FAQ - Performance
What is the new European Standard and why is it important?
Until recently there were no guidelines in place to define the performance of a sewage treatment system.
Manufacturers could make claims about their process or system but there was no consistent approach, leaving consumers easily confused by the proliferation of information available.
In 2005, a new European Performance Standard was introduced. EN-12566 requires manufacturers to submit their product to a strict uniform testing regime that will accurately measure and compare the performance of treatment plant up to 50 population.
These tests identify how much pollution the plant removes from the sewage, what level of maintenance is required, what power is absorbed and therefore give the user a true basis for comparison.
The Envirocare P Range has undergone this strict test procedure at an independant European test house in Germany and has just been granted performance certification, in so doing, achieving a >90% score (reduction of BOD), the first product in Ireland to do so.
How long before my treatment plant starts to work properly?
Every newly installed treatment plant can be used immediately but a time period is required for the biological process (that breaks down the sewage) to fully develop. This process can take up to 6-8 weeks (subject to unit model & ambient conditions).
Envirocare offers a Post Installation Inspection service to ensure correct operation and for extra peace of mind.
Will it smell?
If normal installation & operation procedures are followed any EnvirocareTreatment Plant should not emit unpleasant odours.
Will it be noisy?
If normal installation & operation procedures are followed any Envirocare Treatment Plant should not emit any unwanted noises.
What quality of water is produced?
With sewage treatment, water quality is defined by the level of three forms of pollutants that are present in the water exiting a treatment plant. The three pollutants are:
1. BOD - Biological Oxygen Demand (a measure of the biological pollutant load)
2. SS - Suspended Solids (small particles of waste matter)
3. Ammonia - (Ammonia is the chemical that creates urine odour)
The better a treatment plant's performance, the lower level of these pollutants, expressed in milligrams per litre - The P6 Treatment Plant for example has been performance tested and proved to be 90% efficient and is expected to produce in normal domestic situations an effluent quality of 20mg/l BOD and 30mg/l SS
These are exceptional high levels of quality, falling well within the common standards demanded by the environment agencies. It is important to bear in mind that discharged water from any plant is not suitable for consumption or washing but a sample will have a high level of visual clarity.
What power is needed and how much will it cost to run?
All Envirocare Treatment Plants require an electrical supply and are extremely economical to run, often costing less than a 60watt lightbulb per day.
For more information please contact our sales department:
Tel: +353 (0) 42 9690033
Fax: +353 (0) 42 9690030
Email: sales@envirocare.ie