Rural Sewage Flashcards

1
Q

What is the primary function of anaerobic bacteria in a septic tank?

A

Anaerobic bacteria break down sewage into sludge, scum, and effluent.

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2
Q

In what type of environment do anaerobic bacteria thrive?

A

Anaerobic bacteria thrive in warm, moist, dark environments devoid of fresh air.

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3
Q

What is the minimum recommended distance between the invert of the inlet and outlet in a septic tank?

A

The minimum recommended distance is 2 inches.

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4
Q

What is the minimum recommended cover for insulation in a septic tank?

A

The minimum recommended cover is 12 inches.

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5
Q

What is the minimum distance a septic tank should be from a building?

A

The minimum distance is 3 feet.

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6
Q

What procedures must be followed when entering a septic tank?

A

Entry must follow WCB procedures as it is considered a ‘confined space.’

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7
Q

What gases are produced during the septic process?

A

The septic process produces methane, hydrogen sulphide, and other gases.

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8
Q

What is another term for the septic process?

A

The septic process is also called ‘putrefaction.’

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9
Q

How often should a septic tank be pumped on average?

A

A septic tank should be pumped every 5 years on average.

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10
Q

What role does the scum layer play in a septic tank?

A

The scum layer aids in heat retention.

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11
Q

What should not be done to a septic tank after pumping?

A

The tank should never be cleaned after pumping; a sludge layer on walls and bottom will aid in startup.

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12
Q

By what percentage should the size of a septic tank be increased if using a garburator?

A

The size should be increased by 50% if using a garburator.

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13
Q

What is the minimum ratio of width to length to promote ‘quiescent’ flow in a septic tank?

A

The minimum ratio is 1:3, and the maximum is 2:3.

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14
Q

What is the minimum retention period for sewage treatment in a septic tank?

A

The minimum retention period is 24 hours.

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15
Q

What is the minimum amount of ‘freeboard’ required for the scum layer in a septic tank?

A

A minimum of 12 inches of ‘freeboard’ is required.

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16
Q

How far should a septic tank be located from a source of domestic water?

A

It should be located no closer than 50 feet from a source of domestic water.

17
Q

What is the smallest tank allowed in BC?

A

The smallest tank allowed in BC is 750 gallons.

18
Q

When is the best time to perform pumpouts on a septic tank?

A

Pumpouts are best done in spring to allow restart in warm months.

19
Q

What is the minimum recommended slope on a 4” building sewer?

A

The minimum recommended slope is 1/8” per foot.

20
Q

How should a septic tank be sized?

A

It should be sized by the number of bedrooms in a house or by the number of people in an assembly building.

21
Q

What materials can be used to construct a septic tank?

A

Materials can be concrete, fiberglass, or plastic.

22
Q

What is the purpose of an effluent filter at the outlet of a septic tank?

A

An effluent filter at the outlet ensures solids stay in the tank.

23
Q

What is the maximum opening size allowed in an effluent filter?

A

The maximum opening size in an effluent filter is 1/8 inch.

24
Q

What types of bacteria could be present in a septic tank?

A

Pathogenic (disease-bearing) bacteria could be present.

25
Q

What is the maximum expected daily volume for Type 1 septic systems?

A

Type 1 systems are limited to a maximum expected daily volume of 22,700 litres.

26
Q

What is the BOD measurement in sewage treatment?

A

‘BOD’ is a measurement of sewage concentration (‘Biochemical Oxygen Demand’).

27
Q

What are the BOD limits for Type 2 and Type 3 systems?

A

Type 2 systems are limited to not more than 45 mg/L BOD5 (5 day) and Type 3 systems are limited to not more than 10 mg/L BOD5 (5 day).

28
Q

What does ‘TSS’ stand for in sewage treatment?

A

‘TSS’ means Total Suspended Solids.