Why Packaged Sewage Treatment Plants are considered better than Septic Tanks for sewage treatment?

Packaged Sewage Treatment plants like Johkasou STP (a popular system of packaged sewage treatment plants in Japan) are considered better than septic tanks for sewage treatment. Here are several reasons why packaged sewage treatment plants are often preferred:

1. Enhanced Treatment Process: Packaged sewage treatment plants like Johkasou STP utilize advanced treatment processes that go beyond the basic settling and partial treatment provided by septic tanks. They incorporate multiple treatment stages such as screening, sedimentation, biological treatment, and disinfection, resulting in a more thorough and efficient removal of contaminants and pathogens from the sewage.
2. Higher Treatment Capacity: Packaged sewage treatment plants have a higher treatment capacity compared to septic tanks. They are designed to handle larger volumes of wastewater and can accommodate fluctuations in flow and load. This makes them suitable for various applications, including residential complexes, commercial buildings, and small communities.
3. Consistent Effluent Quality: Packaged sewage treatment plants are designed to consistently produce high-quality effluent that meets strict regulatory standards. These plants are equipped with advanced technologies such as aerobic or anaerobic treatment units, media filters, and disinfection systems. They provide a more reliable and predictable treatment performance, ensuring that the effluent consistently meets the required standards for discharge or reuse.
4. Performance: Packaged sewage treatment plants are engineered systems that can consistently deliver high-quality treated effluent. They are designed to meet specific performance standards and regulatory requirements for wastewater treatment. In contrast, septic tanks primarily provide basic settling and partial treatment of sewage, which may not be sufficient to achieve the same level of effluent quality as packaged plants.
5. Flexibility: Packaged sewage treatment plants offer flexibility in terms of installation and operation. They can be easily installed above or below ground, making them suitable for various site conditions. Additionally, these plants can be designed to accommodate fluctuations in sewage flow and load, ensuring optimal performance even during peak usage periods.
6. Compact and Space-Efficient: Packaged sewage treatment plants are compact in design, making them ideal for sites with limited space or where underground installation is required. Johkasou STP, for example, comes in pre-fabricated modular units that can be easily transported and installed. They are available in various sizes to suit different site requirements.
7. Odor Control: Packaged sewage treatment plants are equipped with mechanisms to control odors. They include features such as ventilation systems, odor control units, and covers that prevent the escape of foul odors. This is particularly important in urban and residential areas to ensure a pleasant living environment for nearby residents.
8. Long-Term Cost Efficiency: While the upfront cost of a packaged sewage treatment plant may be higher than that of a septic tank, they often prove to be more cost-efficient in the long run. Packaged plants require less frequent maintenance and have longer operational lifespans. They also provide a higher quality of treated effluent, reducing the need for additional tertiary treatment or costly repairs.
9. Environmental Impact: Packaged sewage treatment plants are designed to minimize the environmental impact of sewage treatment. They employ advanced treatment processes that remove pollutants and reduce nutrient levels, thus protecting water bodies from contamination. Moreover, the treated effluent from these plants is often of higher quality, reducing the potential for groundwater pollution.
10. Compliance with Environmental Regulations: Packaged sewage treatment plants are designed to meet or exceed regulatory standards for wastewater treatment. They help protect the environment by effectively removing pollutants and reducing the risk of contamination of water bodies and groundwater. Compliance with environmental regulations is crucial to ensure sustainable and responsible sewage management.

For example, in Japan, the Johkasou STP has gained popularity due to its efficient and reliable performance. It has been widely adopted in residential areas, small communities, and remote locations where proper sewage treatment is necessary but connection to centralized sewer systems is not feasible.

Overall, packaged sewage treatment plants like Johkasou STP offer numerous advantages over septic tanks, including enhanced treatment capabilities, consistent effluent quality, compact design, odor control, long-term cost efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations. These factors contribute to their suitability for a wide range of applications and make them a preferred choice for sewage treatment and management.