In a filter media system, sewage is filtered through two processes. First, through an effluent filter in the septic tank and second, through an enclosed bed of engineered material, and collector drains before it is either sent back to a septic tank or to finale disposal.

These systems have been approved for use in 1994 by MOEE and now under the Ontario Building Code (1997) and are listed in the Supplementary Guidelines section SG-5. Our in-house engineer. Mr. Omar Faruk , P.Eng., will be more than happy to assist you with any design questions you may have.

AdvanTex^TM Textile Filters - A single watertight, green fiberglass basin filled with an engineered textile material. This lightweight, highly efficient, non-woven textile material treats a tremendous amount of wastewater in a very small space. The treatment system is one of the most affordable wastewater treatment products currently on the market. The textile filter is hydraulically loaded at up to 45 US Gal/sq. ft./d for an Orenco AdvanTex^TM filter.

In either an intermittent or recirculating sand filter system incorporates an effluent filter (1/8" or 1/16" screen) in the septic tank, preventing suspended solids from clogging the sand filter and drainfield. In fact, the life of all drainfields can be extended with the use of an Orenco effluent filter. If the system is under pressure, the drainfield can be irregular in shape to avoid property limitations such as trees, topography, wet depressions or rock outcroppings. The sand filter can be designed above ground, partially buried or fully buried to satisfy local soil conditions. For a typical cost of $2.50 to $4.50 (Canadian) per treated litre, installed, these systems can be very cost effective.

 The Intermittent Sand Filter, (or single pass sand filter) is typically used for single family homes. It is covered with topsoil and seeded with grass so it can be used as a lawn . The Ontario Building Code lists the intermittent sand filter as a tertiary treatment system and is suitable for use with the Shallow Buried Trench type drainfield. The intermittent sand filter is hydraulically loaded at either 1.25 US Gal/sq. ft./d for a low load sand filter or 2.5 US Gal/sq. ft./d for a high load sand filter.

 A Recirculating Sand Filter, (or multiple pass sand filter) is typically used in a commercial/communal applications (usually with larger flows) and has an exposed bed of gravel . The Ontario Building Code lists the recirculating sand filter as a tertiary treatment system and is suitable for use with the Shallow Buried Trench type drainfield. The recirculating sand filter is hydraulically loaded at 5 US Gal/sq. ft.

A small diameter, variable grade, sewage collection system was one of the first constructed in 1976 in southwest Oregon for the communities of Glide and Idlewylde Park. In 1999 a STEP system was installed in the town of Flamborough near Guelph, Ontario. These sewage collection systems, on average, cost about 1/2 conventional gravity sewers. A 1994 publication "An Introduction to Communal Sewage Systems" - PIBS 2856E, lists small diameter variable grade sewers as an option for consideration by Ontario municipalities and private developers. Sand Filtration Inc. has engineered packages from Orenco Systems Inc., and engineering design assistance available for Ontario Engineering Firms. Case Studies are available.