Alternative System
An alternative to a conventional septic system. Alternative systems may be used if advanced treatment is desired (to reduce nutrient levels or pathogens) or if a particular site cannot accommodate a conventional technology (e.g., as a result of slope of ground, high groundwater, fast percolation soils, slow percolation soils, and proximity to a waterway or waterbody). Some alternative systems are designed to take the place of traditional septic tanks (e.g., media filters or ATUs); others provide an additional treatment step between the septic tank and the final treatment and dispersal area Alternative systems can also greatly reduce the need for large dispersal areas. <