What distinguishes a commercial onsite wastewater system from others?

A commercial onsite wastewater system is specifically designed to serve facilities engaged in commerce, such as restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that generate wastewater as a result of their operations. This distinguishing characteristic entails that these systems must accommodate the varying volumes and types of wastewater produced by commercial activities, which can differ significantly from residential systems.

Commercial systems often require more stringent permitting, design, and operational standards due to the nature of their usage, which can include diverse sources of waste and a higher flow rate than typical residential systems. This can involve the treatment of a mix of sanitary waste, food waste, and other materials that may require specialized treatment methods not typically found in systems serving only private homes. This distinction emphasizes the complexity and regulatory scrutiny of commercial systems to ensure proper environmental protection and public health safety.

The other options focus on specific characteristics that do not define a commercial system's primary purpose or function. For example, systems that serve only private homes, treat only industrial waste, or handle just greywater do not capture the wide array of facilities and varied waste types typically associated with commercial operations.