The BioCycle is a miniature wastewater treatment plant that is designed to treat household wastewater before it is discharged to the drainfield. The BioCycle, like the other alternative systems, provides an aerobic environment in which microorganisms flourish by consuming the organic wastes. By reducing the strength of the organic waste, the wastewater coming out of the BioCycle is cleaner than what would come out of a conventional septic tank. As a result, the MOA, Development Services Department allows a reduction in the size of the drainfield versus what would be required for a conventional septic system. The benefits to you or your clients are listed below.

• Drainfield sizes are reduced by as much as 70%. The BioCycle installation will reduce the aesthetic impact (less lawn and trees destroyed), enhancing the value of the property.
• Small lots which could only support a 2 or 3 bedroom conventional septic system can often install a BioCycle in the same area that will allow for up to a 5 bedroom house. Again, enhancing the value of the property.
• The life of a BioCycle system should be more than that of a conventional mound type system, which have proven to have a high premature failure rate (many have failed in less than 5 years).
• On undeveloped lots which are very small, the BioCycle system makes it easier to find room for the primary and reserve drainfields. Because of the reduction in drainfield size, only two small drainfield sites would be required. In short, a lot that may have not been developable with a conventional septic may now be a developable piece of property.

The major disadvantage of the BioCycle versus the ISF is the fact that the BioCycle must be regularly inspected, and routine maintenance performed in order to ensure proper performance.

Costs for a BioCycle installation, including test holes, engineering, permits, and contractor fees, typically averages $25,000 - $30,000. As is the case with the other innovative technologies, the price is not cheap; however, the benefits may out weight the costs.

In theory, if properly maintained and operated, the BioCycle system is capable of producing an effluent that will not biomat, and fail the drainfield. The long term performance of the BioCycle, and the determination of whether the reduction in the drainfield size is justified, have yet to be proven since the first installations in Anchorage are only about 8 years old. Should the current design criteria prove to be adequate, the BioCycle, with its smaller drainfield, will undoubtedly finds its place in more septic engineers innovative design "arsenals."