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currently operates and maintains approximately 1200 systems. STEP is the abbreviation for"septic <br /> tank effluent pump" system. Mr. Dunne described the materials in the packet. The Chair questioned <br /> the location of nearby STEP systems and Mr. Dunne identified Gloucester, a mixed STEP and grinder <br /> system, as the.nearest system along with systems installed in Vermont, New York and Rhode Island <br /> and offered to provide the Commission with a list of systems. Mr. Dunne stated that cluster systems in <br /> Massachusetts are limited because complicated state regulations have not promoted such systems. <br /> Mr. Dunne provided an overview of the STEP system and how it compares to gravity; vacuum and <br /> grinder systems. Mr. Dunne highlighted the sustainability of the STEP systems as a major <br /> consideration noting that the economic, environmental (its impact on the environment through <br /> construction and maintenance) and social aspects(ability to expand and manage in the community) <br /> make it a positive choice. Mr. Dunne noted that conventional gravity involves large pipes and lift <br /> stations where effluent is treated at a plant and discharged into a body of water. Conventional gravity <br /> systems are costly to install and experience infiltration issues. Vacuum systems, grinder pumps and <br /> effluent sewerage, which separate solids from liquid to transport the liquid, offer alternatives to the <br /> conventional gravity system. The STEP system involves a typical septic tank at the home and the <br /> gravity flows into the force main into the STEP system. The tank of approximately 1000 gallons <br /> contains a pump vault that includes an effluent filter, a pump, hose and valve assembly and is <br /> responsible for pumping through a service line to a force main_ Mr. Dunne described the advantages <br /> of the effluent sewer, noting that grade does not effect installation of the system. Regarding <br /> infiltration, the effluent system flow per person averages 50 gallons compared to 120 for the <br /> convention sewer. The EPA has shown support for the STEP system and decentralized systems as a <br /> general concept due to its cost effectiveness and ability to address water duality issues. Regarding <br /> grinder systems, Mr. Dunne stated that the system grinds everything and sends it along with no reserve <br /> storage on lot and requires minimum velocity. Mr. Dunne stated that the grinder system needs to be <br /> designed properly to be effective. The STEP system combines septic treatment along with centralized <br /> post-treatment and the grinder system does not treat the effluent and is a method of transporting the <br /> waste in a liquid form, requiring a higher level of treatment at the end. Chairman Fudala questioned <br /> the septage from the septic tank and Mr. Dunne responded that the plant can be designed to accept the <br /> effluent sludge or the septic can be pumped. It was also noted that the effluent is cleaner so the plant <br /> size could be smaller. In discussing the vacuum system that pulls waste to the treatment center, Mr. <br /> Dunne noted that leaks can be difficult to locate and the technology is better suited for flat terrain and <br /> requires pump stations to transport the waste to the end facility. <br /> Mr. Dunne referenced a table reflecting the costs associated with the various septic systems. It was <br /> noted that the cost of the collection system is the highest cost, particularly with gravity and vacuum <br /> systems, whereas the grinder and effluent system costs tend to be less due to the size of the pipes. <br /> Installed, effluent system on-lot costs have been estimated at approximately $10,000 per home and <br /> utilize the home's septic tank. Mr. O'Hara questioned the frequency of pumping and Mr. Dunne <br /> responded that pumping could occur anywhere from every year to fourteen years depending upon the <br /> location. As part of their operations and maintenance, Mr. Dunne stated that levels in the tank are <br /> measured and the customer is then notified when the tank requires pumping. Pumping frequency will <br /> depend upon usage and what enters the system. System maintenance is more cost effective as a town <br /> entity as compared to a single home unit. It was confirmed that the company will provide operations <br /> and maintenance on the system and Mr. Dunne added that, for an additional cost, VeriComm <br /> Monitoring System can provide a means to identify problems by an alarm and ensure the system is <br /> operating efficiently. Mr. Dunne also reported that a local office is expected to be opened during the <br /> fall to assist in maintaining the 75 single family home systems located on Cape. Mr. Lyons referenced <br /> the pump required at each home and Mr. Dunne stated that multiple homes could be connected to one <br /> STEP system with a larger tank to accommodate the flow. Electrical costs average $1 to $2 per month. <br /> 4 <br />