| The
Lewis Mill |
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Built in 1810, as a
water-powered grist mill, The Lewis Mill is a fine example
of early American industrial architecture. The current owners,
John Hanson, Susan Hanson, Bob Hanson and Carol Ahlum, completed
the adaptive-use restoration in 1980. The Old Mill is now
the residence of John and Susan Hanson and the home of their
businesses, NutriCycle Systems and Catoctin Pottery.
Bob and family live
next door in the Miller's House.
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| During
the restoration, the Hanson's installed a nutrient recycling
system in order to avoid the health hazards, pollution, and
costs of a septic system. Upon learning how widespread the problems
of one-way nutrient flows are (see Benefits
of Nutrient Recycling), the Hanson's committed themselves
to facilitating the use of nutrient recycling systems.
In 1984, John Hanson
became an authorized representative for the composting toilet
manufacturer, Clivus Multrum, and began designing and installing
complete nutrient recycling systems that include using the
liquid fertilizer (composted urine) and graywater in the landscape.
Mr. Hanson chose the name "NutriCycle Systems" in
order to emphasize the concept of nutrient recycling.
The Miller's House
was retrofitted with a NutriCycle System in 2000. The Hansons
maintain The Lewis Mill and the Miller's House as a demonstration
site so that the NutriCycle System can be seen in use under
a variety of conditions.
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| Mill
Features |
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| The
Composting Toilet System |
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Two, waterless, odorless toilets
A countertop mounted food scrap inlet serving the residence
kitchen (see photo, left)
Composter in basement
Liquid fertilizer storage tank
in basement
Fan forced ventilation system from tank through roof (no
odor)
In use since 1980
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| Nutrient
Recycling Activity |
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Compost is removed every six months (about 2 bushels) during
composter maintenance and is tilled into the garden.
The liquid fertilizer discharge port and on/off switch are located
on outside wall of building
When ON, liquid fertilizer is pumped from the storage tank in
the basement through the discharge port.
Liquid fertilizer is spread as needed by bucket, by hose while
walking, by sprinkler (see photo), or by mobile tank with a
bumper drip line.
Nutrients are recycled in accordance with the Guidelines For
Nutrient Recycling.
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| The Graywater
Flowerbed |
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Accepts wash water from all sinks, bathing and laundry
Graywater
dosing station in basement
Elevated and at-grade flower beds enhance the landscape
Irrigation trough
used for even non-clogging distribution of graywater to the
root zone of vegetation
Fully automated system |
| John Hanson,
leaning on the wall of the flowerbed, makes a point during a
tour of officials from the Maryland State Highway Administration
during the planning stage for the Clivus systems in use at the
I-270 Truck Weigh Stations. |
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| The Miller's House |
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This NutriCycle
System equipment serves The Miller's House (the residence next
door): From left to right, the graywater dosing station (basin,
pumps, and controller), the liquid fertilizer storage tank,
and the Clivus composter. |
| The Miller's
House also has a second small Clivus installed in a crawl space
with access through Bilco doors. |
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| Location
Map |
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to Top ] |
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