We are currently involved in two very interesting projects involving EM and Bokashi. We are just beginning, so there isn’t much to say, but I will outline the different proposals. As we have results we will post more information in the future.
Here in the Pacific Northwest we have had tremendous rains. In addition to terrible flooding, groundwater levels have risen to absurd levels. This has affected two different properties in different ways.
The first property is having trouble with their septic system. Not only is the additional ground water flooding over land and draining into their septic tank–causing the normal operation of the tank’s biological functions to be disrupted. In addition the drainfield has become flooded due to the extra liquid and solids being pumped in from the tank and the rising water table. While the area is still contained and hasn’t begun to spill out, the odor at times is unbearable–even in sub-freezing weather.
The second site is likewise affected by heavy rains and rising groundwater. The normal, day-to-day oil drips and fuel spills trapped in the soil of an active farm tractor shed have begun to rise to the surface and run off concerning the ecologically minded farmer. The total of this run-off is less than from a city parking lot on a rainy day, but on an organic farm is of concern nontheless.
We are employed in bio-remediating both of the sites using EM and Bokashi technologies. In both cases the microbes in EM & Bokashi have the potential to consume and change the structure of the offending materials. In the case of the tractor shed, the microbes–many of the same species as are used in controlling and digesting oil slicks–will go to work to consume and change the nature of the petroleum in the ground. The further benefit of the EM will be expericenced in any run-off as the microbes can re-populate the soil and water with the beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other microbes required for healthy soil.
In the case of the septic system, we will use both EM and Bokashi to help resolve the odor problems. By spraying the EM directly over the swampy septic drain field and adding it right to the septic tank we should be giving a tremendous boost to the system in terms of the ability to consume and control noxious odors. This is the same principle we find works in our chicken coops and has been proven in controlling odors in swine operations. This direct injection of microbes will work their way into the drain field and the septic tank helping control any harmful bacteria in the discharge. In addition we will be adding some Bokashi Balls to the septic tank to help remain behind, slowly dissolving and working on the tank solids.
We are confident our low-cost solutions will turn around both these issues in short order. We will update you on the progress in the future.
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