| Leaching Bed |
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A leaching bed is a soil filter, made of a network of perforated plastic distribution pipes laid in gravel
trenches over a layer of soil. A Natural process is used in the leach bed to treat the wastewater from
the septic tank, which contains contaminants. A slime layer of bacteria, called a "biomat" layer, forms
at the bottom and sidewalls of each distribution trench. The "biomat" layer and surrounding soils
consume the organic matter in the wastewater as well as transform ammonia nitrogen to less toxic
forms. The soil bacteria which perform the treatment require oxygen to function, and must not be
installed in soils that are saturated by surface water run-off or high groundwater table. They should
not have patios, buildings, concrete or pavement covering them.
The soil, leach beds are constructed in, must be the right type to soil to retain the wastewater long enough for treatment to occur, but allowing wastewater to infiltrate into the ground. How to Look After A Leaching Bed
The area over the leaching bed should have a good cover of grass, good ventilation and adequate
sunlight to promote evaporation. Construction of buildings, decks, parking lots, or planting of trees
should not be near the leaching bed. Roots will travel a long distance to get moisture, and can
damage or plug the pipes.
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