Abstract: A method for increasing hydraulic capacity of a gravity sewer system includes installing a receiving structure within or proximate to at least a portion of the gravity sewer system. The receiving structure has at least one fluid inlet opening, at least one liquid outlet opening, and at least one gas outlet opening. The method further includes evacuating at least some of any gas within the receiving structure through at least one gas outlet opening to create a vacuum within the receiving structure. The method further includes receiving a flow of at least liquid through the at least one fluid inlet opening of the receiving structure and into the receiving structure. The method further includes discharging at least some of the liquid from the receiving structure through the at least one liquid outlet opening of the receiving structure.

Abstract: A method for increasing hydraulic capacity of a gravity sewer system includes installing a receiving structure within or proximate to at least a portion of the gravity sewer system. The receiving structure has at least one fluid inlet opening, at least one liquid outlet opening, and at least one gas outlet opening. The method further includes evacuating at least some of any gas within the receiving structure through the at least one gas outlet opening to create a vacuum within the receiving structure, receiving a flow of at least liquid through the at least one fluid inlet opening of the receiving structure and into the receiving structure, and discharging at least some of the liquid from the receiving structure through the at least one liquid outlet opening of the receiving structure.

Abstract: A method for increasing hydraulic capacity of a gravity sewer system includes installing a receiving structure within or proximate to at least a portion of the gravity sewer system. The receiving structure has at least one fluid inlet opening, at least one liquid outlet opening, and at least one gas outlet opening. The method further includes evacuating at least some of any gas within the receiving structure through at least one gas outlet opening to create a vacuum within the receiving structure. The method further includes receiving a flow of at least liquid through the at least one fluid inlet opening of the receiving structure and into the receiving structure. The method further includes discharging at least some of the liquid from the receiving structure through the at least one liquid outlet opening of the receiving structure.

Abstract: A ballasting system for an on-site sewage treatment and disposal system for areas having a ground water level above a minimum depth below grade. A perimeter barrier is arranged around a selected subterraneal volume within a ground area. The perimeter barrier has a circumference and a closed end closest to atmosphere. A pump having a gas intake and a discharge side which discharges gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is also provided. The discharge side of the pump is in fluid communication with the selected subterraneal volume to lower the ground water level within the perimeter barrier to a level at or below the minimum depth below grade. A flexible membrane is located adjacent the perimeter barrier end and within the ground area. The flexible membrane extends over substantially the entire circumference of the perimeter barrier. A plurality of ballasting beams is located above the flexible membrane and within the ground area.

Abstract: A biological treatment system, including a wastewater system drain field and at least one perforated distribution pipe located within the drain field and adapted to receive effluent. At least one perforated outer pipe surrounds the at least one distribution pipe to receive effluent from the at least one distribution pipe and to dispense the effluent to the drain field after it has been biologically treated in the at least one outer pipe. The system also includes a method of biological treatment comprising the steps of supplying effluent to at least one vessel positioned within a wastewater drain field; delivering gas to the at least one vessel to interact with the effluent such that the effluent experiences aerobic biological treatment; and passing biologically treated effluent from the at least one vessel to the wastewater drain field.

Abstract: A biological treatment system, including a wastewater system drain field and at least one perforated distribution pipe located within the drain field and adapted to receive effluent. At least one perforated outer pipe surrounds the at least one distribution pipe to receive effluent from the at least one distribution pipe and to dispense the effluent to the drain field after it has been biologically treated in the at least one outer pipe. The system also includes a method of biological treatment comprising the steps of supplying effluent to at least one vessel positioned within a wastewater drain field; delivering gas to the at least one vessel to interact with the effluent such that the effluent experiences aerobic biological treatment; and passing biologically treated effluent from the at least one vessel to the wastewater drain field.

Abstract: An on-site sewage treatment and disposal system for areas having a ground water level above a minimum depth below grade is provided. The system includes a perimeter barrier arranged around a selected subterraneal volume. A drainage pipe which is adapted to receive fluid is provided. The drainage pipe is at least partially located within the selected subterraneal volume inside the perimeter barrier. A pump having a gas intake and a discharge side which discharges gas at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is also provided. The discharge side of the pump is in fluid communication with the selected subterraneal volume to lower the ground water level within the perimeter barrier to a level at or below the minimum depth below grade. A method for on-site wastewater disposal is also provided utilizing the treatment and disposal system.

Abstract: A vacuum sewer system and a method of operating such system is disclosed. The system includes a sewage holding tank and a lateral flow line and a vacuum valve associated with the holding tank for permitting a quantity of wastewater to be drawn out of the holding tank by a vacuum environment. The wastewater is drawn through the lateral flow line and a main pipeline to a desired collection location. A plurality of air inlet valves are arranged at spaced locations along the main pipeline for facilitating the flow of wastewater through the lateral flow line so that a large volume of the wastewater can flow through the lateral flow line in a given time.

Abstract: Methods of soil containment and soil remediation are disclosed. The methods contemplate selecting a surface area associated with a subterraneal volume wherein the subterraneal volume includes ground water beneath the surface area. Barrier means are arranged around at least part of the perimeter of the subterraneal volume for isolating the surface area and the associated subterraneal volume from adjacent subterraneal volumes. The ground water table is then lowered to a desired depth so that a contaminated vadose zone is exposed. The ground water is maintained at such lowered depth by means of gas pressure. Optionally, the exposed vadose zone may be remediated.