Small Septc System for Shop

I've built a small shop (1500') on the farm. No zoning or permits except for septic. County has banned new conventional leach field systems. Grandfathered ones can be repaired but not replaced. Smallest permissible new is three 500 gallon tank aerobic with both pumps.

I'll be the only one using it and it may not get used every day. And then, probably on for a pee. There is livestock on the other side of a fence 4 feet from the building.

Options and possibilities:

The new system which is out because of cost. operating permit is $450.

Connect to an existing conventional system (currently not in use) 60 ' away. With proper drop, waste line would enter tank half way down the side, 3 feet or so. Lateral line would have to be replaced, deeper.

Pump from a new holding tank to an aerobic system 200 feet away. This would involve trenching across an established lawn. Pretty much rule this out.

Go take a leak in the barn or walk the 150 feet to the house..

Or...bootleg a small system that would be sized to handle the small amount of waste.

I'm leaning toward the latter but I have concerns about whether there would be enough solids to keep the bacteria working.

I'm thinking maybe two buried plastic barrels in series; pumping the liquid from the second into the barnyard. Wouldn't be more than ....maybe...5 gallons a day.

I'd like to hear comments and suggestions.

I suppose there is another option. Chamber pot/slop jar, depending on which side of the Mason/Dixon line you're on. :)

Reply to
Andy Asberry
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Taking a leak in the barnyard is probably legal but taking a leak in a container and then pouring in the barnyard is probably illegal.

I would an approximation of an RV system with the tank on wheels. Then you use RV chemicals and as needed wheel it to the house and dump in the line from the house. Install a clean out connection if none is present to dump into. Or just buy a porta potty. Probably only have to dump it once every

3-4 weeks.
Reply to
George E. Cawthon

Drill a 1" hole in the wall. Plastic pipe, funnel, you are in business. Simple, cost effective, low maintenance.

I'd consider George's suggestion about a portable toilet like an RV. I don't know about effectiveness or cost, but they do make waterless urinals now.

You can also buy gas fired toilets. More costly, more installation as you need a stack, but they work. Yes, they burn up the solids to a very fine ash. I've seen them in trailers where no septic is available. You lower the lid and it takes care of things automatically.

And, of course, Lehman's

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Reply to
Edwin Pawlowski

How far is the barn? If modesty is an issue, maybe a pissoir near the shop? Used to see 'em on Paris streets. A steel S-shaped curtain for two men, each standing inside one curve of the S, peeing into a little sink. The curtain goes from knee to neck level, leaving the feet and head exposed :-)

Nick

Reply to
nicksanspam

And if you want to be environmentally conscious you could have it drain into a solar still and then only distilled water would touch the ground. Seems kinda pointless when all the animals are peeing all over the place anyway.

Personally I just alternate bushes.

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Reply to
Ulysses

This gets my vote. Or even better, just step out the door and wiz. Being able to do that is one of the advantages of country living.

Reply to
Vic Dura

Andy,

One of the joys of country life is acres and acres of Men's Room. You are surrounded by it. Your livestock does it and it doesn't hurt the grass. You can do it too. I doubt you'll produce 5 gals a day even if you have a fridge in your shop.

Dave M.

Reply to
David Martel

LOL! Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best.

A troll. Yea, gotta be.

Reply to
3rd eye

Cornell University Press published, several decades ago, a book called THE BATHROOM. Reached a second edition, even.

An engineering optimization of the fixtures. The author recommended the above concept for urinals. His was a vertically-slotted sort of funnel that allowed children of any height to use it.

Had many great recommendations for improving a standard flush toilet. None were ever adapted by any commercial product.

Humans have a LOT of hangups about toileting. You could easily go broke trying to help them improve sanitation. USA has a rather high rate of E-Coli cross-infections, too, so there's plenty of room for improvement.

Reply to
no_child_left_unleashed

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