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Opening for questions, Dr, Wickham expounded on the benefits of the Sludgehammer system in <br />lakeside homes. Noting that a lot of time the homes are right at the shoreline, once eliminating <br />the leeching fields with the system causes eliminating phosphates and nitrates. The drip system <br />is revolutionary in that sense, not requiring a lawn leeching field. <br /> <br />Regarding the sandy soil on Cape Cod, Dr. Wickham noted that the phosphates running through <br />porous sand resulted in a dramatic drop in phosphates as measured by a soil sampler. (6 inches <br />down). The soil type does not appear to restrict the system’s effectiveness. <br /> <br />One participant raised the issue of phosphorous and nitrogen needed for Cyanobacteria to <br />flourish. Dr. Wickham noted that phosphates levels are correlated with ammonia suggesting that <br />the only nutrient that you can control is phosphates since nitrogen is in the atmosphere – for <br />Cyanobacteria. Start out with Nitrogen and phosphates causing green algae blooms causing <br />depletion on Nitrogen and then Cyanobacteria blooms that brings in nitrogen through the <br />atmosphere – generating ammonia. <br /> <br />Regarding existing septic systems, the NSF 245 systems forces a new system without an ability to <br />do a retrofit at great cost. The key is to develop in the field systems that can reduce costs – the <br />Sludgehammer technology would be about $5,000 per home with a retrofit. <br /> <br />Regarding the length of time for the system to be effective, Dr. Wickham noted that the <br />Sludgehammer system takes about a week to be effective whereas other systems take months. <br />The key was putting in the appropriate bacteria. The wastewater industry is pre-Louis Pasteur in <br />a sense – not using the appropriate bacterium. The nitrogen can be brought down in the first <br />month. <br /> <br />Regarding the costs of operating the system and the effect of seasonal use, Dr. Wickham noted <br />that Sludgehammer’s equipment is guaranteed for life with a signed maintenance contract <br />costing about $200 per year although it depends on the distributor. The visits are about once a <br />year usually done with a change of the “packet” of bacteria. The maintenance program is timed <br />with the owner’s visit. <br /> <br />Regarding the effect of pumping the system and leaving it for a few days, Dr. Wickham noted the <br />need for regular pumping is pretty much eliminated. The maintenance person would determine <br />if the system needed to be pumped. The bacteria act so fast that everything is taken care of in a <br />few days. If the power goes out and the system does not work for a month, this really does not <br />matter since the bacteria acts so fast. As long as there are carbohydrates, the bacteria will shift <br />over to fermentation allowing about a month to pass. <br /> <br />Mr. Seabury noted there was monitoring for Nitrogen and could provide data to Dr. Wickham to <br />determine the system’s effectiveness. Dr. Wickham noted there is an added layer of protection <br />in the soil that reduces Nitrogen. This should be considered in determining the effect on a lake. <br /> <br />Dr. Wickham thanked the Board for the opportunity to discuss the Sludgehammer. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />