New STEPs Minimize Biosolids, Energy, And Installation Costs

When low population density and troublesome topography make traditional gravity sewers cost-prohibitive, septic-tank effluent-pumping (STEP) technology offers an affordable alternative. In this Water Talk discussion, Mike Saunders, market segment leader for engineered systems at Orenco Systems, outlines how to match the right technology to the need. Orenco’s new decentralized liquid-only sewer systems treat septic effluent that is reduced by about 80 percent of its strength. Its smaller-diameter pressure mains run for 10 miles without supplemental pumps and install at just a fraction of the depth of traditional sewers. The approach minimizes biosolids, runs on little pumping power, and requires no blowers, so it minimizes energy requirements and keeps both installation and maintenance costs lower than those of conventional sewer systems.