Abstract: A biofiltering system for treating wastewater effluent (e.g. from a septic tank) through a bed of peat 16 overlying an effluent absorption area 12 and into the earth beneath 14. The bed of peat has a predetermined biofiltering capacity. A fluid flow regulator 18 upstream from the peat is adapted to allow the effluent to flow at a rate greater than the peat bed biofiltering capacity. However, a distribution system arranged over the peat is configured such that wastewater received from the fluid flow regulator flows through the peat bed at a rate no greater than the peat bed biofiltering capacity. The distribution system 20 includes a plurality of spaced-apart, elongated distribution conduits 72 having discharge orifices 74 spaced longitudinally therealong. The biofiltering system allows large quantities of wastewater to be efficiently treated irrespective of the flow rate thereof.

Abstract: A biofiltering device for treating wastewater comprises a housing having an inlet for receiving the wastewater to be treated and an outlet for discharging the treated wastewater, a bed of peat disposed inside the housing between the inlet and outlet, the peat defining a biofiltering medium having a predetermined biofiltering capacity, and an air vent for aerating the peat. The device further includes a fluid flow control system arranged over the bed of peat and in fluid flow communication with the inlet, for distributing the wastewater through the bed of peat in a manner such that when the wastewater enters the system at a flow rate greater than the biofiltering capacity of the peat, the wastewater discharged from the system flows through the bed of peat at a flow rate no greater than the biofiltering capacity. The biofiltering device according to the invention enables one to efficiently treat incoming wastewater irrespective of its flow rate.