Evaluation of Septic Tank and Subsurface Wetland for
Evaluation of Septic Tank and Subsurface Wetland for
Evaluation of Septic Tank and Subsurface Wetland for
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ased upon a higher hydraulic loading estimate than what is actually received. The<br />
frugality <strong>of</strong> water use inspired by sole dependence on rainwater resulted in extremely low<br />
water use per capita, so the oversized wetl<strong>and</strong> has never produced effluent <strong>and</strong> thus<br />
functions as an evapotranspiration bed.<br />
Figure 3-5 Pisgah wetl<strong>and</strong> at the beginning <strong>of</strong> the evaluation with ten month old<br />
wild cane. The design engineer is st<strong>and</strong>ing at the mid-wetl<strong>and</strong> sample point used <strong>for</strong><br />
collecting the “effluent” sample. (Photograph by author.)<br />
The plants at the inlet end <strong>of</strong> the wetl<strong>and</strong> (left side <strong>of</strong> Figure 3-5) were significantly<br />
higher <strong>and</strong> greener than the cane at the outlet end. The cause <strong>for</strong> the abrupt difference in<br />
plant height was not determined. The entire bed had good sun exposure. The tall cane<br />
grew to approximately 12 feet (3.7 m) with some shoots up to 15 feet (4.6 m) high. After<br />
Hurricane Ivan struck in September 2004, this cane was bowed over from the wind so it<br />
was cut to a height <strong>of</strong> 10 - 30 inches (25 – 76 cm). One sucker shoot, measured three<br />
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