MSTA Annual Conference

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

Frequently asked

Glossary

1

Onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS)

The umbrella term for a household or small-commercial sewage system that treats and disposes of wastewater on the property, typically a septic tank followed by a soil absorption field. Michigan regulates these through local health departments rather than a single statewide code, which is a recurring topic at MSTA gatherings.

2

Septic tank

A buried, watertight settling tank that separates solids, scum and liquid effluent; the effluent flows out to a drainfield or secondary treatment unit. Tank sizing, compartment design and outlet configuration are core trade-floor topics for contractors.

3

Drainfield (soil absorption field)

The network of perforated pipe and gravel or chambers that distributes septic tank effluent into unsaturated soil for final treatment. Drainfield replacement and repair are among the highest-value jobs discussed by Michigan installers.

4

Distribution box (D-box)

A small vault that splits effluent flow evenly between drainfield laterals. Uneven or settled D-boxes are a common cause of single-lateral failure and are frequently replaced during repair work.

5

Effluent

The clarified liquid leaving a septic tank or treatment unit, still carrying nutrients, pathogens and suspended solids. Effluent quality determines whether a system can use a conventional drainfield, a mound, or a nitrogen-reducing unit.

6

Septage

The combined solids, sludge and liquid removed from a septic tank during pump-out. Haulers must handle it under state and county rules covering transport, land application and treatment-plant receiving.

7

Pump-out

The scheduled removal of accumulated solids and liquids from a septic tank by vacuum truck. Pump-out frequency, disposal receipts and documentation for homeowners are everyday business for MSTA member firms.

8

Soil evaluation (perc test)

A site investigation - soil borings plus permeability testing - that determines what kind of absorption system a lot can support. Soil evaluators and sanitarian review typically happen before any installation permit is issued.

9

Time-of-transfer inspection

An evaluation of the septic system performed when a property changes hands, often required or requested by lenders and buyers. Inspectors check tank condition, liquid levels, drainfield performance and whether the system matches permit records.

10

Mound system

An above-grade soil absorption bed built from sand fill and topsoil, used where the natural water table or bedrock sits too close to the surface. Mounds require pump dosing in most designs.

11

Aerobic treatment unit (ATU)

A secondary treatment unit that injects air to support aerobic bacteria, producing cleaner effluent than a conventional tank. ATUs need power, periodic service and media or blower maintenance, which creates recurring service revenue for contractors.

12

Nitrogen-reducing treatment unit

A system designed to lower nitrogen in effluent before it reaches groundwater, often required near sensitive lakes and streams. Units combine aeration, recirculation or denitrification stages and demand manufacturer-specific service training.

13

Riser and lid

An extension that brings a tank or D-box opening up to finished grade. Retrofitting risers with secure, gas-tight lids simplifies future pumping and inspection and is a common upsell on pump-out calls.

14

Inlet and outlet baffles (tees)

Fittings inside the tank that slow incoming flow and prevent scum or sludge from escaping to the drainfield. Missing or deteriorated baffles are a frequent finding in transfer inspections.

15

Effluent filter

A screen device installed at the tank outlet to capture suspended solids before they reach the absorption area. Filters must be cleaned on a service interval, giving contractors a routine maintenance touchpoint.

16

Holding tank

A sealed, watertight tank with no outlet, used for seasonal or site-constrained properties where a drainfield is not feasible. Holding tanks require contracted, frequent hauling.

17

Grease trap and grease interceptor

Devices that capture fats, oils and grease before wastewater reaches a septic system or municipal sewer, common in restaurants. Pumping, cleaning and disposal are typically handled by the same haulers who serve residential septic tanks.

18

Vacuum truck (septic pumper)

The truck-mounted vacuum and tank rig used for pump-outs, grease collection and septage hauling. Tank capacity, pump type, hose reels and disposal documentation are standard equipment comparisons on the trade floor.

19

Health department permit and certified installer

Michigan installation and repair approvals are issued by district or county health departments, and many counties keep lists of approved or certified installers. Contractors should confirm local requirements directly with the authority covering each job site.