Backyard Residence in Annapolis uses EPIC for Passive Nitrate Absorption
EPIC was installed for passive nitrate absorption in an Annapolis, MD backyard grass area, irrigated with septic tank effluent from a residential house. The owner, and the local Health Department researcher Rich Piluk wanted to experiment with passive nitrate absorption and efficiency of the EPIC system. Protection of the adjoining bay for nitrate and phosphate mitigation was a primary requirement. By directing the nitrates upward for plant absorption, downward nitrate flow through the use of pans as a barrier for groundwater nitrate absorption is minimized.
The owner used EPIC specifically, so that his back yard could be flat without a traditional mound system. This system has been functioning for two decades, since 2002. The property owner, a health department researcher, wanted to experiment with passive nitrate absorption and efficiency of the EPIC system.
EPIC septic leach line installed flat, without a mound, for a more usable landscape. Installed 2002 in Annapolis, MD. Still functioning after two decades.
The challenge of a passive septic leach area very close to a protected watershed
Install an efficient leach area on a small lot, close to a protected watershed without nutrient influence to the adjoining body of water. Installation of the EPIC pan acting as a water barrier, nitrate absorption is taken up by the plants in the EPIC profile.
EPIC Solution:
The EPIC pan system provided a suitable configuration where septic tank effluent was reused as irrigation water for grass in a functional landscape area of the back yard. The upward movement of nutrients to vegetative roots initiated nutrient absorption by the landscaping plants and stopped runoff transfer to the adjoining bay.
EPIC System septic leach line installed 2002 in Annapolis, MD, without nutrient influence to adjoining water body.
Results:
The passive leach area did not show any pooling, odors, settling, saturation backups, or uneven vegetative growth for the last four years. Internal sampling showed very low levels of nitrates and phosphates, and the system was not influenced by heavy rain events.
Installation of EPIC gravel layer
EPIC sand layer installation to finish grade. No mound for a usable back yard.
Project Name: Annapolis, Maryland ET mound
Location: 1737 Grandview Road, Pasadena, Maryland
Project Type: Septic Disposal field for nitrate control and secondary surface as irrigation water for grass back yard.
Project Description: Design was chosen to control nitrate influence to Chesapeake Bay as experimental test plot for Arundel County Health department
Project Head/Coordinator/Handler etc: Rich Piluk (Project Manager), Andrew Wendel (Owner)
Project value (USD) $4500
% of involvement by EPIC in project 10%, design assistance
Start Date October 2002
Completion Date November 2002
The Cycle of Nitrogen
cross section of EPIC chamber profile showing gravel layer of saturation and sand layer of capillary passive irrigation to plant roots.