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We put this page together to try and answer your frequently asked questions. We hope you find this useful and if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to email us at JTED.
For Faq's about Eco Machines
FAQ 1: How can JTED answer my questions about the cost of their systems? As a general rule, our systems are cost competitive and less expensive to operate than
conventional technologies. In some cases, particularly with high strength organic wastes, our systems are significantly less expensive than alternatives . The cost of every system we design and build is highly variable and dependent on individual site conditions. Note that natural systems such as ours are almost always the most cost-effective solution. Therefore we cannot give out quotes on projects without more careful consideration. We are happy to talk to you via telephone to get an idea of the scope of your project and talk rough numbers.
FAQ 2: How does JTED work with clients?
JTED does not try and promote any single technology. Our palette includes a family of natural systems technologies, one or several of which will be best suited for you. First JTED arranges a site visit. We look at the area, collect water data, topographical information, soil information and get an idea of water flows. We will outline the design of a system that meets the clients budget, goals, and needs and develop a schematic flow diagram on the site plan. To visit your site the rates are as follows: Jonathan Todd is $1000 per day. Dr. John Todd is $2500 per day, plus expenses. Both get half rate for travel days. Once the site plan is approved we will undertake an engineering/design/build proposal, or a proposal for schematic development/feasibility study, depending on the scope of the project. Then, with approval, we move forward to construction and completion.
FAQ 3: What are the waste water needs for the systems? The systems can handle steady or periodic flows of wastewater, and will be designed accordingly. The treated water can be discharged conventionally, or used for irrigation, or recycled back into a building to flush toilets. OUr systems work well under arid conditions or with low flush toilets.
FAQ 4: What about permitting/code issues? Natural systems have been permitted within many states the USA and in a number of countries. We work with experienced engineers who are well versed with our technologies and are fully certified in most states.
FAQ 5: How large a facility does JTED build? With the new urbanist model, neighborhoods and watersheds should be able to manage the rainwater that falls on site and the wastewater generated from the site. JTED is capable of providing any system size for that model or larger. We do not market to individual residential homes, preferring to work with four homesites minimum per location.
FAQ 6: What happens after JTED finishes a project? JTED requires an operational oversight contract for the first two years of operation. This includes an Operations and Maintenance manual, onsite training for maintenance workers, email and telephone support, and two bi-annual site visits. In more remote parts of the world we would partner with knowledgeable natural systems operators to help provide clients with operations and trouble shooting.
FAQ 7: Where does JTED work? We work in the United States, Canada, and internationally, including islands.
FAQ 8: What are the electrical needs of the systems? Natural systems can be designed to work completely off the grid. Most of our latest design eco machines have been ecologically sequenced to use up to 75% less electricity than their predecessors or traditional wastewater systems.
FAQ 9: Who are our competitors?
JTED provides a broader and more comprehensive range of services compared to its competitors. OUr philosophy includes integrated systems that can be linked to agriculture, storm water management, and watershed restoration. We have a deep commitment to the ecological integrity of our systems and to reducing their overall environmental impact.
* Living Design Group, Taos, NM designs and markets high-end eco machines primarily on behalf of architectural clients. John Todd was part of the team until 2000. They hold the trademark of the term "living machine".
* Ecological Engineering Associates, Weston, MA owns the rights to John Todd's Solar Aquatic patents. They do relatively small-scale greenhouse-based waste treatment systems.
FAQ 10: Where can I go to actually see Eco Machines in action in the United States and Canada?
The following is a partial listing:
1. Interstate 89 Rest stop, Sharon, Vermont (visitors welcome)
2. Darrow School, New Lebanon, New York State (visitors welcome, call in advance)
3. Wastewater Treatment Facility, Town of Bear River, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, Canada (tours by appointment)
4. Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio (visitors welcome)
5. Berea College, Berea, Kentucky (visitors welcome)
6. Omega Institute, Rhinebeck, New York State (call in advance)
7. Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Naples, Florida (visitors welcome)
8. Pilot Program, 2002 Old Ft. Weaver Rd., Ewa Beach, Oahu, Hawaii (tours arranged in advance)
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