Abstract: A method of processing peat for use in treating a contaminated aqueous solution, especially storm water runoff entering a sewer system. The method includes mixing raw peat with heated sulfuric acid to produce a slurry. The slurry is dried and then mixed with a binder medium to produce an aggregate material. The aggregate material is extruded to form a plurality of pellets. The plurality of pellets are then baked in an oven preferably providing a low oxygen environment at a temperature in the range of approximately 900-1100 degree F. Peat processed in accordance with the present invention serves as both an ion exchange material as well as an organic retention material.

Abstract: A filter canister for use within a storm water sewer system. The filter canister includes a hollow retention body and a lower tapered filter. The retention body defines a top and a bottom, and is positionable within the storm water sewer system so as to direct fluid flow from the top to the bottom. The lower tapered filter defines a vertex end and a base. The lower tapered filter is attached to the bottom of the retention body such that the vertex end extends upwardly toward the top. In one preferred embodiment, a pelletized treatment media, such as peat-based, activated carbon-like pellets, is contained within the retention body. During use, the treatment media removes contaminants from water flow entering the filter canister. The lower tapered filter directs the removed contaminants toward an outer periphery such that the accumulated contaminants have minimal effect on a flow rate capacity of the filter canister.

Abstract: A method of processing peat for use in treating a contaminated aqueous solution, especially storm water runoff entering a sewer system. The method includes mixing raw peat with heated sulfuric acid to produce a slurry. The slurry is dried and then mixed with a binder medium to produce an aggregate material. The aggregate material is extruded to form a plurality of pellets. The plurality of pellets are then baked in an oven at a temperature in the range of approximately 900-1000 degree F. Peat processed in accordance with the present invention serves as both an ion exchange material as well as an organic retention material. A filter canister for maintaining pelletized peat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A stump cutting tooth structure which includes a rotatable disc having a plurality of teeth in holding members spaced about the periphery there of, each holding member being formed of mating halves mounted upon opposite sides of the disc, the mating halves having open slots in their facing sides, the slots being parallel to the adjacent surface of the disc, the teeth having shank portions disposed in the slots and having head portions extending outwardly there of radially of the disc and being angled to diverge from one another and to be twisted axially of their shank portions outwardly of one another to have their cutting face portions each at an obtuse angle to their respective cutting directions whereby their cutting face portions slice into a stump in their cutting action instead of flatly inpacting the stump.