On-Site Sewage Disposal for a Subdivision in a High Groundwater Area

摘要

The Lightning "W" Ranch has been operated by te Weise family in a small valley in the eastern foothills of the Sierra nevada mountains, about 30 miles (48km) south of Reno, Nevada for over 40 years. The Ranch has been supplied by surface water and three irrigation wells over that period irrigating over 300 acres(121 ha) of pastureland. Although annual rainfall is less than only 12.6 in.(32cm), a perennial stream flows through the property and groundwater may be found as shallow as 2 ft (0.6m) below the ground surface. Plans for a 107-unit residential community with privte golf course were stalled as a result of concerns over potential groundwater impacts by septic systems. Authorities from the local Health Department and the State Division of Environmental Protection assisted private sector engineers in developing a plan using a combination of standard shallow septic systems in engineered fill, recirculating sand filters, and an artificial wetlands to provide sewage treatment for homes, golf clubhouse, and golf course restrooms.