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A conventional septic system is a primary treatment technique that uses an absorption trench for the secondary treatment of effluent.
A septic tank is a watertight tank made of steel concrete, or other approved materials.
Though conventional systems with septic tanks and absorption fields are the most common decentralized configuration discussed.
An effluent reduction field is designed as a soil absorption field that will both treat and reduce the amount of effluent that drains from a septic system.
Where effluent discharges are required to be chlorinated, a chlorine contact chamber should be used to disinfect the wastewater before distribution.
The use of a pumping station is required when the topography or elevation of the site prevents gravity flow of liquid from one location to another.
Non-waterborne systems are allowed where a dwelling is not served with water under pressure, thus not allowing for a standard septic system.
There are additional methodologies of effluent reduction and dispersion that are not prevalent in the state.
A spray irrigation system is a type of dispersion system that promotes evaporation and soil infiltration of the effluent.
A rock-plant filter bed is a type of effluent reduction system that can follow a mechanical plant of high effluent volume.
A deep-type sand filter bed is another alternative for the secondary treatment of septic tank effluent.
An oxidation pond is a shallow pond designed to treat sewage by the influence of air and sunlight.
This document is meant to be a study guide for installers to become familiar with the terminology outlined by the office of public health.
The LSU AgCenter and partners helped a red meat processor plan future sustainable projects.
The LSU AgCenter, Louisiana Sea Grant, and LSU College of Engineering partnered with a rice mill to improve sustainable manufacturing practices.
The LSU AgCenter and partners helped a yellow pine lumber mill reduce its energy use.
The LSU AgCenter Water and Energy Conservation Program worked with a local fish processor to take the next step into a sustainable future.
The LSU AgCenter Water and Energy Conservation Program in partnership with Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU College of Engineering worked with a large plant nursery
The LSU AgCenter Water and Energy Conservation Program in partnership with Louisiana Sea Grant and LSU College of Engineering worked with a local fish farm.
Salinity is the measurement of all dissolved salts in water, which includes mostly chloride, sodium, sulfate, magnesium, calcium and potassium
Potential hydrogen (or pH) is a measure of hydrogen ion concentration in water. This indicates how acidic or basic aqueous solutions are on a scale from 0 to 14
Nitrogen is a key nutrient in water systems and is essential for plant and animal life.
Pesticides are chemicals used to control pests and include herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides.
Fecal coliform and Enterococci are types of bacteria commonly found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, such as humans and cows.
Temperature is the thermal energy concentrated in a water source. This energy has a warming or cooling effect on the water.
Dissolved oxygen, often referred to as DO, is the oxygen in water that is available to support aquatic organisms like fish and algae.
During summer, it is not unusual to see the surfaces of ponds, lakes, bayous and other stagnant or still bodies of water covered with a green layer.
The new Clean Water Rule became effective at the end of August 2015. This fact sheet presents the new Clean Water Rule with added clarification to some of the terms in the old rule.
This fact sheet will assist you, as a farmer, in understanding your obligations under the Oil Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures program, otherwise known as the SPCC program. (PDF format only)
Groundwater is the source of water for wells and springs. It fills spaces between particles of soil or cracks in bedrock. This publication includes information on factors affecting groundwater contamination and prevention methods. (PDF Format Only)
Suburban and rural horse farms can suffer from problems created by mud in areas of concentrated horse traffic. A solution to the problem of mud is the construction of pads in high-traffic areas where horses congregate. A properly constructed pad can provide a sturdy surface for the horses to stand on and can significantly reduce mud in these areas. (PDF Format Only)
A horse-bathing area must be constructed to protect ground and surface waters from contamination, while considering the safety of the horse and the handler. (PDF Format Only)
Horses and pastures seem to go together. Pastures provide exercise and a low-cost feed source, but unless productive, they provide only exercise. To achieve both goals, they must have a good start. The following steps will help. (PDF Format Only)
Roof gutters may be needed on horse facilities to divert clean water away from contaminated lot runoff and to prevent uncontrolled channeling of rainwater resulting in the formation of gullies adjacent to barns. (PDF format only)
Rotational grazing has long been used by livestock producers as a way to use pastureland more efficiently. By dividing large pastures into smaller paddocks, animals make better use of available forage. Additionally, pastures that are not allowed to be grazed down to such an extent that soil erosion can occur protect the environment by preventing sediment loss into adjacent waterways. (PDF Format Only)
Composting is a great way to convert horse manure into a more desirable product. Composting produces a material that can be used as a low-grade fertilizer, mulch for reducing weed infestation and soil amendment for retaining soil moisture. Land application of compost is also more environmentally friendly than stacking horse waste in low-lying areas and sinkholes or applying it directly to pastures. (PDF Format Only)
This fact sheet provides an overview of some good stewardship practices for horse owners and how they manage their manure. It focuses on three techniques for managing horse manure and bedding: direct application of manure, fertilizer nitrogen enhancement and composting. (PDF Format Only)
Horse property barns and stables may contain large quantities of mud because of excessive traffic. Mud is more than a mess or nuisance. Winter and spring rains can cause mud and manure to run off into nearby waterways. Nutrients and sediment in runoff are sources of nonpoint source pollution, which can degrade water quality. (PDF Format Only)
This fact sheet gives an overview about the influence of equine physiology on horse manure excretion; horse manure quantity and composition; environmental benefits and detriments of horse manure; nutrient balance of horse farms; horse manure management; and regulatory compliance assistance. (PDF Format Only)
The Equine Water Quality Series informs horse owners and the technical specialists who work with them about the potential water-quality effects from horse farms and highlights several practical best management practices (BMPs) that can be used to reduce these effects. Bulletin topics include: horses and water quality, controlling stable runoff, rotational grazing for horses, pasture management, composting horse manure and soil stabilization options for horse owners.
Pesticides is an umbrella term that includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides. Designed to kill pests, this big family of chemicals can be dangerous to human health and the environment, too. This publication includes information on how to handle and use pesticides. (PDF format only)
Nonpoint source water pollution is water pollution that does not come out of the end of a pipe. It occurs when rainfall or irrigation water runs over lands or through the ground, picks up pollutants and deposits them into bayous, rivers, lakes and coastal waters or introduces them into ground water. (PDF format only)
This publication includes information on littering and how it affects the environment, as well as what you can do to help prevent it. (PDF format only)
To understand the importance of water conservation, it helps to understand where water goes. This publication includes information on water consumption and ways you can reduce usage. (PDF format only)
This publication explains how, by following a few simple procedures, you can retain more rainwater on your property, replenish groundwater supplies, reduce your reliance on household chemicals and fertilizers, and generally improve water quality. (PDF format only)
This publication explains how to have and maintain a healthy garden, even on a slope. (PDF format only)
To help ensure you’ll have a healthy lawn, test your soil before seeding or applying fertilizers. Call your Cooperative Extension Service office for assistance. The results of the soil test will tell you how much fertilizer and lime your soil actually requires. This publication also includes additional corrective information to help avoid future problems. (PDF format only)
Composting organic waste is a practical and an environmentally sound alternative to landfill disposal. It is economical, odorless and biologically beneficial. This publication explains how a commitment to proper management of the compost bins is the key to successful composting. (PDF format only)
Nearly 24% of all homes in the United States are served by septic systems. You might wonder how environmentally acceptable septic systems really are. This publication includes information on how septic systems work and what you can do to maintain them. (PDF format only)
Some of the products found in American homes have chemical ingredients that are potentially harmful. This publication includes information on products which are potentially harmful to people and the environment and should be used with care. (PDF format only)
This publication explains how water from paved surfaces and rooftops can degrade nearby bayous. By using paving surfaces that allow rainwater to soak into the ground, you can reduce excessive rainwater runoff and help prevent erosion. (PDF format only)
