Sustainable Solar-Dynamic Bio-Benign Design
forest <[email protected]> Mon, 26 Dec 2005 05:56:56 -1000
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Website: www.solviva.com <http://www.solviva.com>
Sustainable Solar-Dynamic Bio-Benign Design:
Offering Better Ways to Live, at Less Cost Today and Tomorrow, Anywhere on
Earth
Welcome to the Wastewater Home Page of the Solviva Website
In here you will gain a deeper understanding of the problems that result
from current wastewater regulations, and the effective and economical
solutions that are available for eliminating those problems, and the
formidable regulatory obstacles that are preventing the use of these
solutions.
This lead page is divided into 3 sections:
1) Description of the problems, 2) Description of the Solviva Biocarbon
Filter systems at my home, and
3) Description of the Solviva Biocarbon Filter system at the Black Dog
Tavern in Vineyard Haven, MA
Wastewater - Human Waste - Sewage....these words, and the many others that
we have for our body's waste products, tend to evoke aversion. And for good
reason: human wastes contain microbes that, if improperly managed, can cause
various diseases. We therefore all agree that human wastes must be managed
in ways that adequately reduce these microbes. Human wastes also contain
very high levels of nitrogen, about 40-60 ppm (parts per million) in most
wastewater, which, if released into the groundwater causes harm to both
human health and the environment. We therefore also all agree that nitrogen
release must be adequately reduced.
All states have government agencies that create and enforce regulations for
the management of wastewater. In my home state of Massachusetts, this agency
is the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
Current regulations for Wastewater Management fall in two main categories:
1. On-Site Septic Systems, treating sewage from a single home or building
right on the site, and
2. Centralized Sewage Treatment, treating sewage from many homes and other
buildings at a remote location.
However, there are several serious problems that are being caused by current
DEP regulations:
Threat to Public Health - Over 10% of drinking water wells in the US are
contaminated with high levels of nitrogen that is released from septic
systems built in accordance with government regulations. This nitrogen
reduces the blood's oxygen capacity, causing "methemoglobinemia", which is
one of the causes of "sudden-infant-death" or "blue-baby-syndrome", as well
as brain damage and cancer (for references, and see link "Test Result &
References", and surf the web under key words "Nitrogen Pollution").
Harm to the Environment - On-site septic systems built in accordance with
government regulations are incapable of reducing nitrogen to any significant
degree, and therefore release high levels of nitrogen into the groundwater.
All this nitrogen ends up in our estuaries, ponds and harbors, whether they
are 50 feet or 10 miles away from the septic systems. This nitrogen causes
vast algae infestations that choke aquatic plants, fish and shellfish, and
cause foul odors and slimy beaches.
High Cost - New or upgraded Septic Systems often cost $10,000-20,000,
sometimes as much as $50,000. Central Sewering costs many millions, with
annual costs of $1500 - $3000 per household.
Landscape Destruction - Large areas are required for on-site septic systems,
destroying beautiful gardens, shrubs and trees. Central Sewage Treatment
Facilities require vast acreage, thereby destroying wildlife habitat and
recreation areas.
22 beautiful trees were cut down to upgraded this septic system, and it cost
$15,000.
A whole woods was destroyed for this new septic system.
The bottom of the leaching field is 10 feet deep, below the reach of roots
of trees and shrups that could take up the nitrogen and benefit from it.
Sewage treatment facilities cost many millions, even in small communities.
They require vast areas, cause foul odors, and use harmful chemicals.
Algae infestation on Vineyard Haven Harbor, which sometimes reesult in foul
odors envelopin the whole town.
James Pond: 50 or so septic systems release nitrogen into this ecosystem,
previously clean and productive, now toxic and foul. Imagine being a fish,
scallop or an eelgrass plant living in the water, where the algae pollution
is a hundred times worse.
This beautiful pond is all gummed up with foul-smelling algae.
Left: Imagine playing on this algae-infested beach.
Large sections of this marsh has been inundated and killed by thick layers
of rotting algae slurry.
Left: Algae infestation on Vineyard Haven Harbor, which sometimes result in
foul odors enveloping the whole town.
Edgartown Great Pond polluted by excessive nitrogen.
Thus, it is obvious that DEP regulations are in serious violation of the
Laws of Nature
There are better ways to manage wastewater!
For instance, the Solviva Biocarbon Wastewater Filter Systems, which:
Reduce nitrogen release into the groundwater by 80-90%, and therefore
eliminate harm to public health and the environment (for proof, go to the
"Test Results" page),
Cost 80-90% less to install and maintain,
Eliminate destruction to the landscape. In fact, the Solviva Biocarbon
Wastewater Filter Systems are actually beneficial to the landscape because
they act as fertilizing and irrigation systems!
Pictures of various Solviva Biocarbon Filter Systems at my home:
A standard flushtoilet flushes into this Brownfilter box, containing wood
chips, leafmold, and zillions of beneficial microbes and earthworms. This is
Earthworm Heaven!
Pokeberry fertilized with urine. Normally grows no more than 4 feet, but
this gorgeous plant ended up half way up the second floor.
One area of the Solviva Greenfilter garden, here showing dogwood, Rosa
rugosa, spruce and pine.This area has been receiving wastewater effluent for
20 years, including standard detergents and bleach, dispersed through
perforated pipes laid in shallow trenches winding among the flowers, shrubs
and trees.
Compost from Solviva Biocarbon Filter Systems: odor-free, soft, excellent
well-balanced nutrients. Great for flowers, shrubs and trees.
However, even though it has been tested to be free of pathogens, I still
believe it should not be used for food production.
This vibrant flower garden has been happily receiving toilet compost for 20
years, from both the Solviva Compostoilet and the Brownfilter for the flush
toilet system.
Another area of the Solviva Greenfilter flower gardens, here showing a stand
of 5-foot cosmos.
The Solviva Biocarbon Filter System at the Black Dog Tavern:
A story about a great success ...... and destructive interference by DEP.
The Solviva Wastewater Filter system was installed at the Black Dog Tavern
on the harbor in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, in May 1998, for the purpose
of reducing the nitrogen from 5000 gallons of restaurant wastewater per day.
The wastewater from the Tavern first went into the grease chamber where all
or most of the grease was supposed to be trapped, then it continued to the
septic tank which retained the solids. The effluent then continued into a
chamber from where it was pumped into the first part of the Solviva system,
the Brownfilter.
This filter consisted of two levels of perforated plastic barrels filled
with Biocarbon filter material, consisting of old leaves and wood chips,
alive with earthworms and other beneficial organisms. Then the partially
treated effluent continued to the perforated pipes laid in shallow trenches
in the Greenfilter garden filled with the same Biocarbon filter material
plus soil.
Because this garden was to receive about 12" of effluent per day (imagine
12" of rain per day!) I had planned for it to be planted with the kinds of
water-loving grasses and shrubs that grow around ponds and wetlands. But the
Black Dog managers also wanted traditional cottage garden flowers. I was
highly doubtful that this could work, because such flowers prefer much drier
conditions. I thought that surely, if they received 12" of water on a daily
basis, their roots would rot and the plants would die. But I was willing to
give it a try.
Yes, the water-loving plants did thrive, but, to my utter amazement, so did
the cottage flowers. There were zinnias and cosmos, snapdragons and
tithonia, cleome, geum, sunflowers and ageratum, and many other types.
They were not just ordinary beautiful, they were exceptionally,
extraordinairily healthy huge and vibrant, even through the dogdays of that
very hot summer.
The Solviva Biocarbon filter system transformed the wastewater from the
Black Dog Tavern ............ into glorious flowers, shrubs and grasses
..... gorgeous clean compost.... and superb test results.
After frost killed the annual flowers, the garden was seeded with rye,
which, because of daily dosing of wastewater effluent, grew thick and green
through the whole long, cold winter.
By early April the iris, hollihock and rye were about 4 weeks ahead of other
gardens. It was stunning and heartbreaking when DEP ordered the Solviva
Greenfilter garden to be removed.
When hard frost finally killed them, the annuals were removed and that part
of the garden was seeded with rye. The rye quickly grew thick and healthy,
and it kept growing through the long cold winter: the ground never froze
because of the daily dozing with warmish wastewater effluent.
The filtering process through the Brownfilter and the Greenfilter took about
5 minutes, and the nitrogen was reduced by 70-90%, the BOD by 92-98%, and
the fecal coliform by 94-100% (as proven by monthly tests at certified
labs). The system produced not only the wonderful garden, but also, from the
Brownfilter, magnificent compost filled with healthy earthworms. This
compost was also tested by certified labs, which showed excellent nutrients
and "below detectable limits" of 49 different toxic substances.
But, in spite of these extraordinairily successful results, the DEP gave
orders to the Black Dog in April 1999 to remove the Solviva Biocarbon Filter
and to replace it with a standard leaching field. This, like all other
standard DEP septic systems, of course releases all the nitrogen into the
groundwater and straight into the adjacent harbor. The obvious question is:
Why did DEP order the removal of the Solviva system?
The search for the answer to this question is murky indeed, but perhaps the
most important key is the fact that in the Fall of 1998 there was a major
shift in the leadership of the administration. Governor Weld resigned and
Lieutenant Governor Celluci took the helm. At that same time Trudy Coxe
resigned from her post as Secretary of Environmental Affairs. A few years
earlier, on a visit to the Vineyard in 1995, she had accepted an invitation
to come see the Solviva Wastewater Filter systems at my home. She was
mightily impressed by their simplicity and lack of odor, and the gorgeous
Greenfilter flower gardens. When I mentioned the fact that DEP (one of her
departments) had still not issued the permit that I had requested almost a
year earlier, she expressed despair over the bureaucratic obstacles within
DEP that prevented satisfactory progress with new de-nitrifying septic
system designs, and frustration over her own lack of power to change the
policies. She offered to help, and subsequently did help boost my permit
applications through DEP. When Secretary Coxe left there was no replacement
for several months.
This left the DEP in chaos, with no one willing/able/daring to make
decisions. The program for "Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic system
technologies" was passed down from the Boston DEP to the regional DEP
offices, and that's when the trouble began. I could name names but I won't,
at this point. Suffice it to say that the attitude of the Southeast Region
DEP office clearly indicates a committment to maintaining current standard
on-site septic system regulations, which, because of the expense and
pollution they cause, and the large land area they require, automatically
leads to their highest goal: Big Sewers Everywhere (megabucks for the
Consulting/Engineering/Sewage Installation industries, which work very much
hand-in-glove with the regulators nation-wide). And, their actions clearly
indicate a committment to
greatly discouraging any I/A systems, especially those that were proving to
be successful at reducing nitrogen with less cost and less land than central
sewering or standard on-site septic systems.
The DEP officials labeled as "violation" anything about the Solviva system
at the Black Dog Tavern that did not strictly adhere to written or unwritten
rules, and within a year they felt their list of violations was long enough
to warrant closure.
To be sure, there were various problems that developed with the system.
The most serious was the fact that a lot of grease, primarily olive oil, was
getting into the filters, thereby gumming them up and killing many of the
earthworms. This problem was unexpected because the grease was supposed to
stay in the grease trap, but because the restaurant used very hot water
instead of bleach for disinfecting the dishes, the grease did not have a
chance to congeal and therefore migrated into the filters.
We quickly made numerous small but important adjustments to the system to
rectify the grease damage, such as increasing the drainholes in the
Brownfilter containers, adding fans and replacing the medium in the
Brownfilter. However, according to DEP, no adjustments could be made without
getting a permit, which of course would take months, and to wait was
impossible because the adjustments had to be done when they had to be done,
because 5000 gallons of wastewater effluent kept coming each day. So these
adjustments were added to the list of violations.
Each of the problems that arose could have been solved with relative ease,
but DEP would not allow these improvements and instead ordered the system to
be removed.
But some great things came out the Solviva system at the Black Dog:
superb test results, and photographs of the magnificent Greenfilter garden,
which will of course be used in the upcoming effort to change the DEP
regulations for on-site septic systems.
There is still one item that is left hanging on the line: the compost.
As mentioned above, the first batch of Biocarbon mix in the Brownfilter was
removed after the first few months. A plan had been prepared to store this
compost at one of the permitted sewage facilities on the Vineyard, but when
the time came, nobody dared to accept it, for fear of DEP repurcussions. The
compost, wonderfully clean-smelling and filled with healthy earthworms, had
be placed somewhere. So I placed it on a remote fenced-in field on my farm,
and covered it securely with a tarp.
Then all hell broke lose. The West Tisbury Board of Health was ordered by
DEP to order me to remove the compost, which they called "septage", or face
a $500 fine per day. I showed the Board the suberb test reults, which proved
that the toxic contents in the compost was 1/100 - 1/1000 of what state
regulations allow for spreading as soil amendments. I invited them over to
see for themselves. They came, they saw, they sniffed, but even though it
appeared to them that it did not constitute a public health hazard, they
said it was not up them, they had orders from DEP. I put all the compost
into 50 strong plastic barrels with tight-fitting lids, and tied them all
together securely, but the Board still had orders from DEP to remove the
"sludge". However, the Board did lower the fine to $50 per day - and - I got
a $50 ticket every day for
the next 24 days.
During this whole time I tried frantically to get permission from DEP, but
the chaos was still going on up there, with no one daring to actually assess
the risk and admit that there was none. I faxed and phoned and fed-exed to
legislators, representatives, the Governor, the press, lawyers, conservation
groups, but although they were all sympathetic no one was able to help. It
was clear to everyone that this case was "falling between the cracks". This
compost/"sludge" was being classified in the same category as sludge from
municipal sewage treatment facilities, which of course does contain toxic
substances.
There simply was, and still is, no category on the books for a small
quantity from one non-industrial source, and no one was, or still is,
willing to think "outside the box".
I finally gave up trying to get permisson to keep it on my property, and
instead sought permit to keep it at the Edgartown Sewage Treatment Facility.
The members of that committee were highly sympathetic when they saw the
compost and the test results and voted to accept it for temporary storage
until I got my DEP permit. But, the DEP would not allow it to be stored at
the Edgartown facility!
By this time I was getting frantic, and extremely pessimistic, and angry
with regulators who have the gall to allow and indeed require the
installation of septic systems that release high levels of nitrogen, which
has been proven to cause serious harm to both public health and the
environment, yet would not allow even enclosed storage of compost that had
already been tested to be perfectly safe!
Finally DEP issued permit for Edgartown to temporarily store the 50 barrels
of compost, and with a local lawyer continuing to help me, the West Tisbury
Board of Health rescinded the $1200 accumulated fines, and fined me just
$100 total.
I continued the work to get DEP permit to store the compost on my property.
I was told I must first get a total TCLP test, and they sent me the
application. I was shocked when I saw what this entailed: a full test for 49
of the most toxic chemicals used in our society, including PCB,
Pentachlorophenol, 2,4.6-Tribromophenol, Lindane, Endrin, Chlordane,
Toxphene, Tetrachloetylene. And even more shocked when I found out what it
would cost: around $1500!
I asked: "How could there possibly be any of these poisons in this compost
that comes from a small restaurant?"
The answer: "We wouldn't know until it is tested."
Pleading for help from officials in other DEP departments, the response from
several was: "This is a preposterous demand! A TCLP test is clearly not
needed because there is no possibility that this compost would contain any
of those substances. Let me see if I can find a way through."
And then a few days or weeks later: "I am so sorry. I tried, but I can find
no loop hole."
So, I finally bit the bullet and sent a sample of the compost to be TCLP
tested. The results came back: "below detectable limits" on all 49
substances. And this cost me $1300.
Armed with this test result I applied aggain for a permit to store th
compost on my property. But I was in for a rude awakening: The TCLP test was
not enough. Now I must get a permit for my land to be classified as storage
facility for sludge, and this would cost at least $1050 and would probably
take at least a year to get. Words cannot describe my level of disgust. This
is it. Here is where I draw the line!
If you are still with me to this point, I congratulate you for your
perseverence, and I am grateful. It is not easy for people to think about
wastewater. Most people abhor the very concept, and are unwilling to engage
their brains sufficiently to "get it". Also, they have a hard time believing
that governmental regulations in this matter could really be as bad as they
really are. How is it possible that an agency that is named the "Department
of Environmental Protection" can be so guilty of creating and enforcing
regulations that are so destructive to the environment, not to mention to
public health?
To sum up, this is where it all stands at the present time, in February
2002: the compost is still in Edgartown, and I have been waiting for 5
months for a response to my latest plea to DEP to bring it to my land.
The system at the Featherstone Meetinghouse for the Arts is still purifying
their wastewater, without any problems. My home systems are still
transforming wastewater into beautiful flowers and trees, without any odors,
flies or other problems, ever. There is zero "yuck-factor".
It is a joy to flush the toilet and thereby providing favorite food for
thousands of happy earthworms and millions of microcritters. It is so
obvious that these systems work in accordance with the Laws of Nature.
Now, with the help of many others, we will continue the difficult but
essential Good Work of changing the DEP regulations.
You are welcome to join this noble effort. Please do.
For more information on my personal experiences with wastewater management,
go to *Wastewater Management *(chapter from the Solviva book), then go to
the *Call to Action*section to see the proposal for change.
Please pass on this information to others. Thanks. Together we *can* do what
needs to be done.
May every effort you make to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle be
rewarded with joy and success.
Wishing us all a good life, for 7 x 7 generations,
Anna Edey
Anna Edey,
Solviva Solar-Dynamic Bio-Benign Design,
RFD 1 Box 582, 18 Solviva Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568
Tel: (508) 693-3341, Fax: (508) 693-2228, [email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>. Website: www.solviva.com
<http://www.solviva.com>
Radiating UNCONDITIONAL LOVE & Truth to all.
May I always be found worthy.
Hawk
In Gratitude for All of Us!
Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last
time. Then your time on earth will be filled with joy & glory.
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Content-type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII"
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<HTML>
<HEAD>
<TITLE> Sustainable Solar-Dynamic Bio-Benign Design</TITLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY>
Website: www.solviva.com <<FONT COLOR=3D"#0000FF"><U>http://www.solviva.co=
m</U></FONT>> <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Sustainable Solar-Dynamic Bio-Benign Design:<BR>
<BR>
Offering Better Ways to Live, at Less Cost Today and Tomorrow, Anywhere on =
Earth<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Welcome to the Wastewater Home Page of the Solviva Website<BR>
<BR>
In here you will gain a deeper understanding of the problems that result fr=
om current wastewater regulations, and the effective and economical solution=
s that are available for eliminating those problems, and the formidable regu=
latory obstacles that are preventing the use of these solutions.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
This lead page is divided into 3 sections:<BR>
<BR>
1) Description of the problems, 2) Description of the Solviva Biocarbon Fil=
ter systems at my home, and<BR>
<BR>
3) Description of the Solviva Biocarbon Filter system at the Black Dog Tave=
rn in Vineyard Haven, MA<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Wastewater - Human Waste - Sewage....these words, and the many others that =
we have for our body's waste products, tend to evoke aversion. And for good =
reason: human wastes contain microbes that, if improperly managed, can cause=
various diseases. We therefore all agree that human wastes must be managed =
in ways that adequately reduce these microbes. Human wastes also contain ver=
y high levels of nitrogen, about 40-60 ppm (parts per million) in most waste=
water, which, if released into the groundwater causes harm to both human hea=
lth and the environment. We therefore also all agree that nitrogen release m=
ust be adequately reduced.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
All states have government agencies that create and enforce regulations for=
the management of wastewater. In my home state of Massachusetts, this agenc=
y is the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).<BR>
<BR>
Current regulations for Wastewater Management fall in two main categories: =
1. On-Site Septic Systems, treating sewage from a single home or building ri=
ght on the site, and<BR>
<BR>
2. Centralized Sewage Treatment, treating sewage from many homes and other =
buildings at a remote location.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
However, there are several serious problems that are being caused by curren=
t DEP regulations:<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Threat to Public Health - Over 10% of drinking water wells in the US are co=
ntaminated with high levels of nitrogen that is released from septic systems=
built in accordance with government regulations. This nitrogen reduces the =
blood's oxygen capacity, causing "methemoglobinemia", which is one=
of the causes of "sudden-infant-death" or "blue-baby-syndrom=
e", as well as brain damage and cancer (for references, and see link &q=
uot;Test Result & References", and surf the web under key words &qu=
ot;Nitrogen Pollution").<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Harm to the Environment - On-site septic systems built in accordance with g=
overnment regulations are incapable of reducing nitrogen to any significant =
degree, and therefore release high levels of nitrogen into the groundwater. =
All this nitrogen ends up in our estuaries, ponds and harbors, whether they =
are 50 feet or 10 miles away from the septic systems. This nitrogen causes v=
ast algae infestations that choke aquatic plants, fish and shellfish, and ca=
use foul odors and slimy beaches.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
High Cost - New or upgraded Septic Systems often cost $10,000-20,000, somet=
imes as much as $50,000. Central Sewering costs many millions, with annual c=
osts of $1500 - $3000 per household.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Landscape Destruction - Large areas are required for on-site septic systems=
, destroying beautiful gardens, shrubs and trees. Central Sewage Treatment F=
acilities require vast acreage, thereby destroying wildlife habitat and recr=
eation areas.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
22 beautiful trees were cut down to upgraded this septic system, and it cos=
t $15,000.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
A whole woods was destroyed for this new septic system.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The bottom of the leaching field is 10 feet deep, below the reach of roots =
of trees and shrups that could take up the nitrogen and benefit from it.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Sewage treatment facilities cost many millions, even in small communities. =
They require vast areas, cause foul odors, and use harmful chemicals.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Algae infestation on Vineyard Haven Harbor, which sometimes reesult in foul=
odors envelopin the whole town.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
James Pond: 50 or so septic systems release nitrogen into this ecosystem, p=
reviously clean and productive, now toxic and foul. Imagine being a fish, sc=
allop or an eelgrass plant living in the water, where the algae pollution is=
a hundred times worse.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
This beautiful pond is all gummed up with foul-smelling algae.<BR>
<BR>
Left: Imagine playing on this algae-infested beach.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Large sections of this marsh has been inundated and killed by thick layers =
of rotting algae slurry.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Left: Algae infestation on Vineyard Haven Harbor, which sometimes result in=
foul odors enveloping the whole town.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Edgartown Great Pond polluted by excessive nitrogen.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Thus, it is obvious that DEP regulations are in serious violation of the La=
ws of Nature<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
There are better ways to manage wastewater!<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
For instance, the Solviva Biocarbon Wastewater Filter Systems, which:<BR>
<BR>
Reduce nitrogen release into the groundwater by 80-90%, and therefore elimi=
nate harm to public health and the environment (for proof, go to the "T=
est Results" page),<BR>
<BR>
Cost 80-90% less to install and maintain,<BR>
<BR>
Eliminate destruction to the landscape. In fact, the Solviva Biocarbon Wast=
ewater Filter Systems are actually beneficial to the landscape because they =
act as fertilizing and irrigation systems!<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Pictures of various Solviva Biocarbon Filter Systems at my home:<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
A standard flushtoilet flushes into this Brownfilter box, containing wood c=
hips, leafmold, and zillions of beneficial microbes and earthworms. This is =
Earthworm Heaven!<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Pokeberry fertilized with urine. Normally grows no more than 4 feet, but th=
is gorgeous plant ended up half way up the second floor.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
One area of the Solviva Greenfilter garden, here showing dogwood, Rosa rugo=
sa, spruce and pine.This area has been receiving wastewater effluent for 20 =
years, including standard detergents and bleach, dispersed through perforate=
d pipes laid in shallow trenches winding among the flowers, shrubs and trees=
.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Compost from Solviva Biocarbon Filter Systems: odor-free, soft, excellent w=
ell-balanced nutrients. Great for flowers, shrubs and trees.<BR>
<BR>
However, even though it has been tested to be free of pathogens, I still be=
lieve it should not be used for food production.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
This vibrant flower garden has been happily receiving toilet compost for 20=
years, from both the Solviva Compostoilet and the Brownfilter for the flush=
toilet system.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Another area of the Solviva Greenfilter flower gardens, here showing a stan=
d of 5-foot cosmos.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The Solviva Biocarbon Filter System at the Black Dog Tavern:<BR>
<BR>
A story about a great success ...... and destructive interference by DEP.<B=
R>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The Solviva Wastewater Filter system was installed at the Black Dog Tavern =
on the harbor in Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, in May 1998, for the purpose=
of reducing the nitrogen from 5000 gallons of restaurant wastewater per day=
.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The wastewater from the Tavern first went into the grease chamber where all=
or most of the grease was supposed to be trapped, then it continued to the =
septic tank which retained the solids. The effluent then continued into a ch=
amber from where it was pumped into the first part of the Solviva system, th=
e Brownfilter. <BR>
<BR>
This filter consisted of two levels of perforated plastic barrels filled wi=
th Biocarbon filter material, consisting of old leaves and wood chips, alive=
with earthworms and other beneficial organisms. Then the partially treated =
effluent continued to the perforated pipes laid in shallow trenches in the G=
reenfilter garden filled with the same Biocarbon filter material plus soil.<=
BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Because this garden was to receive about 12" of effluent per day (imag=
ine 12" of rain per day!) I had planned for it to be planted with the k=
inds of water-loving grasses and shrubs that grow around ponds and wetlands.=
But the Black Dog managers also wanted traditional cottage garden flowers. =
I was highly doubtful that this could work, because such flowers prefer much=
drier conditions. I thought that surely, if they received 12" of water=
on a daily basis, their roots would rot and the plants would die. But I was=
willing to give it a try.<BR>
<BR>
Yes, the water-loving plants did thrive, but, to my utter amazement, so did=
the cottage flowers. There were zinnias and cosmos, snapdragons and tithoni=
a, cleome, geum, sunflowers and ageratum, and many other types.<BR>
<BR>
They were not just ordinary beautiful, they were exceptionally, extraordina=
irily healthy huge and vibrant, even through the dogdays of that very hot su=
mmer.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The Solviva Biocarbon filter system transformed the wastewater from the Bla=
ck Dog Tavern ............ into glorious flowers, shrubs and grasses ..... g=
orgeous clean compost.... and superb test results.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
After frost killed the annual flowers, the garden was seeded with rye, whic=
h, because of daily dosing of wastewater effluent, grew thick and green thro=
ugh the whole long, cold winter.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
By early April the iris, hollihock and rye were about 4 weeks ahead of othe=
r gardens. It was stunning and heartbreaking when DEP ordered the Solviva Gr=
eenfilter garden to be removed.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
When hard frost finally killed them, the annuals were removed and that part=
of the garden was seeded with rye. The rye quickly grew thick and healthy, =
and it kept growing through the long cold winter: the ground never froze bec=
ause of the daily dozing with warmish wastewater effluent.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The filtering process through the Brownfilter and the Greenfilter took abou=
t 5 minutes, and the nitrogen was reduced by 70-90%, the BOD by 92-98%, and =
the fecal coliform by 94-100% (as proven by monthly tests at certified labs)=
. The system produced not only the wonderful garden, but also, from the Brow=
nfilter, magnificent compost filled with healthy earthworms. This compost wa=
s also tested by certified labs, which showed excellent nutrients and "=
below detectable limits" of 49 different toxic substances.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
But, in spite of these extraordinairily successful results, the DEP gave or=
ders to the Black Dog in April 1999 to remove the Solviva Biocarbon Filter a=
nd to replace it with a standard leaching field. This, like all other standa=
rd DEP septic systems, of course releases all the nitrogen into the groundwa=
ter and straight into the adjacent harbor. The obvious question is: Why did =
DEP order the removal of the Solviva system?<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The search for the answer to this question is murky indeed, but perhaps the=
most important key is the fact that in the Fall of 1998 there was a major s=
hift in the leadership of the administration. Governor Weld resigned and Lie=
utenant Governor Celluci took the helm. At that same time Trudy Coxe resigne=
d from her post as Secretary of Environmental Affairs. A few years earlier, =
on a visit to the Vineyard in 1995, she had accepted an invitation to come s=
ee the Solviva Wastewater Filter systems at my home. She was mightily impres=
sed by their simplicity and lack of odor, and the gorgeous Greenfilter flowe=
r gardens. When I mentioned the fact that DEP (one of her departments) had s=
till not issued the permit that I had requested almost a year earlier, she e=
xpressed despair over the bureaucratic obstacles within DEP that prevented s=
atisfactory progress with new de-nitrifying septic system designs, and frust=
ration over her own lack of power to change the policies. She offered to hel=
p, and subsequently did help boost my permit applications through DEP. When =
Secretary Coxe left there was no replacement for several months.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
This left the DEP in chaos, with no one willing/able/daring to make decisio=
ns. The program for "Innovative/Alternative (I/A) septic system technol=
ogies" was passed down from the Boston DEP to the regional DEP offices,=
and that's when the trouble began. I could name names but I won't, at this =
point. Suffice it to say that the attitude of the Southeast Region DEP offic=
e clearly indicates a committment to maintaining current standard on-site se=
ptic system regulations, which, because of the expense and pollution they ca=
use, and the large land area they require, automatically leads to their high=
est goal: Big Sewers Everywhere (megabucks for the Consulting/Engineering/Se=
wage Installation industries, which work very much hand-in-glove with the re=
gulators nation-wide). And, their actions clearly indicate a committment to<=
BR>
<BR>
greatly discouraging any I/A systems, especially those that were proving to=
be successful at reducing nitrogen with less cost and less land than centra=
l sewering or standard on-site septic systems.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
The DEP officials labeled as "violation" anything about the Solvi=
va system at the Black Dog Tavern that did not strictly adhere to written or=
unwritten rules, and within a year they felt their list of violations was l=
ong enough to warrant closure.<BR>
<BR>
To be sure, there were various problems that developed with the system.<BR>
<BR>
The most serious was the fact that a lot of grease, primarily olive oil, wa=
s getting into the filters, thereby gumming them up and killing many of the =
earthworms. This problem was unexpected because the grease was supposed to s=
tay in the grease trap, but because the restaurant used very hot water inste=
ad of bleach for disinfecting the dishes, the grease did not have a chance t=
o congeal and therefore migrated into the filters.<BR>
<BR>
We quickly made numerous small but important adjustments to the system to r=
ectify the grease damage, such as increasing the drainholes in the Brownfilt=
er containers, adding fans and replacing the medium in the Brownfilter. Howe=
ver, according to DEP, no adjustments could be made without getting a permit=
, which of course would take months, and to wait was impossible because the =
adjustments had to be done when they had to be done, because 5000 gallons of=
wastewater effluent kept coming each day. So these adjustments were added t=
o the list of violations.<BR>
<BR>
Each of the problems that arose could have been solved with relative ease, =
but DEP would not allow these improvements and instead ordered the system to=
be removed.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
But some great things came out the Solviva system at the Black Dog:<BR>
<BR>
superb test results, and photographs of the magnificent Greenfilter garden,=
which will of course be used in the upcoming effort to change the DEP regul=
ations for on-site septic systems.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
There is still one item that is left hanging on the line: the compost.<BR>
<BR>
As mentioned above, the first batch of Biocarbon mix in the Brownfilter was=
removed after the first few months. A plan had been prepared to store this =
compost at one of the permitted sewage facilities on the Vineyard, but when =
the time came, nobody dared to accept it, for fear of DEP repurcussions. The=
compost, wonderfully clean-smelling and filled with healthy earthworms, had=
be placed somewhere. So I placed it on a remote fenced-in field on my farm,=
and covered it securely with a tarp.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Then all hell broke lose. The West Tisbury Board of Health was ordered by D=
EP to order me to remove the compost, which they called "septage",=
or face a $500 fine per day. I showed the Board the suberb test reults, whi=
ch proved that the toxic contents in the compost was 1/100 - 1/1000 of what =
state regulations allow for spreading as soil amendments. I invited them ove=
r to see for themselves. They came, they saw, they sniffed, but even though =
it appeared to them that it did not constitute a public health hazard, they =
said it was not up them, they had orders from DEP. I put all the compost int=
o 50 strong plastic barrels with tight-fitting lids, and tied them all toget=
her securely, but the Board still had orders from DEP to remove the "sl=
udge". However, the Board did lower the fine to $50 per day - and - I g=
ot a $50 ticket every day for<BR>
<BR>
the next 24 days.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
During this whole time I tried frantically to get permission from DEP, but =
the chaos was still going on up there, with no one daring to actually assess=
the risk and admit that there was none. I faxed and phoned and fed-exed to =
legislators, representatives, the Governor, the press, lawyers, conservation=
groups, but although they were all sympathetic no one was able to help. It =
was clear to everyone that this case was "falling between the cracks&qu=
ot;. This compost/"sludge" was being classified in the same catego=
ry as sludge from municipal sewage treatment facilities, which of course doe=
s contain toxic substances.<BR>
<BR>
There simply was, and still is, no category on the books for a small quanti=
ty from one non-industrial source, and no one was, or still is, willing to t=
hink "outside the box".<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
I finally gave up trying to get permisson to keep it on my property, and in=
stead sought permit to keep it at the Edgartown Sewage Treatment Facility. T=
he members of that committee were highly sympathetic when they saw the compo=
st and the test results and voted to accept it for temporary storage until I=
got my DEP permit. But, the DEP would not allow it to be stored at the Edga=
rtown facility!<BR>
<BR>
By this time I was getting frantic, and extremely pessimistic, and angry wi=
th regulators who have the gall to allow and indeed require the installation=
of septic systems that release high levels of nitrogen, which has been prov=
en to cause serious harm to both public health and the environment, yet woul=
d not allow even enclosed storage of compost that had already been tested to=
be perfectly safe!<BR>
<BR>
Finally DEP issued permit for Edgartown to temporarily store the 50 barrels=
of compost, and with a local lawyer continuing to help me, the West Tisbury=
Board of Health rescinded the $1200 accumulated fines, and fined me just $1=
00 total.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
I continued the work to get DEP permit to store the compost on my property.=
I was told I must first get a total TCLP test, and they sent me the applica=
tion. I was shocked when I saw what this entailed: a full test for 49 of the=
most toxic chemicals used in our society, including PCB, Pentachlorophenol,=
2,4.6-Tribromophenol, Lindane, Endrin, Chlordane, Toxphene, Tetrachloetylen=
e. And even more shocked when I found out what it would cost: around $1500!<=
BR>
<BR>
I asked: "How could there possibly be any of these poisons in this com=
post that comes from a small restaurant?"<BR>
<BR>
The answer: "We wouldn't know until it is tested."<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Pleading for help from officials in other DEP departments, the response fro=
m several was: "This is a preposterous demand! A TCLP test is clearly n=
ot needed because there is no possibility that this compost would contain an=
y of those substances. Let me see if I can find a way through."<BR>
<BR>
And then a few days or weeks later: "I am so sorry. I tried, but I can=
find no loop hole."<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
So, I finally bit the bullet and sent a sample of the compost to be TCLP te=
sted. The results came back: "below detectable limits" on all 49 s=
ubstances. And this cost me $1300.<BR>
<BR>
Armed with this test result I applied aggain for a permit to store th compo=
st on my property. But I was in for a rude awakening: The TCLP test was not =
enough. Now I must get a permit for my land to be classified as storage faci=
lity for sludge, and this would cost at least $1050 and would probably take =
at least a year to get. Words cannot describe my level of disgust. This is i=
t. Here is where I draw the line!<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
If you are still with me to this point, I congratulate you for your perseve=
rence, and I am grateful. It is not easy for people to think about wastewate=
r. Most people abhor the very concept, and are unwilling to engage their bra=
ins sufficiently to "get it". Also, they have a hard time believin=
g that governmental regulations in this matter could really be as bad as the=
y really are. How is it possible that an agency that is named the "Depa=
rtment of Environmental Protection" can be so guilty of creating and en=
forcing regulations that are so destructive to the environment, not to menti=
on to public health?<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
To sum up, this is where it all stands at the present time, in February 200=
2: the compost is still in Edgartown, and I have been waiting for 5 months f=
or a response to my latest plea to DEP to bring it to my land.<BR>
<BR>
The system at the Featherstone Meetinghouse for the Arts is still purifying=
their wastewater, without any problems. My home systems are still transform=
ing wastewater into beautiful flowers and trees, without any odors, flies or=
other problems, ever. There is zero "yuck-factor".<BR>
<BR>
It is a joy to flush the toilet and thereby providing favorite food for tho=
usands of happy earthworms and millions of microcritters. It is so obvious t=
hat these systems work in accordance with the Laws of Nature.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Now, with the help of many others, we will continue the difficult but essen=
tial Good Work of changing the DEP regulations.<BR>
<BR>
You are welcome to join this noble effort. Please do.<BR>
<BR>
For more information on my personal experiences with wastewater management,=
go to *Wastewater Management *(chapter from the Solviva book), then go to t=
he *Call to Action*section to see the proposal for change.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Please pass on this information to others. Thanks. Together we *can* do wha=
t needs to be done.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
May every effort you make to achieve a more sustainable lifestyle be reward=
ed with joy and success.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Wishing us all a good life, for 7 x 7 generations,<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Anna Edey<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
Anna Edey,<BR>
<BR>
Solviva Solar-Dynamic Bio-Benign Design,<BR>
<BR>
RFD 1 Box 582, 18 Solviva Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568<BR>
<BR>
Tel: (508) 693-3341, Fax: (508) 693-2228, [email protected]<BR>
<mailto:[email protected]>. Website: www.solviva.com <http://ww=
w.solviva.com> <BR>
<BR>
Radiating UNCONDITIONAL LOVE & Truth to all. <BR>
<BR>
May I always be found worthy.<BR>
<BR>
Hawk<BR>
<BR>
In Gratitude for All of Us!<BR>
<BR>
Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or las=
t time. Then your time on earth will be filled with joy & glory. &=
nbsp;<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
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