Installing Lectra/San and holding tank

[Keith McC]

I checked the archives, but couldn't find an answer to this question....I am in the process of installing a Lectra/San. While I'm at it, I'd like to install a holding tank in case I wander into a no discharge zone. I recall reading somewhere about installing the holding tank "downstream" of the type I MSD, thereby reducing holding tank odor. Is this a crock of, er, well, you know what I mean, or is this indeed a good choice? Thanks, KMc

 

[Peggie Hall/HeadMistress]

Raritan and I disagree on this one

Raritan recommends putting the y-valve after the Lectra/San, on the basis that it's preferable to store treated waste than to store raw waste. t I prefer to put the y-valve ahead of the Lectra/San for two reasons:1. Although the L/S kills ALMOST all the bacteria (and sometimes all of it), a few of the little buggers (it really only takes one) survive to multiply in the tank and create odor, and the residual chlorine makes bio-active treatment impossible--so the only way to deal with the odor is with chemicals. 2. The Lectra/San does macerate to "no visible solids"--which appears to be liquid, but in fact is just full of very very finely ground up particles. Even without any odor problems, if there aren't any surviving bacteria--and you can't add any because the chlorine will just kill 'em--to break down and truly emulsify (liquify) those finely ground particles, they settle to the bottom to become sludge. I view it as one more example of equipment manufacturers focusing only on their own product(s) and not recognizing that every piece of sanitation equipment is part of a complete system...and while there are certainly VERY valid arguments in favor of storing treated waste instead of raw sewage, there are other issues when it comes to holding tanks that--IMHO--make storing treated waste a less than desirable choice.Btw--before anyone asks--no, diverting the discharge from the Lectra/San into a holding will NOT legal to dump the tank inside 3 miles.

 

[Keith McC]

Merci

Peggie, As always, sage, well reasoned advice. I'll keep the Y valve upstream and attack the nasty little critters by another method. Thanks, Keith