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NY
Studies Tire Chip
Use in Septic Systems
Twelve states are using or been approved to use tire chips as
a replacement for stone in septic system leach fields, according
to a survey conducted by the Center for Integrated Waste Management
at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo and Empire
State Development.
The survey,
which was sent to the state agency responsible for solid waste
management in all 50 states, was part of an ongoing study project
being conducted by the two groups to determine the size and scope
of the engineering applications for using tire chips in leach
fields. The project also includes pilot-scale leaching studies
and a field-scale demonstration project.
The survey
found that 13 states are currently investigating the potential
of using tire chips in studies or demonstration projects and some
are seeking regulatory approval for their use.
Survey results
indicated that respondents preferred 2-inch to 4-inch chips for
septic leach field use but were divided over whether contaminants
(such as iron and manganese) would cause a significant groundwater
problem in septic system leach fields. In addition, respondents
who approved the use expressed concerns that exposed wire in the
chips would be a source of leachable metals and could impede placement
of the material.
The
survey found that while approval methods for this use of tire
chips varies from state-to-state, the majority of states review
applications case-by-case. Respondents indicated that the approval
process would likely change as the use became more common.
Although interest
in this application varies, no clear reason was evident from the
survey. Researchers theorized that lagging contractor interest
could be attributed to the fact that in many cases natural aggregate
was cheaper and more available or to the fact that contractors
weren't aware of the application. Principal researchers for the
study are John J. Spagnoli, A. Scott Weber and Thomas J. Richards.
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