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Engineer's corner
Published
11 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersBy Philip Kedrowski Redleaf Consulting
In the last Engineer’s Corner, I discussed the Montana Sanitation in Subdivision Act regarding health-related septic system concerns. In addition to protecting human health, environmental health is a concern for the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). As a result, it has established a standard for nutrient-reducing septic treatment technologies.
MDEQ refers to these as “Level II” systems, the highest standard, or the best treatment, the department recognizes.
Nutrient reduction in septic system drain fields is important because nutrients (primarily Total Nitrogen) can cause excessive algae growth in streams and lakes. This algae then consumes the Dissolved Oxygen (DO) present in the water as part of its growth process. However, fish and other aquatic organisms also need the dissolved oxygen to breath. Reduced DO levels tied to algae growth caused by nutrient loading negatively affect fish growth and populations.
In addition to reducing nutrients, Level II advanced treatment systems significantly reduce Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in wastewater. BOD is an indicator of microbial growth – excessive microbial growth and suspended solids are two primary causes for failures of drain fields due to clogging.
If a drain field clogs, sewage can seep up to the ground surface or, in severe cases, back into the house. Treatment for lower BOD and TSS allows for a smaller drain field area because cleaner water seeps into the ground more readily.
In Montana, the drain field size can be reduced by as much as 50 percent when using a Level II treatment system. In addition to being environmentally positive, it can be a financial advantage for the property owner. In areas with high property values like Big Sky, using less land for the drain field is financially beneficial.
It’s a win-win for the environment and the pocket book.
Philip Kedrowski, PE, LEED-AP, is owner/engineer of Redleaf Consulting, PLLC. Redleaf is the only engineering company based in Big Sky.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
Upcoming Events
april, 2024
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a
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Event Details
We all are familiar with using a limited palette, but do you use one? Do you know how to use a limited palette to create different color combinations? Are you tired of carrying around 15-20 different tubes when you paint plein air? Have you ever wanted to create a certain “mood” in a painting but failed? Do you create a lot of mud? Do you struggle to achieve color harmony? All these problems are addressed in John’s workbook in clear and concise language!
Based on the bestselling “Limited Palatte, Unlimited Color” workbook written by John Pototschnik, the workshop is run by Maggie Shane and Annie McCoy, accomplished landscape (acrylic) and plein air (oil) artists,exhibitors at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery and members of the Big Sky Artists Collective.
Each student will receive a copy of “Limited Palette, Unlimited Color” to keep and take home to continue your limited palette journey. We will show you how to use the color wheel and mix your own clean mixtures to successfully create a mood for your paintings.
Each day, we will create a different limited palette color chart and paint a version of a simple landscape using John’s directives. You will then be able to go home and paint more schemes using the book for guidance.
Workshop is open to painters (oil or acrylic) of any level although students must have some basic knowledge of the medium he or she uses. Students will be provided the book ($92 value), color wheel, value scale and canvas papers to complete the daily exercises.
Sundays, April 14, 21 and 28, 2024
Noon until 6PM.
$170.
Time
14 (Sunday) 12:00 pm - 28 (Sunday) 6:00 pm
Event Details
Please join the Arts Council of Big Sky for free music from Jacob Rountree at the Wilson Hotel Lobby Bar from 5-7 p.m.
Event Details
Please join the Arts Council of Big Sky for free music from Jacob Rountree at the Wilson Hotel Lobby Bar from 5-7 p.m. on April 24.
Jacob Rountree is an alternative/indie songwriter living in the stunning alpine of Montana. Contemplative yet playful, his lyric forward style is reflective of his love for philosophy, poetry and quantum physics.
Time
(Wednesday) 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location
The Wilson Hotel
145 Town Center Ave
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Event Details
Trivia from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Waypoint in Town Center. Participation is free, food and beverages available.
Time
(Wednesday) 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location
The Waypoint
50 Ousel Falls Rd