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Peat systems have become popular alternatives to conventional septic system in the last 10 years here on the Outer Banks.  When considering the pros and cons certainly the first pro, and the main reason anyone would install a peat system, is the space that is saved on the lot.  When building in this tourist area you generally want to max out your lot with either the home size or the extras such as a pool or decking.  Conventional systems, for 4 bedrooms and up, require a considerable amount of space as well as a repair area.  Typically the same square footage in extra space allocated on the lot.  This repair area space is typically never used but is required by the county and state in the event that your current system fails you will have space allocated to put an entire new system in. Could you put the new system in the same spot as the existing system?  Typically yes however, it is still required.  Peat systems are a very attractive option to this problem, with just a few hundred square feet required, depending on the bedroom size, and a small tank you are able to gain back extra space for building.  Another pro is that depending on the lot configuration you can purchase load bearing tanks that can be placed in driveways to save additional space, you do not have this option with a conventional system. 

Some of the cons are that the systems are newer and are just starting to prove their viability.  There are cases locally where the material which is expected to be replaced every 10 years or so only lasts 6 years, this is a costly expense when paying a company to come out and replace the material costs in the range of $10,000.  Another con is the up front cost to install the system.  Depending on the type you chose, and there are several, you range between $3,000-$3,500 per pod.  For a typical 5 bedroom house you are talking almost $18,000 to install and inspect.  There are additional fees such maintenance (twice a year) approx $1,000 fee as well as a $250 annual fee for the county health dept to inspect it as well. 

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