Dave Miller - Environmental Engineer



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Sewage problems solved

Lifestyle Blocks

On a rural property the sewage (wastewater) must:

be contained on the property from which it originates (i.e. must be disposed of on-site)
not come to the surface (pond)
not flow onto another property
not flow into a watercourse
not cause an odour problem.

The soil is the receiving environment and to be in balance an on-site sewage system must distribute effluent into the ground at a rate the ground can absorb and treat it. The degree of treatment and the rate of application of effluent into the ground is very important to ensure the effluent soaks into the ground and remains within the designated effluent disposal area.

A malfunctioning sewage system can really put a smell up your nose and what’s the point of having a million dollar house if the smell puts the damper on your Bar-B-Que. Getting Dave to visit your site, evaluate the conditions and present a feasibility report on the most cost effective sewage system option represents good value for money. It certainly makes more sense than installing a cheap system that doesn’t work, and having to dig it out and do it all again.

Hansen House - Sewage System Upgrade

Site:

Gisborne

Wastewater Volume:

1500 litres per day

Wastewater Design:
Even if the back yard is under water, a sewage system, designed by Dave Miller, will not cause a health problem.

More Photos >

Dave received a call from Gisborne plumber, Tim Walters who had an urgent sewage problem to solve. The existing septic tank system had failed. Surface water was flooding into the septic tank, the toilets wouldn't flush and sewage was pouring out the gully traps. The property was a health hazard and the owner was moving herself and the children out to stay with friends.
Dave flew to Gisborne, surveyed the site and concluded a full sewage to clearwater treatment system was required urgently. In his design Dave was able to utilise the existing septic tank by adding on an OSI screened pump vault which pumped the filtered effluent over a natural biological sand contactor.
The treated effluent flowed into the pump chamber (which was installed below the water table) and irrigated the treated effluent around the lawns. Because of the high quality of the effluent, it was safe for the family to move back in - despite the fact the water was still lying in the paddocks.
Dave’s design effectively sealed the sewage system from the elements so it didn't matter how much it rained - the toilets still flushed and the children were safe from disease.
What else could you ask for - except fine weather, that is!

Feather Holiday Home

Site:	Urenui, Taranaki
Wastewater Volume:	1,500 litres per day
Wastewater Design: More Photos >	Dave received a request from the architect on the recommendation of the local Council after the conversion of the original 2 bedroom weekend bach to a 5 bedroom house left insufficient area for effluent disposal. Dave designed a natural biological sewage to clearwater treatment facility gravity feeding to a disposal area under the front lawn. As effluent treated to this quality has a much higher percolation rate than septic tank effluent, and is virtually benign, the lack of disposal area was overcome.

Barnett House

Site:	Aokautere - Palmerston North
Wastewater Volume:	1,200 litres per day
Wastewater Design: More Photos >	When Paul and Pip Barnett built their dream home on the banks of the Manawatu River they wanted a sewage treatment system that would fully treat the sewage, not have any smells and not detract from the enjoyment of their section. Dave was recommended by their Architect and designed a natural Packed Bed Reactor (PBR) which blends in with the landscaping so it cannot be seen. The treated effluent was of such good quality it was able to be irrigated around the swimming pool and surrounding gardens. This house has featured in NZ House and Garden magazine.