Clear Water Technologies, Inc

Ten Mile Lake Septic Tank Study,   Tank Data Before and After Hogen Process Treatment

Ten Mile Lake,  Hackensack,  Minnesota       September 2002 to September 2003

Introduction

This report outlines results obtained from a year long study using the CWTI Hogen Process on various septic systems located around Ten Mile lake near Hakensack, Minnesota.

Clear Water Technologies, Inc. would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to all who assisted and/or participated in this study, with special thanks to the following:

	Ten Mile Lake Association
	Instrumental Research, Inc.

 

 

Background

 

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, a typical septic system processes about 150 gallons of wastewater per person per day. At that usage rate, the per person loading rate of total suspended solids (TSS) would be 0.75 to 1 pounds per day, total phosphorus (TP) 0.025 to 0.1 pounds per day, carbonaceous biological oxygen demand (CBOD) 0.68 to 1 pounds per day, and total nitrogen (TN) 0.25 to 0.375 pounds per day. What this means, of course, is a steady buildup of solids and nutrients in the septic tank, requiring periodic maintenance measures to prolong the system’s effective life and to slow what is an inevitable journey of nutrients to the lake.

These nutrients that eventually reach the lake will build up over time inducing excessive weed and algal growth. TSS and CBOD, over time, can clog the soils and distribution system. Excessive amounts of CBOD in the soils can allow anaerobic conditions to develop which, in turn, release other undesirable components into the surrounding environment.

 

In 2002 the Ten Mile Lake Association’s Environment and Ecology Committee teamed with Clear Water Technologies, Inc., of Minneapolis, to conduct a one-year septic system study using a process whose goals were to reduce the concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) which is an indication of how well the solids in the system settle out, carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) which is an indication of the amount of organics in the water, total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) which are polluting nutrients that enhance weed growth. Eighteen property owners were enlisted to participate in the study; ten would have their septic systems inoculated by means of a patented process known as the CWTI Hogen Process and eight would serve as control systems. The project was funded entirely by Clear Water Technologies, Inc.

System DescriptionThe Process is Designed to Work This Way

An iron oxide compound is added to the septic system along with a combination of biological materials and organisms helpful bacteria that break down the iron compound as they feed on the waste.  Essentially, these biological organisms breath iron chemically in the same way that we breath oxygen in the air. The resulting iron substance break down binds with phosphorus, sulfur and other nutrients in the septic system, which in turn, significantly reduces prevents the nutrients concentrations  from reaching the distribution systemfield. Moreover, the process reduces TSS, thereby cutting back on sludge and eliminating scum buildup. If all goes according to plan, pumping intervals should be greater, nutrient loading to the drainfield (and eventually to the lake) should be lighter, and system life should be significantly prolonged.

 Nutrients and organic material are significantly reduced in the sludge and wastewater by direct and indirect activity of the biological materials added to the system, lowering the amount of pollutants reaching the Lake from the septic system.

 

 

A typical septic system has to treat a waste flow of 300 gallons per day. The following table lists typical loadings into a septic system.

Table. Typical Loadings

 

Application Procedure

Application Date: May September 1527, 2002

 

CWTI materials were added directly to the main septic tanks through the inspection port.

Required materials are a source of plus 3 iron along with CWTI bacteria (to metabolize the plus 3 iron source).

All these materials work together to obtain the desired results.

                                                                                                                                             

Laboratory Results

The following pages present the data collected during this study period. Data for the treated systems are shown on graphs to indicate how the data septic systems responded through the one-year study starting with sampling data just before treatment. This approach to data analysis will show the response to treatment throughout study year.

Graphs and tables are presented that show the difference between data from treated systems and non-treated systems during July 2003 and September 2003.Tabular and graphic results of the study are presented on succeeding pages, followed by a list of conclusions.

 

Treated and Untreated Suspended Solids (TSS) Level Comparison

 

The following table and graph show the average difference in TSS concentrations between treated and untreated sites from September 27, 2002 thru September 13, 2003. All treated systems are lower in suspended solids than untreated systems.

The treated systems are considerably lower in TSS concentrations reaching the distribution fields. The overall average show suspended solids levels 85% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems.

While the TSS is considerably lower in the treated systems, the amount of sludge in the bottom of the tanks has not increased, indicating that the sludge is also being consumed more efficiently.Total Suspended Solids (TSS)

The TSS levels in the treated systems were dramatically reduced after treatment.

 

 

Table. Total Suspended Solids (mg/l) in Treated Systems

 

 

 

Treated and Untreated Suspended Solids (TSS) Level Comparison

 

The following graph shows the average difference in TSS concentrations between treated and untreated sites on July 11, and September 13, 2003. All treated systems are lower in suspended solids than untreated systems. The treated systems are considerably lower in TSS concentrations reaching the distribution fields.

The overall average shows suspended solids levels 85% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems. While the TSS is considerably lower in the treated systems, the amount of sludge in the bottom of the tanks has not increased, indicating that the sludge is also being consumed more efficiently.

 

 

Treated and Untreated Phosphorus Level Comparison

 

The following table and graph show the average difference in phosphorus concentrations between treated and untreated sites from September 27, 2002 thru September 13, 2003. Although, some treated systems are higher than some untreated systems because of system variables, on average, the treated systems are considerably lower in phosphorus concentrations reaching the distribution fields.

The levels in the 9/13/03 untreated systems came down to the 7/11/03 treated levels while the 9/13/03 treated levels on average continue to stay lower than the 9/13/03 untreated systems. Thus, the overall average show phosphorus levels 58% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems.

Phosphorus

The phosphorus concentrations after treatment dropped considerably, which should reduce the amount of phosphorus reaching the lake.

 

Table .Total Phosphorus (mg/l) in Treated Systems).

 

 

 

Treated and Untreated Phosphorus Level Comparison

 

The following graph shows the average difference in phosphorus concentrations between treated and untreated sites on July 11, and September 13, 2003. Although, some treated systems are higher than some untreated systems because of system variables, on average, the treated systems are considerably lower in phosphorus concentrations reaching the distribution fields.

The levels in the 9/13/03 untreated systems came down to the 7/11/03 treated levels while the 9/13/03 treated levels on average continue to stay lower than the 9/13/03 untreated systems. Thus, the overall average shows phosphorus levels 58% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems.

 

 

 

Treated and Untreated Biochemical Oxygen Demand Level Comparison

 

The following graph show the average difference in biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) concentrations between treated and untreated sites from September 27, 2002 thru September 13, 2003. Similar to the phosphorus data, some treated systems are higher than some untreated systems because of system variables; however, on average the treated systems are considerably lower in CBOD concentrations reaching the distribution fields.

Also similar to the phosphorus data, the levels in the 9/13/03 untreated systems came down to the 7/11/03 treated levels while the 9/13/03 treated levels on average continue to stay lower than the 9/13/03 untreated systems. Thus, the overall average show CBOD levels 70% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems.

Carbonaceous Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD⁵)

 

BOD within a septic system is probably one of the most difficult parameters to keep stabilized at a low level. The reasons for this may be attributed to seasonal and loading variables along with system construction and age. However, BOD levels in the septic system will quickly break down in the distribution system because of the aerobic conditions; therefore, BOD should not reach the lake as carbon dioxide which will not deplete oxygen in the lake.

 

Table. CBOD⁵ (mg/l) in Treated Systems

 

 

 

Treated and Untreated Biochemical Oxygen Demand Level Comparison

 

The following graph shows the average difference in biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) concentrations between treated and untreated sites on July 11, and September 13, 2003. Similar to the phosphorus data, some treated systems are higher than some untreated systems because of system variables; however, on average the treated systems are considerably lower in CBOD concentrations reaching the distribution fields.

Also similar to the phosphorus data, the levels in the 9/13/03 untreated systems came down to the 7/11/03 treated levels while the 9/13/03 treated levels on average continue to stay lower than the 9/13/03 untreated systems. Thus, the overall average shows CBOD levels 70% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems.

 

 

Treated and Untreated Total Nitrogen (TN) Level Comparison

 

The following table and graph show the average difference in TN concentrations between treated and untreated sites from September 27,2002 thru September 13, 2003. All treated systems are lower in nitrogen than untreated systems. Some treated systems are considerably lower in TN while others are relatively the same.

The overall average show nitrogen levels 80% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems. Thus, on average, there is much less nitrogen reaching the distribution fields from the treated systems.Total Nitrogen

 

After treatment total nitrogen levels began to drop considerably.

 

Table. Total Nitrogen (mg/l) in Treated Systems

 

 

 

 

Treated and Untreated Total Nitrogen (TN) Level Comparison

 

The following graph shows the average difference in TN concentrations between treated and untreated sites on July 11, and September 13, 2003. All treated systems are lower in nitrogen than untreated systems. Some treated systems are considerably lower in TN while others are relatively the same.

The overall average shows nitrogen levels 80% lower in the treated systems than the untreated systems. Thus, on average, there is much less nitrogen reaching the distribution fields from the treated systems.

 

 

 

 

Treated and Untreated Sludge Composition Comparison

 

The following graphs show the average difference in sludge composition between treated and untreated sites from September 27,2002 thru September 13, 2003.  The graphs show that the solids concentration along with iron and phosphorus concentration is higher in the treated systems. The increase in solids indicates that the sludge is condensed because of the increased organic consumption. The increase in iron indicates that the system is using and holding iron in the sludge, as it should. The increase in phosphorus and total nitrogen indicates that the polluting nutrients are being held tightly within the sludge of the septic tank, not allowing the nutrients to reach the drainfield and eventually the lake.

 

 

 

Conclusions:

 

A chemical/biological process originally used for lake treatment and then for   wastewater treatment improvements has been developed and patented by Clear Water Technologies, Inc. This process has been found to work efficiently in septic tanks systems to reduce system maintenance as well as minimize the pollutants that, over time, would enter the lake.

 

 

Through laboratory testing and this study conducted on Ten Mile Lake septic systems, CWTI has demonstrated the following results relative to the effectiveness of using the Hogen Process for septic system treatment quality improvements:

 

 

The Ten Mile Lake 2002-2003 Septic System Study produced results that clearly suggest the CWTI Hogen Process demonstrated its ability to:

Septic System Treatment Quality Improvement

The treatment study has demonstrated the ability of the Hogen Process to sequester phosphorus and other nutrients like nitrogen by a combined chemical and biological process, dramatically improving effluent quality as well as improving sludge level maintenance.Reduce total phosphorus, total nitrogen and carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand in treated systems well below the concentrations of these nutrients in control (untreated) systems.

 

Improved sludge level maintenance means that the septic system will work more efficiently and in all likelihood will last longer.Lower total suspended solids levels in treated over untreated systems, leading to slower rate of sludge and scum buildup, less frequent pumping, improved effluent outflow and less likelihood of drainfield clogging.

 

This process changed the environment in the septic tank in such a way that there will be a less possibility of distribution field clogging because of suspended solids levels.Increase the efficiency of household wastewater treatment systems, prolong the effective life of such systems and, while doing so, ensure that lesser amounts of pollutants and nutrients are leaching into the lake.

 

The Hogen Process is a biological system that effectively reduces phosphorus and other polluting nutrients, which will help maintain current lake conditions.

 

 

On the basis of the results documented in this report, the Hogen Process has demonstrated an ability to effectively improve septic system treatment and thus minimize the pollutant concentrations that would eventually reach the lake.

 

 

Recommendations:

 

This process would be a great help to any lake association to slow, and in some cases, reverse the aging of a lake. Continued use may also extend the life of any treated septic system.

 

Sites that have been treated for this study would not require further treatment or addition until the fall of this year (2004). It is also recommended that all sites in the watershed be treated with this same process.

 

 

 

 

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