NSF Develops New Testing Protocol For Septic Tank And Grease Trap Separating Devices

Juggler™ – First to Meet Protocol Requirements

Ann Arbor, MI — NSF International has announced the development of a new protocol that addresses the health impact and environmental protection of septic tank and grease trap (solid and liquid) separating technology. Labrie Environmental Group is the first manufacturer to certify its pumping and liquid-solid separating system to the protocol.

NSF Protocol P340: Septic Tank or Grease Trap Solid and Liquid Separating Devices was developed for equipment that separate septic waste solids from liquids in septic tanks or grease and solids from liquids in grease traps. The protocol contains requirements to evaluate the materials, design, manufacturing, and performance of these types of equipment.

Typical servicing of septic tanks or grease traps involves transporting a large volume of water to a disposal facility. Technologies have been developed to separate the solids from the liquids in septic tanks and grease traps, and then return the "treated water." P340 now provides a means to test the effectiveness and efficacy of these devices.

"P340 establishes requirements that will improve the efficiency of septic tank and grease trap solids collection to help meet the needs of public health and environmental regulators," said Bob Ferguson, Vice President, NSF Water Systems. "At the same time, this protocol also provides a potential cost savings for septic tanks and grease trap operators."

Juggler™ is the first technology and equipment to meet the stringent requirements of NSF Protocol P340 and bear the NSF certification mark. Juggler™ is a pumping and liquid-solid separating system that services grease traps and septic tanks with no chemicals.

"Labrie clearly demonstrates to the industry its commitment to environmental quality by being the first company certified to the new NSF Protocol P340," said Eric Tremblay, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Labrie Environmental Group. "NSF is the most recognized organization to certify both the food and liquid waste industries, so it was important for us to earn this for the Juggler."

To meet the requirements of the NSF protocol, Labrie's Juggler™ demonstrated compliance with the following requirements:

• Must be designed to return treated water to the septic tank or grease trap being serviced to prevent cross contamination.
• Must provide mechanical filtration -- the rated pore size of the filter mechanism shall not be less than 50 microns, so that beneficial biological flora can pass through the filter for return to the septic tank or grease trap.
• Must be designed so that the treatment process cannot be modified or altered by an operator.
• Must operate without the use of added chemicals.

The filtered liquids returned to the tank after maintenance must also meet specific pH and temperature requirements, as well as, total suspended solid (TSS), five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5), and oil & grease concentration demands. Additional requirements include corrosion resistance, structural integrity, and annual facility audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the protocol.

P340 was developed by an expert panel of public health and environmental health professionals, which included representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); the National Association of Waste Transporters (NAWT); the National Institute of Scientific Research Water, Soil and Environment, University of Quebec; St. Regis Mohawk Tribe (New York); Barnstable County (Massachusetts) Health Department; Orange County (Florida) Utilities Department; San Mateo County (California) Health Services; The WaterWorks (Ohio); Labrie Environmental Group; JUST Environmental Services; Buena Vista (Colorado).

SOURCE: NSF International