach • Talks, events, or flyers at various churches, farmers’ markets, special events, school events, radio programs, or other venue




How could we make this happen? (cont.)



Strategy NotesPartner with businesses • Work with local hardware shops, general

contractors, home supply stores, or other businesses to distribute informational packets about septic systems

Empower Building and Health Inspectors and Departments

• Frequently interface with the public• Typically involved during new construction

activities and major renovations – ideal for educating contractors and owners

• Building and Health Department records can be adapted to include existence and condition of septic systems.



Reduction Strategies - Recap

• Retrofit/Replacement– Direct GHG source reduction– Pairs with regular required maintenance

• Operational/Conservation– Indirect GHG reduction– Provides additional resource conservation

• Public Communication– Resident investment and self-enforcement


Enforcement through Health, Building, and Zoning

Set Requirements for Septic Systems • Specifications or siting approval

established by Health Department

• Requirements for major rehab or new construction by Building Inspector

• Modify existing approval programs to also require update, retrofit, or replacement of outdated septic systems





Measuring Reductions in Septic System Emissions

Measuring Reductions in Emissions

• Septic System Inventory– Number of septic systems– Type of septic systems

• Tracking Improvements/Upgrades– Rebate/financial incentives– New construction

• Parametric Estimation– Establish % improvement over baseline condition– Apply reduction based on number of improvements/upgrades

Key Resources

This presentation available at: www.midhudsoncsc.org

Additional Resources:• EPA SepticSmart

http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/septicsmart.cfm – for Government Officials http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/

• Catskill Watershed Septic Programs: http://www.cwconline.org/septic_program.html– http

://www.cwconline.org/septic_reahabilitation_and_replacement_program.html

• NY Water Environment Association http://nywea.org/ • National Environmental Services Center:

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/subpages/septic.cfm • National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC)

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/wastewater.cfm • Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) offers several grant

programs for municipalities to fund wastewater infrastructure projects or http://www.efc.ny.gov/CleanWaterLoans

• NYS Water Resources Institute at Cornell University also provides additional resources, reports, workshops and other wastewater information on their website: http://wri.eas.cornell.edu

http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/septicsmart.cfm

http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/septic/

http://www.cwconline.org/septic_program.html

http://www.cwconline.org/septic_program.html

http://www.cwconline.org/septic_reahabilitation_and_replacement_program.html



http://nywea.org/

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/subpages/septic.cfm

http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/wastewater.cfm

http://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-interest-free-loans-fund-wastewater-infrastructure-projects

http://www.efc.ny.gov/CleanWaterLoans

http://wri.eas.cornell.edu/infrastructure.html

http://wri.eas.cornell.edu/

Matthew Egge, Environmental [email protected]

www.midhudsoncsc.org617-607-2712

Thank you!

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.midhudsoncsc.org/

Roundtable Discussion / Review

How do we manage septic systems?

What do we need in order to manage them better?

What are our next steps?

Date post:	29-Jan-2016
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Septic System GHG Emissions Challenges and Opportunities to reduce GHG emissions from municipal and...

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