Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic communication system and method that permits an environmental equipment system installer to install equipment without the need to run a data line such as a telephone line or other specialized data line thereby decreasing the cost and time required for installing the system. The electronic communication system comprises a first communication node to collect operating data and sensor data. A second communication node positioned proximate the first communication node may comprise a modem for connection to the Internet. A wireless or power line connection provides a node-to-node communication link.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic regulatory compliance system and method that permits a regulatory agency to efficiently and accurately monitor thousands of environmental equipment installations, such as homeowner wastewater treatment plants, for compliance with regulatory requirements. The environmental equipment installations may be installed at different locations, operating on different inspection schedules, with different service companies, different owners, of different types, and be of different processing capacity. A personnel detector is preferably utilized to verify the actual physical presence of service personnel. In accord with the invention, each environmental equipment system is connected to a network that logs and time-stamps events that occur at each of the plurality of environmental equipment systems related to compliance with environmental regulations.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant having a base and a series of wall structures supported on the base, various wall structures or portions thereof together with portions of the base forming separate clarification, aeration, and holding chambers, the walls being constructed of concrete blocks and mortar, there being an inlet into the settling chamber, a conduit forming an outlet from the settling chamber and an inlet into the aeration chamber, a partition disposed and supported in the aeration chamber to form a clarification chamber, and an outlet communicating from the interior of the clarification chamber, either to an optionally provided holding chamber or to the environment, the wastewater treatment plant being installed by forming an excavation in the earth, laying a base, and constructing the various walls.

Abstract: A wastewater treatment plant comprises a first containment vessel, a second containment vessel forming an aerobic treatment chamber, the second containment vessel having an inlet and an outlet, there being a compartment formed in the first containment vessel that effectively divides the first containment vessel into a pretreatment chamber and a holding chamber. An outlet from the pretreatment chamber is in open communication with an inlet to the second containment vessel, while an outlet for the aerobic treatment chamber is in open communication with the inlet to the holding chamber.

Abstract: A filter system for a liquid, usually water, is disclosed. The system includes two filters, each having a housing and a filter medium located in the housing through which the liquid flows in one direction to be filtered. A pressure operated distributing valve alternates the flow of water from one to the other of the filters and pressure regulators and check valves or pressure regulators alone divert a portion of the filtered water to backwash the filter medium in the other filter.

Abstract: A waste water treatment plant is disclosed that uses aerobic bacteria to digest solid particles in the waste water. The plant includes a filter located just upstream of the outlet through which the water leaves the plant. The filter comprises an elongated sheet of plastic material that is wound upon itself with adjacent layers narrowly spaced to form an elongated narrow passageway. Aerobic bacteria grows on the walls of the passageway and across the top of the filter to digest the last solid particles from the water as the water slowly rises through the filter.