County Government of Laikipia

Millimeter Construction is a company dealing in a bio-septic tank treatment system which contributes to environmental conservation.

  

The firm is a partnership between James Muthee and Timothy Gatu who are graduates in engineering. There are three other directors.

  

It provides cheap and environmental-friendly solutions to effluent to many households in Laikipia both residential and commercial installations, bearing in mind that many parts of the country are not connected to sewer lines.

  

The company has partnered with Eco-Save Africa which is approved by NEMA in the production of bio-enzymes used in wastewater treatment.

  

It has made a breakthrough in waste management with bio-septic tank treatment systems and on-site sewage disposal systems that use aeration(natural airflow) to treat wastewater and surface application to dispose of the treated wastewater.

  

We rely on subsurface absorption, but in cases where there is an impermeable type of soil the water may be taken through a filtration process to make it suitable to be reused in gardening and landscaping. said Muthee.

  

The unique technology has several advantages which makes it more economical. It is cheaper than conventional septic tanks, occupies less space, does not fill up, and does not need emptying by exhausters.

  

Further, water can be recycled to flush toilets or for irrigation, takes less time to construct and install, and biogas can be harnessed and used for cooking or lighting.

  

The organization offers general consultation regarding bio-digesters and waste management systems. It surveys the appropriate site where the digester will be installed or constructed for the clients.

  

They also supply anaerobic bacteria culture for septic tanks, pit latrines, and bio-digesters which reduces the formation of scum.

  

Millimeter Construction also delivers and installs digesters on sire as complete units together with active bacteria substrate and accessories.

  

We design, construct effective biodigester systems using the latest technology and materials to the satisfaction of our clients. We also offer technical support, repair, and maintenance for our bio-digester systems. said Timothy Gatu, one of the founders.

  

How It Works

  

The Bio-septic tank uses bacteria to break down organic waste from WC into water and carbon IV oxide.

  

The activated sludge process is an aerobic suspended-growth process that maintains a relatively high population of micro-organisms(biomass). The biomass converts soluble and colloidal biodegradable organic matter and some inorganic compounds into cell mass and metabolic end products.

  

Preliminary treatment to remove settle-able solids and floatable materials is usually provided by a septic tank or other primary treatment device. Most onsite designs are capable of providing significant ammonia oxidation and effective removal of organic matter.

  

The combined fixed-film/suspended growth process is sometimes referred to as a class of treatment processes called coupled contact aeration, enhanced, or high biomass systems. To enhance performance and increase the capacity of the aeration tank, an inert support medium is added to the aeration tank. This allows a fixed film of biomass to attach and grow on the medium to augment the suspended microbial population, providing more biomass to feed on wastewater constituents.

  

These systems are usually preceded by an infiltration system (soak pit). These systems should be applied only where onsite system management services are available. For surface water discharge, the system must be followed by disinfection at a minimum to consistently meet discharge standards. However, some subsurface(non-human-contact) reuse may be implemented. High biomass systems can be low-cost.

  

Biodigester septic tanks are designed for rural dwellings, permanent and seasonal which are not connected to the main sewer line.

  

Millimeter Construction is in the Laikipia Innovation and Enterprise Development Programme and has also featured in Arts corner for safeguarding the environment with the strategic Vision 2030 of Reducing, Recycling, and Reusing most materials which would be termed as wastes.

  

(Published by ICT | Source: Laikipia Weekly Bulletin Issue 0060).