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Project Details

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Project Information Sheet

Environmental feasibility of using recycled tire pieces as media in septic system absorption fields

Funding Source:	Indiana Department of Environmental Management; water chemistry analyses provided by the Indiana State Department of Health
Period of Contract:	28 May 2004 to 27 Nov 2007
Status:	active — Definition of status type
Project Director:	Greg A. Olyphant

Issue

The goal of Indiana's Waste Tire Management Program is to develop and advance the management of waste tires in Indiana. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) seeks to identify markets to use waste tires, rather than continue to send spent tires for disposal.

Objective

The Indiana Geological Survey will demonstrate the feasibility of using recycled tires as a medium for on-site septic distribution fields.

Approach

The project involves placing hydrologic sensors and water collection devices in two septic distribution fields, and monitoring them on a continuous basis through wet and dry seasons. One distribution field will use tire chips and the other will use a traditional soil fill material.

Products

A complete report, including a literature search of related technical reports, drawings of the drainage systems to illustrate construction design, placement of the sampling equipment for wastewater and location of background water collection, will be published. The report will include description of the water-quality test parameters and an explanation of the results of laboratory analysis to determine if tire chips that are exposed to septic effluent will leach metals or other contaminants at a level that exceeds federal drinking water standards. We will also assess the performance of tire chips as a suitable septic system drainage media.

Benefits

Lessons learned from this research will help regulatory personnel and system installers understand the best design and construction practices for tire chip drainage systems.

Locations Affected:

Jackson

Indiana House Districts Affected:

66

73

Indiana Senate Districts Affected:

44

Indiana Congressional Districts Affected:

Information Updated January 30, 2007

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