Performance of Single Family Septic Tank Systems in Alaska

Performance of Single Family Septic Tank Systems in Alaska

Residential septic tank-seepage pit systems designed to FHA standards performed satisfactorily in the Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, areas. Fifty percent of 127 systems observed in Anchorage functioned 10 years without malfunction; in Fairbanks 50 percent of 46 systems observed functioned 6.5 yr w...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal - Water Pollution Control Federation Vol. 38; no. 8; pp. 1298 - 1309
Main Authors: Hickey, John L. S., Duncan, David L.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Water Pollution Control Federation 01-08-1966
Subjects:
Alaska
Biochemical oxygen demand
Cities
Climate
Permafrost
Septic tanks
Sewage
Sewage effluent
Sewage sludge
Sewage treatment
Water supply
Water wells
Alaska
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Summary:Residential septic tank-seepage pit systems designed to FHA standards performed satisfactorily in the Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, areas. Fifty percent of 127 systems observed in Anchorage functioned 10 years without malfunction; in Fairbanks 50 percent of 46 systems observed functioned 6.5 yr without malfunction. Most malfunctions were due to failure of the secondary absorption systems. A substantial number of cases of early failure were observed in both areas caused by defects in design or construction. Temperature measurements made on 20 septic tanks and seepage pits showed that septic tank contents remained above 48° F (8.9° C) during the winter and that freezing in the secondary systems was not a problem. Adequate treatment was obtained at this temperature.
ISSN:0043-1303