Which types of treatment systems are allowed to discharge into a stream, river, lake, or pond?

Buried sand filters are considered appropriate treatment systems for discharging into a stream, river, lake, or pond under certain conditions. These systems are designed to treat wastewater effectively before it is released into the environment. They use a layer of sand to filter and treat the effluent, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards to minimize pollutants and harm to aquatic ecosystems.

The ability to discharge into surface water bodies generally hinges on the system achieving a high level of treatment, which buried sand filters can provide. Properly designed and operated systems can reduce pathogens and other contaminants to levels that allow safe discharge into natural water bodies without causing environmental damage.

In contrast, septic tanks primarily store and partially treat wastewater, but they are not designed for direct discharge, as the effluent still requires adequate treatment to prevent contamination. Composting toilets and incineration units are designed to manage waste without the need for discharge or are more suited for complete waste management rather than effluent release. Therefore, they do not qualify for discharge into water bodies.