I was inspired by the letter titled "Biophore may block water salination" contributed by Wolf C. Hofmann, Langerwehe, Germany (The Jakarta Post, Reader's Forum, Feb. 25).

I would like to contribute to one aspect of his worthy advice: The septic tank. A properly constructed septic tank will eventually be a big asset to the nation as it produces the best organic fertilizer.

I would be willing to freely advise anyone wanting to construct one, as I also got the advice for free, during the 1945 Japanese occupation at Semarang Technical High School, from my highly respected Dutch-trained instructor, Soegoto.

The septic tank I constructed in my house is composed of three chambers, the size of which may be adjusted to the number of people served by the septic tank.

For practical purposes, the three chambers are of equal size and constructed side by side and interconnected by a five-inch PVC pipe. These connecting pipes between the first and second chamber are placed about 40 centimeters from the base of the chamber, whereas the ones placed between the second and the third chamber, are placed about 10 centimeters below the lowest pipe outlet/exit.

It is calculated that after about three months, the mixture of human waste and flush water will have decomposed and reached the third chamber. The three chambers are also interconnected by a one-inch PVC air vent pipe to ease substance movement; the outlet being properly located to do the least harm to the outside of the septic tank.

An inspection lid is provided above each chamber for eventual inspection. The lid of the third chamber should be made in such a way as to provide easy removal of the organic fertilizer either by electric pump or other ways.In public septic tanks care must be taken not to allow plastic material to be thrown into the septic tank, as it would block the interconnecting pipes. My septic tank has served my family faithfully for the past 18 years.

There is no unwelcome smell in this system. The trees around us get the most benefit, especially the mahogany trees in front of the house.

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