Distribution media include both public domain products like aggregate or drainfield rocks, and proprietary products like expanded polystyrene aggregate and chambers. Distribution media are required to meet four performance standards:
- Do not decay, deteriorate, or leach unacceptable chemicals when exposed to sewage and soil.
- Provide adequate void space for the passage and temporary storage of effluent, while maintaining a stable density for the life of the system.
- Support the distribution network, provide for suitable effluent distribution, and present an interface with the infiltrative surface — trench bottom and side wall soil — for absorption of wastewater.
- Maintain integrity of the excavation, and support soil backfill, cover material, and the weight of equipment used in backfilling.
Proprietary distribution media registered for use in Minnesota
| Product name and model | Manufacturer | Trenches | Seepage beds | At-grades | Mounds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arc 18 | Infiltrator Systems | X | |||
| Arc 24 | Infiltrator Systems | X | X | X | |
| Arc 36, Arc 36 Low Profile (LP), Arc High Capacity (HC) | Infiltrator Systems | X | X | X | X |
| BioDiffuser chambers 11" Standard and 16" High Capacity | Infiltrator Systems | X | X | X | X |
| Eljen GSF, A42 & B43 | Eljen Corporation | X | |||
| EZflow bundled polystyrene aggregate 1202 H, 1202 H-GEO, 1203 H, 1203 H-GEO | Infiltrator Systems | X* | X | X | X |
| Prinsco Pro4/36 | Prinsco Inc. | X | X | X | X |
| Quick4 Equalizer 24 Low Profile (LP), Quick4 Equalizer 24, Quick4/Quick5 Equalizer 36 | Infiltrator Systems | X | |||
| Quick4 Plus Standard Low Profile (LP), Quick4/Quick5 Standard, Quick4 Plus Standard | Infiltrator Systems | X | X | X | X |
| Quick4 High Capacity (HC), Quick4 Plus High Capacity (HC) | Infiltrator Systems | X** | X | X | X |
*The double-stacked EZflow bundled aggregate installed in trenches with ≥18 inches of sidewall infiltrative surface are registered for use with a maximum 34% reduction in trench bottom area.
**The Quick4 High Capacity and Quick4 Plus High Capacity chambers installed in trenches with at least 12 inches of sidewall infiltrative surface are registered for use with a maximum 20% reduction in trench bottom area.
The product listing does not constitute MPCA approval of the manufacturer's marketing, advertising or labeling practices or an endorsement of the products. Information obtained from the manufacturer is the sole responsibility of the manufacturer or other provider. Proprietary technologies are those subject to a patent or trademark. Public domain products were not developed by a specific company and don't have a patent or trademark.
Public domain distribution technologies
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- Specifies size, durability, and cleanliness requirements for drainfield rock used in trenches, beds, at-grades, mounds, and sand filters in both new and replacement systems.
Product registration letters
These letters to product manufacturers specify the conditions for use of each product in Minnesota.
Manufacturer’s manuals
Manufacturers must submit manuals during the registration process that offer product information including design, installation, operation, and maintenance requirements, and homeowner information, specific to use in Minnesota. The manuals are housed on the University of Minnesota's Onsite Sewage Treatment Program web page: