A Look Back at a 19-Year-Old Recirculating Media Filter System Installed in a Central Kentucky Subdivision

A proposed 47-home subdivision in Central Kentucky faced two major obstacles:

• No access to municipal sewer infrastructure
• Poor soil conditions that ruled out traditional septic systems

To overcome these limitations, a cluster-style decentralized wastewater treatment system was implemented, featuring:

• Septic tanks at each home for primary treatment
• STEP systems (Septic Tank Effluent Pumps) to move filtered effluent into a pressure sewer collection system
• A Recirculating Media Filter (RMF) for secondary treatment
• A drip irrigation system for final treatment and soil absorption

System Operation

• Wastewater undergoes primary treatment in septic tanks, then is filtered to 1/16 inch and pumped via turbine pumps into the collection system
• The RMF trickles effluent over 3/8 inch pea gravel, with 80% recirculated for further treatment and 20% directed to drip irrigation
• Final disposal occurs through soil absorption via drip irrigation

• The system has operated successfully for 19 years with no odors or surfacing wastewater
• Homeowners report satisfaction, often unaware they’re not connected to conventional sewers
• Due to its success, a second identical system was installed in a nearby subdivision
• Ongoing maintenance by the local water company has ensured consistent performance

Long-Term Impact
This case challenges the perception that septic systems are short-term solutions. With:

• Proper soil evaluation
• Smart system design
• Quality installation
• Consistent maintenance

…a decentralized wastewater system can be a durable, environmentally sound solution that protects public health and supports community growth.