Traditional RUCK® Systems are passive innovative septic systems that are designed to remove nitrogen and provide excellent treatment for an on site septic system. Traditional RUCK® Systems have been granted a General Certificate by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). A General Certificate is the highest level of approval granted an alternative innovative septic system by DEP. A schematic of a typical Traditional RUCK® is shown above. Traditional RUCK® Systems require that the wastewater flows be separated into blackwater and graywater. After the blackwater septic tank, the blackwater passes through a RUCK® filter. A RUCK® filter is a multi-layered vented filter with alternating layers of sand and gravels. One vent is at grade, another vent goes up through the roof of the facility being served. The filter varies in size and is designed based on expected flow, expected Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and expected Total Nitrogen concentration of the influent wastewater. The effluent from the RUCK® filter is then piped into the graywater septic tank. The graywater septic tank is the site of denitrification. Final effluent is disposed of in a soil absorption system.
In Massachusetts there are 71 Traditional RUCK® Systems designed, 53 are installed. Of these 53 installed, 21 systems are in a Nitrogen Sensitive area. The average removal rate of Total Nitrogen from these systems is 78.6%. Click here to see chart of test results.
The designs are property of Innovative RUCK® Systems. Have your local engineer test the soil, design the soil absorption system and prepare a plot plan of the lot. Innovative RUCK® Systems will design the RUCK® system, prepare plans, specifications, a monitoring program and a maintenance program. These documents will supplement the local engineer's plans and complete the design. Innovative RUCK® Systems will present the plans before your local Board of Health (if required).