|
APPLOCE-WHO S IN ACTION
<br /> -- Ills
<br /> VR
<br /> ffla
<br /> M.
<br /> r e, l�
<br /> g•
<br /> a
<br /> _ i LL.�' ,�'.! { 3� r `. � ,.t, s '`.,• ,.'ter`
<br /> A single vacuum station can serve homes up to two miles Vacuum sewer systems are contained so workers do not One thousand homes are now connected to Orangefield's
<br /> away but is only the size of a small house, came into direct contact with raw sewage, new water and sewer service,
<br /> system would not be a viable solution.Because of second toward the vacuum station.The speed of will grow rapidly.Also,many of the ditches filled
<br /> the areas flat terrain and high water table,install- the wastewater helps scour the line and break up with sewage are dry and clean.
<br /> ing collection lines would be expensive,disruptive solids.The PVC collection line is laid in a sawtooth Orangefield homeowners pay approximately
<br /> and time consuming.The flat topography would profile to ensure adequate vacuum levels at every $60 per month for water and sewer service,thougl
<br /> require multiple lift stations and very deep col- point along the line. high water users will pay a bit more.At present,
<br /> lection lines.The fact that Orangefield has a high I Because the vacuum system relies on vacuum about 1,000 homes are signed up for both water
<br /> water table meant that the trenches would need pressure rather than gravity to convey wastewater, and sewer service,and more are certain to join as
<br /> shoring and dewatering.The project would take the lines can be buried at shallower depths(usu- the community grows,
<br /> months,perhaps years,and cost millions of dollars, ally 4 to 6 ft below the surface),Gravity lines in such Other rural communities now are talking to
<br /> As a possible alternative,the engineers brought flat terrain would require trenches reaching 10 to Orangefield to find answers to their own water
<br /> in Airvac representatives for a presentation on mod- 15 ft deep to achieve the necessary slope,Shallower and sewer issues.It seems this small town has
<br /> ern vacuum sewers.Vacuum systems operate on trenches mean faster,easier installation with less become a model for others to follow.
<br /> simple principals of physics and have proven over disruption to the neighborhoods and traffic, The best news about Orangefield's new vacuum
<br /> many years to be reliable.Orangefield,with geogra- A single vacuum station,which covers about sewer system is that it opens doors for growth anc
<br /> phy typical of many coastal areas,was a good can- the same footprint as a small house,can serve development in the community.Property values
<br /> didate for vacuum technology. homes up to two miles away,Several pumping sta- are up,which will help local school funding.The
<br /> tions would be required for a gravity server system good schools in Orangefield will get even better
<br /> Vacuum Sewers 101 in similar circumstances.Also,vacuum systems and help attract more families.It is a winning for-
<br /> From the home to the street,a vacuum system are contained,meaning there"is no odor and that mula for small rural communities wishing to grov
<br /> relies on gravity—just as conventional systems do— workmen rarely come in contact with raw sewage. and prosper,and it all began with a plan for local
<br /> to transport wastewater.Near the street,the sew- public utilities.MM
<br /> age collects in a valve pit that contains a sump and Positive Results
<br /> pneumatic valve mechanism.When the wastewater Although skeptical at first,the OWSC soon Ronnie Hutchison is board president of the Water
<br /> in the sump reaches a predetermined level(usually began to see the benefits of vacuum sewer tech- Supply Corp.Jon Mott is general manager of
<br /> about 10 gal),the pneumatic valve releases the con- nology and approved the plan.With the help of Orangefield Water Supply Corp,Mott can be reached
<br /> tents into the vacuum collection line.One or two Airvac engineers,phases of the modern vacuum at jniott@orangefieidwse.coni,
<br /> homes typically are connected to a single valve pit. system were installed and put into operation.Only
<br /> Vacuum pressure within the collection line months after completion,the water in Cow Bayou For more information,write in 1109 on this issue's
<br /> propels the wastewater at speeds tip to 18 ft per is proving to be cleaner;the fish population soon reader service form on page 64.
<br /> „ .•
<br /> � , r, , , r r r ,, , r r r , � • � �
<br /> r
<br /> 1.l
<br />
|