Degradation of commercial hygienic paper in a septic tank environment

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Enviro Neptune Inc. is a Québec-based, Canadian company that develops onsite and decentralized wastewater technologies for residential, commercial, and industrial customers (distributed through their sister company, Enviro-STEP Technologies). Enviro Neptune has identified a problem with toilet paper blockages of septic systems, despite certain manufacturers advertising their paper products as being "septic friendly." Because of these blockages, septic systems require more frequent pumping, and have a higher risk of solids washouts or sewage backups in the house. The primary objective of this applied research project is to design a device to be installed near the inlets of Enviro Neptune's primary treatment systems that will block floating materials. To do so requires an understanding of the capacity of several readily available hygienic paper brands to dissolve in raw sewage, and qualify the risk of blockage or clogging of each paper tested. In this study, researchers at Fleming College's Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) will observe the general behaviour of toilet papers in septic tank environments and formulate recommendations for an innovative device to be installed near the inlet and outlet of the septic tank to prevent blockage by low density material such as non-degraded hygienic paper. As a result of this study, Enviro Neptune will be able to make improvements to the Enviro-STEP Technologies systems by installing optimized and innovative blockage prevention devices and doing so reduce the frequency and cost of premature sewage pumping and hauling. Enviro Neptune's credibility, reputation, and customer loyalty will see gains, ultimately leading to increased sales and business.