Well, not really that bad. The engineer came out this afternoon to do the inspection for the new septic. It turns out that we will not be able to put in a traditional system (even though that is what is in place now). Our options will, of course, be more expensive. We can put in a mound system or put in a sand filter with an engineered wetland. We're leaning toward the wetland solution- especially since it fits so well into the 'look' of our property. We would use cattails, bullrushes or even iris for the final processing stage. We've even got what the engineer described as 'the perfect spot' for it and the wetland could also be used to filter/control some of the run-off from the highway. The nice part of this is that it would preserve the top of the meadow for the orchard/food forest but I would need to relocate my herb/tea garden. This is one of the reasons I insisted that we get the septic done before things started to arrive this spring and need planted. I would hate to plant my apple trees only to find that I need to move them. Now we need to make our final decision and let her (the engineer) know and she will do the design for us. She even recommended two firms to do the installation for us.
In other news, V heard from our friend Mike. He will be in town the beginning of next week which will be fun. We haven't seen him for over a year and it will be great to see him. I'm going to see if I can get a day off early next week so we can spend time, up late, doing grown-up talking, without having to worry about getting up at 530 am to go to work.
And that reminds me, I need to send an email to my coworkers before I forget.
Your projects sound like ours. Something simple always has a glitch and amounts to something more expensive. Good luck. At least your that much loser to the end...debbie
ReplyDeleteThe wetlands project sounds really great, it is unfortunate the cost associated with the new septic plan... hang in there!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a good option - I can't wait to see it finished. And that is ALWAYS the way it goes - but it will be nice in the end
ReplyDeletekris
Sorry to hear it will cost more..and you can't do the same thing that is already there...but it does sound neat with the cat tails and other plants..I'm glad you will have someone to do...it sounded like alot of work..Are you loving this weather except for today... Have a wonderful day..Lisa
ReplyDeleteThe engineered wetland sounds great. It fits in with the permaculture solutions too. I hope you find someone at work soon. You don't want to be taking more hours with gardening season here.
ReplyDeleteHere I thought my co-workers cattail system was pretty radical and it turns out to be more common than I thought if other people are already installing them. It takes up more real estate because it is shallow but seems to be more environmentally friendly in the end.
ReplyDeleteI, too, can't wait to see your new septic setup. Sounds like it could be a very attractive addition to the homestead!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to clear out the field where my leach lines are, but unfortunately, I'm not exactly sure where the pipes are!! Hope I don't run them over with the tractor.