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Save The River® Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper®

Save The River® Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper®

Save The River is a non-profit, member-based environmental organization whose mission is to preserve and protect the ecological integrity of the Upper St. Lawrence River through advocacy, education and research.

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What is an ETU?

You are here: Home / What is Septic? / Septic Design / What is an ETU?

What is an ETU?

An Enhanced Treatment Unit (ETU) is a tank-based treatment device that provides an environment where naturally occurring microorganisms in our waste can live and biologically digest and physical treat the wastewater.  The organic content in the wastewater is reduced in the tank so the biological reduction of the wastewater does not rely on the soil structure in the leach field to provide the environment for the reduction of the waste.  

Pre-treating the wastewater in a tank eliminates the probability of biological clogging of the absorption area.  When using an ETU, treatment of the wastewater is not solely dependent on the site soil and many times the contractor’s workmanship to ensure proper treatment.  Therefore, because the internal components of the ETU are constructed in a factory, treatment performance is very consistent and is not so heavily dependent on the soil and/or workmanship of the installation contractor.  

Across the United States many different types of ETUs are commercially available.  Several different types of systems have been used in the 1000 Island Region of New York State.  Several of the design considerations that are looked at while selecting an ETU are the tank size, weight, energy use, and cost associated with operation & maintenance.  Like all septic systems, routine scheduled maintenance is necessary to assure proper system operation for effective long-term wastewater treatment.  Service needs to be provided by a manufacture trained service provider who has experience with type of system that is being serviced.

ETU Example and Information

  • ETU Information
  • ETU Process Description
  • ETU Details 
  • ETU Homeowners Manual

In collaboration with:

Eric E. Murdock, P.E.

Onsite Engineering, PLLC.

Save The River is a 501(c)3 and was designated the Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper in 2004 and is a member of the International Waterkeeper Alliance. The Waterkeeper Alliance is the world’s fastest growing environmental movement, with more than 300+ local Waterkeepers patrolling rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on 6 continents.

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Contact Us

409 Riverside Drive

Clayton, NY 13624

info@savetheriver.org

(315) 686-2010