CCHRC’s RTF is far away from the city sewer system and cannot use a septic system due to the frozen ground. Therefore, we use an on-site Sewage Treatment Plant (STP).

Our STP was made by Lifewater Engineering, designed for a 50 person office building, or a 6 bedroom home.  Black water is converted into gray water after it is processed through the STP. It’s been approved by the DEC for surface discharge. The water moves slowly though the STP where bacteria decompose the organic material, then it runs through UV rays which clean the black water to DEC standards. The effluent is clean, essentially odorless and oxygen rich.

The system needs minimal maintenance, every 3-4 months the UV filters, air filters and blower housing need to be cleaned. Every one to two years the UV bulb needs to be replaced and the sludge can be pumped every 1-5 years, depending on usage. The Lifewater system is heavily insulated and can operate at -60°F with no enclosure.