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Published
11 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Philip Kedrowski Redleaf Consulting
In the last Engineer’s Corner, I discussed the Montana Sanitation in Subdivision Act regarding health-related septic system concerns. In addition to protecting human health, environmental health is a concern for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). As a result, it has established a standard for nutrient-reducing septic treatment technologies.
MDEQ refers to these as “Level II” systems, the highest standard, or the best treatment, the department recognizes.
Nutrient reduction in septic system drain fields is important because nutrients (primarily Total Nitrogen) can cause excessive algae growth in streams and lakes. This algae then consumes the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) present in the water as part of its growth process. However, fish and other aquatic organisms also need the dissolved oxygen to breath. Reduced DO levels tied to algae growth caused by nutrient loading negatively affect fish growth and populations.
In addition to reducing nutrients, Level II advanced treatment systems significantly reduce Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in wastewater. BOD is an indicator of microbial growth – excessive microbial growth and suspended solids are two primary causes for failures of drain fields due to clogging.
If a drain field clogs, sewage can seep up to the ground surface or, in severe cases, back into the house. Treatment for lower BOD and TSS allows for a smaller drain field area because cleaner water seeps into the ground more readily.
In Montana, the drain field size can be reduced by as much as 50 percent when using a Level II treatment system. In addition to being environmentally positive, it can be a financial advantage for the property owner. In areas with high property values like Big Sky, using less land for the drain field is financially beneficial.
It’s a win-win for the environment and the pocket book.
Philip Kedrowski, PE, LEED-AP, is owner/engineer of Redleaf Consulting, PLLC. Redleaf is the only engineering company based in Big Sky.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 - July 31Calling all artists and nature enthusiasts! Get
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CALL FOR ARTISTS: Paint anytime from June 1-28
EXHIBITION & SALE: June 29 – July 31
Calling all artists and nature
enthusiasts! Get your paintbrushes ready for an unforgettable experience at
Paint Under the Big Sky, a thrilling plein air event set against the stunning
backdrop of Big Sky, MT, Chet Huntley’s “The Last Best Place”. Don’t
miss this chance to unleash your creativity and be part of a vibrant artistic community.
What is Paint Under the Big Sky? PUBS is a plein air event for all painters of any ability (over the age of 16). Sponsored by the Big Sky Artist’s Studio & Gallery and the Big Sky Artists Collective, a non-profit organization whose mission is to foster a strong community of artists in the Big Sky area, the paint-out hopes to introduce painters to our extraordinary landscape for an opportunity to create, meet and have fun. Plein air painters record our landscape for generations to come.
Artists are invited to travel to Big
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Embrace the freedom and serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice
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Embrace the freedom and
serenity of movement in nature with our rejuvenating morning yoga class on the
Mountain Lawn. Allow the fresh mountain air and gentle guided yoga practice to
invigorate your day of adventure ahead. Complimentary. Weather
permitting.
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June 1 (Saturday) 7:00 am - August 31 (Saturday) 7:00 am
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Montage Big Sky
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Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
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Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
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June 10 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 19 (Monday) 6:00 pm
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Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by
Event Details
Bike Big Sky is a FREE community mountain biking group with BSCO and Gallatin Alpine Sports. Meet at posted locations at 6 p.m. Monday evenings. Visit BSCO.org or swing by GAS for ride information.
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June 17 (Monday) 6:00 pm - August 26 (Monday) 6:00 pm