Liquid Disposal Options

Now you have your IAPMO certified Mata solid waste interceptor. Where should the water leaving the unit go? Weʻve put together a brief guide of the options available to homeowners through the Department of Health as well as a few we have in development.
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Schedule A Call

Step 1. Select a Disposal Option

Absorption
Bed
Absorption
Trench
Mulch Trench
(In Development)
Treepage Pit
(In Development)
Existing
Cesspool

Absorption Bed

A conventional absorption bed disperses treated wastewater through a network of perforated pipes into a bed of gravel that is covered with landscape fabric and buried.
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User: Residential
Site: Open, Flat
Status: DOH Approved
Absorption Bed Design Criteria

Absorption Trench

An absorption trench disperses treated wastewater through perforated pipes in individual trenches layered with gravel, landscape fabric, and soil.
‍
User: Residential
Site: Sloped, Narrow
Status: DOH Approved
Absorption Trench Design Criteria

Mulch Trench

The mulch trench is designed to use the nitrogen in wastewater as an opportunity for fertigation and soil regeneration.
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Vegetation and trees are planted next to the trench so they can use the nutrients. After a period of 5-10 years when the wood chips break down and tree roots have moved in, the disposal line is removed and a new trench is built.

User: Farm
Site: Large, Open
Status: In Development
Mulch Trench Design Criteria

Treepage Pit

The treepage pit is designed to use the nitrogen in wastewater as an opportunity for low-cost fertigation.
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Vegetation and trees are planted next to the pit so they can use the nutrients. The lid of the treepage pit can be removed if maintenance or inspection is required.

User: Low-Flow
Site: Any
Status: In Development
Treepage Pit Design Criteria

Existing Cesspool

The Department of Health has expressed that homeowners can reuse their existing cesspool as a seepage pit if the following are true:

1. Structural lining is present.
2. Cesspool passes injection test at 100% daily flow.
3. Existing cesspool does not have any report of failure.
4. Existing cesspool meets all setback requirements.

User: Residential
Site: Limited Space or Access
Status: Conditionally DOH Approved

Step 2. DOH Design Area

How much disposal area does the department of health require? The complete Chapter 11-62 regulating wastewater systems in Hawaiʻi is available on the DOH website. However, hereʻs a brief overview.

1a. Estimate Gallons of Wastewater Flow

For a standard home assume Flow to be 200 gallons per bedroom. For other usage patterns like campground or farm toilet see Appendix D Table I of HAR 11-62.

1b. Estimate Loading Area

Perform a Percolation Test. Use the percolation rate to select a Loading Area from Appendix D Table III.

1c. Calculate Disposal Area

Disposal Area = Flow (gallons per day) / 200 x  Loading Area

1d. Select a LocationSee Appendix D Table II for setback distances from homes, property lines, and trees. The location should be downhill from a Mata outlet to allow for gravity flow. Stormwater drainage should be directed away from the disposal site.


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ASKED QUESTIONS

[    F.A.Q    ]
Will this system work with my home's plumbing?
Maintenance frequency varies based on garden needs but typically occurs on a monthly or seasonal basis.
How much does it cost to install?
The timeline varies based on the project's complexity and size. Small projects may take a few weeks, while larger ones could take a few months. During the consultation, we will provide a more accurate estimate. We will design garden based on your own needs, budget, and time constraints.
Can I install it myself?
The timeline varies based on the project's complexity and size. Small projects may take a few weeks, while larger ones could take a few months. During the consultation, we will provide a more accurate estimate. We will design garden based on your own needs, budget, and time constraints.
Do you offer maintenance services after Mata is installed?
Yes, we offer customizable maintenance packages to suit your garden's needs and budget.