The need for advanced septic systems is on the rise as regulations, varying treatment requirements and failing rural onsite systems necessitate innovation. What are contractors supposed to do when they’re faced with a failed system, uncooperative terrain or a lot that’s simply too small for a traditional drainfield? That’s the question Green Forward Technologies CEO Rakesh Govind had in mind when he developed NextGen Septic.

The NextGen Septic features a multistage process that uses a combination of conventional anaerobic treatment and aerobic treatment by biofilms. A compartmented tank with a working capacity of 1,509 gallons treats sewage under anoxic conditions to break down solids before moving it to the aerobic stage.

“We expedite the formation of biofilms using specially coated, high-surface-area biomedia,” says Govind. “The biofilms are significantly more stable, and they’re capable of handling a wide variety of contaminants.” The aerobic treatment by biofilms is followed by membrane separation that Govind explains uses proven anti-clog membrane technology.

The final stage is UV disinfection for water that can be reused in toilets or discharged as surface water. NextGen produces effluent that exceeds water-quality standards, Govind says. Since treated water from the system has practically no turbidity, soil clogging is not an issue. Govind says NextGen even helps unclog failed drainfields from legacy systems.

With water that clear, Govind says there are many possibilities for the NextGen system. “It can be used for business and suburban applications, such as office or apartment buildings,” he says. “Because the system requires no drainfield, tanks can be placed in out-of-ground locations like rooftops and piped so that water output is used for irrigation or other nonconsumption use.”

The NextGen Septic system also has a retrofit option for system repairs. The technology can be added to standard, approved septic tanks. Govind says the system can be used in many situations beyond the traditional rural onsite system.

“This expandable system can be applied across multiple scenarios,” he says. “In cases of community development, NextGen has developed a community septic model, which is a hybrid between a packaged treatment plant and an advanced septic tank.”

Using a runtime system for its pump, the NextGen operates for less than $200 per year. A 1,200-volt, single-phase power connection to the home also relays alarm signals for monitoring purposes. The programmable logic controller is also connected to the internet, allowing for remote monitoring. 513/262-9506 www.nextgenseptic.com.