The invention is a battery powered source for an air handling system that provides subsurface aeration services when an available power source provides insufficient power. The system comprises a subsurface aeration duct, a motor, an air pump, a storage battery, a battery charger, and a control circuit responsive to commands. The control circuit is operatively coupled to the storage battery to control a connection of the storage battery to provide power to the motor. In response to a command, the control circuit connects the storage battery to provide power to the motor, and the storage battery provides sufficient power to operate the motor and air pump satisfactorily for operation of an air handling system used for subsurface aeration. The system further comprises a reversing valve to provide air under pressure with air flow in a first direction, and partial vacuum with air flow in a second direction.