• Click on "Services" above to learn about our Zero-Risk Tank Inspections.

• FINAL LEGISLATIVE UPDATE SSB 6620 Click on "FAQ" above.

• TMDL=Total Maximum Daily Load   Visit http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/tmdl/

SludgeHammer has been RECOVERING septic systems in Washington State since 2004 Ph (360) 923-1080

        SludgeHammer conforms to the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

Visit the Manufacturer's web site: www.SludgeHammer.net

How good of a TMDL option is SludgeHammer?

  One current proposal about $36,000             SludgeHammer can do the same for about $5,500

The figures below are estimates, subject to updating.

• Compare the Aerobic Treatment Unit with SludgeHammer; there is less than 2% difference in fecal coliform reductions between the two methods! (1.97% difference)

• But the cost difference is a whopping 700% INCREASE to get the last 2%!

• To achieve TMDL goals, it is not necessary to get the last 2% but if it becomes important for some limited areas - we add a UV light. See the letter further down this page.

• *The < 10-PPM Total Nitrogen (TN) figures for SludgeHammer is a HIGH estimate.  Usually we get less than 1-PPM. Nitrogen issues are a little complex, but the bottom line is we beat the performance of anything out there for pennies on the dollar!

• ** The Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-272A-0110-5) states "treatment levels used in these rules are not intended to be applied as field compliance standards..."

• ***  Normally SludgeHammer costs $21/month to maintain but for TMDL projects, more management may be  required to lower Nitrates; final operating cost will be heavily dependant upon what the Government requires in terms of field testing.

• *^* These figures for SludgeHammer are measured in the tank as are the ATU figures.  For both ATU and SludgeHammer 12 to 24" of soil in the drainfield typically reduces the fecal coliform load to zero (non-detect) which is better performance that LOTT WW Plants discharge.

Woodland Creek Pollutant Load Reduction (TMDL)

 The March 13^th Meeting @ the Thurston Co. Fairgrounds was PACKED OUT!

• Nothing is written in stone yet & your public agencies want to hear from you.

• Septic upgrades, current options: from about $11,000 to $36,000.

• Large areas are recommended for sewer, hookup fees about $30,000.

• Three strategies were suggested: Low, Medium & High cost. The high cost option will not do much more than the medium cost recommendation.  The low cost option will do practically nothing for the environment.

• Doing nothing is not an option.  This process is governed by the Federal Clean Water Act.

• For more info http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/health/ehrp/woodland_1.html#wkshp 

The above information is only a "birds eye view" of the March 13th meeting which I attended. I encourage you to contact Thurston County Environmental Health, your County Commissioners, and the Department of ecology to find out more.  SludgeHammer information was not presented or discussed at the March 13th meeting since much of the SludgeHammer information is new to the people and agencies involved in the TMDL effort. If you want a SludgeHammer presentation for your group, contact Ken (360) 923-1080

SludgeHammer can economically meet TMDL goals

• FACTS: It is not necessary to enforce the most expensive septic upgrades to reach TMDL goals!

• SludgeHammer has 98% fecal coliform reductions without chemicals or UV light. 3rd party tested using NSF tank loading protocol -  Add a UV light and we get 100%. 

• March 17, 2008:  Additional data from Wisconsin just in, confirms 98.55% geometric mean f.c. removal with S-86 model (99.76% average drop).  See "Downloads" at bottom of page.

• <10-PPM Total Nitrogen Field Tested performance (The 10-PPM is a conservative figure, it is often less than 1-PPM TIN)

• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) Listed under the IGC 180-2003 Standard

• Inexpensive.  Usually less than $5,000.

• SludgeHammer Blend meets all requirements for sale, use and distribution in WA State.

• The IAPMO IGC Standard (under which SludgeHammer was tested) is ideal for a Class B waiver which the County has authority to issue for any appropriate technology.

• SludgeHammer is approved for use in many States including New Mexico where they water the shrubs with SludgeHammer-reclaimed wastewater, as seen in Sunset Magazine March 2007 pages 100 & 101.

The use of UV to reduce fecal coliforms was demonstrated by one of our SludgeHammer (then Pirana) dealers in Indiana in 2005:  "The last two reports show an E-Coli count of 9 colonies per 100 ML in August and 18 colonies per 100 ML in September, which is well below the requirements of the Clean Water Act and those of Allen County's Board of Health..."

Downloads:

Engineer Specs:  images/TechSheet-Oct07Final1.pdf   AND   images/TechSheet-Oct07Final2.pdf

fecal coliform (f.c.) reductions:  images/fecal colif spreadsheet Buzzards Bay.xls

Wisconsin Geometric Mean f. c. Mar-08 data for S86:  images/Wisconsin fecal for S-86.xls

We have lots more information available!  Eng Resource List

Here is an interesting fact:  the bead of the mussel with which it attaches itself to rocks or piers is a strong and resilient fiber called "byssus".  Ancient Greek fishermen wove gloves of this incredibly durable fiber and handed them down from generation to generation.  Byssus cloth was being woven in Italy as late as the 1920's.  Source:  Mystic Seafood, ISBN-10  0-7627-4137-6 page 39.

We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children...  Native American Saying

             Randal Morse circa 1961         Ken Morse with SludgeHammer test fish, 2005

If we want to restore what we have taken from nature, we will have to learn from nature how to give it back. Ken Morse, 2008

 NET Septic WA Contractor # NETSES*921CG  call (360) 923-1080

SludgeHammer works well with drip systems using just one tank instead of the usual three tank systems!  www.geoflow.com makes the best drip line; check out this great product.