2020 PSMA Conference Presentation A biomat is a layer of partially decomposed organic waste often found on the bottom and sides of an absorption area’s trenches. This presentation will address issues associated with the development of biomats including how and why they form as well as how to recognize their presence during a septic system […]

2020 PSMA Conference Presentation Household water conservation devices do a good job of reducing water consumption. However if the waste load remains the same then the waste products become more concentrated. The result is often high strength wastewater. When the concentration of waste constituents (BOD, TSS, fats and oils) is greater than the typical values […]

2020 PSMA Conference Presentation In the past 10 years, nearly all parts of the U.S. have experienced extended periods of water scarcity. Wastewater reuse becomes a common discussion topic during droughts and this water is certainly an underutilized resource. On the residential level, there are people who want to improve their water-use efficiency by using […]

2020 PSMA Conference Presentation We depend on the soil to provide wastewater treatment. When working with shallow soils, we need to use wastewater application methods that can take full advantage of the limited resource. Subsurface drip dispersal systems ensure that the whole distribution area receives uniform doses and can maintain aerobic conditions within the soil. […]

2020 PSMA Conference Presentation When a property owner isn’t satisfied with the results of a septic system inspection, they may seek a second opinion on the conclusions reached in an inspection report. This session will review common scenarios that prompt the request for a second opinion. Attendees will learn how to respond professionally when dealing […]

2019 PSMA Conference Presentation This presentation will provide an overview of a new research project at the UMN. When water is softened to remove hardness, salt is used to regenerate the softener releasing chloride to septic systems and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Monitoring to date has shown numerous WWTPs with discharge concentrations greater than limits […]

2019 PSMA Conference Presentation This session will focus on the newest onsite wastewater system control panel design, operation, management, data collection and remote monitoring. We will discuss using controls to manage flow equalization, time dosing, demand dosing and recirculation and how to integrate HMI’s, cellular units, VFD’s and radio communications where applicable. Sample panels will […]

2019 PSMA Conference Presentation The presentation will discuss methods and challenges inspecting septic and pump tanks. It will cover common problems an inspector may need to identify and troubleshoot including locating tanks, roots, leakage, and corrosion. It will also discuss how septic systems of the 21st century often see additions of many types of wastewater […]

2019 PSMA Conference Presentation This session will cover the process of evaluating and inspecting soil treatment systems including trenches, low-pressure pipe systems, mounds and sand filters. It will include a discussion of various distribution methods and the relating development of a biomat. Problems associated with hydraulic and organic overload will be highlighted. Download PDF

2019 PSMA Conference Presentation Adult foster homes provide assisted-living services—including nursing and 24/7 care— for individuals requiring special medical and behavioral needs. Wastewater from these homes and the corresponding effects on conventional onsite sewage treatment systems, likely differs from average residential sources but is not fully understood. The University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program […]