Enviro AES-TSA, AES-TS Owner's Manual

ENVIRO-SEPTIC SYSTEM GUIDE

Owner’s Guide

Enviro-Septic® System

AES-TS Model

Class II – Secondary treatment level

and

AES-TSA Model

Class III –Advanced secondary treatment level

Residential Application

Province of Quebec

System certified by: Bureau de normalisation du Quebec

Standard: NQ 3680-910

© DBO Expert inc.

All rights reserved

Version 2.2.3

July 8th 2013

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Important Security instructions

It is extremely dangerous even potentially deadly to open a septic tank,
pumping station or any enclosed space that is part of a wastewater treatment
system. This work must be done by a person trained in enclosed space
working and rescue procedures who has the necessary equipment.

The action of the bacteria on the organic matter present in the wastewater
produces gases such as carbon gas (CO2), methane gas (CH4) and sulphuric
hydrogen (H2S). The H2S present in the septic tank or a pumping station can
cause the death of an individual in a matter of minutes. This is why this work
must be left to competent personnel.

Pipes are buried near your septic installation. Please speak to your contractor
or the technical service of DBO Expert inc. in order to take the necessary
precautions before digging or undertaking excavation jobs near your septic
system.

Please be sure that the covers of the septic tank, pumping station, piezometers
and sampling device are always in place and that they remain accessible at all
times for periodic inspections and interventions when necessary. (e.g.
emptying of the septic tank). The same applies for distribution boxes of
systems built after 2009 as well as those which had an accessible distribution
box before that time.

Advanced Enviro-Septic® comes with a manufacturer’s limited warranty. The
warranty details are presented in Appendix A.

Advanced Enviro-Septic® U.S. Patent numbers. 6,461,078; 5,954,451; 6,290,429;

6,899,359; 6,792,977; 7,270,532 and 5,606,786. Other patent pending.

Enviro-Septic® is a trademark of Presby Environmental, Inc.

Advanced Enviro-Septic® is a trademark of Presby Environmental, Inc.

Bio-Accelerator® is a trademark of Presby Environmental, Inc.

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Table of Contents

Introduction 3

The purpose of this document 3
Designation of the Enviro-Septic System 3
Definition of the Enviro-Septic System 4
What to do if a problem occurs? 4
Customer service and Technical support information 4
System tag 5
Certified Contractor 5
Enviro-Septic System Capacity 6
Residential Wastewater 7
Warranty certificate 7

Functioning of the Enviro-Septic System 8

Treatment process of the Enviro-Septic system 8

Diagram of the Enviro-Septic chain of treatment 8
Enviro-Septic System Components 10
Operating the Enviro-Septic System 12

Initial Use 12

Intermittent Use or Prolonged Absences 12
Enviro-Septic System Operating Instructions 13

Wastewater Volume 13

In the bathroom 14

In the kitchen 14

For the laundry 14

Elsewhere in and around the house 15

Chemicals for septic installation 15

Ventilation 15

Heavy machinery and motorized vehicle traffic 16

Vegetation 16
Enviro-Septic System Maintenance 17

Distribution box and flow equalizer 17

Embankment surface above the Enviro-Septic System 20
Owner’s Responsibilities 21

Measuring the Water Levels in the Piezometers 22

What to do if water level is high 23
Appendix A- Presby Twenty Year Limited Warranty 24
Appendix B - Information Specific to Your Treatment System 25
Appendix C – Register of the height of water in the piezometers 26
Appendix D – Register of the Septic Tank Maintenance 27

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Introduction

Congratulations! You have chosen the Enviro-Septic System for your septic
installation. This system was developed to efficiently treat domestic
wastewater. However, instructions must be followed in order to maintain its
treatment performance so that you can make use of it for many years.

We ask that you carefully read through this document and keep it in your files
for future reference.

The purpose of
this document

This user guide explains the proper use, procedures and inspections required
in order to ensure the proper operation and longevity of an Enviro-Septic
System for residential wastewater treatment.

Please note that it is the owner’s responsibility to ensure that the system is
used properly and according to its treatment capacity. It is also his
responsibility to respect the rules and regulations in effect, especially the Law
of the quality of Environment and the Q-2, r.22 regulation1 on wastewater
treatment and evacuation.

Designation of
the Enviro­Septic System

Name: Enviro-Septic® System
Model: ESP-TSA and ESP-TS

Application Domain: Residential Wastewater (sewage).

Class and treatment type: The Enviro-Septic system meets all the

requirements of the NQ 3680-9102 standard for class III – advanced
secondary treatment systems or class II – secondary treatment systems in
Quebec.

The system cannot be used to treat wastewater to make it consumable. It is
made to treat residential wastewater to an acceptable level for it to be
reintroduced into the environment according to the criteria prescribed in the
Q-2, r.22.

1

The Q-2, r.22 regulation was previously known as the Q-2, r.8. It is available on the Quebec Government site of the
“Ministère du Développement durable de l’Environnement et des Parcs”, at the address: www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau/eaux-

usees or through the “Publication du Québec”

2

NQ 3680-910 standard, Wastewater treatment – Stand-Alone Wastewater Treatment Systems for isolated Dwellings,
Bureau de Normalisation du Québec, 2000-06-16

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Definition of
the Enviro­Septic System

The Enviro-Septic system is a passive technology that facilitates the growth
of bacteria responsible for wastewater treatment. It is composed primarily of
two inseparable components: the rows of Advanced Enviro-Septic pipe and a
layer of system sand.

The Enviro-Septic system must be preceded by a septic tank and a wastewater
distribution device. The treated water is drained directly into the soil beneath
the treatment system through a soil absorption system as described in the Q-2,
r.22 regulation: a leaching field for class II systems or a polishing leaching
field for class III systems. They can also be discharged directly to a river if
this type of discharge is allowed.

What to do if a
problem
occurs?

If in the course of normal use of your septic system you notice any of the
following problems:

• Presence of abnormal odours in the house, around the septic system or

emanating from sources of drinking water.

• Abnormally wet soil, presence of persistent puddles or odours in the

area of the septic tank or the Enviro-Septic system.

• Slow flushing toilets or other plumbing in the home.

• Presence of abnormally abundant vegetation on the surface or around

the septic tank or the Enviro-Septic system installation.

• Flooding in the area where the Enviro-Septic system is installed.

• Erosion of the land fill on or around the Enviro-Septic system.

• Alarm from the pumping station if such a device is part of your

installation.

If you notice one of these problems, immediately contact your contractor or
the customer service of DBO Expert Inc. 1-866-440-4975. Please have
available the information from Appendix B – Information Specific to Your
Treatment System – of the present guide.

Warning: Please note that the situations described above can affect any
septic system, whether it is an Enviro-Septic system, any other certified
wastewater treatment technology or any soil absorption systems prescribed in
the Q-2, r.22 regulation. When these problems occur, they are usually caused
by poor installation, malfunction of the residence plumbing, extreme weather
or geological factors or surface water flowing into the septic system.

Customer
service and
Technical
support
information

Please contact us if you need further information.

Telephone: [phone] or [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Internet site: www.enviro-septic.com

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System tag

Each Enviro-Septic system must be identified with a specific system tag. This
tag, similar to the one shown in figure 1, will be installed in the sampling
device access port. It will be added during the installation of the system. The
number shown at the bottom of the tag will help to identify your system.

The class of the system in place is indicated on the system tag.

Fig. 1

Certified
Contractor

The Enviro-Septic System must be installed by a contractor previously trained
by DBO Expert or one of its representatives to obtain a certificate of
authorised installer. The customer service of DBO Expert can provide the
name of contractors having the proper authorisation to install Enviro-Septic
Systems.

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Enviro-Septic
System
Capacity

The capacity of the Enviro-Septic System depends on two elements :

• The number of Advanced Enviro-Septic Pipes

• The capacity of the underlying soil to evacuate the treated water.

.

Tables 1 and 2 present the capacity of each system in relation with the
number of pipes installed for a 1 to 6 bedroom residence or other building
with a daily flow of 3240 L/d or less. The total volume of wastewater fed to
the system must not be more than what is shown in the table.

The system may also be limited by the capacity of the underlying soil to
permit the infiltration and evacuation of wastewater. This value should be
evaluated by the designer mandated to create the plans and estimates for your
septic installation. It is, therefore, important to verify with the designer if the
capacity of the soil permits complete infiltration and evacuation of the
maximum amount of water able to be treated by the pipes installed.

Table 1 –
Enviro-Septic
hydraulic
capacity based
on the number
of bedrooms of
an isolated
dwelling

Number of

bedrooms

Minimum Number of

Advanced Enviro-Septic®

Pipes

(3.05 m each)

Minimum Total

Length of Advanced

Enviro-Septic® Pipes

(m)

Maximum Hydraulic

Capacity (L/d)

3

1 8 24,4

540 2 12

36,6

1080 3 15

45,8

1260 4 18

54,9

1440 5 22

67,1

1800 6 26

79,3

2160

3

The hydraulic capacities shown in table 1 are the same shown in the Q-2, r.22 regulation for 1 to 6 bedroom isolated
dwellings (clause 1.3). The difference between the minimum number of Advanced Enviro-Septic pipe for a similar daily flow
between table 1 and 2 come after different security factors that are associated with 1 to 6 bedroom house vs other types of
buildings.

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Table 2 –
Enviro-Septic
hydraulic
capacity based
on the number
of pipes
installed for
another type of
building

Maximum Daily

Flow

(L/d)

Number of Advanced

Enviro-Septic® Pipes

(3.05 m each)

Total Length of

Advanced Enviro-

Septic® Pipes (m)

540 8 24,4

810

10

30,5

1080

12

36,6

1260

15

45,8

1440

18

54,9

1620

20

61,0

1800

22

67,1

1960

24

73,2

2160

26

79,3

2280

28

85,4

2440

30

91,5

2600

32

97,6

2760

34

103,7

2920

36

109,8

3080

38

115,9

3240

40

122,0

Residential
Wastewater

Table 3 indicates the normal characteristics of raw domestic sewage.

Table 3

Parameter

Units

Raw Sewage

Septic Tank

Effluent

TSS

mg/L

237-600

50-90

CBOD5

mg/L

210-530

140-200

Fecal Coliform

CFU/100 ml

106-1010

103-106

Source: Tchobanoglous and Burton (1991)

Warranty
certificate

Advanced Enviro-Septic® comes with a manufacturer’s limited warranty. The
warranty details are presented in Appendix A.

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Functioning of the Enviro-Septic System

Treatment
process of the
Enviro-Septic
system

The rows of Advanced Enviro-Septic® pipes and system sand permit the
treatment and distribution of wastewater on the surface of the receiving soil
(surface of the polishing leaching field or the leaching bed).

The pipes support, first of all, the separation of particles through flotation and
decantation. The water is then evacuated through perforations situated all
around the pipes and through the pores of the three layers of synthetic media
covering the pipes. These membranes facilitate the fixation of the microbial
cultures which support wastewater treatment as well as longitudinal
distribution.

The layer of sand continues the treatment process and helps in dispersing the
water before it infiltrates into the natural soil. In this way, the Enviro-Septic
system integrates both functions of treatment and evacuation.

Diagram of the
Enviro-Septic
chain of
treatment

The chain of treatment varies according to the method of discharge used.
Figures 2.1 to 3.2 show the different options possible.

Underground evacuation
Figures 2.1 and 2.2 show the progress of the water along the complete chain

of treatment for a system using underground evacuation

Fig. 2.1 - Secondary Treatment System

Distribution

device

Enviro-Septic Secondary

Level Treatment System

Distribution

Device

Infiltration in the ground

Raw

Sewage

Septic Tank

Soil Absorption Field,

Seepage Bed or Above

Ground Sand Filter

Fig. 2.2 - Advanced Secondary Treatment System

Distribution

device

Enviro-Septic Secondary Advanced

Level Treatment System

Distribution

Device

Infiltration in the ground

Raw

Sewage

Septic Tank

Polishing Leaching Field

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Discharge to a Stream or River
Figures 3.1 and 3.2 show the progress of the water in the complete treatment

chain of a system using a direct discharge to a waterway.

Fig. 3.1 - Secondary Treatment System

Septic Tank

Treated Effluent in Accordance with the Q-2, r.22 Regulation

Raw

Sewage

Distribution

Device

Water Collection Section

Enviro-Septic Secondary

Level Treatment System
Standard Sand Filter Bed

Fig. 3.2 - Advanced Secondary Treatment System

Septic Tank

Treated Effluent in Accordance with the Q-2, r.22 Regulation

Raw

Sewage

Distribution

Device

Water Collection Section

Enviro-Septic Secondary Advanced

Level Treatment System

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Enviro-Septic System Components

Your septic installation includes several components. All of these components
are part of the chain of treatment of your installation. Table 4 presents the list
of these elements. However it should be noted that some of these are only
used when site conditions require them.

The table also presents a summary of inspections required for each
component. More detailed information on this subject is presented in the
sections that follow.

Fig. 4 - Diagram of the Enviro-Septic system

Septic Tank

Water infiltration

Rock, Clay or Watertable

Exit Vent

Pipe Offset Adapter

Enviro-Septic Treatment System

System Sand

Row of Advanced Enviro-Septic

®

Pipes

Pipe Couplings

Ventilation pipes connected to a vent

Piezometers

Pipe Double Offset Adapter

Top soil with grass

Enviro-Septic Pipe

Polishing

Leaching Field

Distribution Device

(e.g. Distribution Box)

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Table 4 - Enviro-Septic System Components

Components of the
septic system

Function

Follow-up
needed

Frequency

Responsible for
follow-up

Septic tank

Primary wastewater
treatment

Periodic emptying

According to
standards and
regulations in
effect

Owner is res­ponsible to have
work done by
qualified person

Septic Tank Effluent
Filter4

To retain solids larger
than the maximum
openings of the filter.

According to manufacturer’s instructions.
Distribution systems
3 options

To distribute the septic
tank effluent to the rows
of Advanced Enviro­Septic®.

A) Distribution

box and flow
equalizers

A) According to
water level in the
piezometers

A) As needed

A) Owner

B) Pressure

distribution
(feed) system

B) According to the manufacturer’s directions.

C) Automatic

distributing
valve

C) According to the manufacturer’s directions.
Rows of Advanced

Enviro-Septic

®

Pipes.

To distribute and treat
wastewater

See piezometers

Piezometers

To indicate the level of
water in the rows of
pipes.

Measure water
levels

Once or twice a
year as a
preventive
measure, before
emptying the
septic tank

Owner or
qualified person

Sampling device

To verify the treatment
performance of the
Enviro-Septic System

Ensure that there
is access to this
device

Optional

Qualified person

Vent

To allow the circulation
of air in the Enviro­Septic System

Ensure that the
opening is not
blocked

As needed

Owner

System sand

To complete the water
treatment process and to
improve the drainage

No

Pumping station
(optional)

To lift septic tank
effluent to the Enviro­Septic System

According to supplier’s specifications

4

The effluent filter is necessary whenever the septic tank is followed by a low pressure distribution system. It is also

mandatory in all BNQ certified septic tanks made since January 1st, 2009.

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Operating the Enviro-Septic System

Initial Use

At the time of installation, the septic tank must be filled with clear water.

If a pumping station is used, the contractor will verify that it is functioning
properly at the time of installation. The home owner must make sure that
there is adequate electricity to safely operate the equipment as well as the
alarm component.

The Enviro-Septic system is now ready for use.

Intermittent
Use or
Prolonged
Absences

The Enviro-Septic system is a passive wastewater treatment system. When
properly installed, it requires no particular attention for intermittent use or in
the case of prolonged absence.

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Enviro-Septic System Operating Instructions

The use and the maintenance of an Enviro-Septic System are relatively
simple. In general, use of a reasonable amount of water in the residence and
respecting the following rules will allow you use of your installation without
problems for years to come.

In the following paragraphs, you will find the basic rules to follow to ensure
proper functioning of your Enviro-Septic System. For more details on this
topic, please consult the website of the MDDEFP and more specifically the
Good Practice Guide for owners of wastewater treatment systems5. You will
see that the following rules are essential to the proper functioning of any
septic system, regardless of the technology used.

To simplify understanding, these rules are presented to you as things to do or
not to do in each part of the house and outside around the house.

Wastewater
Volume

Large quantities of water that leave the house and enter the Enviro-Septic
System in a short period of time could have a negative impact on the
effectiveness of the treatment and the infiltration of wastewater. Large
quantities of water can cause agitation in the septic tank. A certain quantity of
sludge or scum is likely to be put into suspension and be brought towards the
Enviro-Septic system and the infiltration bed. The frequency of such events
must be minimized.

You must ensure that the volume of wastewater entering the septic tank and
flowing into the Enviro-Septic System is reasonable when compared to the
total daily flow the system was designed for.

After the installation, if changes are made to the residence (ex. addition of a
bedroom)6, please contact the designer of the Enviro-Septic System. Make
sure that the septic system is inspected by a qualified person to determine that
it has the necessary capacity to treat and infiltrate the new daily design flow
of wastewater being generated.

5

Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, Wildlife and Parks, Good Practice Guide for owners of
wastewater treatment systems - June 2011 http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau / eaux-usees/Guide-bonnes-pratiques-proprio­dispositifs.pdf

6

Adding a bedroom, a business at home, a reception room, conversion of the house to a bed and breakfast, etc.

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In the
bathroom

Do:

• Immediately repair any leaking faucet or toilet.

• Use a reasonable quantity of toilet paper.

Do not :

• Use disinfectant in tablet (puck) form, whether it is placed in the basin

or the tank.

• Throw cigarettes, cigarette butts or medication in the toilet.

• Throw paper towels, paper napkins or other personal hygiene products

in the toilet.

In the kitchen

Do:

• Repair any leaking faucet.

• Use dish soap or dishwasher soap that is low in phosphate (0 to 5%).

• Use the necessary quantity of soap to do the work. Take note that the

necessary quantity is often less than suggested by the manufacturer.

Do not :

• Use a food waste disposal unit in your sink that is connected to your

septic installation.

• Dispose of vegetables, meats, fat, oil, coffee beans, or other unassimilated

products into the septic system.

For the laundry

Do:

• Use phosphate free detergent, preferably in liquid form. If it is not

possible, use biodegradable powder detergent.

• Use the necessary quantity of soap to do the work. Take note that the

necessary quantity is often less than that suggested by the manufacturer.

• Minimize, when possible, the volume of water used for the laundry

according to the quantity of clothing to wash.

• If possible, spread your loads of laundry throughout the week as

recommended by MDDEFP for any septic installation7.

7

Ministry of Sustainable Development, Environment, Wildlife and Parks, Good Practice Guide for owners of
wastewater treatment systems - June 2011 http://www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca/eau / eaux-usees/Guide-bonnes-pratiques-proprio­dispositifs.pdf

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Elsewhere in
and around the
house

Do:

• Divert drainage and rain water away from the surface of the Advanced

Enviro-Septic® System.

Do not :

• Discharge water softener backwash into your septic system.

• Discharge any water from swimming pool filters, spas or other appliances

that discharge chlorinated water into your septic system.

• Let water from sump pumps, roof drains (gutters) and drainage pipes

discharge into the septic system.

• Dispose of solvents, paints, antifreeze, engine oil, floor waxes, carpet

cleaners, drain cleaner or other toxic or flammable products in the septic
installation. This includes water used to wash brushes or rollers that were
used with latex paint (latex paint contains elements that are harmful to the
septic systems).

• Dispose of animal litter, tea bags, coffee grounds, egg shells, cigarette

butts, paper towels, condoms, diapers or sanitary napkins in the septic
installation.

Chemicals for
septic
installation

Your Enviro-Septic System does not require any starting chemical, cleaning
or other additives. The bacteria that carry out the treatment are naturally
present in raw domestic sewage. Any chemicals or additives added to the
Enviro-Septic System could possibly kill these bacteria.

Ventilation

It is very important to ensure that good ventilation occurs so that the septic
system functions correctly. The vent(s) installed at the ends of the septic
system encourage this air circulation. It is important to make sure that the
opening is not blocked and that air can circulate freely at all times. Air enters
through the vent, circulates through the rows of pipes and the septic tank and
travels through the plumbing of the house to exit through the roof vent.

The owner must be sure to have a roof vent and to keep it clear at all times.
When a pumping station is used, a bypass pipe or an extra vent must be used
to ensure proper ventilation of the system.

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Heavy
machinery and
motorized
vehicle traffic

No heavy machinery must be driven on a septic system, whether it is before,
during or after its construction. This includes any motorized vehicle. The
effectiveness of the drainage in the ground depends on the presence of a non­compacted natural soil that is not saturated with water. Heavy machinery or
motorized vehicle traffic8 on the soil closes the natural pores of the soil which
reduces its permeability and allows for pounding and the accumulation of
water.

Vegetation

The surface of the septic system must be planted with grass. The grass must
be cut regularly in order to encourage growth without the use of fertilizers.
Vegetation cover contributes to the elimination of nitrogen and phosphorus.

It is important not to plant trees or other plants with invasive roots within the
proximity of the septic installation (minimum distance 3 meters).

8

The Advanced Enviro-Septic® pipes installed according to manufacturer's recommendations can withstand the
weight of a vehicle not exceeding the standard H10, if such a vehicle were to move above the treatment system. The
occasional passage of a light vehicle such as a lawn tractor, is acceptable.

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Enviro-Septic System Maintenance

Septic Tank
Maintenance

The septic tank preceding the Enviro-Septic System must be pumped out
regularly. Article 13 of the Q-2, r.22 regulation requires that it is pumped out
every two years for normal residential use or every four years for seasonal
applications. For more information on septic tank maintenance, verify the
current regulation, or get in touch with the municipal authorities.

If the septic tank is not emptied regularly, an increasingly large amount of
solids and grease in suspension will leave the septic tank and end up in the
treatment system. The septic tank will no longer function properly and in time
the performance of the Enviro-Septic System may be affected. This is why
periodic emptying of the septic tank is necessary.

At all times, a professional using the proper equipment must carry out the
pumping out of a septic tank

The owner is responsible to ensure his septic tank is pumped out
according to local regulations. This work should always be done by a
qualified person since it can be very dangerous to open a septic system
without first taking the necessary precautions.

Note: It is the home owner’s responsibility to make sure that at all times

the septic tank lids are in their proper position and securely fastened. A
lid that is not installed correctly can be harmful to the operation of the
Enviro-Septic System.

Pre-filter
(Septic tank
effluent filter)

The effluent filter is a device normally used at the exit of the septic tank9. It is
mandatory when a low pressure distribution system is used between the septic
tank and the Advanced Enviro-Septic® pipes.

The effluent filter must be cleaned according to the maintenance and
inspection procedures provided by the manufacturer.

Distribution
box and flow
equalizer

During normal use of your septic system the distribution box and the flow
equalizers do not need adjustment. The initial levelling during installation and
the self-levelling capability of the flow equalizers are generally enough to
maintain an equal distribution of water among the rows of Advanced Enviro­Septic® pipe. However, a difference of more than 100 mm between the lowest
and highest water level in the piezometers for two consecutive measurements
indicates that the equalizers may need adjustment. A qualified person must
then carry out the adjustment(s).

9

The effluent filter is necessary whenever the septic tank is followed by a low pressure distribution system. It is also
mandatory in all BNQ certified septic tanks made since January 1st, 2009.

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Advanced
Enviro-Septic

®

Pipe Rows

Under normal use, the rows of Advanced Enviro-Septic® pipes do not require
maintenance. It is normal to find fluctuation of the water level in the pipes.
On the other hand, if the water level reaches 260 mm, a rejuvenation of the
Enviro-Septic System must be considered. A qualified person10 must carry
out this procedure.

Piezometers

No maintenance is required on the piezometers. However, the owner must
ensure that the caps are in place. They must be accessible at all times to
facilitate system inspection (they must not be buried).

Sampling
device

The Enviro-Septic System must have a sampling device. The sampling port, a
pipe of 200 mm in diameter11 closed off by a cap, must be accessible above
ground. It is normally located beside the rows of pipes, near the extremity fed
by water from the septic tank (see figures 5 and 6).

The owner must make sure that the sample port is always capped. It will be
used on occasion by an inspection technician to analyze the performance of
the Enviro-Septic System according to requirements in effect.

10

There may be costs related to this operation, if the problem is due to improper use of the system or due to a design or

installation problem.

11

The diameter of the sampling port constructed prior to 2009 is 100 mm.

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Fig. 5 - Elements of the Enviro-Septic system installed in the ground

Enviro-Septic System Limits

D-Box

Sample Port

Collector

Septic Tank

Piezometer

Vent

Enviro-Septic System

Fig. 6 - Elements of the Enviro-Septic system appearing above ground

D-Box cover

Sample port cover

Septic Tank Covers

Piezometer

Vent

Surface over the

Enviro-Septic System

Note: The position of the components may vary according to the layout
configuration. The dotted lines represent the position of the septic tank. The
position of the Enviro-Septic system is represented by the large rectangle.
These two elements are not visible from the surface.

Only the vents, the septic tank, the sampling device and the piezometer covers
are visible at the soil surface. The distribution box cover may be visible,
depending on the year of system installation, mostly since 2009.

If a pumping station is used, its cover will also be visible above the soil
surface.

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Vent

The vent does not require any maintenance. The owner must however ensure
that nothing prevents the circulation of air. In the winter, the opening of the
pipe must be sufficiently high so that snow does not block the passage of the
air. There must also be a difference of at least 3 meters, at all times, between
the entry vent situated at the extremity of the Enviro-Septic system and the
exit vent usually located on the roof.

If a short vent pipe is used in the summer, it must be replaced by a long one in
the winter so that the opening always remains above the snow level.

System Sand

There is no maintenance to be done on the system sand during normal use of
the Enviro-Septic System.

Pumping
station or low
pressure
distribution
system

In certain cases, the use of a pumping station or a low-pressure distribution
system may be required, due to the site constraints or because of certain water
distribution needs. The owner is then responsible to comply with the
manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance requirements of this equipment.

Embankment
surface above
the Enviro­Septic System

The surface located above the Enviro-Septic system must be covered with
herbaceous vegetation. A slight slope must be given to the surface in order to
help the drainage of rainwater towards the outside of the system. The grass
must also be cut regularly. Finally, any depression that could be created with
time must be filled in order to avoid any accumulation of water above the
system and to prevent erosion.

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Owner’s Responsibilities

Owner’s

Responsibilities

The owner is responsible for:

• Using the Enviro-Septic System according to the instructions

presented in the user guide.

• Pumping out the septic tank according to the regulations in effect.

• Recording the information for the pumping out of the septic tank

and forwarding the information to DBO Expert Inc. when requested.

• Maintaining the effluent filter (if present), the pumping station, the

pressure distribution system or the automatic wastewater distributing

valve according to manufacturer’s specifications and recording the

information if this equipment is part of the system.

• Ensuring that the vent openings are clear of any obstacles. If a short

pipe is used in the summer, replace it with a long one for winter.

• Providing access at all times to the Enviro-Septic system, the

piezometer covers, the sampling device and the vents.

• Adhering to the requirements of the applicable rules and regulations,

in particular with regards to the discharge standards of the system to
the environment (Q-2, r.22).

• Periodically verifying the water levels in the piezometers (see

Measuring the Water Levels in the Piezometers) or having it done
by a qualified person.

• Having at all times a Follow-up Agreement in place with DBO

Expert Inc. or one of its representatives as required by the article

3.3 of the Q-2, r.22 regulation.

Qualified
person

The qualified person that performs the maintenance or the inspection of an
Enviro-Septic System is a person who was trained and certified by DBO
Expert Inc. to perform the tasks associated with the Enviro-Septic system.

DBO Expert Inc. trains these people to carry out the inspections of the
system, perform adjustments to the equalizers and/or carry out the
rejuvenating procedure.
To obtain the name of a qualified person in your area, contact our customer
service department at 1-866-440-4975.

For maintenance on the pumping station and the low pressure distribution
system, the owner must refer to the user guide specified by the manufacturer
of these systems.

The pumping out of the septic tank must be performed by a company
specializing in that field. Check with your municipality for the companies in
your area that are qualified to do this work.

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Measuring the
Water Levels in
the Piezometers

The procedure for measuring the water level takes place where the
piezometers are located, at the extremity of the Enviro-Septic System.

Warning: Water present in the piezometers is wastewater. It is important to
take the necessary precautions while taking the water level measurements.
The person taking the measurement must wear protective gloves. The use of
disposable protective gloves is recommended. In order to avoid possible
contamination, avoid direct contact with wastewater.

Water level measuring sequence:

1. Remove the cap from the piezometer to be measured.

2. Insert a wooden stick or a meter stick (measuring instrument) into the

piezometer so that it comes in contact with the water that can be
present in the bottom of the piezometer. Normally, a wooden stick of
one meter in length will be sufficient. If on the other hand your
piezometers are longer, use a longer wooden stick. A string attached
to the wooden stick can also be used in this case to lower and lift your
measuring instrument in the piezometer.

3. By using a meter stick, determine the water level in the pipe by

observing the height of the wet area. If the reading proves to be
difficult, add some fine sand on the wet area before lowering it in the
piezometer. Most of the sand will be removed from the area that will
have soaked in the water and the reading will be easier.

4. Note the water level of the piezometer.

5. Replace the cap on the piezometer

6. Dry the wet area on the wooden stick or meter stick using disposable

rags.

7. Repeat all the steps for each piezometer.

8. Clean the meter stick, the wooden stick or the gloves if they are

reusable. Place the disposable gloves and rags in a plastic bag and
properly secure the bag.

9. Record the results obtained in the table provided (see annex C).

Diagram of
water level
measurement

Piezometer

Aeration pipe

Vent

(one vent per row or group of interconnnected rows

Downstream extremity of

Enviro-Septic

®

Metre stick

Fig. 7

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« The Enviro-Septic System, the system that forgives! »

What to do if
water level is
high

It is normal to find a certain water level in the rows of Advanced Enviro­Septic® pipes. But, it is not normal to find the pipes filled with water to the
point of blocking the passage of air. Such a situation could occur, if adverse
conditions are present (i.e. malfunction of the residence plumbing, obstruction
of the air passage, excess of surface water flowing to the system, etc.). A high
level of water is an abnormal situation. Fortunately, the Enviro-Septic System
has the ability to be regenerated. Thus, if this situation arises, it is possible to
recreate virtually the same conditions of wastewater treatment your Enviro­Septic System had when initially installed.

If the level of water in the piezometers exceeds 260 mm (10.5 inches) please
contact DBO Expert Inc. or your inspection technician who will inform you
of what needs to be done. First, the cause of the problem affecting the system
will need to be corrected. Subsequently, the technician will suggest one of the
following rejuvenation procedures12.

There are three rejuvenating procedures possible.

1. The natural rejuvenation that occurs following a reduction of use of

the septic system for a period of a few days or weeks (e.g. during a
vacation).

2. The forced rejuvenation that consists of pumping out the septic tank

and removing water from the Advanced Enviro-Septic® pipes at the
same time.

3. The forced rejuvenation with cleaning that consists of draining the

septic tank and removing the water and the inorganic matter that could
have accumulated in the pipes.

A qualified person must carry out the forced rejuvenation procedures.

Occasionally, at the time of a forced rejuvenation, the septic tank is not filled
with clear water as in the case of a normal draining. This procedure must then
be made at the time when the groundwater is low and that there is no danger
that hydrostatic pressure is exerted on the septic tank.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to check the water level in the
piezometers a few days before performing a regular pumping out of the septic
tank (see Measuring the Water Levels in the Piezometers). If the water level is
too high, communicate with DBO Expert customer service. The pumping out
of the septic tank could be done at the same time a forced regeneration
procedure occurs.

12

Under similar conditions, but for another technology than Enviro-Septic, system components or even the entire
system must be replaced. In the case of Enviro-Septic, the rejuvenation procedures make it possible to almost return the
system to its initial state. This is why we say the Enviro-Septic is a system that forgives!

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Appendix A- Presby Twenty Year Limited Warranty

This Twenty Year Limited Manufacturer's Warranty is provided by the Manufacturer, Presby Environmental, Inc., a
New Hampshire corporation having a mailing address of 143 Airport Rd., Whitefield, New Hampshire, 03598
(hereinafter called "Presby"). This Warranty applies only to Presby Products sold by or through its duly authorized
distributor, DBO Expert, inc., a Quebec corporation having a mailing address of 501, chemin Giroux,
Sherbrooke (Québec) J1C 0J8 (hereinafter called the "Distributor"). "Presby Products" means Presby's

Enviro-Septic® leaching systems and Presby Maze© with the required accessories (couplings, offset adaptor).

Warranty: Presby warrants that Presby Products are free from defect for twenty years from the date of installation
but in no event more than twenty-one years from the date of manufacture. Product Defects means defects or damage
to the Products caused by or occurring during the manufacturing process. This Warranty does not cover or apply to
damages to the Products caused by or resulting from transit or from accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, storage,
installation, repair, maintenance or from use other than normal and ordinary use of the Products. This Warranty
does not apply to damages to the Products caused by or resulting from failure to install or use the Products in

accordance with distributor’s instructions which have been approved by Presby or failure to properly inspect and

maintain the Products.

Warranty Registration, Claim Process and Remedy: In order to enforce this Warranty, the Follow-up Agreement
must be completed and returned to the distributor within thirty days of purchase of the Products. Any claim under
the Warranty must be in writing and received by the distributor within thirty days of the date when the facts giving
rise to such claim under this Warranty become known or are otherwise discovered. The distributor must be provided
with an opportunity to inspect the Products as installed. Failure to comply with these requirements renders the
Warranty null and void. If, during the Warranty period, the distributor and Presby find and determine that defects in
Products exist, then the distributor and Presby's sole and exclusive obligation is to either repair the Products or
provide replacement Products. The distributor and Presby, in their discretion, shall determine whether to repair the
Products or provide replacement Products. The distributor and Presby shall have no obligation to remove any
defective Products or to install any replacement Products. The distributor and Presby shall not be liable or
responsible for any other damages or claims arising from or relating to defective Products, including but not limited
to claims for general, consequential, or incidental damages, lost profits, or attorney fees.

Disclaimer: The distributor and Presby otherwise make no express warranty concerning the Products and the
distributor and Presby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied. Except as stated herein, there are no
warranties express or implied, and the distributor and Presby do not warrant that the goods are merchantable or fit
for any particular purpose. Any claim or controversy relating to this Warranty, or to matters of place of contracting,
interpretation, performance or breach thereof, shall be brought in and adjudged in accordance with the applicable
laws of state of New Hampshire.

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Appendix B - Information Specific to Your Treatment System

Information on
your Enviro­Septic System

System number13____________ Installation date: ____________________

Designer /Engineer: ___________________________________________

Installer / Contractor: ___________________________________________

Municipal inspector: ____________________________________________

Treatment class :  II–Secondary  III–Secondary avanced

Number of rows of pipes: ___________________

Hydraulic capacity (L/d): ___________________

Number of 3,05 m pipes per row: _______________

Water Distribution

• Distribution box

• Pumping station

• Wastewater distributing valve

• Low pressure distribution system

Septic tank capacity: ______________________________

Notes

13

Number on the system tag in the lid of the sampling port and starting with DBO- (see Figure 1 on page 5).

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Appendix C – Register of the height of water in the piezometers

Water level in the piezometers (cm)

Date 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Measured by

Remark

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Appendix D – Register of the Septic Tank Maintenance

Note: Article 13 of the Q-2, r.22 regulation requires that the septic tank be pumped out every two years for normal residential use or every
four years for seasonal applications.

Date of pumping

Performed by

Remark