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What is the difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant?
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The main difference between a septic tank and a sewage treatment plant is that a septic tank treats waste on-site, while a sewage treatment plant treats waste off-site. A septic tank typically consists of a large underground concrete or plastic tank with a lid to keep out solids and liquids. As the liquid flows through the tank, it separates into solid matter (sludge) and clean water. The clean water is then released from the tank, while the sludge is stored in the tank until it can be removed by a professional. In contrast, a sewage treatment plant uses physical, chemical, and biological processes to remove pollutants from wastewater before releasing it back into the environment.