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Holden Beach, North Carolina

Holden Beach, located on a barrier island along the Atlantic coast, has sandy soil, high groundwater, and flat terrain.  The community is primarily a resort location populated with vacation homes and rental properties with high real estate values.

Holden Beach was experiencing problems associated with septic tanks and failing drain fields and saw removing the onsite systems as a step towards a cleaner environment.

“Experience has taught us that vacuum sewer technology is an excellent alternative to gravity systems in these conditions.” said Christopher Garrett, P.E., and Vice President of URS Corporation “The characteristics of vacuum technology eliminate many of the issues that make the installation of gravity sewers expensive and disruptive in these seaside communities”.

AIRVAC provided training to Operations and Maintenance personnel and brought in field service technicians to answer questions and provide advice.  They also conducted plumber workshops advising local plumbers on the correct way to connect a residence to the AIRVAC system.

The AIRVAC vacuum sewer system In Holden Beach called for only 4 vacuum stations to serve approximately 3,000 connections, compared to the 15 pumping stations required for a gravity system.  All of the vacuum stations in Holden Beach were built below grade in watertight vaults, not only for the aesthetic benefit (no vacuum stations to block the beautiful sea views), but also to protect the system from storm surges.

The new AIRVAC vacuum sewer system in Holden Beach supports the town’s goal of environmental stewardship by providing a closed system that prevents sewer overflows and eliminates infiltration and inflow.

This article appeared in the February, 2008 issue of CE News. If you would like to read the entire story as it appeared in the magazine, you can download a pdf, or you may request hard copies.

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