United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office Of Water
(4201)
EPA 830-K-94-001
November 1994
vvEPA
Office Of Wastewater
Primer
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Office of Wastewater Management
PRIMER
November 1994
Office of Wastewater Management
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC
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Additional copies of this document, as well as other information about the Office's programs,
are available from EPA's Water Resource Center, (202) 260-7786.
Please refer to page 27 for details.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ;
The Problem: Water Pollution
The Solution: OWM Programs
Regulatory Programs
! National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Permit Program
! NPDES Watershed Strategy (inset)
| Storm Water
Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)
Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)
: Pretreatment
i Sewage Sludge/Biosolids
Types of Regulated Pollutants (inset)
I; ' •
! Financial Flexibility and Support
; Construction Grants Programs
State Revolving Funds
' Public-Private Partnerships (P3) ;
; Section 106 Water Pollution Control Program Grants
i Section 104(b)(3) Water Quality Cooperative Agreements
1
3
5
5
5
6
7
7
8
8
9.
9
10
10
10
11
11
12
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Pollution Prevention Initiatives 13
Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Program 13
Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency (WAVE) Program 13
Outreach and Training 14
Small Community Outreach and Education (SCORE) Program 14
Youth and the Environment Program 14
State Environmental Training Centers . 15
Wastewater Operator Training Program 15
Environmental Justice 16
Indian Grants Management 16
EPA Activities on the U.S.-Mexico Border (inset) 17
Technological Assistance Programs 18
Municipal Technologies 18
Environmental Technology Initiative 18
Innovative and Alternative Technologies 19
How Wastewater Treatment Works.... The Basics 21
Office of Wastewater Management Organizational Chart 25
Information Resources • 27
11
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OFFICE OF WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
PRIMER
The U S Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Office of Wastewater
Management (OWM) oversees a range of programs contributing to the well-being of our
nation's waters and watersheds. Through its programs and initiatives, OWM promotes
compliance with the requirements of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act,
commonly referred to as the Clean Water Act. Activities include:
•I Direction of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
! Permit Program, including storm water management, and control of combined
sewer and sanitary sewer overflows.
Oversight of a pretreatment program, emphasizing control and prevention of
water pollution from industrial facilities.
Management of the sludge (biosolids) permitting program, including promotion
of the beneficial use of biosolids.
Administration of the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and the Clean Water Act
Section 106 and 104(b)(3) grant programs for environmental infrastructure
investment.
Completion and closeout of the wastewater Construction Grants Program.
Provision of technical advice and training to industries and municipalities, in
an effort to improve compliance with wastewater regulatory requirements.
Support of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) environmental
infrastructure program in the U.S.-Mexico border area.
;The Office's mission is to promote
"clean water... a better
environment."
\
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Office of Wastewater Management Primer
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THE PROBLEM: WATER POLLUTION
±&!±2rs£SE^^
Suding pipes, ditches, and sanitary or storm sewers.
; Traditionally, the Agencyhas addressed L point ^sources , ^ =*~o ^
(which include agricultural runoff, «°~d f ££"£££« Tas weW a more
^^
rss!^^
ground water, and habitats on a watershed basis.
therefore harder to control.
into its TO^mg water, e.g., a river, an estuary, or an ocean.
I Wastewater entering a treatment plant may
aquatic organisms.
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Unlike municipal or industrial sources of pollution, which come from a single
discrete facility, other sources are usually more diffuse in nature. For example, rain
water or snow melt washing over farmlands may carry topsoil and fertilizer residues
into nearby streams. This type of runoff, called storm water, may carry oil and gasoline,
agricultural chemicals, nutrients, heavy metals, and other toxic substances, as well as
bacteria, viruses, and oxygen-demanding compounds.
A recent EPA study indicated that roughly one third of identified cases of water
quality impairment nationwide are attributable to storm water, whether from farmland,
streets, parking lots, construction sites, or other sources.
Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are mixtures of sewage, industrial wastewater,
and storm water discharged prior to entry into a treatment plant. CSOs, which can
cause beach closings, sheU fishing bans, and a range of public health problems, occur in
about 1100 communities that have antiquated water infrastructure.
Sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs) are raw sewage overflows from separate sanitary
sewer collection systems. Over the years, many sanitary sewer collection systems have
experienced deterioration due to inadequate preventive maintenance programs and
insufficient rehabilitation and replacement. SSOs can discharge to surface waters, flood
basements, and overflow from manholes into streets and across private property.'
Cracked and leaking sanitary sewers can also discharge raw sewage during dry
weather periods. Sanitary sewer overflows can result in health risks, property damage
and water quality impacts. '
Sewage sludge, often referred to as Uosolids, is a semi-solid residue from
wastewater treatment processes. Sludge can be viewed as both a waste product and,
potentially, a valuable resource. Treated properly, it can be recycled as fertilizer and'
soil conditioner; if handled improperly, however, sludge (which may contain high
concentrations of toxic poUutants and pathogens) can threaten air, surface water,
ground water, and agricultural products.
The ultimate goal of the wastewater program is to improve water quality
through compliance with environmental regulations.
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THE SOLUTION: OWM PROGRAMS
and other stakeholders, strives to
highest
compliance
programs.
REGULATORY PROGRAMS
section of the Primer deals with OWM's regulatory programs, which operate
under authority of the Clean Water Act.
! National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System .NPDES, Permit Program
i • ' The Clean Water Act
household and industrial wastes tha
Iwastewater treatment plants. Permits
sources and
collection
regulated by NPDES permits nationwide.
i
data submitted by permittees. _•
ANPDESW^WStrategyhasbeendevelopedtoen^ethattheNPDES
Program protects watersheds as effectively as possible (see box). ..
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NPDES WATERSHED STRATEGY
OWM developed the NPDES
Watershed Strategy with input from
States and EPA Regions. The final
strategy reflects a first step towards
the Office of Water's goal of fully
integrating the NPDES permitting
program into the Agency's broader
Water Protection Approach.
The Watershed Strategy identifies six areas that must be addressed to
improve water quality on a watershed basis nationwide, includ^g
*' ™!fwldeTld^^^
, management frameworks, and coordinate interstate basin efforts to facilitate
implementation of the Watershed Protection Approach.
• NPDES Permits: Streamline the process for
u environme^al indicators: Revise existing
national accountability measures to facilitate implementation of the
Watershed Protection Approach. "i urine
Public participation: Utilize existing NPDES public participation process in
development of watershed protection plans, and seek broad public
participation in. identifying local environmental goals.
Enforcement: Include emphasis on facilities that discharge to priority basins.
°lihfi Watershed Strategy is now underway, and will
^
ram activities take watershed planning into consideration
Office of Wastewater Management Primer
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combined sewer and sanitary sewer overflows.
NPDES Program: Storm Water
To address the large number
'
Phase n of the Stonn Water
will address remaining storm
100'00°'
NPDES Program
: Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs)
I
•• n^rste^^
impact of this health and environmental hazard.
: Control Policy provides commumties
•• ss3£r^«ss
; effective implementation of measures for the control of CSOs.
I '
' office of Wastewater Management Primer
ignificant input from key
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NPDES Program: Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs)
EPA is currently in the process of evaluating the extent of sanitary sewer
overflows. The Agency will work with the public and with constituent groups across
the country to identify and evaluate issues associated with these overflows to protect
numan health, property, and water quality.
Pretreatment
_ Using proven pollution control technologies, practices that promote reuse and
recycling of material, and wastewater treatment, industrial plants can eliminate
pollutants from wastewater before discharging into municipal sewage treatment
systems. This pollution prevention practice is known as presentment.
The National Pretreatment Program is a cooperative effort of Federal, State, and
local officials that promotes pretreatment nationwide. Program objectives are:
• To prevent industrial facilities' pollutant discharges from passing untreated
through municipal wastewater treatment plants;
• To protect treatment plants from the threat posed by untreated industrial
wastewater, including explosion, fire, and interference with the treatment
process; and
• To improve the quality of effluents and sludges so that they can be used for
beneficial purposes.
« ^ . ihfln 15°° municiPal wastewater treatment plants covered by
pretreatment programs administered by EPA and by authorized States. EPA also
authorizes aties to establish pretreatment requirements to deal with local pollution
problems. By reducing the level of pollutants discharged by industry into municipal
sewage systems, the program ensures the protection of America's multi-billion doUar
public investment in treatment infrastructure.
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\ Sewage Sludge/Biosolids
• OWM's National Sewage Sludge
Program regulates sewage sludge that
is^used or disposed of through land
application, surface disposal,
irlcineration, or placement in a
municipal solid waste landfill.
Practically speaking, anyone who
works with sewage sludge is probably
regulated under this program.
: As mandated by the Clean Water
Act EPA has issued national standards
reflating the use or disposal of sewage
sludge. These standards, in conjunction
with NPDES permitting requirements,
make up the framework of the National
Program.
> EPA also offers guidance and
(technical assistance for the beneficial
use of biosolids as soil amendments
: and fertilizer. By helping the public
understand the benefits of using
products derived from sludge, EPA
-enhances pollution prevention by
! promoting recycling through beneficial
use.
TYPES OF REGULATED
POLLUTANTS
CONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS are
contained in the sanitary wastes of
households, businesses, and industries.
These pollutants include human wastes,
around-up food from sink disposals,
and laundry and bath waters. Other
types of conventional pollutants
include:
Fecal Coliform -• These bacteria are
found in the digestive tracts of humans
and animals; their presence in water
indicates the potential presence of
disease-causing organisms.
Oil and Grease - These organic
substances may include hydrocarbons,
fats, oils, waxes, and fatty acids. Oil
and grease may produce sludge solids
that are difficult to process.
TOXIC POLLUTANTS are a group of
126 pollutants that are particularly
harmful to animal or plant life. They
are primarily grouped into orgamcs
(including pesticides, solvents,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and
dioxins) and metals (including lead,
silver, mercury, copper, chromium,
zinc, nickel, and cadmium).
NONCONVENTIONAL POLLUTANTS
are any additional substances that are
not conventioneil or toxic that may
require regulation. These pollutants
include nutrients such as nitrogen and
phosphorus.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT AND FLEXIBILITY
a ****** ™ Wastewater contro1' OWM is involved in many activities that
rT" treatm"6 <*** Prides direction and assLnce
to Tl Pr°gramS f°r ^ abatement and Preven*on of municipal
tion. The following pages provide an overview of some of these assistan
assistance
Construction Grants Program
and the control of combined sewer overflows. EPA's effective management of
^
With the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act, Congress set 1990 as the last
cor^t
from
State Revolving Funds
re°1VinS funds (SKFsj are
self-sustaining funds that provide
EPA had awarded over $9 billion in Federal funds to help capitalize the SRFs
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10
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Public-Private Partnerships (P3)
EPA's Pum-P™ treatment
municipalities to work with the f££**%£SSX <*!** *««*« "P"01*
protection.
initiative: the City o «™P° otog with local offices and
p—
Section
ion 106 Water Pollution Control Program Grants
\ programs.
public information.
tacreasinSly, EPA and States
opproactes to water quality -»»«»»
watershed protection approach at the State
States' water quality
for
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Section 104(b)(3) Water Quality Cooperative Agreement
fn * f of Section 104(b)(3) of *e Clean Water Act, EPA makes grants
o State water pollunon control agencies, interstate agencies, and other nonprof*
institutions, organizations, and individuals to promote the coordination of
environmentally beneficial activities. These activities include storm water control
sludge management, and pretreatment. ^iuroi,
Among the efforts that are eligible for funding under the Section 104(b)(3)
areSearCh ™esti?ati°™> experiments, training, environmental technology
Md studies related to the causes' effects'
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• POLLUTION PREVENTION INITIATIVES
EPA recognizes the dramatic environmental improvements achieved by
pollution prevention programs. EPA works with the public to prevent pollution at its
source, rather than relying solely on more expensive clean-up efforts.
Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Program
• Federal, State, and local investment in municipal wastewater treatment facilities
since 1972 exceeds $75 billion. To help protect this significant investment, EPA
manages the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention (MWPP) Program. Its goals are to:
• i Protect the quality of municipal wastewater works;
• Ensure the maintenance of wastewater facilities;
• Encourage reduction and elimination of water pollution; and
• Maintain high municipal compliance with environmental regulations.
MWPP works with EPA Regions and States to implement programs for wise
water use, water source reduction, and facility self-assessments.
Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency (WAVE) Program
In 1992, EPA established the Water Alliances for Voluntary Efficiency (WAVE)
Program to help businesses reduce water pollution. WAVE is a vokintary efficiency
program whose goal is to minimize pollution while conserving water and energy.
At present, WAVE is focused on improving water efficiency in the lodging industry.
Hotel/Motel Partners commit to surveying their facilities for opportunities to upgrade
water-using devices, and to the improvement of their operating practices.
To assist Partners, EPA established a WAVE Supporter program with equipment
manufacturers and distributors, water management companies, utilities, State and local
governments, and others. Supporters promote the benefits of water efficiency, and
provide information to water conservation professionals and equipment manufacturers.
EPA assists Partners and Supporters by publicly recognizing the environmental
efforts of participants, and by providing materials that they can use to educate their
customers and employees about water efficiency. As the WAVE program develops, it
may be expanded to additional business sectors, institutional buildings, multi-family
housing, and other candidates for improved water efficiency.
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• OUTREACH AND TRAINING
One of the best ways to prevent pollution, and to protect the environment and
human health, is through education and training of environmental professionals and
others. Below are some of OWM's efforts to improve awareness of and compliance with
wastewater regulations and operations.
Small Community Outreach and Education (SCORE) Program
SCORE provides information and technical assistance for small wastewater
systems to State and local officials. The program's goal is to help smaller communities
build and maintain self-sufficient wastewater facilities tha t comply with the Clean
Water Act. Through a variety of outreach services, SCORE stresses appropriate use of
technologies, sound financial management, proper operation and maintenance,
pollution prevention, and public education.
SCORE supports a national clearinghouse on technologies for small systems and
an environmental training center for providers of services to small communities. The
program also enlists expertise and resources from participating States, Federal agencies,
public-interest and advocacy groups, and educational institutions to help deliver EPA's
message about wastewater.
Youth and the Environment Program
Introduced in 1990, the Youth and the Environment Program gives economically
disadvantaged urban and rural youth the chance to explore career opportunities in the
environmental field.
By combining summer employment with academic training and hands-on
experience, this program exposes students to many environmental career options.
Areas in which students have worked include water supply management, wastewater
treatment, recycling, energy, marine environments, hazardous waste, and natural
resources protection.
Besides providing valuable work experience for disadvantaged teenagers, Youth
and the Environment fosters a sense of stewardship among the participants.
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State Environmental Training Centers
E
| The Clean Water Act authorized grant provisions to set up State Environmental
Training Centers, which are now operating in 39 States. Grant funds were used to help
construct training sites, including demonstration wastewater treatment facilities,
laboratories, and classrooms. Audiovisual equipment, training materials, and salaries
for special instructors were also made available through this program.
Besides offering instruction about wastewater and other areas of the
environment, including air, ground water, and hazardous waste, Centers often provide
on-site technical assistance and training at wastewater treatment plants under the
Wastewater Operator Training Program (see below).
Training programs offered by the Centers have resulted in significantly
improved compliance rates and better plant operation and maintenance, which
prolongs the service life of facilities.
Wastewater Operator Training Program
For more than a decade, EPA has worked with States to provide hands-on
training and technical assistance for operators of small wastewater treatment plants
(those plants that treat under 5 million gallons per day) with compliance problems.
Assistance is provided primarily by State water pollution control agencies or
State Training Centers, although some EPA Regional offices also provide assistance.
The benefits of operator training include:
• Identification of plant deficiencies;
i '
• Improvement of preventive maintenance, which prolongs the life of the facility;
• Potential reduction in energy and chemical costs;
• Improvement in budgeting and user-charge systems; and
• Enhancement of local awareness and support of treatment.
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ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE EFFORTS
Mexico border (see box).
Indian Grants Management
EPA manages the Indian Grants Set-Aside Program, the goal of which is to increase
and public health.
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I EPA ACTIVITIES ON THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER
! The United States and Mexico share more than 2000
miles of common border. More than nine million people
live in the border area, mostly in fifteen "sister city" pairs.
The rapid increase in population and industrialization in
the bojrder cities has overwhelmed existing wastewater
treatment, drinking water supply, and solid waste
disposal facilities. Untreated and industrial sewage often
flows north into the U.S. from Tijuana, Mexicali, and
Nogales, and into the Rio Grande.
i
! Some 300,000 people on the U.S. side of the border also lack safe drinking
water; wastewater collection and treatment systems, and adequate solid waste
disposal facilities. They live in unincorporated areas called colonias.
! As part of the Administration's efforts to implement the North American Free
Trade; Agreement (NAFTA), EPA is working with other Federal, State, and local
agencies to help find and fix environmental problems on the border. Some $8
billion in a mix from Federal, State, local, and private-sector finding will be required
to adequately protect public health and the border ecosystem.
j
; OWM's border development activities include:
• i Identification of border communities' needs, and help in meeting those needs;
• j Grants for funding of wastewater treatment construction in the colonias and
! elsewhere on the border;
• i Helping improve environmental information collection on the border; and
• j Providing technical assistance and training to officials and border residents.
EPA will continue working to improve environmental conditions along the
border. In 1994-1995, the Agency expects to open offices in El Paso and San Diego
to learn more about the needs of people on both sides of the border. EPA will also
support the work of the Border Environment Cooperation Commission and the
North American Development Bank, as well as other initiatives to improve the
border environment and the health of its residents.
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• TECHNOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
EPA provides technological assistance to other EPA offices, Regions, State
agencies, other Federal agencies, municipalities, and a range of other constituents.
Municipal Technologies
The Agency provides both direct and indirect assistance in the area of municipal
roastemater treatment technologies. Direct assistance includes one-on-one discussions
about design, operation and maintenance of systems, and the identification and solution
of problems. Indirect assistance includes support for the development of regulations;
technical information; guidance, assessments, evaluation, and cost estimates for the
design, construction, and operation and maintenance of municipal wastewater
treatment facilities. Areas of expertise include:
conventional correction systems
combined sewer overflow treatment and control
storm water treatment and management
fixed film and suspended growth biological processes
physical/chemical treatment processes
advanced treatment processes
conventional sludge treatment and disposal procedures
biosolids technologies
disinfection and odor control
operation and maintenance
safety.
Environmental Technology Initiative
In his State of the Union Address to Congress in January 1994, the President
announced the Environmental Technology Initiative (ETI). This program allows EPA to
expand the development and use of innovative technologies, to protect the domestic
and global environment while creating sustainable high-wage jobs in the U.S.
EPA's Administrator later announced the Agency's strategy for this Initiative,
and identified specific projects that the Agency will fund in the coming years. Under
this strategy, EPA will use a mix of direct funding and technical assistance to spur other
government agencies and private companies to meet the need for innovative
technological solutions to pollution problems.
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The ETI strategy, now being implemented, is comprised of four focus areas:
Adapt EPA's policy, regulatory, and compliance framework to promote
innovation;
Strengthen the capacity of technology developers and users to succeed in
environmental technology innovation;
Invest EPA funds in the development and marketing of promising new
technologies; and
Accelerate the diffusion of innovative technologies here and abroad.
Innovative and Alternative Technologies
EPA also provides technical assistance for the development of innovative and
alternative treatment technologies. Among the areas of expertise provided are the
following:
alternative collection systems
on-site treatment systems
land application of effluent
innovative and alternative treatment technologies
biosolids technologies
land application of sewage sludge
constructed wetlands
composting technologies
alternative disinfection technologies "•-•.
odor control
operation and maintenance.
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!HOW WASTEWATER TREATMENT WORKS.... THE BASICS
i One of the most common forms of pollution control in the United States is
wastewater treatment. The U.S. has a vast system of collection sewers,, pumping stations,
and treatment plants. Sewers collect the wastewater from homes, businesses, and many
indusjtries, and deliver it to plants for treatment. Most treatment plants were built to
make jwastewater fit for discharge into streams or other receiving waters, or for reuse.
i
! Years ago, when sewage was dumped into waterways, the natural process of
purification began. First, the sheer volume of clean water in the stream diluted wastes.
Bacteria and other small organisms in the water consumed the sewage and other
organic matter, turning it into new bacterial cells, carbon dioxide, and other products.
Today's higher populations and greater volume of domestic and industrial wastewater
require that communities provide treatment to give nature a hand.
1 ' • :
i A waste treatment works' basic function is to speed up the natural processes by
which water is purified. There are two basic stages in the treatment of wastes, primary
and secondary, which are outlined here. In the primary stage, solids are allowed to settle
and are removed from wastewater. The secondary stage uses biological processes to
further purify wastewater. Sometimes, these stages are combined into one operation,
Primary Treatment
As sewage enters a
plant for treatment, it flows
through a screen, which
removes large floating objects
such as rags and sticks that
may clog pipes or damage
equipment. After sewage has
been screened, it passes into a
grit chamber, where cinders,
sand, 'and small stones may
settle to the bottom. A grit
chamber is particularly
important in communities
with combined sewer systems
where sand or gravel may
wash into sewers along with
other elements of storm
water:
PRIMARY TOEATMENT
Screens Grit chamber
Sedimentation tank
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After screening is completed arid grit has been removed, sewage still contains
organic and inorganic matter along with other suspended solids. These solids are
minute particles that can be removed from sewage by treatment in a sedimentation tank.
When the speed of the flow of sewage through one of these tanks is reduced, the
suspended solids will gradually sink to the bottom, where they form a mass of solids
called raw primary sludge.
Sludge is usually removed from tanks by pumping, after which it may be further
treated for use as a fertilizer, or disposed of through incineration if necessary To
complete primary treatment, effluent from the sedimentation tank is usually disinfected
with chlorine before being discharged into receiving waters. Chlorine is fed into the
water to kill pathogenic bacteria, and to reduce unpleasant odors.
Over the years, primary treatment alone has been unable to meet many
communities' demands for higher water quality. To meet higher requirements, cities
and industries often treat to a secondary treatment level, and in some cases, also use
advanced treatment to remove nutrients and other contaminants.
Secondary Treatment
The secondary stage of treatment removes about 85 percent of the organic matter
in sewage by making use of the bacteria in it. The two principal techniques used in
secondary treatment are trickling filters and the activated sludge process.
After effluent leaves the sedimentation tank in the primary stage of treatment, it
flows or is pumped to a facility using one or the other of these processes. A trickling
filter is simply a bed of stones from three to six feet deep through which the sewage
passes More recently, interlocking pieces of corrugated plastic or other synthetic
media have also been used in trickling beds. Bacteria gather and multiply on these
stones until they can consume most of the organic matter in the sewage. The cleaner
water trickles out through pipes for further treatment.
From a trickling filter, the sewage flows to another sedimentation tank to remove
excess bacteria. Disinfection of the effluent with chlorine is generally used to complete
the secondary stage of basic treatment.
• The trend today is towards the use of the activated sludge process instead of
trickling filters. The activated sludge process speeds up the work of the bacteria by
bringing air and sludge heavily laden with bacteria into close contact with sewage.
After the sewage leaves the settling tank in the primary stage, it is pumped into an
aeration tank, where it is mixed with air and sludge loaded with bacteria and allowed to
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•^
Aeration tank
vvVStv
* <•' ffi ,.
remain for several hours. During this time, the bacteria break down the organic matter
into harmless by-products.
The sludge, now activated with additional millions of bacteria and other tiny
organisms, can be used again by returning it to the aeration tank for mixing with new
sewage and ample
amounts of air.
From the aeration Secondary Treatment., activated sludge process
tank, the sewage
flows to another
sedimentation tank
to remove excess
bacteria^
i
As with
trickling, the final
step is generally the
addition of chlorine
to the effluent. If
done properly,
chlorination will kill
more than 99
percent of the
harmful bacteria in
an effluent. Some
municipalities are now manufacturing chlorine solution on site to avoid the necessity of
transporting and storing large amounts of chlorine, sometimes in a gaseous form..
Many States now require the removal of excess chlorine before discharge to surface
waters. Alternatives to chlorine disinfection, such as ultraviolet light or ozone, are also
being used in situations where chlorine in sewage effluents can be harmful to fish and
other aquatic life.
Other Treatment Options
r
New pollution problems have placed additional burdens on wastewater
treatment systems. Today's pollutants may be more difficult to remove from water.
Increased demands on the water supply only aggravate the problem. These challenges
are being met through better and more complete methods of removing pollutants at
treatment plants, or through prevention of pollution at the source. Pretreatment of
industrial waste, for example, removes many troublesome pollutants at the beginning,
rather than at the end, of the pipeline.
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The increasing need to reuse water calls for increasingly improved wastewater
treatment Every use of water -- whether at home, in the factory, or on a farm - results
in some change in its quality. To return water of more usable quality to receiving lakes
and streams, new methods for removing pollutants are being developed.
Advanced waste treatment techniques in use or under development range from
biological treatment capable of removing nitrogen and phosphorus to physical-chemical
separation techniques such as filtration, carbon adsorption, distillation, and reverse osmosis.
These wastewater treatment processes, alone or in combination, can achieve
almost any degree of pollution control desired. As waste effluents are purified to
higher degrees by such treatment, the effluent water can be used for industrial,
agricultural, or recreational purposes, or even to supplement drinking water supplies.
WAI**
0ift ni«t3s
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Office of Wastewater Management
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
I James Home,
Special Assistant I
Michael B. Cook,
Director
John P. Lehman,
Deputy Director
Resources Management
and Evaluation Staff
Jane Ephremides,
Director
Permits Division
Cynthia Dougherty, Director
Municipal Support Division*
Michael Quigley, Director
NPDES Program
Branch
• Construction Grants
Branch
Pretreatment and Multi-
media Branch
Municipal Assistance
Branch
I • Water Quality and
Industrial Permits Branch
Municipal Technology
Branch
Program Management
Branch
State Revolving Funds
Branch
Organization of the Municipal Support Division may change
to reflect consolidation and streamlining.
Office of Wastewater Management Primer
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Office of Wasteioater Management Primer
26
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• INFORMATION RESOURCES
The Office of Wastewater Management provides public access to information
about its programs. Please contact the following for additional information about
waste water and other EPA issues.
FOR DOCUMENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT WATER:
Water Resource Center
U.S. EPA, Mailcode RC-4100
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
• National Small Flows
Clearinghouse
West Virginia University
Post Office Box 6064
I Morgantown, WV 26506
Telephone: 202260-7786
Fax: 202260-0386 Telephone: 800624-8301
INTERNET: waterpubs@epamail.epa.gov
FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION ABOUT WASTEWATER PROGRAMS:
• Resources Management and Evaluation Staff
Office of Wastewater Management (OWM)
U.S. EPA, Mailcode 4201
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Telephone: 202260-5835 Fax: 202260-1156
FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE U.S. EPA:
• EPA Public Information Center
U.S. EPA, Mailcode 3404
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
Telephone: 202260-2080 Fax: 202260-6257
INFORMATION ABOUT EPA VIA INTERNET:
• gopher access: gopher to gopher.epa.gov
• file transfer access: ftp to ftp.epa.gov
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