C.I
5528 905R79111
LAND APPLICATION OF WASTEWATER
/Y
STATE REGULATIONS AND GUIDANCE
For the States of:
Michigan
Wisconsin
Minnesota
Illinois
Indiana
Prepared for
Environmental Research Information Center
Seminar
Land Treatment of Municipal Wastewater Effluents
June 1979
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH INFORMATION CENTER
f OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
- U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
CINCINNATI, OHIO 45268
Agency
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STATE OF MICHIGAN
NATURAL RESOURCES COMMISSION v<|TK WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
CARL T JOHNSON ^^ C. WILLIAM COLBURN
E M LAITALA WILLIAM G. M1LLIKEN, Governor r£m «£"Lims
DEAN PRIDGEON CHARLES 0 HARRIS
HILARY F SNELL DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES Sf^TnlJ^pMBusH
HARRY H WHITELEY . STANLEY QUACKENBUbH
JOAN L WOLFE STEVENS T. MASON BUILDING, LANSING. MICHIGAN 48926 JOHN E VOGT
CHARLES G YOUNGLOVE HOWARD A. TANNER. Director HELEN S. WILLIS
SUBJECT: GROUKDWATER QUALITY RULES
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
Attached are proposed rules of the Water Resources Commission entitled
PART 22. GROUND WATER QUALITY RULES, approved by the Commission at its
May 18-19, 1978 meeting in Dearborn, Michigan.
It is anticipated that the proposed rules will be reviewed by the
Michigan Environmental Review Board following which they will be submit-
ted to the Legislative Services Bureau to initiate the rules making
process,
Your interest and participation in the development of the proposed
groundwater quality rules is sincerely appreciated.
WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
Robert J. Courcjiaine
Executive Secretarv
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
GENERAL RULES
Filed with Secretary of State on
These rules take effect 15 days after filing with the Secretary of State
(By authority conferred on the water resources commission by sections 2 and
5 of Act No. 245 of the Public Acts of 1929, as amended, being §§323.2 and
323.5 of the Michigan Compiled Laws)
The General Rules of the water resources commission are amended by adding
R 323.2201 to R 323.2211 to read as follows:
PART 22. GROUND WATER QUALITY RULES
Ground waters are waters of the state and their quality and availability
are an invaluable natural resource. Ground waters in usable aquifers must
be protected in their natural condition to the maximum extent possible.
R 323.2201. Purpose.
Rule 2201. (1) The purpose of the ground water quality rules is to protect
the public health and welfare and maintain the quality of ground waters in all
usable aquifers for individual, public, industrial and agricultural water
supplies.
(2) These rules provide for the nondegradation of ground water quality in
usable aquifers, define the requirements for hydrogeological study prior to
permitting a discharge to ground waters, establish ground water monitoring
requirements for new and existing ground water discharges and establish a
procedure for obtaining variances from these rules.
R 323.2202. Definitions A to N.
Rule 2202. As used in this part:
(a) "Aquifer" means underground water-bearing earth materials through which
ground water moves in sufficient quantity to serve as a source of water supply.
(b) "Aquifer system" means a single aquifer or a series of interconnected
aquifers of local or regional extent.
(c) "Change in ground water quality" means a true difference in ground water
quality at a site, that is considered by the commission to be real, from one
point in time to another, after considering the seasonal and locational variation
of quality within a sice.
(d) "Commission" means the water resources commission.
(e) "Controlled application" means the proper application of the chemical for
its intended purpose.
(f) "Degradation" means a deterioration of ground water quality within any
portion of a usable aquifer system as identified by a change in ground water
quality from local oackground ground water quality.
(g) "Discharge" means the addition of materials to ground waters from any
facility or operation that acts as a discrete or diffuse source and which
requires a permit to discharge in accordance with Act No. 245 of the Public
Acts of 1929 as amended.
May 18, 1978
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(h) "Diffuse source" means any facility or operation which transmits
materials by seepage or percolation through the soil to the ground waters.
(1) "Discrete source" means any facility or operation which transmits
muLurlalH by a discernible confined conveyance Lo the ground waters.
(J) "Domestic waste" means wastes generated and discharged as a result
of normal household activities.
(k) "Existing ground water quality" means concentrations of the physical,
biological, chemical, and radiological parameters representative of the
ground water quality in usaoie aquifers at a site at the c.une of permit
issuance, permit renewal, or nonpermitted discharge as determined by the
hydrogeological study required by R 323.2207.
(1) "Ground water" means underground water withiti the zone of saturation.
(m) "Hazardous material" means those substances which singly or in
combination pose an unacceptable, existing or potential risk to human health
or the environment because they may be flammable, explosive, reactive,
corrosive, toxic, radioactive, infectious, carcinogenic, bioconcentrative,
persistent, or irritating when present in sufficient concentrations.
(n) "Hydrogeological determination" means the collection, interpretation,
and presentation of hydrologic and geologic data to provide an adequate
understanding of existing conditions and to determine the potential impact of
a discharge from an operation or activity on the ground waters.
(o) "Industrial waste" means waste from industrial or manufacturing
processes, trade, or business as distinct from domestic or sanitary waste.
(p) "Local background ground water quality" means concentrations of the
physical, biological, chemical, and radiological parameters representative
of the ground water quality in usable aquifers, at a site having virtually no
influence from discharges as determined by the hydrogeological study required
by R 323.2207.
(q) "Monitoring well" means a well specifically designed to measure the
impact of a discharge on the ground waters.
(r) "Non-contact cooling water" means water used for cooling which does
not come into direct contact with any raw material, intermediate product,
by-product, waste product, or finished product.
R 323.2202. Definitions 0 to W.
Rule 2203. As used in this part:
(a) "Observation well" means a well specifically designed to determine
existing hydrogeological conditions.
(b) "Parameters" means those specific characteristics describing the
physical, chemical, biological, and radiological conditions of the ground
water quality.
(c) "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, corporation,
industry, municipality, state agency, or interstate body.
(d) "Radioactive materials" means natural or man-made materials that give
off particles or rays, or both, from nuclear reactions that pose an unacceptable,
existing or potential risk to human health or the environment.
(e) "Sanitary waste" means treated or untreated wastes which contain human
metabolic wastes and domestic wastes.
(f) "Sludge" means concentrated residues generated or produced by industrial
activities or in the treatment of industrial or sanitary wastes.
(g) "Solid waste" means refuse, garbage, rubbish, ashes, and other materials
in solid form.
(h) "Toxic materials" n.aans substances which are or may become harmful to
plant life, animal life, or to food chains when present in sufficient
concentrations or combinations.
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(i) "Usable aquifer" means an aquifer, or that portion of an aquifer or
aquifer system, which is capable of providing water in sufficient quantity of
satisfactory quality, as determined from the hydrogeological study required
by R 323.2207, to serve one or more protected uses. u'sable aquifers do not
include aquifers used for mineral, oil or gas production as regulated by Act
no. 315, of the Public Acts of 1969 as amended, being §319.211 et seq., the
mineral well act and Act no. 61 of the Public Acts of 1939 as amended, being
§3l9.1 et seq., the act which regulates oil and gas in Michigan.
(j) "Well" means a properly designed and constructed nydraulic structure
that permits measurement or withdrawal of ground water frc.p. an aquifer.
R 323.2204. Protected uses.
Rule 2204. All grouno. waters of the state, in usable aquifers, of a quality
suitable for use as individual, public, industrial, or agricultural water
supply shall be protected for these uses.
R 323.2205. Nondegriidation of ground waters in usable aquifers.
Rule 2205. (1) The quality of ground waters in all usable aquifers shall
not be degraded from local background ground water quality as the result of a
discharge except as provided in R 323.2210.
(2) Discharges to ground waters may be made, provided necessary measures are
taken to prevent degradation of ground waters in usable aquifers. These may
include, but are not limited to one or more of the following.
(a) Proper wastewater treatment,
(b) Proper facility s^te selection.
(c) Controlling the zone of saturation at the site.
(d) Providing percolation and seepage barriers to prevent degradation of
usable aquifers.
(e) Use of underdrairiage to prevent degradation of usable aquifers.
(f) Containment of the discharge within the boundaries of the operation or
activity which are defined by the hydrogeological study required by R 323.2207.
(3) No materials at concentrations which exceed maximum contaminant levels
for inorganic and organic chemicals specified in "National Interim Primary
Drinking Water Regulations", 40 C.F.R. §§141.11 and 141.12, promulgated pursuant
to the "Safe Drinking Water Act", Public Law 93-523, as published in the FEDERAL
REGISTER December 24, 1975, shall be discharged to ground waters in usable
aquifers even in those cases where the local background ground water levels for
these materials exceed the specified levels.
R 323.2206. Regulation of discharges.
Rule 2206. It is unlawful for any person to discharge to the ground waters
any substance which :_s or may become injurious to the public health, safety, or
welfare, or to the domestic, commercial, industrial, agricultural, recreational
or other uses which are being or may be made of the ground waters. Discharges
to ground waters of the state are regulated by permits issued in accordance with
sections 7(1) and 8(b) of Act no. 245 of the Public Acts of 1929 as amended,
being §323.7 of the compiled laws of 1970, or by approval, permit or licenses
from other units of government, in accordance with established policies and
rules of the commission,
R 323.2207. Determination of existing hydrogeological conditions; report.
Rule 2207. (1) A determination of existing hydrogeoiogical conditions, or
study, including existing ground water quality, shall be made in the vicinity
of proposed or existing discharges.
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(a) The person responsible for the discharge shall provide che hydrogeological
study.
(b) At each discharge site a hydrogeological study, or equivalent, shall be
required once as a minimum, in order to develop the discharge permit.
(c) For existing permitted discharges, a hydrogeological study, or equivalent,
shall be required at the time of permit renewal when no approved or presently
acceptable hydrogeological study is available. The continued permitting of an
existing discharge shall be contingent on satisfactory hydrogeological conditions
at the site, as determined by the hydrogeological study. The commission shall
provide sufficient time for the hydrogeological study to be developed by the
person responsible for the discharge.
(2) The purpose of a hydrogeological study is to:
(a) Establish the impact a discharge may have on ground water contained in
usable aquifers.
(b) Determine through interpretation of available and collected data the
acceptability of. discharging at the site.
(c) Determine existing ground water quality.
(d) Determine local background ground water quality.
(e) Define engineering modifications that may make the discharge acceptable.
(f) Define a proposed ground water monitoring program.
(g) Define the usable aquifer or usable aquifers.
(h) Define the areal and vertical extent of the site earth materials that
assimilate and transmit the discharge.
(3) The acceptance of a site will be determined on the basis of the
hydrogeological study and consideration of proper engineering modifications.
(4) Criteria that shall be considered to determine if an aquifer is usable
shall include but are not limited to the following:
(a) An aquifer presently serving a protected use is considered usable.
(b) An aquifer, as defined by the hydrogeological study, is considered
usable if it can potentially serve the protected uses,
(c) An aquifer is considered usable if a well can be constructed in the
aquifer meeting the requirements of Act no. 294, of the Public Acts of 1965
as amended, being §325.221 et seq., an act relating to water well drilling and
Act no. 399, of the Public Acts of 1976 as amended, being §325.1001 et seq.,
the safe drinking water act.
(5) Hydrogeological studies shall be prepared by or under the direction of
a qualified ground water or engineering geologist or registered professional
engineer with assistance from experts in related fields such as land surveying,
environmental science and soil science.
(6) Determination of hydrogeological conditions shall cover sufficient area
to allow for a definicion of the impact of the discharge on ground water in a
usable aquifer or usable aquifers. The determination shall take into account
the local geology and surface and ground water conditions, including water
quality parameters specific to each site. The following minimum elements shall
be required in determining the impact of the discharge on ground water in usable
aquifers.
(a) The concentrations of the following water quality parameters shall be
determined at each site:
(i) specific conductance as an indication of the dissolved solids.
(ii) determination of the concentration of the following parameters for
chemical balance and indicators for comparison of water quality:
cations anions
calcium chloride
sodium sulfate
magnesium bicarbonate
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(b) Additional ground water quality parameters may be required. These
additional parameters shall be selected by the commission on a case by case
basis and shall depend on the nature of suspected ground water contamination
or on the nature of the discharge. The following categories include examples
for some of the parameters that may be required in addition to those minimum
parameters specified in R 323.2207 (6) (a) but are not limited to the following
categories or parameters.
(i) Industrial wastewater: chemical oxygen demand, metals, organic
compounds, hazardous and toxic materials.
(ii) Industrial sludge: chemical oxygen demand, metals, organic compounds,
hazardous and toxic materials.
(iii) Municipal wastewater: nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia
nitrogen, total phosphorus, metals, methylene blue active substances.
(iv) Municipal sludge: nitrite nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen,
total phosphoruss metals, methylene blue active substances.
(v) Sanitary landfills: total iron, chemical oxygen demand, nitrite nitrogen,
nitrate nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, metals, hazardous and toxic materials.
(c) A map or maps of the site and surrounding area, drawn to scale, showing
distance to existing wells and properties in the surrounding area having
potential for ground water supplies, existing lakes or ponds; streams, springs,
and swamps; direction of surface drainage and the direction of ground water
movement in the site area; locations of borings, observation wells and other
well data used in the determination shall be provided. Wells used in making
ground water quality determinations shall be identified.
(d) Sufficient water well records, observation wells or borings shall be
required to determine composition of subsurface earth material in order to locate
usable aquifers and establish the degree of connection with the discharge.
(e) Sufficient data or at least three observation wells shall be required to
determine ground water flow direction and possible variations plus depth to
ground water and possible variations in depth. The top of the well casings shall
be referenced to a common or United States geological survey datum.
(f) Evaluation of site earth materials shall be made to determine the ability
of these earth materials t;o assimilate by physical, chemical or biological means,
the various constituents of the discharge.
(g) Evaluation of the ability of the site earth materials to percolate and
transmit the volume of liquids resulting from the discharge shall be made.
(h) The nature, extent, and consequence of mounding resulting from the
discharge which can be anticipated to occur above the highest naturally-occurring
water table may be required.
(i) A description of the proposed engineering modifications that will ensure
control of the discharge shall be provided for those discharges that could
degrade water quality in usable aquifers.
(j) A determination of the horizontal and vertical flow system to properly
determine the location or locations and depth or depths tc be monitored,
especially when mounding is superimposed on the existing system may be required.
(k) A ground water monitoring program shall be proposed, including the design,
location and depth of monitoring wells and methods of sampling.
(1) Compilation and interpretation of data, maps, and charts based on site
conditions to support conclusions and recommendations shall be included with
the study.
(7) The commission shall decide the acceptability of the hydrogeological
study or equivalent. The commission may exclude requirements of R 323.2207 on
a case by case basis provided that criteria, limitations or conditions necessary
to protect the usable aquifer are met.
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R 323.2208. Ground water monitoring
Rule 2208. (1) Ground water monitoring shall be required for all discharges
to assist in the determination of compliance under R 323.2211. Ground water
monitoring shall include collection of water quality and water level data from
a well or group of wells specifically designed to adequately assess the impact
of any discharge on ground water. The design of the ground water monitoring
system shall be based on the hydrogeological study, considering the local
geology, surface water, and ground water conditions specific to each site and
the type of discharge. These factors shall determine the number of locations,
number of wells at each location, and depth of each well.
(2) A monitoring well or wells shall be located and completed at a depth or
depths as specified in the hydrogeological study so as to intercept any discharge
from the site to ground water contained in a usable aquifer.
(3) Monitoring well design and construction elements that shall be required
include, but are not limited to the following criteria:
(a) The drilling method shall be specified.
(b) Monitoring wells completed in fine-textured earth materials shall require
special construction, such as gravel packing around the screen.
(c) Monitoring wells shall have suitable equipment and methods for sampling
ground water as specified in the hydrogeological study.
(d) Construction of monitoring wells shall be by a water well driller
registered under Act 294, Public Acts of 1965, as amended, or contractor
regulated by Act 315, Public Acts of 1969. Monitoring well construction shall
be as specified in the approved hydrogeological study.
(e) Casings shall be installed so as to prevent vertical leakage of fluids
between the casing and the drill hole and shall be capped and provided with a
cap locking device. Use of a vented cap is desirable but care shall be taken
to prevent introduction of contaminants through such vents.
(f) The well casing shall be protected against accidental damage and
adequately marked so as to be clearly visible during winter and summer conditions.
(g) Each well shall be labeled and identified by owner, owner's address, well
number, use of well, and warning.
(h) When a monitoring well is to be permanently abandoned, approved plugging
procedures shall be followed as provided by Act 294, Public Acts of 1965, as
amended, or Act 315, Public Acts of 1969.
(4) The person responsible for a discharge shall provide for the design,
installation, and operation of the ground water monitoring system.
(5) The commission shall decide the acceptability of the ground water
monitoring system. The commission may exclude requirements of R 323.2208 on a
case by case basis provided that criteria, limitations or conditions necessary
to protect the usable aquifer are met.
R 323.2209. Activities excluded from hydrogeological report, ground water
monitoring requirements and discharge permits.
Rule 2209. (1) The following activities will not require a permit from the
commission or hydrogeological report and ground water monitoring, except as may
be required by the commission on a case by case basis, where such activities are
or may become injurious to the protected uses of a usable aquifer.
(a) Disposal of sanitary wastes in volumes of less than 10,000 gallons per
day via use of septic tank and ground disposal systems approved by local county
and district health departments certified by the commission.
(b) Controlled application of dust suppressant chemicals used with normally
accepted or regulated practices.
(c) Controlled application of de-icing chemicals used with normally accepted
or regulated practices.
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(d) Controlled chemical applications for natural resource and right-of-way
programs used with normally accepted or regulated practices.
(e) Controlled application of chemicals for domestic purposes used with
fMrm.iIly .-icrppffl fr rppnlafed practices.
(£) Controlled application of chemicals for agricultural and silvicultural
use by normally accepted or regulated practices.
(g) Disposal of non-contact cooling water, not treated by the addition of
chemicals, in volumes defined at the discretion of the commission.
(h) Retention of stormwater runoff in surface impoundments or surface
waterways.
(2) Other activities may be excluded as determined by the commission on a
case by case basis provided that such criteria, limitations or conditions the
commission deems necessary are met.
R 323.2210. Variances.
Rule 2210. (1) Variances from the requirements of R 323.2205 may be granted
by the commission.
(2) A variance may be granted which allows reasonable degradation of ground
water in a usable aquifer, provided it can be affirmatively demonstrated to
the commission that such degradation does not preclude use of the aquifer for
its protected uses and will not become injurious to the public health, safety,
or welfare. Permits issued in accordance with section 7(1) and section 8(b),
Act 245, Public Acts of 1929, as amended, will constitute such variances.
(a) A variance shall not be granted under R 323.2210(2) for discharges
containing hazardous materials in amounts or concentrations which singly or in
combination pose an unacceptable, existing, or potential risk to human health
or the environment.
(3) A variance may be granted which allows degradation of ground water in a
usable aquifer to the extent that it precludes the use of the aquifer for its
protected uses. Such variances may be granted by the commission for exceptional
circumstances where it is determined by the commission that strict conformity
with R 323.2205 is not economically or technically feasible and no prudent
alternative exists and that such variance is consistent with the promotion of
the public health, safety, and welfare in light of the state's paramount concern
for the protection of its natural resources.
(a) In granting variances under R 323.2210(3) the commission shall prescribe
such criteria, limitations, or conditions as the commission deems necessary to
protect the public health of present or future ground water users affected by
the variance. Such conditions shall include prevention of degradation of ground
water in other usable aquifers, prescribing of treatment techniques, or the
provision of an alternate approved water supply.
(b) All variances granted by the commission under R 323.2210(3) shall require
a discharger or proposed discharger to the waters of the state to affirmatively
demonstrate the need for a variance in terms of the criteria specified in
R 323.2210(3).
(c) Prior to granting a variance under R 323.2210(3) the commission shall
provide for adequate public notice and opportunity for public hearing.
(4) Variances granted under R 323.2210 to dischargers required to be permitted
by the commission in accordance with the requirements of Act 245, Public Acts of
1929 as amended, shall be reviewed by the commission at the time of permit
reissuance.
R 323.2211. Determination of compliance.
Rule 2211. (1) The commission shall determine compliance with these rules on
the basis of all reports and information available.
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(2) In making tests or analyses of water or waste to determine compliance
with the rules, samples shall be collected in such manner that location, number
and frequency are considered satisfactory by the commission. The samples shall
be preserved and analyzed according to procedures outlined in 40 C.F.R. 9136.1
et seq., promulgated pursuant to section 304(g) of the federal water pollution
control act, as amended, Public Law 92-500, or 40 C.F.R. §141.1 et seq.,
promulgated pursuant to section 1401(1) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Public
Law 93-523; or other methods prescribed or approved by the Commission. Copies
of 40 C.F.R. §136.1 et seq. and 40 C.F.R. §141.1 et seq. are available from the
Department of Natural Resources, P.O. Box 30028, Lansing, Mi., 48909, and from
the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402, at a cost of $2.25.
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Municipal Wastewater Sludge Management
This document is intended to review the regulatory strategy of the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources with respect to sludge management.
The primary emphasis of this document will center upon agricultural
application of sludge; however, the regulations and permit conditions
discussed below will also apply to wastewater treatment plants which
landfill or incinerate sludge. The regulations and permit conditions
recognize the increasing emphasis at both the State and Federal level
for beneficial use of the soil conditioning and nutrient value of sludge.
At the same time, they recognize the responsibility of a wastewater
treatment plant to utilize or dispose of sludge in a manner which will
endanger neither public health nor the air, land or water resources
of the State.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act (FWPCA) of 1972 established.
as a goal, the elimination of pollutants from discharges into navigable
waters. Under Section 402 of this legislation, a national system of
discharge permits was created, and authority to issue and enforce these
permits was delegated to State environmental, agencies. Separate permits
for sludge disposal were authorized under Section 405 of the FWPCA,
although these were never issued at any governmental level. 1977 amendments
to this section placed the permitting for sludge disposal under Section
402, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES). The
Environmental Protection Agency will be issuing regulations regarding
sludge disposal early in 1979. In any case, NPDES permits written in
Michigan have specified under Section II.B.8, that substances removed
during wastewater treatment not be allowed to pollute navigable or groundwaters.
In addition, all permits issued since mid-1977 have included under Section
I.A or Section I.C.I a requirement for submission of a "Program for
Effective Residuals Management". The latter places the NPDES permit
as a key element in the strategy of the DNR to regulate sludge disposal.
Ninety of the NPDES permits for municipal wastewater treatment plants
are scheduled for reissuance prior to January 1, 1979, including most
of the major dischargers.
The substances removed during wastewater treatment are the responsibility
of the wastewater treatment plant until adequately handled. We believe
the authority of the law does not allow a wastewater treatment plant
to subcontract the responsibility for effective sludge management to
another party. In any case, NPDES permits now clearly define the responsibility
of the wastewater treatment plant for effective management of sludge
and define the responsibility of MDNR for oversight of these activities.
A plan for sludge management, as required in the NPDES permits should
consider the quantity and quality of the material produced. This plan
should document the capability of the treatment plant to utilize or
dispose of sludge as it is produced, the capability to store sludge
which is seasonally in excess of quantities disposed, and the capability
to utilize or dispose of sludge through a secondary method or site.
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The plan should include a hydrogeological survey of the ultimate disposal
site which documents protection of usable aquifers. A hydrogeological.
survey would be required for all. disposal, sites with the exception of
landfills which have had previous documentation of adequate aquifer
protection. In addition, agricultural, disposal sites would require
a less detailed groundwater study. However, the exception from a requirement
for a hydrogeological survey must be documented in a sludge disposal
plan which demonstrates that the application is consistent with best
agricultural, practice. MDNR staff have developed an example "Sludge
Management Plan for Agricultural and Silvicultural Production" which
may be used to demonstrate the agricultural nature of the project.
Criteria defining agricultural practice will be discussed below. These
plans will allow MDNR, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Michigan
Department of Public Health, as well as local health departments, to
comment on the proposed site, crops and application rates, and to cooperate
in the monitoring of these sites.
Another part of Section I.C of NPDES permits will require periodic
sampling and analysis of sludge. The frequency of this monitoring will
be determined in each individual case based upon sludge quality, upon...
the industrial input to the treatment plant, and upon the method of
utilization or ultimate disposal. Monthly operating report sheets for
sludge disposal and analysis were finalized in October, 1978. These
will be required for all disposal practices.
Finally, all vehicles utilized for transport of sludge will be licensed
and bonded under the Solid Waste Disposal Act. This is consistent with
the Federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) of 1976 which
defined wastewater treatment plant sludge as a solid waste and with
legislation pending in the legislature of the State of Michigan.
In addition to NPDES permit requirements for sludge disposal, MDNR is
developing criteria which will define irrigation water quality in terms
of acceptability for high management agricultural practice. Sludge
has been defined as an irrigation water within these criteria. Sludge
management plans which are submitted to MDNR proposing agricultural
application are being and will be evaluated within the context of these
criteria. The criteria are consistent with the philosophy of the
Ground Water Rules adopted by Water Resources Commission in May, 1978.
As presently proposed the criteria utilized three separate tables to
define concentration ranges for components of sludge, to define annual
additions of these components to a field, and to define total accumulations
of potential toxicants within a soil. Each of the three tables define
four categories of practices ranging from supplemental irrigation through
primarily disposal rates. In these tables, non-restricted use represents
a quality or rate which is acceptable for continuous use on all crops
and sites; slightly limited use represents a quality or rate which may
affect certain crops grown on certain soils; severely limited use represents
a quality or rate which will affect many or most crops grown on all
but the most appropriate soils; restricted use represents a quality
or rate which is disposal orientated. The ranges presented within each
table are conservative estimates of the water quality required under
management practices of varying intensities. That is, there is a significant
safety margin in the ranges.
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Applications of sludge which fall in the fourth category in any of the
tables will only be acceptable with crop, soil or groundwater monitoring,
or a combination of the three. In addition, site selection and investigation
prior to application of sludge will be very important in these disposal
practices. Crop, soil or groundwater monitoring may also be necessary
under the third category, but only if high management practices are
not expected; that is, the most appropriate crop and soil combinations
should not require groundwater monitoring.
MDNR does not expect groundwater contamination due to potential toxicants
or potential pathogens to be attributable to agricultural application
of sludge. Even in situations in which sludge and soil are thoroughly
mixed, research data indicate that very little water moves through the
sludge particles; most of the water moves around the sludge, through
and between soil particles. This means that neither potential toxicants
nor potential pathogens should flush directly through a soil. Instead,
they will diffuse slowly in the soil solution surrounding the sludge
particle, and natural filtration of larger particles and adsorption
of smaller particles, especially metallic ions and viruses, should occur.
With the inorganic ions, research data indicate that the metals become
available for plant uptake before they become sufficiently soluble to
leach into the groundwater. Some substances, mostly nonmetallic ions
such as selenium, are quite mobile in soils and may leach into groundwater
as easily as they may be assimilated by plants. Fortunately, these
substances are present in most sludges in low concentrations; however,
MDNR will require periodic analyses for these materials. As with inorganic
ions, most organic compounds found in sludge are quite insoluble in
water and are strongly bound on soil particles. Soluble organics, as
well as soluble inorganics, stay in a liquid during wastewater treatment,
and are not expected in sludge in significant concentrations. Bacteria
and viruses do not appear to leach into groundwater from most soils
to which sludge has been applied. The research data indicate that this
is due to a combination of very close association of bacteria and especially
viruses with sludge particles, and of very little movement of water
through the sludge particles. In any case, there is little danger of
movement of these potentially toxic or potentially pathogenic compounds
under low rates, or agricultural application of sludge.
Finally, MDNR has periodically distributed training papers and informal
guidelines concerning general requirements for sludge disposal on agricultural
land. The most recent of these was finalized in May, 1978. These guidelines
will be formalized early in 1979 as a part of the regulatory package
concerning agricultural disposal of sludge. The items which have been
and will be considered include: soil conditions, such as slope and natural
drainage; isolation, such as from residences, wells and natural watercourses;
methods of application; methods of stabilization; and proposed cropping
regimes.
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Municipal Wastewater Sludge Applciation to Land
General Recommendations
The following are MDNR guidelines for land application of municipal
wastewater sludge. These guidelines are recommended for agronomic application
rates on the basis of: potential disease vectors; potential nuisance
conditions; and wholesome food production. Exceptions will be considered
where a high degree of monitoring and/or supervision will be provided,
or where exceptional isolation is provided.
Forage and pasture crops should not be consumed by animals while the
crops are phsycially contaminated by sludge. Grazing animals should
not be permitted on pastures before thorough removal of the sludge,
by rain or some similar action. Dairy cattle should not be allowed
to graze on pastures for two months following sludge applciation. Where
there is risk of direct ingestion of sludge by grazing animals, the
lead content of the sludge should not exceed 1,000 mg/kg of dry sludge,
the cadmium content should not exceed 20 mg/kg of dry sludge, and the
PCB content should not exceed 10 mg/kg of dry sludge.
In general, stabilized sludge should be utilized for applciation to
agricultural land. Stabilization may be accomplished through aerobic
or anaerobic digestion, irradiation, composting, heat treatment, chemical
treatment or other appropriate means. It should be recognized that
any nuisance condition or demonstrated environmental injury due to sludge
application must be corrected immediately. With this in mind, the following
tables correlate acceptable application methods and stabilization techniques
with environmental factors, isolation distances and cropping rotations.
RTS:clp:l/79
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TABLE 1: GEOLOGY, ISOLATION AND STABILIZATION
REQUIRED FOR SURFACE OR SUBSURFACE APPLICATION
Application
Factor
Slope
Depth to high
Isolation --
--
Stabilization
_-
water table
wells
residences
surface waters
roads ;
unstabilized
aerobic digestion
anaerobic digestion
liming to pH 12
dry heating
wet air oxidation
composting
Surface
0-6%
>3 feet
200 feet
500 feet
200 feet
200 feet
U
A
M
A
M
M
A
Subsurface
0-12%
>3 feet
100 feet
100 feet
50 feet
25 feet
M
A
A
A
A
A
A
U - Unacceptable
M - Marginally acceptable
A - Acceptable
-------
TABLE 2: STABILIZATION TECHNIQUES REQUIRED
FOR PRESENT OR FUTURE CROPS
Crop
Present -- unprocessed fruit and
vegetables
processed fruit and
vegetables
~ grain
-- hay, haylage
-- pasture
-- non food
Future unprocessed fruit and
vegetables
processed fruit and
vegetables
grain
hay, haylage
-- pasture
non food
Stabilization
None
U
U
M
U
U
A
3 yrs
3 yrs
1 yr*
1 yr
1 yr
A
Digestion
U
M
A
A
M
A
3 yrs
1 yr
A
A
1 yr
A
1. Liming
2. Dry Heating
U
A
A
A
A
A
1-3 yrs
A
A
A
A
A
1. Composting
2. Wet Oxidatii
U
A
A
A
A
A
1 yr
A
A
A
A
A
U - Unacceptable
M - Marginally acceptable
A - Acceptable for present crop; no isolation period required
* less when crop will be used only for direct animal consumption
-------
Municipal Wastewater Sludge Application to Land
Agricultural Application Rates
Annual applications of sludge from communities with primarily domestic
input will normally be limited by the nitrogen required to produce the
crop. We normally assume that all of the inorganic nitrogen, that is
ammonia nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen, will be available to plants in
the year in which the sludge is applied. In addition, a fraction of
the nitrogen present in organic forms will be broken down, or mineralized
to inorganic nitrogen during the first year. Smaller fractions of the
organic nitrogen will be mineralized for several years following sludge
application, and this is termed "residual" nitrogen. Equations which
may be used to calculate the available nitrogen (AVAN) per ton of sludge
are given on the back of this page. Residual nitrogen may be calculated
from the table on the back of this page, and subtracted from the nitrogen
required by the crop. Many municipal sludges will supply more phosphorus
than crops require when sludge is applied at rates which supply adequate
available nitrogen. This may be useful in increasing the fertility
of the soil over a period of years. Soils have a limited capacity to
adsorb phosphorus before they begin to lose this nutrient to groundwater.
Now this capacity is normally large, however, at some future time it
may be necessary to limit annual sludge applications to the amount which
will supply the phosphorus for plant growth. Annual soil testing will
indicate when phosphorus applications are limiting.
Sludges from certain communities with significant industrial input may
contain high concentrations of cadmium. Many members of the scientific
community have expressed concern over accumulations of cadmium in the
food chain. Therefore, 2 pounds of cadmium per acre has been recommended
as an annual application limit. Proposed Federal regulations would
lower this to 1.25 pounds per acre in 1982, and 0.5 pounds per acre
in 1986. If these annual application limits are exceeded, or if the
soil pH is below 6.5, crop monitoring for cadmium will be essential.
Several methods have been proposed for determining the total sludge
application based upon accumulation of certain metals in the soil.
Consultation between the faculty of the Department of Crop and Soil
Science, Michigan State University and MDNR has resulted in a modification
of the methods suggested by the North Central Region Agricultural Experiment
Stations. This system gives credit to the ability of soils to adsorb
or tie-up metals based upon a chemical characteristic of the soil, the
cation exchange capacity (CEC). The CEC of the soil may be multiplied
by a coefficient, or "factor", to determine the total metal accumulation
in the soil which should not create the problems of crop or animal
toxicity. Equations which may be used to calculate these limits are
on the back of this sheet. Applications of sludge should cease when
accumulation of any of the metals has reached the recommended limit.
RTS:5/78
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Each sludge disposal site should he reported separately. A change of crop or soils,
as well as a change of landfill, constitutes a change of sludge management, and
should be reported separately.
Table 4Release of plant-available N during
sludge decomposition in soil (13).
Years alter
sludge
application
Organic M content of sludge, %
2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5 4.0 4.5 5.0
Ib residual M released per ton sludge added
1 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.7 1.9 2.2 2.4
2 0.9 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.1 2.3
3 0.9 1.1 1.3 1.5 1.7 2.0 2.2
Soil Loading Rates
Nitrogen
Ni = NH4+-N __ ._% + N03-N
No = T N __ . _ % - Ni
Available Nitrogen (AVAN)
Ni
No
% =
% =
%,x 20 =
__** 4=_
+
AVAN =
AVAN =
Ib/ton
. ]lb/ton
. Ib/ton
Ib/ton x
_ton/ac =
Ib/ac
Report this value at the bottom of the sheet for monthly totals of AVAN.
Phosphorus and Potassium
. % (TP or K) x . tons/ac x 20 = Ib/ac
Metals
tons/ac x 0.002 = Ib/ac
pig/kg metal x .
Crop and Soil Data - Transfer this information from soil test results. Include
present ground cover as well as the projected crop, cation exchange capacity
(CEC) and nutrient recommendations. ^Calculate and record the metal loading
limits based on the foil owing "factors" and CEC:
Metal | Factor
Pb
Zn
Cu
Ni
Cd
100
50
25
10*
1
*25 where pH control of 6.5 is assured.
CEC . nieq/lOOg x (factor) =
Ib/ac
-------
Municipal Wastewater Sludge Application to Land
Annual Monitoring
All municipal sludges contain elements which are potentially toxic or
infective to plants and animals. Under a carefully designed and monitored
program of application, many of the concerns regarding crop growth and
quality, and public health can be minimized, if not eliminated. Land
disposal of wastewater can be divided into three somewhat overlapping
categories. Agricultural reuse programs are designed essentially to
limit the application of potentially toxic materials to quantities which
should not contaminate the crops or groundwater. Alternatively, reclamation
of poor or damaged lands or high rate disposal on dedicated sites are
recognized as potentially acceptable options within the context of protection
of the environment and public health. Finally, give-away programs which
involve public disposal may be viable in certain communities. In the
latter case, care should be taken to inform the public of the hazards
and benefits involved in sludge reuse.
Agricultural applications of sludge
Annual applciations of sludge on agricultural land should be limited
by nitrogen requirements of the projected crops or by cadmium additions
to the soil. Criteria for both of these factors have been discussed
elsewhere. As currently defined, agricultural reuse of sludge will
not require groundwater monitoring under most circumstances. It is
assumed that applications of sludge which are consistent with nitrogen
requirements of the crops will not significantly impact the groundwaters.
In addition, metal loading rates consistent with those published by
U.S. EPA and Regional Agricultural Experiment Stations should not result
in accumulations of potentially toxic metals in the groundwater or
crops.
Monitoring programs for these systems are essentially soil and sludge
monitoring. Sludge should be analyzed on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-
annual schedule and soils should be analyzed annually, and reported
to MDNR.
Nonagricultural sludge disposal
Application of sludge to land which will result in higher rates of
nitrogen application or metal accumulation than outlined for agricultural
use, may result in enviornmental contamination, including degradation
of groundwater or crop quality, and increased public health concerns.
Such programs should be developed with more stringent monitoring considerations,
and would normally occur on publicly owned land. The site selected
for this disposal could be dedicated to disposal, or terrain requiring
rennovation, such as former landfill areas. In addition, more stringent
site selection criteria would be required, including an extensive hydrogeological
survey. This study should delineate application restrictions essential
for protection of the ground and surface waters. It should also indicate
continuous impermeable barriers which will protect the groundwater
resources of the State. As a minimum, the monitoring program shoulc
include soil and groundwater testing as well as frequent sludge monitoring.
If crops are grown, these should also be analyzed for the materials
of concern.
clp /RTS
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LAND SLUDGE APPLICATION
This 1s a suggested outline for developing a land sludge application project.
These are recommended considerations.
Planning
Develop a general Idea for management. You need a stabilized sludge. Use
Environmental Protection Agency, Ten State Standards Guidelines, and DNR
handouts.
Contact the following people:
Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent
Local Government Officials
Property Owner
DNR Basin Engineer
County Extension Agent
County Health Department Sanitarian
Consulting Engineer
Have a general Information meeting with the above people to discuss the broad
guidelines. Property owner should be progressive, but conscientious.
Analyze the sludge for:
Nitrogen Heavy Metals
Phosphorus Other Tests if Required
Potassium pH
Volatile Solids & % V.S. Reduction
% Total Solids
Analyze the soil for:
Phosphorus Cation Exchange Capacity
Potassium pH
Organic Material Content
Estimate the acceptable loading rates based on nutrient uptake for the specific
crops the farmer plans to grow. Obtain a specific recommendation on crop
nutrient requirements from the County Extension Agent.
Prepare a specific site plan for each field. Walk over the fields. Include:
a) Maps or aerial photos.
b) Groundwater table depth information.
Proposed surface and groundwater monitoring locations.
Application record logs to be used.
Planned application rates and crop rotation schedule.
(OVER)
-------
-2-
Follow Ten State Standards and EPA Guidelines for loading rates, Isolation
distances, monitoring, etc.
Develop the program on paper for public response and approval by Basin
Engineer. Include monitoring.
Enter an agreement between property owner and wastewater treatment plant
owner.
Get monitoring wells installed, if required.
Analyze groundwater and field tile drainage for background quality. Follow
the groundwater monitoring guidelines.
Acquire hauling and application equipment. Either contract out or use
municipal equipment or combination.
Get a performance - safety bond on the hauling equipment.
Be sure operators, haulers, and farmer are immunized for tetanus, diptheria,
polio and typhoid.
Hauling and Application
Will 1t be liquid, filter cake, or dried sludge.
Haul by a route away from residential areas. Start applying in center of
field, not near the road.
Fill out application report log for quantity, quality, location and time data,
Apply in approved manner. Correct any problems that develop on first trial.
Have another general information meeting at the site after first application.
After Application
Continue sludge analysis on approved schedule.
Monitor groundwater quality. Follow the approved schedule.
Analyze soils for nutrients, CEC, and pH at frequency recommended by the
County Extension Agent. Plan additional applications.
Analyze crops tissues for toxins or pathogens, if recommended.
Correct any nuisance problems.
Confirm fanner's crop rotation schedule for next year.
Keep municipality involved.
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 179
Chapter NR 211
PRETREATMENT STANDARDS FOR
DISCHARGES TO PUBLICLY OWNED TREATMENT
WORKS
NR 211.01 Purpose NR 211.10 Prohibited wastes
NR 211.02 Applicability NR 211.20 Pretreatment for compatible
NR 211.03 Definitions pollutants
NR 211.O4 Compliance with limitations NR 211.30 Pretreatment for incompati-
and standards ble pollutants
Note: Pursuant to chapter 147 Wis. Stats, and under the procedure of section 227.027
Wis. Stats., the department of natural resources has promulgated interim effluent
limitations which were effective February 28, 1975 and will remain in effect for one year.
These interim effluent limitations will be periodically replaced by permanent effluent
limitations.
NR 211.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish
pretreatment standards for the discharge of pollutants to publicly
owned treatment works pursuant to section 147.07 (2) and 147.04 (5),
Wis. Stats.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 211.02 Applicability. The provisions of this chapter are
applicable to all non-domestic users of publicly owned treatment
works.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 211.03 Definitions. The following special definitions are
applicable to terms used in this chapter. Definitions of other terms
are set forth in Wis. Adm. Code chapter 205.
(1) "Compatible pollutant" means biochemical oxygen demand,
suspended solids, pH, or fecal coliform bacteria, plus additional
pollutants identified in the WPDES permit for the publicly owned
treatment works receiving the pollutants if such works was designed
to treat such additional pollutants, and in fact does remove such
pollutants to a substantial degree.
NOTE: Examples of such additional pollutants may include chemical oxygen demand,
total organic carbon, phosphorus and phosphorus compounds, nitrogen and nitrogen
compounds, fats, oils and grease of animal or vegetable origin.
(2) "Incompatible pollutant" means any pollutant which is not a
compatible pollutant.
(3) "Municipality" means any municipality or other agency
operating a publicly owned treatment works.
(4) "Major contributing industry" means an industrial or
commercial facility that is a user of a publicly owned treatment works
and:
(a) Has a waste discharge flow of 50,000 gallons or more per
average work day;
(b) Has a waste discharge flow greater than 5% of the flow carried
by the municipal system receiving the waste;
Register, July, 1975, No. 235
Environmental Protection
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180 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(c) Has in its waste, a toxic pollutant in toxic amounts as defined
in Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 215; or
(d) Has a waste which the department determines has, or in the
case of a new source will have, a significant impact, either singly or in
combination with other wastes, on the publicly owned treatment
works or on the quality of effluent from such works.
(5) "Pretreatment" means the treatment of wastewaters to remove
or reduce the quantity of one or more pollutants prior to discharge to
a publicly owned treatment works.
History: Or eff. 2-28-75
NR 211.04 Compliance with limitations and standards. (1)
Discharge of pollutants to a publicly owned treatment works from
facilities subject to the provisions of this chapter shall comply with
the prohibitions of section NR 211.10.
(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) above the
discharge of pollutants to a publicly owned treatment works from an
existing major contributing industry shall not later than July 1, 1977
comply with pretreatment standards for incompatible pollutants for
existing sources established in accordance with section NR 211.30.
(3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1) above the
discharge of pollutants to a publicly owned treatment works from a
new source which will be a major contributing industry shall comply
with pretreatment standards for incompatible pollutants for new
sources established in accordance with section NR 211.30.
(4) Each owner or operator of an existing source which is required
to provide pretreatment facilities shall commence construction of such
facilities as soon as practicable but no later than 18 months after
pretreatment standards for incompatible pollutants are established in
accordance with section NR 211.30 for the appropriate point source
category.
(5) Each owner or operator of a facility which is required to provide
pretreatment facilities for incompatible pollutants shall prior to
commencing construction of any such facilities submit a report to the
department and to the municipality operating the publicly owned
treatment works. This report shall be submitted on a form supplied
by the department, shall describe the proposed pretreatment facilities
and methods for disposing of removed pollutants, and shall set forth
the pretreatment standards to be achieved and a schedule of
compliance for achieving them. He shall thereafter submit such
additional information relating to compliance and progress as the
department or municipality may request.
(6) Each owner or operator of a facility which is required to provide
pretreatment for incompatible pollutants shall, at the frequency the
department finds necessary to assure compliance with applicable
pretreatment standards,
(a) Monitor the pretreated discharge to determine quantities of
incompatible pollutants discharged to the publicly owned treatment
works, and
Register, July, 1975, No 235
Knvironmental Protection
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 181
(b) At the end of each calendar quarter, report the results of such
monitoring to the department and the municipality.
(7) Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter the
department or the municipality may require that more restrictive
standards be met, for either compatible or incompatible pollutants, if
such standards are necessary to avoid interference with the operation
of the publicly owned treatment works or to achieve water quality
standards.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 211.10 Prohibited wastes. No waste introduced into a publicly
owned treatment works shall interfere with the operation or
performance of the works. Specifically, the following wastes shall not
be introduced into the publicly owned treatment works:
(1) Wastes which create a fire or explosion hazard in the publicly
owned treatment works.
(2) Wastes which will cause corrosive structural damage to
treatment works, but in no case wastes with a pH lower than 5.0,
unless the works is designed to accommodate such wastes.
(3) Solid or viscous wastes in amounts which would cause
obstruction to the flow in sewers, or other interference with the
proper operation of the publicly owned treatment works.
(4) Wastes at a flow rate and/or pollutant discharge rate which is
excessive over relatively short time periods so that there is a
treatment process upset and subsequent loss of treatment efficiency.
(5) New wastes or increased volumes or quantities of wastes from
major contributing industries in such volumes or quantities as to
overload the treatment works or cause a loss of treatment efficiency.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 211.20 Pretreatment for compatible pollutants. Pretreat-
ment of discharges to a publicly owned treatment works for removal
or reduction of compatible pollutants is not required except in
accordance with sections NR 211.04 (7) and NR 211.10.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 211.30 Pretreatment for incompatible pollutants. (1)
Pretreatment for removal or reduction of incompatible pollutants is
required for discharges from a major contributing industry to a
publicly owned treatment works. Except in accordance with sections
NR 211.04(7) and NR 211.30(2), such pretreatment shall achieve the
pretreatment standards for existing sources or for new sources set
forth for the applicable point source category or subcategory in Wis.
Adm. Code chapters NR 221 through NR 299.
(2) If a publicly owned treatment works is committed in its
WPDES permit to the removal of a specified percentage of any
incompatible pollutant, the pretreatment standard applicable to users
of such works shall, except in the case of standards specifying no
discharge, be correspondingly reduced in stringency for that pollutant.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
Register, July, 1975, No. 235
Environmental Protection
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 182-1
Chapter NR 214
LAND DISPOSAL OF LIQUID WASTES
NR 21401 Purpose NR 214.05 Modification procedure .
NR 214 02 Applicability NR 214.07 Discharge limitations and
NR 21403 Definitions monitoring requirements
NR 21404 Compliance with discharge NR 21408 Additional limitations
limitations and monitoring re- NR 214 09 Sampling and analytical meth-
quirements ods
NR 214.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish
effluent limitations and monitoring requirements applicable in per-
mits for discharges of liquid wastes to land disposal systems. Section
147.02, Wis. Stats., requires a permit for the lawful discharge of any
pollutant into the waters of the state, which include ground waters by
the definition set forth in section 147.015(13), Wis. Stats. Therefore
permits are required for discharges from point sources to land areas
where pollutants may percolate, seep, or be leached to ground waters.
History: Cr Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76.
NR 214.02 Applicability. (1) The discharge limitations, monitor-
ing requirements, and other provisions of this chapter are applicable
to discharges to land disposal systems of liquid wastes consisting of or
resulting from:
(a) Municipal waste and domestic waste,
(b) Canned, frozen, and preserved fruit and vegetable processing,
(c) Dairy products processing,
(d) Meat and poultry products processing, and
(e) The sand, gravel, stone, and concrete products industries.
(2) The discharge limitations, monitoring requirements, and addi-
tional limitations of this chapter are applicable to discharges to a land
disposal system of liquid wastes from sources other than those identi-
fied in subsection (1) and shall be applied by the department on a
case by case basis in accordance with section NR 214.08.
(3) The provisions of this chapter are not applicable to discharges:
(a) From domestic sewage systems defined as plumbing in section
145.01 (1Mb), Wis. Stats.,
(b) Of sludge from sewage treatment works,
(c) Of wet or semiliquid wastes at a disposal site licensed pursuant
to Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 151.
(d) Of domestic waste handled and disposed of in accordance with
Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 113.
(4) The department may on a case by case basis exempt from the
requirements on this chapter the hauling and disposal of industrial
wastes handled in accordance with the provisions of Wis. Adm. Code
chapter NR 113 except:
Register, June, 1976, No. 246
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182-2 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(a) In cases where industrial waste is hauled from one industrial
source to one disposal site; or
(b) In cases where the industrial waste from any one source exceeds.
a volume of 10,000 gallons on any one day.
History: Cr. Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76.
NR 214.03 Definitions. The following definitions are applicable to
terms used in this chapter. Definitions of other terms and the mean-
ings of abbreviations are set forth in Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 205.
(1) "Land disposal system" means a facility for disposing of liquid
wastes consisting of:
(a) An absorption of seepage pond system,
(b) A ridge and furrow system,
(c) A spray irrigation system,
(d) A spray runoff system,
(e) A subsurface field absorption system, or
(f) A surface spreading system,
(g) Any other land area receiving liquid waste discharges.
(2) "Liquid waste" means the discharge in waste water of munici-
pal waste, of domestic waste, or of processing wastes from food
processing, manufacturing, and other industrial sources. Liquid
manure, by product whey, and other agricultural wastes used as
fertilizer by field spreading and non-contact cooling water which does
not contain chemical additives are not included in this definition and
are not subject to the provisions of this chapter.
(3) "Ground water monitoring" means either, as specified in the
permit for a particular discharge:
(a) Measuring the ground water level in and analyzing samples
taken from one or more test wells, or
(b) Analyzing samples of water in samples of soil taken at specified
locations.
(4) "Hydraulic capacity" means the maximum hydraulic loading
rate possible without system overload. Such rate shall be determined
on the basis of any overload conditions observed in the last four years
or in the absence of such conditions on the design capacity.
(5) "Hydraulic loading rate" means the average daily discharge to a
land disposal system during a calendar month or other period speci-
fied in a permit for the discharge. The average is calculated by
dividing the total discharge volume for such month or period by the
number of days in such month or period.
(6) "Perimeter" means the boundary of a parcel of land, not
intersected by any surface waters of the state, under one ownership or
control on which a land disposal system is located.
Register, June, 1976, No. 246
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 182-3
(7) "Spray runoff system" means a spray irrigation system having a
planned discharge to surface waters of some portion of the sprayed
liquid waste.
(8) "Subsurface field absorption system" means a system of buried
tile or perforated pipe for distributing liquid wastes below the soil
surface.
(9) "Surface spreading system" means a system for continually
distributing liquid wastes over a designated land area, as from a truck
or wagon.
(10) "Ground water" means the portion of subsurface water which
is within the zone of saturation.
History: Cr Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76.
NR 214.04 Compliance with discharge limitations and monitor-
ing requirements.
(1) Discharges to a land disposal system of liquid wastes identified
in section NR 214.02(1) from sources subject to the provisions of this
chapter shall comply with discharge limitations and monitoring re-
quirements:
(a) In table 2 of this chapter for existing sources by July 1,1977;
(b) In table 3 of this chapter for existing sources by July 1,1983; or
(c) In table 4 of this chapter for new sources, and
(d) Any additional limitations established pursuant to sections NR
214.08(1) and (3).
(2) Discharges to a land disposal system of liquid wastes other than
identified in section NR 214.02 (1) from sources subject to the provi-
sions of this chapter shall comply with discharge limitations and
monitoring requirements established by the department on a case by
case basis pursuant to section NR 214.08.
History: Cr Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff 7-1-76.
NR 214.05 Modification procedure. The discharge limitations and
monitoring requirements of this chapter may be modified by the
department for a discharge subject to the provisions of this chapter if
the owner or operator having the discharge can demonstrate that such
limitations and requirements are more stringent than necessary, to
maintain adequate and satisfactory ground water quality. This dem-
onstration may be made:
(1) By evidence submitted at a public hearing following public
notice by the department of the receipt of a complete application and
intent to issue or modify a permit as provided in Wis. Adm. Code
chapter NR 3, subchapter II, or
(2) By evidence presented at an adjudicatory hearing on the issued
permit for such discharge as provided in Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR
3, subchapter III.
History: Cr. Register, June, 1976, No 246, eff 7-1-76.
NR 214.06 Application of discharge limitations. The discharge
limitations set forth in this chapter shall be used to establish the
Register, June, 1976, No. 246
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182-4 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
volume of liquid waste and the quantity or quality of pollutants or
pollutant properties therein which may be discharged to a land
disposal system, except as:
(1) They may be modified in accordance with section NR 214.05,
(2) They may be superseded by more stringent limitations neces-
sary to achieve ground water quality standards or meet other legal
requirements, or
(3) They may be supplemented or superseded by standards or
prohibitions for toxic pollutants or by additional limitations required
to achieve ground water quality.
HUtory: Cr. Rcguter, June. 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76.
NR 214.07 Discharge limitations and monitoring requirements.
As specified in table 2, 3, or 4 for the appropriate size class set forth
in table 1, one or more of the discharge limitations and monitoring
requirements of the following subsections are applicable to discharges
to a land disposal system of liquid wastes of the types identified in
section NR 214.02(1). Also, in accordance with section NR 214.08,
these discharge limitations and monitoring requirements are applica-
ble to discharges of other types of liquid wastes.
(I) No discharge shall exceed the maximum hydraulic loading rate
specified in the permit for the discharge nor shall it have a pH or
contain quantities of organic materials or suspended solids which
interfere with operatipn -of the system. In determining the maximum
hydraulic loading rate for a land disposal system the department will
consider the hydraulic capacity of the system, past operating perfor-
mance if any, site conditions including soil and geologic characteris-
tics, the concentration and characteristics of pollutants in the dis-
charge, and other relevant information.
(2) There shall be no discharge to a land disposal system except
after treatment in a sewage treatment system which includes a secon-
dary treatment system approved by the department and, in the case
of discharge of municipal wastes, unless industrial wastes tributary to
the municipal treatment works are in compliance with pretreatment
standards applicable pursuant to Wis. Adm. Code section NR 211.30.
(3) The concentration of BOD, in discharges to the land disposal
system shall not exceed 50 mg/1 in more than 20 percent of the
monitoring samples required during a calendar quarter.
(4) Discharge to a land disposal system shall be limited so that the
discharge and precipitation which falls within the boundary of the
disposal system during such discharge does not overflow the boundary
of the system.
(5) Discharge shall be limited so that during irrigation all of the
discharge and any precipitation falling or flowing onto the irrigation
fields during such discharge does not overflow the perimeter of the
system.
(6) The discharge shall be alternately distributed to individual
sections of the disposal system in a manner to allow sufficient resting
periods to maintain the absorptive capacity of the soil.
Register, June, 1976, No. 246
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 182-5
(7) The volume of discharge shall be limited to prevent ponding,
except for temporary conditions following rainfall events.
(8) The discharge shall be free of material which interferes with the
operation of spray nozzles or orifices.
(9) The volume of the discharge shall be limited to prevent
inundation of the ridges except for temporary conditions following
precipitation events.
(10) The geometric mean of the fecal coliform bacteria counts for
effluent samples taken during a calendar quarter, or such other period
as may be specified in the permit for the discharge, shall not exceed
200 per 100 ml. Fecal coliform bacteria shall be determined on at least
one sample monthly.
(11) The volume of discharge shall be limited to prevent flow to or
ponding on the ground surface.
(12) Discharges of municipal wastes and of domestic wastes to
waste treatment works and from such waste treatment works to land
disposal systems shall be monitored as follows:
(a) Discharges from aerated lagoons to an intermediate storage
pond or directly to a land disposal system shall, as a minimum, be
monitored daily for pH and weekly for BOD, and suspended solids
using grab samples.
(b) Discharges from stabilization pond facilities which are operated
on a flow through basis shall, as a minimum be monitored daily for
flow, weekly for pH, and twice monthly for BODS and suspended solids
using grab samples.
(c) Discharges from stabilization pond facilities which are operated
on a fill and draw basis shall, as a minimum, be monitored daily for
total daily flow, weekly for pH, and twice monthly for BODS and
suspended solids using grab samples taken during periods of dis-
charge.
(d) Discharges to an intermediate storage pond or directly to a land
disposal system from waste treatment facilities other than aerated
lagoons or stabilization ponds shall be monitored in accordance with
appropriate Wis. Adm. Code section NR 210.11 (1), (2), or (3) except
that monitoring for fecal coliform bacteria shall not be required.
(e) Discharges from intermediate storage ponds to a land disposal
system shall be monitored daily for flow in addition to the monitoring
required in paragraphs (a) and (d) above.
(f) Influent to all treatment facilities subject to the monitoring
provisions of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), and (d) of this section shall be
monitored as specified in the appropriate one of those subsections for
pH, BOD,, and suspended solids. Influent flow, and any flow bypassing
the treatment facility to the land disposal system, shall be monitored
continuously.
(13) The discharge to the land disposal system shall, as a mini-
mum, be monitored for total daily flow;
(a) Monthly for systems with an hydraulic capacity of 20,000
gallons per day or less,
Register, June. 1976, No. 246
-------
182-6 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(b) Weekly for systems with an hydraulic capacity of more than
20,000 but less than 100,000 gallons per day, and
(c) Daily for systems with an hydraulic capacity of 100,000 gallons
per day or more.
(14) Ground water shall be monitored, at locations specified in the
permit, monthly for the first three months after the monitoring
system is installed and twice annually thereafter except that the
department may modify the twice annual requirement to once annual-
ly for land disposal systems receiving liquid wastes for a period of not
more than four months annually.
(15) The department may require monitoring ground water for any
or all of the following parameters; elevation, organic nitrogen, am-
monia nitrogen, nitrate and nitrite nitrogen, chlorides, sulfates, dis-
solved solids, alkalinity, hardness, and pH.
(16) There shall be no discharge of liquid wastes from this category
to this type of land disposal system.
(17) The discharge to the land disposal system shall be:
(a) Alternately distributed to individual sections of the land dis-
posal system in a manner that allows sufficient resting periods to
maintain a vegetative cover, and
(b) Limited so that it and any precipitation which falls within the
area of the land disposal system is retained within the perimeter of
the system except for any runoff which may be collected and dis-
charged to a surface water in accordance with a WPDES permit for
such discharge.
(18) The liquid waste shall be pretreated in a facility approved by
the department prior to discharge to the land disposal system.
(19) Discharge to the land disposal system shall be limited so that
during surface spreading all of the liquid waste and any precipitation
falling onto or flowing onto the disposal field shall not overflow the
perimeter of the system.
(20) Vehicles used for transporting and spreading the liquid wastes
shall be in compliance with Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 113.
(21) The permittee shall maintain a daily record of the volume of
waste discharged.
History: Cr. Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76.
NR 214.08 Additional limitations. (1) For discharges to a land
disposal system of liquid wastes containing any substances or concen-
trations of substances normally associated with the types of discharge
identified in section NR 214.02(1) the department may on a case by
case basis impose one or more of the discharge limitations and
monitoring requirements set forth in section NR 214.07.
(2) For discharges to a land disposal system of liquid wastes
containing substances or concentrations of substances r.ot normally
associated with the types of discharge identified in section NR
214.02(1) the department may on a case by case basis impose one or
more of the discharge limitations and monitoring requirements set
forth in section NR 214.07 and:
Register, June, 1976, No. 246
Environmental Protection
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 182-7
(a) Impose limitations on the quantity or concentration of sub-
stances discharged;
(b) Require monitoring at more frequent intervals than set forth in
section NR 214.07 (13);
(c) Require monitoring for parameters in addition to those set forth
in sections NR 214.07 (12) and (15);
(d) Require ground water monitoring at more frequent intervals
than set forth in section NR 214.07(14) and for parameters in
addition to those set forth in section NR 214.07 (15); and
(e) Require treatment prior to discharge to the land disposal
system and, for the purpose of evaluating such treatment, require
monitoring;
1. Of the volume of flow before and/or after such treatment,
2. Of the concentration of critical parameters in such flow before
and/or after such treatment, and
3. Of ground water in the vicinity of the system.
(3) For discharges of liquid waste to a land disposal system located
on a site where soil, geologic, or other conditions may result in more
rapid than normal seepage to ground water and/or an increased
possibility of ground water contamination the department may re-
quire:
(a) Additional treatment beyond secondary treatment for munici-
pal or domestic waste prior to discharge to such system, or
(b) Treatment of liquid wastes from other sources as set forth in
section NR 214.08 (l)(e).
Hiitory: Cr. Register, June, 1976, No. 246, eff. 7-1-76.
NR 214.09 Sampling and analytical methods. Unless otherwise
specified in the permit for a land disposal system:
(1) The procedures for measuring flow and taking samples of
discharges shall be those set forth in Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 218,
and
(2) The methods of analysis for substances contained in discharges
shall be those set forth in Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 219, except
that for monitoring ground water the alternate methods for certain
parameters set forth in the following table may be used. The refer-
ences of the table are the same as those incorporated by reference in
Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 219.
Register, June. 1976. No. 246
Environmental Protection
-------
182-8 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
Reference
Parameter and Method SM> ASTM- EPA-
Units
Alkalinity as CaCO, Titration, Electronic 52 143 6
(mg Ca CO,) Manual or Automated
Methyl Orange
Flouride (mg/1) Distillation SPADNS 171 191 72
Ion Specific Electrode
Surfactants Methylene Blue 339 619 131
(MBAS) Colorimetric
Iron Total (mg/1) Colorimetric 187
Nitrate + Nitrite Cadmium Reduction 175
(mg/1) Automated
pH (s.u.) Glass Electrode 276 248 230
Methane (mg/1) Combustible-Gass 217
Volumetric 220
Silica (mg/1) Colorimetric 303 80 273
Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater,
13th Edition, 1971
'American Society for Testing and Material, Annual Book of Stand-
ards, Part 23, Water; Atmospheric Analysis, 1972
Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, 1971
Register, June, 1976, No. 246
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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-------
182-10
WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
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Register. June, 1976, No. 246
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 182-11
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Register, June, 1976, No. 246
-------
4
182-12
WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
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Register, June, 1976, No. 246
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 185
Chapter NR 218
METHOD AND MANNER OF SAMPLING
(INTERIM EFFLUENT LIMITATIONS)
NR 218.01 Purpose NR 218.07 Location of sampling points
NR 218.03 Applicability NR 218.08 Size of samples
SI Illol EfesTor curing flow "8.09 Storage of samples
NR 218.06 Calibration of flow measuring NR 218.10 Frequency of sampling
devices NR 218.11 Method of sampling
Note: Pursuant to chapter 147 Wis. Stats, and under the procedure of section 227.027
Wis. Stats., the department of natural resources has promulgated interim effluent
limitations which were effective February 28, 1975 and will remain in effect for one year.
These interim effluent limitations will be periodically replaced by permanent limitations.
NR 218.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to prescribe the
appropriate method and manner of obtaining samples of effluents
discharged from point sources in compliance with the monitoring
requirements of chapter 147, Wis. Stats., and Wisconsin pollutant
discharge elimination system (WPDES) permits issued pursuant
thereto.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 218.03 Applicability. This chapter is applicable to and provides
more explicit specification of the sampling and monitoring provisions
of permits issued pursuant to chapter 147, Wis. Stats. It is also
applicable, unless otherwise specifically indicated by the department,
to the monitoring requirements of Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 101
and sections 144.54 and 147.08, Wis. Stats.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 218.04 Definitions. The definitions of Wis. Adm. Code Chapter
NR 205, apply to terms used in this chapter and in WPDES permits
not otherwise defined in this section.
(1) "Process waste" means any water which, during manufacturing
or processing, comes into direct contact with or results from the
production or use of any raw material, intermediate product, finished
product, byproduct, or waste product, and is likely to contain in
solution or suspension various components of such raw materials and
products.
(2) "Domestic waste" means the type 9f waste normally discharged
from plumbing facilities in private dwellings and includes, but is not
limited to, sanitary, bath, laundry, dishwashing, garbage disposal and
cleaning wastes.
(3) "Municipal waste" means the mixture of domestic, process, and
other wastes tributary to any given municipal sanitary sewerage or
treatment system.
(4) "Cooling water" means water which has been used primarily for
cooling but which may be contaminated with process waste or
airborne material, such as the discharge from barometric condensers
or the blowdown from cooling towers.
Register, July, 1975, No. 236
Environmental Protection
-------
186 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
(5) "Noncontact cooling water" means wastewater which has not
come into contact with any raw material, intermediate or finished
product, or waste and has been used in heat exchangers, air or
refrigeration compressors or other cooling means where contamination
with process waste is not normally expected.
(6) "Storm water" or "storm runoff means water resulting from
melting snow or rainfall, except that defined in subsection (7) below.
(7) "Contaminated storm water" means a point source discharge of
storm water which the department has identified as a significant
contributor of pollution in accordance with the definition of section
147.015(8) Wis. Stats.
(8) "Continuous effluent" means a discharge which is normally
continuous throughout a day or during operating hours in any facility
but which may be subject to interruptions or variations in volume.
(9) "Batch effluent" means a discharge which is periodic and of
relatively short duration resulting from batch operations, washup
operations, or periodic discharges from tanks, ponds, and recycling
systems.
(10) "Grab sample" means a single sample taken at one moment of
time or a combination of several smaller samples of equal volume
taken in less than a 2 minute period. Where the term is used in
connection with monitoring temperature or pH it means a single
measurement.
(11) "Composite sample" means a combination of individual
samples of equal volume taken at approximately equal intervals not
exceeding one hour over a specified period of time.
(12) "24-hour composite sample" means a combination of
individual samples taken at intervals of not more than one hour such
that the volumes of each of the individual samples and of the
combination are proportional to the volumes of flow during each
interval and during the 24-hour period respectively.
(13) "Continuous sample" means a composite of successive
individual samples of equal volume taken automatically at equal
intervals not exceeding 15 minutes. Where the term is used in
connection with monitoring temperature or pH it means continuous
in-line recording or monitoring at intervals of not more than 15
minutes.
(14) "Proportional sample" means a composite of successive
individual samples taken during operating or discharge hours,
whichever is longer, where the individual samples are taken at
frequent intervals not exceeding 15 minutes and are either:
(a) Such that the volume of each is proportional to the rate of flow
at the time it is taken, or
(b) Are of equal volume and taken at intervals such that there is a
constant volume of discharge during each interval.
(15) "Estimated" used to specify the type of sample for flow
measurement, means a reasonable approximation of the average daily
flow based on water balance, an uncalibrated weir, or any of the
Register, July, 1975, No. 236
Environmental Protection
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 187
methods included in section NR 218.05 (3) (b) disregarding require-
ments for continuously recording flow.
(16) "Total daily" used to specify the type of sample for flow
measurement, means the determination of daily flow from at least one
measurement when daily frequency is specified and 3 measurements
in any other specified frequency period using methods appropriate to
the type of waste flow involved set forth in section NR 218.05, but
disregarding requirements for continuously recording flow.
(17) "Continuous" or "continuously" used to specify the type of
sample for flow measurement, means the determination of daily flow
at the frequency specified using methods of sections NR 218.05 (1),
218.05(3) (a), or 218.05(4) appropriate to the type of waste flow
involved.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 218.05 Methods for measuring flow. (1) For process waste
and for municipal waste at a treatment works, including any bypass,
methods of flow measurement shall include continuous recording
devices, preferably with integrating capabilities, and shall be one of
the following:
(a) A magnetic flow meter installed in a section of pipe which is
full at all rates of flow,
(b) A Parshall type flume installed in accordance with accepted
design practices,
(c) A venturi meter,
(d) A sharp edged horizontal crest weir, either straight or with end
contractions, installed in accordance with accepted design practices,
(e) A "V" notch weir installed in accordance with accepted design
practices,
(f) Any other method approved by the department for any specific
case in response to a written request for approval filed after the
effective date of this chapter.
(2) For municipal wastes which are overflow or bypass flows from
sewerage systems other than at a treatment works, reasonable
estimates of rate of flow and duration are acceptable for short term
discharges such as those caused by storm water. The department may
require installation of a temporary flume or weir where the discharge
is continual pending elimination by corrective construction.
(3) For noncontact cooling waters:
(a) Having a daily heat content above intake equal to or greater
than one billion btu, flows are to be measured by;
1. Any of the methods specified in section NR 218.05 (1),
2. Intake water meter readings where the intake, or a specific
portion of it, is used for cooling,
3. Readings of a water meter on the discharge, or
Register, July, 1975, No. 235
Environmental Protection
-------
188 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
4. Computation from the operating period of one or more calibrated
pumps handling the flow;
(b) Having a daily heat content above intake of less than one
billion btu, flows are to be measured by;
1. Any of the methods specified in section NR 218.05 (3) (a), or
2. Calculations from the velocity and cross section of the discharge.
(4) Cooling water flows are to be measured using any of the
methods specified in section NR 218.05(3) (a).
(5) Contaminated storm water flows may be estimated from the
duration and head above the crest of an installed weir. Calibration of
such weirs is not necessary.
(6) Storm water flows do not require flow measurement.
HUtory: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 218.06 Calibration of flow measuring devices. (1) Devices
used for measuring flows by the methods specified in section NR
218.05(1) shall be calibrated and the calibration rechecked at least
annually using one of the following methods:
(a) A method specified by the manufacturer of the device,
(b) Calculation of rate of flow from the dilution of chloride or other
ion or substance added to the effluent stream at a fixed rate
sufficiently ahead of the sampling point to insure complete mixing,
(c) Measuring the volume withdrawn from or introduced into a tank
or container in a known period of time, or
(d) In any specific instance by any other method approved by the
department in response to a written request for approval filed after
the effective date of this chapter.
(2) Records of calibration data shall be retained for a three-year
period, or for a longer period on specific request by the department.
(3) The department shall be advised within 30 days of any change
in reported volumes resulting from recalibration whether or not
associated with replacement or change of the measuring device.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 218.07 Location of sampling points. The location of sampling
points shall be as specified in an applicable permit or, in the absence
of such specification, at a point that is representative of the discharge.
In the case of process waste effluents samples shall be taken prior to
or in the absence of any dilution with cooling or storm water. The
department may require relocation of a sampling point if it
determines that the existing location does not provide samples
representative of the discharge.
HUtory: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 218.08 Size of samples. The samples shall be large enough to
allow for the required analysis for pollutant or toxic parameters, other
than pH and temperature, using the methods of analysis specified in
Register, July, 1975, No. 235
Environmental Protection
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 189
Wis. Adm. Code chapter NR 219, or an alternate method specified in
an applicable permit.
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
NR 218.09 Storage of samples. (1) Except for samples for
biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) analysis, methods for preserving
samples for storage prior to analysis and the limits on such storage are
set forth in the standard methods specified in Wis. Adm. Code
chapter NR 219.
(2) Except as provided in section NR 218.09(3), samples collected
for BOD analysis shall be preserved by refrigeration to between 32
and 40°F within 8 hours of the collection of the first portion of a
composite sample and stored in that temperature range for not more
than 48 hours after the composite sample has been collected before
commencing analysis.
(3) For a particular discharge, the department may approve
alternative preservation procedures or analytical procedures for BOD
samples, provided that a written request for such approval is
submitted to the department accompanied by sufficient comparative
data to be statistically significant.
(a) Alternative preservation procedures for BOD samples. The
following alternative preservation procedures for BOD samples may
be approved by the department;
1. Refrigeration commencing within 24 hours instead of 8 hours as
specified in section NR 218.09 (2),
2. Elimination of refrigeration if analysis is commenced within 3
hours of completion of the collection of a daily sample,
3. Holding the sample for not more than 120 hours in the
temperature range of 32-40°F in lieu of the 48 hours specified in
section NR 218.09(2), or
4. Holding the sample for 120 hours or more using any satisfactory
means of preservation such as, for example, acidification with sulfuric
acid to a pH of 2.
(b) Alternative BOD analytical procedure. The department may
approve modifying the incubation period for the BOD analysis
procedure from 5 days to either 4 or 6 days using an appropriate
conversion factor.
History: Cr. elf. 2-28-76.
NR 218.10 Frequency of sampling. Samples shall be taken at the
frequencies specified in the WPDES permit authorizing discharge or
as specified by the department where no permit has been issued or is
required.
History: Cr. off. 2-28-75.
NR 218.11 Method of sampling. The method of sampling shall be
that specified in the WPDES permit, or by the department where no
permit has been issued or is required, as defined in sections NR
218.04(11) through (15).
History: Cr. eff. 2-28-75.
Rcnstor, July, 197B, No. 236
Environmental Protection
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 191
Chapter NR 219
ANALYTICAL TEST METHODS AND PROCEDURES
NR 219.01 Purpose NR 219.05 Approval of alternate test pro-
NR 219.02 Applicability cedures
NR 219.03 Definitions NR 219.06 List of approved test proce-
NR 219.04 Application for alternate test dures
procedure*
NR 219.01 Purpose. The purpose of this chapter is to establish ana-
lytical test methods and procedures applicable to effluent limitations for
discharges from point sources as authorized by section 147.04 (5), Wis.
Stats.
History: Cr. Register, August, 1976, No. 248, eff. 9-1-76.
NR 219.02 Applicability. The procedures prescribed herein shall, ex-
cept as provided in NR 219.05, be used in the determination of concen-
trations and quantities of pollutant parameters as required for:
(1) An application submitted to the department for a permit under
chapter 147, Wisconsin Statutes.
(2) Reports required to be submitted by dischargers in accordance
with the conditions of issued permits.
History: Cr. Register, August, 1976, No. 248, eff. 9-1-76.
NR 219.03 Definition*. As used in this chapter:
(1) Standard Methods - means "Standard Methods for the Examina-
tion of Water and Waste Water," 14th Edition, 1976. This publication is
available from the American Public Health Association, 1015 18th
Street NW, Washington, B.C. 20036.
(2) ASTM - means "Annual Book of Standards, Part 31, Water,
1975." This publication is available from the American Society for Test-
ing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103.
(3) EPA methods - means "Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water
and Waste, 1974", Methods Development and Quality Assurance Re-
search Laboratory, National Environmental Research Center, Cincin-
nati, Ohio 45268; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Tech-
nology Transfer, Industrial Environmental Research Laboratory,
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268. This publication is available from the Office of
Technology Transfer.
(4) Regional Administrator - the term "Regional Administrator"
means the Regional Administrator of Region V, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency.
(4m) Copies of the publications identified above, and of the publica-
tions referred to in footnotes 1 through 3, 5 through 10, 12, 13, 15
through 17, and 22 through 24 of NR 219.06 are available for inspection
Register, January, 1978, No. 265
Environmental Protection
-------
192 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
at the offices of the department of natural resources, the secretary of
state and the revisor of statutes.
Hutory: Cr. Register, August, 1976, No. 248, eff. 9-1-76; am. (1), (2), (3) and (4m), Regis-
ter, January, 1978, No. 265, eff. 2-1-78.
NR 219.04 Application for alternate test procedures. (1) Any per-
son may apply to the regional administrator for approval of an alternate
test procedure for a specific discharge. Such application shall be made in
the following manner:
(a) The applicant shall submit an application to the regional adminis-
trator through the department.
(b) The application for an alternate test procedure shall be made by
letter in triplicate, and
1. Provide the name and address of the responsible person or firm
making the discharge (if not the applicant), the number of the existing
or pending permit, the name of the issuing agency, and the discharge
serial number,
2. Identify the pollutant or parameter for which approval of an alter-
nate testing procedure is being requested,
3. Provide justification for using testing procedures other than those
specified in NR 219, and
4. Provide a detailed description of the proposed alternate test proce-
dure, together with references to published studies on the applicability
of the alternate test procedure to the effluents in question.
(2) Any person may apply to the director, environmental monitoring
and support laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio 45268 for approval of an alter-
nate test procedure for nationwide use. Such application shall be made
in the following manner:
(a) The application for an alternate test procedure shall be made by
letter, in triplicate, and
1. Provide the name and address of the responsible person or firm
making the request,
2. Identify the pollutant (s) or parameter (s) for which nationwide ap-
proval of an alternate testing procedure is being requested,
3. Provide a detailed description of the proposed alternate test proce-
dure, together with references to published or other studies confirming
the general applicability of the alternate test procedure to the pollu-
tant (s) or parameter (s) in wastewater from representative or specified
industrial or other categories, and
4. Provide comparability data for the performance of the proposed
alternate test procedure compared to the approved test procedures.
Hutory: Cr. Register, August, 1976, No. 248, eff. 9-1-76; r. and recr. January, 1978, No. 265,
eff. 2-1-78.
NR219.05 Approval of alternate test procedures. (1) The regional
administrator has final responsibility for approval of any alternate test
procedure proposed by responsible person or firm making the discharge.
Register, January, 1978, No. 265
Environmental Protection
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES 193
(2) Within 30 days of receipt of an application, the department will
forward such application proposed by responsible person or firm making
the discharge, together with its recommendations, to the regional ad-
ministrator. Where the director recommends rejection of the application
for scientific and technical reasons which the director provides, the re-
gional adminstrator shall deny the application.
(3) Within 90 days of the receipt of an application for an alternate
test procedure proposed by responsible person or firm making the dis-
charge, the regional administrator will notify the applicant and the de-
partment agency of approval or rejection, or shall specify the additional
information which is required to determine whether to approve the pro-
posed test procedure.
(4) Within 90 days of the receipt by the director of the environmental
monitoring and support laboratory, Cincinnati, of an application for an
alternate test procedure for nationwide use, the director of the environ-
mental monitoring and support laboratory, Cincinnati, shall notify the
applicant of his/her recommendation to the administrator to approve or
reject the application or shall specify additional information which is
required to determine whether to approve the proposed test procedure.
After such notification, an alternate method determined by the adminis-
trator to satisfy the applicable requirements of this chapter shall be ap-
proved for nationwide use: alternate test procedures determined by the
administrator not to meet the requirements of 40 CFR part 136 shall be
rejected. Notice of these determinations shall be submitted for publica-
tion in the federal register not later than 15 days after such notification
and determination is made.
History: Cr. Register, August, 1976, No. 248, eff. 9-1-76; am. (1) to (3) and cr. (4), Janu-
ary, 1978, No. 265, eff. 2-1-78.
Register, January, 1978, No. 265
Environmental Protection
-------
194
WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE .
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Register, January, 1978, No. 266
Environmental Protection
-------
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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Environmental Protection
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196-2 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
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Environmental Protection
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196-4 WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
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Environmental Protection
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DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
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Environmental Protection
-------
GUIIE.INE EOOMENT
FOR TIE
DESIGN, OflSraJCTION, AND OPERATION
CF
LAND DISPOSAL SYSTB1S FOR LIQUID
RREPARED &r THE
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Box. 7921 .
, WISCONSIN 5370?
NOVEMBER 1975
(PRELIMINARY DRAFT - SUBJECT To CHANGS AFTES Oaten- PERIOD)
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BULES AND REGULATIONS WPC 23
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO: WPC 22
CLASSIFICATION OF UNDERGROUND WATERS OF THE STATE
AND STANDARDS FOR WASTE DISPOSAL
WPC 22: It is the purpose of this regulation to preserve and protect the
underground waters of Ihe state by: (a) Preventing any new pollution, and
(b) Abating existing pollution. It is the policy of the Agency to consider
the actual or potential use of the underground waters for potable water sup-
ply as constituting the highest priority use and as such to provide maximum
protection to all underground waters. The ready availability nearly statewide
of underground water constitutes a natural resource of immeasurable value
which must be protected as nearly as possible in its natural condition. For
the conservation of underground water supplies for present and future gen-
erations and prevention of possible health hazards, it is necessary and proper
that the Agency employ a non-degradation policy to prevent pollution of the
underground waters of the State.
Regulation WPC 14 also applies to underground waters. Where differences
exist between regulation WPC 14 and this regulation, the more stringent of
the conditions shall be construed to apply.
(a) Definitions
(1) Underground Water means the water contained below the surface
of the earth in the saturated zone including, without limitation, all waters
whether under confined, unconfined or perched conditions, in near surface
unconsolidated sediment or regolith, or in rock formations deeper under-
ground. The term ground water shall be synonymous with underground
wafer.
(2) Confined ground water means the water which is under pressure
greater than atmospheric, and its upper limit is the bottom of a bed of dis-
tinctly lower hydraulic conductivity than that of the material in which the
confined water occurs.
(3) Unconfined ground water is water in a formation that has a water
table.
(4) Perched ground water is unconfined ground water separated from
an underlying body of ground water by an unsaturated zone. Perched ground
water may be either permanent where recharge is frequent enough to main-
tain a saturated zone above the perching bed, or temporary where intermit-
tent recharge is not great or frequent enough to prevent the perched water
from disappearing from time to time as a result of drainage over the edge
or through the perching bed.
(5) Saturated zone is that part of the earth's crust in which all the voids,
large and small, are ideally filled with water under pressure greater than
atmospheric.
(6) Unsaturated zone is the zone between the land surface and the water
table. It includes the capillary fringe. Generally, the water is under less than
atmospheric pressure.
(7) Water table is the surface of the ground water at which the pressure
k atmospheric. Generally this is the top of the saturated zone.
37
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VPC 22 MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
(8) Toxic pollutant means those pollutants, or combination of pollu-
tants, including disease-causing agents, which after discharge and upon ex-
posure, ingestion, inhalation or assimilation into any organism, either directly
from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains, will,
on the basis of information available, cause death, disease, behavioral ab-
normalities, cancer, genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions (including
malfunctions in reproduction) or physical deformations, in such organisms
or their offspring.
Other terms used herein which are denned in Minnesota Statutes, Chapters
115 and 116, shall be given the meaning ascribed to them therein. Terms not
defined in this regulation or in Chapters 115 and 116 shall be construed in
accordance with accepted professional usage and practice.
(b) Uses of Underground Waters. The waters of the state are classified
according to their highest priority use, which for underground waters of
suitable natural quality is their use now or in the future as a source of drink-
ing, culinary, or food processing water. Suitability is to be construed as
meaning that the waters in their natural state can be used for such purposes
after such purification or treatment processes as may be prescribed by the
Minnesota Department of Health or the Minnesota Department of Agricul-
ture. This classification is established to protect the underground waters as
potable water supplies by preventing and abating pollution. In making this
classification, the Agency recognizes that the underground waters of the state
are contained in a scries of related and often interconnected aquifers, such
that if sewage, industrial waste, other waste, or other pollutants enter the
underground water system, they may spread both vertically and horizontally.
Thus, all underground waters are best classified for use as potable water
supply in order to preserve high quality waters by minimizing spreading of
pollutants, by prohibiting further discharges of wastes thereto, and to maxi-
mize the possibility of rehabilitating degraded waters for their priority use.
(c) Non-Degradation. It is the policy of the Agency that the disposal
of sewage, industrial waste and other wastes shall be controlled as may be
necessary to ensure that to the maximum practicable extent the underground
waters of the state are maintained at their natural quality unless a deter-
mination is made by the Agency that a change is justifiable by reason of
necessary economic or social development and will not preclude appropriate
beneficial present and future uses of the waters.
(d) Standards
(1) No sewage, industrial waste, or other wastes shall be discharged
directly into the zone of saturation by such means as injection wells or other
devices used for the purpose of injecting materials into the zone of satura-
tion, except that the discharge of cooling water under existing permits of the
Agency may be continued, subject to review of the permit by the Agency
for conformance with section (d)(3).
(2) No sewage, industrial waste, ether waste, or other pollutants shall
be allowed to be discharged to the unsaturated zone or deposited in such
place, manner or quantity that the effluent or residue therefrom, upon reach-
ing the water table, may actually or potentially preclude or limit the use of
the underground waters as a potable water supply, nor shall any such dis-
charge or deposit be allowed which may pollute the underground waters.
All such possible sources of pollutants shall be monitored at the discharger's
expense as directed by the Agency.
38
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KLLES AND REGLLATIONS *P<: 22
(3) Treatment, safeguards or other control measures shall be provided
by the person responsible for any sewage, industrial waste, other waste, or
other pollutants which are to be or have been discharged to the unsaturated
zone or deposited there, or which have been discharged to the zone of
saturation, to the extent necessary to ensure that the same will not consti-
tute or continue to be a source of pollution of the underground waters or
impair the natural quality thereof.
(4) Toxic pollutants including, but not limited to, radioactive sub-
stances, chemicals, metals, solvents, petroleum products, plating wastes, and
acids and bases, shall not be discharged or deposited in any manner such as
to endanger the quality or uses of the underground waters.
(5) This regulation shall not be construed as prohibiting the use of
septic tank systems or holding tanks for disposal or storage of sewage or
other acceptable organic wastes where public or other sewage or other waste
disposal systems with surface discharge of effluent are not available or can-
not reasonably be made available (except as Agency regulations may in the
future apply to the construction, location, maintenance or use of such dis-
posal systems), nor shall it be construed as prohibiting land disposal of ac-
ceptable organic wastes or the use of chemicals and fertilizers for the produc-
tion or protection of agricultural crops or products, nor the recharge of
ground waters under controlled conditions, provided that such practices do
not pose a significant pollution hazard.
(6) All persons operating or responsible for sewage, industrial waste or
other waste disposal systems, except septic tanks and related soil adsorption
systems, which discharge effluent to the unsaturated zone, or deposits of pol-
lutants or other operations from which residues may reach the underground
waters, shall submit regularly every month a report to the Agency on the
operation of the disposal system, the waste flow, and the characteristics of
the influent, effluent and underground waters of the vicinity. Sufficient data
on measurements, observations, sampling and analyses, and other pertinent
information shall be furnished as may be required by the Agency to, in its
judgment, adequately reflect the condition of the disposal system, raw wastes.
deposited material, effluent, residues, and the receiving or affected soils and
underground waters. These data shall be collected under the supervision and
direction of the Agency.
(7) The long term storage underground for later treatment of sewage.
industrial waste or other wastes, except solid wastes under permit of the
Agency, is prohibited. Liquids or other substances not sewage or industrial
waste which may pollute or tend to pollute the underground waters of the
state shall not be stored underground without safeguards adequate to reason-
ably assure proper retention against entry into the underground waters. The
use of sewer systems for purposes of conveyance or control of the flow to
outlets or treatment works, including temporary storage for such purposes,
shall not be construed to be long term storage within the meaning of this
regulation.
(8) The ground water may in its natural state have some characteristics
or properties exceeding the standards for potable water supplies. Where the
background level of natural origin is reasonably definable and is higher than
the accepted standard for potable water and the hydrology and extent of the
aquifer are known, the natural level may be used as the standard.
39
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\\Pfl 22 MINNESOTA POLLl Tlt» CONTROL ACKNTV
(e) Severability. If any provision of this regulation or the application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held to be invalid, such invalidity
shall not affect other provisions of the regulation or application of any other
part of this regulation which can be given effect without application of the
invalid provision. To this end the provisions of all sections, subsections or
subdivisions herein and the various applications thereof are declared to be
severable.
(f) Determination of Compliance. In making tests or analyses of the un-
derground waters of the state, or of sewage, industrial wastes or other wastes.
to determine compliance with the standards, samples shall be collected in
such manner and place and of such type, number and frequency as may be
considered satisfactory by the Agency from the viewpoint of adequately re-
flecting the condition of the underground water and the effects of the pollu-
tants upon the specified water uses. The samples shall be preserved and an-
alyzed in accordance with procedures described in the 13th edition of Stand-
ard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 1971, by the
American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association.
and the Water Pollution Control Federation, and any revisions or amend-
ments thereto, or other methods acceptable to the Agency.
(g) Variance. In any cases where, upon application of the responsible
person or persons, the Agency finds that by reason of exceptional circum-
stances the strict enforcement of any provision of these standards would
cause undue hardship, that disposal of the sewage, industrial waste or other
waste is necessary for the public health, safety or welfare, or that strict
conformity with the standards would be unreasonable, impractical or not
feasible under the circumstances, the Agency in its discretion may permit a
variance therefrom upon such conditions as it may prescribe for prevention.
control or abatement of pollution in harmony with the general purpose of
these standards and the intent of the applicable state and federal laws.
Filed August 14, 1973.
40
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Division or W^/^r v-aJJLty
P.eccnmended Dosirr. Criteria for P.: -.vos-u of
Effluent by L^r.d Application"
Hay lt 19V?.
Effluent for final disposal by land application shall first be treated by
adequate and well-operated secondary treatment works r inc3.uding disinfection,
to produce an effluent quality \dth a five day biochemical oxyg&n derr.tjid of 25 ng/I
or 3.ess, total suspended solids concentration not in. excess of 3C nig/1 and fecal
colifora organisms not exceeding 200 Most Probable Number per 100 rdlliliters.
1, Supplepont to Prelirdnar:,- aririneerir.g P.oport
Tlie engineeririg 'report shall contaiji pertinent information on
location, geology, soil conditions, area for expansion, grour.dv:ater
conditions and any other factors which nay "affect the feasibility
and acceptability of the proposal.
The follo-fting specific information is to be submitted in addition
to that required by tie latest edition of Reccrcmsnded Standards for
Sewage Works of the Great Lakes-Upper Mississippi River Board of
State Sanitary Engineers and the Federal Guidelines on Design?
Operation, and Maintenance of Wastewater Treatment Facilities of
the U» S, Environmental Protection Agency:
1«1 Supplementary' Field Information
1.11 Legal description of the disposal site.
1,12 The location of. all existing and proposed residences,
commercial or industrial develcpmonts, roads, end
ground .or surface water supplies vdthin one half
mile of the proposed site, .
K?3\ v/poc
-------
-2-
1,13 \Ihcn ir:c'i;c.tiTis.l vwstec arc involved, analytical data
showing the constituents of the waste.
1,1k Representative percolation rjid infiltration data en
the tcpsoilr and the subsoil layers between the
surface and graur.dvratcr table.
1,15 Representative data on the chenical and bacteriological
quality of the grounduater as well as its elevation
and the r^te and direction -of flow under existing
and proposed conditions of use..
1,16 A description, including maps shot/ing elevations and
contours, of the site and adjacent areas which may be
suitable for e;:pansion.
1.1? Pertinent (as a ndninan tenpernture, rainfall,
evaporation, runoffT and wind speed and direction)
climatological data for the area, on a yearly basic,
end specific data for the proposed on-land effluent
disposal period,
1,18 Location, depth and outlet of field drain tiles on
the site,
1,19 A summary describing the existing vegetation and
wildlife of the area,
1,2 Geological Information
1,21 Tho depth, ^nature and type of the deeper formations
at the site and the general area,
1,22 The degree of weathering of any shallow bedrock,
*1.23 The local bedrock structuref including the presence
of fault3; fractures| and joints,
1,24 The character and thickness of the residual soils
MPCA #566 end glr.cic.1 deposits.
-------
-3- .
1.25 In liinesto.ic terrain, additional information about
sinkholes and solution openings,
1,26 Representative soil boring data to a depth of at least
25 feet or to bedrock. The information should include a
detailed description of the properties of the major soil
types present and any soil survey information available
from the Soil Conservation Service t>f the U.S. Department
of Agriculture.
1,2? The source should be given for 'any information net developed
originally by the consultant. .
2. Storage
2«1 An effluent storage, pond system shall be provided having a ntirdinum of
210 days capacity viithout consideration for evaporation and seepage
looses.
2*2 The pond shall be designed and constructed in accord?.rice with the
applicable criteria for waste stabilization ponds,
3. Location of Disposal Site
3»1 At least one mile from any municipal water supply and one fourth of a
mile from any private domestic water supply, except that in limestone
or other unusual geological areas a -greater distance may be required.
3.2 At least one fourth of a mile from any human habitation or area which
is likely to bo developed for-the sane within the proposed use period
t *
Of the project.
t .
3»3 At least one fourth of a mile from state parks, recreation areas,
end lakes or rivers which are useable for recreation or crop
irrigation.
MPCA. ii'566
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-4-
3.4 A statement fro.M tha rc-jlonal clearinghouse or local planning a/id
Boning agency on the planned uses of the disposal site and adjacen
4« Desipn of Irriniticn Area
4«1 The vertical distance bctvrsen the surface of the irrigation field and the
maximum height of the grcur.dwater table should be a rnin irnum_pX.* ea-f-S 3lL
or more if possible, except where the site. is to be underlain by field
tile end the percolate intercepted for discharge to surface waters in
which case the vertical distance betueen the surface of the irrigation
field and the field tile should be a rainitnum of four feet.
4.2 The spray irrigation season for design purposes shall not exceed a
maximum of 18 weeks »
4«3 For the purpose of designing the purnping, flow measuring and irrigation
equipment necessary to handle the effluent volume, th_3 _ r^xjistvr. appi±-
S. ^ha^L^g tjjg-JSgljg-g per_acre per weok ^
.f or_eight,.v;eeks,. in . July. ..and_August_ when _the_rnaximi:n . .allpv.-able^
not exceed 52 inches per acre per year. Rates above t;:o inches per week
--- | - ____ u _., _____ x ^ UJ »-n.T-iiT- ___ J^IIIITI ------- ' .A-j- --^.y. -.
in July and August will be allowed on s. permanent basis only after
subnissicn of operational data showing that the system can effectively
accept such larger volurr.es of effluent, The^ff>iiieut..shall,.nc.t^be
apjp3ied_at_a. rate _tq exceed one-half, inch per hour, .-.with the maxirrum
application^ per^hcur j.ot to. exceed, one-fourth, of an inchc-,
* "*".
4*4 For the purpose of determining land requirements the maxirnx
ehjalljbe limit edto two inches per acre pcr^;eel^l_i£r_nii_total^ of 3-
inches__pcr acre per yerr. to insure that sufficient land will be
available if rates greater than two inches cannot be utilized.
MPC/V #566
-------
/,<5 To iho cctc.rl po^oibl^ ibuf'f£r_.zor:,5 r.rour.d the land disposal site
shall bo provided through purchase of additional land and/or central
of the land use through zoning ordinances,
4,6 Thr, effluent shall be applied so as not to have an adverse effect on
vegetation. In the absence of suitable natural vegetation, prevision
shall be made for developing and msintaining_an acceptable vegetative
en the site.
4<>7 Computation of the area required for irrigation shall be based on
representative percolation and infiltration data, available rainfall
data, the maximum irrigation season and application rates, plus en
allowance for system maintenance and for drying and harvesting cover
crops j where applicable,
/H.8 The irrygtjijOT^ij;ea_5J^ of
effluent, and/or prevision made for its recapture by a system of
ditches, storage and pumping facilities or other acceptable means.
4»9 Extrsnepus^urface .vrater shall be prevented.4!ro.ra^entering_the-1
irrigation area,
*»n«fciJfc^..>£j- ,a LJ.* t. ^iuvw~^. ~**
4.10 Spray irrigation systems shall be designed or operated such
parts of^ the jLrrigatipnfifcld remain in ope rat ioj^f o r ^longerjt han, .si
.4gyS-gt a timc^ The spray equipment -used shall to the extent feasible be
. such as to minimize vind drift of effluent and formation of aerosols 4
4»H The.^JLojES of bread field or ridge and furrow irrigation sites ghall not
exceed two percent.
n ,i ii i iiiMMS^Mir - --- ^-*-T
\
4«12 The depth of the trench in a ridge end furrow field shall not exceed
one foot,
4«13 The irdnijiium permissible horisontr.l distance between any t;v-o trenches
ehall be eight feet.
IPCA #566
-------
5*, Dcsirn of See^'-ge B':^i.ns
5.1 Seepage brsirs shall be proceeded by terticry treatment v;orks
designed to renove nitrates and other potentially detriments! soluble
chemical constituents except where the site is to be underlain by
field tile and the percolate intercepted for discharge to surface
waters.
5*2 Seepage -basins -shall be designed to dispose of the entire annual
wastev/ater flo;-f in a period of not more than six months during warm
weather. " -*
5«3 The vertical distance betv'sen the basin bottom and the maximum height
of the grcundwater table should be a ndhimum of ten feet, except v?here
the site is .to be underlain by field'tile and the percolate intercepted
for discharge to surface waters in which case the vertical distance
between the surface of the irrigation field and the field tils should
be a minimum of four feet.
5.4 Compatation of the arer. required for the seepage basin shall be based
on representative percolation end infiltration data and available
rainfall data.
5«5 The seepage basin shall be diked or ditched to prevent surface runoff
of the effluent, and/or provision made for its recapture by a system
of ditches, storage and pumping facilities or other acceptable means.
5.6 Extraneous surface trater shall be prevented from entering the irrigation
area.
* .
6. Safeguards -^nd Monitoring
MPCA #566
6.1 Thj^J?itje_shj^l_J?j^ °£ discouraging the
entrance of unauthorised persons arid v;lld animals, and preventing the
entry of livestock.
6.2 Appropriate w^rj£ng~r>i£.us, shnii be provided on the fence around the
site to inform the public of tho nrttuiv of the facility and r. aviso
-------
MPCA #566
against trespassing. At least one cign shaUl be provided on each side
of the cite and one for every 500 feet of its. perimeter,
6,3 Shallow wells shall be. placed in all directions of major groundwater.
flow from the site. The wells shall be not more than 200 feet
outside of the site perimeter, spaced not more than 500 feet apart,
and extending into the groundwater table. The shallow wells shall be
no deeper "than 5 feet below the seasonal low watertable. Additional
wells shall be provided on-site which draw from the xraters of the
underlying deep strata. Uells or spacings may be varied in any
particular situation depending upon circumstances.
6.4 Consideration shall be given to providing automatic irrigation or
flow shut-off equipment during periods of precipitation.
6.5 Provision shall be made for measurement of the quantity and quality
«
of the effluent discharged to the irrigation field, and measurement
of the static water level of the observation wells.
7» Operation and P.eporting
Any or all of the following tests may be required routinely every
. month on samples from all observation wells and the flow from field
drain tile outlets:
Conductivity
Chlorides ~-~C~ - ~- '*- -
Dissolved Solids - . >_....
Nitrates . '
Nitrites . ' *
Ammonia
Methylene Blue Active Substance
* . Fecal Coliforrn Group Organisms
5-day Biochemical Oxygen Demand -
Phosphorus
7»2 Other tests on samples from the observation wells or tile outlets also
may be required as recommended by the staff cf the Division of Water
Quality, such tests to bo made and reported to the Agency before,
during and after periods of use of the site.
-------
7.3 The groundvater sonpls shall be taken after the well has been pumped
e. minir.pjra of 15 tninutes,
7«4 Pertinent- operational information shall be submitted monthly to the
" »
Agency.
±°
' 7«5 The aerial or leafy shoot portion.,of the vegetative cover of grasses
or forbs, if such are the main cover, shall be harvested at least
annually and disposed of off-site in a satisfactory manner.
8. Other . ;. vs
8,1 The quality of the treated wastewater effluent to be disposed of in
this manner shall insofar as it is reasonably possible conform with
the current mandatory and reccnmended-Drinking Water Standards
published by the Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, and the standards for class 13 waters as set
forth in Agency regulations WPC 14, 15, and 23. Any expected
departure therefrom s'hall be noted in the engineering report together
with proposed means for confonning, or justification therefor if
remedial measures are not proposed.
8.2 Any significant detrimental change in the groundwater and/or
irrigation field effluent quality at or near the site shall constitute
grounds for requiring additional treatment works and/or abandonment
of the disposal site.
^»3 Adequate pre-o_parationa]^_bg1sellne data on the grcundvater quality,
and other environmental aspects as ray be requested, shall be obtained
and submitted for reveijw before the site is placed in operation. '
MPC,\
-------
P-nic! 0 V r, --. for '''-'3 '-6^- ^'^ J-?s-e _Mar element U.S". Public
Health Service; rc>irlrr.e;vfc of Health. Education, and Welfare; March. 1968,
?-n<3 Dlrpcg^'-i o" JJ;rrui'l V?^qtg - University of Wisconsin, Extension Division. '
ciriaj^S^vr.r-e . Ef f lu^nt for Irrigation - edited by Mr. C. W. Wilson, P.E. ,
Associate Professor; and Mr. F. E.. Beckett, ?.E.t Professor; Agricultural
Engine erir,g Department, Louisiana Polytechnic Institute; Itaston, Louisiana
71270. - . . . .
Public Health Service Drinking Hater Staivlerds, 1962 - U.S. Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare; Public Health Service; Washington, D.C. 20025.
RecornTiondaticns for Revisions cf U.S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Star_d_ari_5 -
by the Advisory CoraTiittee on Use of the Public Health Service DrirJ<±ng Water
Standards, Manual for Evaluating Public Drinking Water Supplies; U.S. Department
of Health f Education, and Welfare.
Sarvleo Filtr^.t: cnJSbugv - State of California, Health & Welfare Agency, Department of
Public Ktalth,
TSoll Response to Sev;csre Effluent Irrig^ticn - by Mr. R. 3. Thomas and
Mr, James P. Low, Jr. ; Water Quality Control Research Program,
Robert S..Kerr Water Research Center; Ada, Ckalhona; U.S. Department
of the Interior, Federal Water Quality Administration.
Spray Irrigation Amendment to the Sevage -nnd Industrial Vfaste Manuals - State of
IllJ-nois, Environmental Protection Agencj-, GLUI-3, Sev;age Works Standards
Committee Task Force Report on Groundwater Disposal and Storage of Waste
Waters (Proposed Guidelines).
Wastewater Renovation and Ccnser-/ption - The Pennsylvania State University Study
No. 23 by Messrs. R. R. Parise!:, L. T, Kardos, W, E. Sopper, M. R. Myers,
D. E. Davis, M. A. Fawell, and J. B. Ilesbitt.
. V?aste Distx>r>al by Ridge and Fur-rev Irri ration - by Mr. F, H. Schrauphnagel, Wisconsin
Committee on Water Pollxvtion.
Virus Movencnl-:in GTOu»idvnter - by Mr. VI. A. Drewry and R. Sliassen, WPCF Journal
Vol. AO, August, 1063, part 2.
MPCA #566
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DRAFT
Date.
Evaluating Land Application in Facilities Planning
The construction grants program requires that cities investigate
land treatment systems during Facilities Planning. Because the feasi-
bility and costs of land treatment systems are very dependent upon the
characteristics of potential application sites, unique problems are
encountered in evaluating land treatment in Facilities Planning.
Because of this, the Agency has developed a recommended procedure for
evaluating land treatment alternatives. This procedure segments the
necessary site investigation work into two phases. The grant for
Facilities Planning should be sufficient to complete work in both
phases, but no second phase work should be initiated until after
phase one work has been completed and reviewed and approval for phase
two has been obtained from.the Agency.
Phase 1 work should assess general area suitability and, where
appropriate, present a site or sites exhibiting substantial probability
as a land treatment system. This phase should generally use the existing
data bank, possibly supplemented by limited, reconnaissance field data.
Phase 2 involves substantial field investigations and generation
of detailed data specific for the proposed site and conditions.
Typical data to be generated and provided in each of these phases
is outlined below:
Typical Data Requirements For Phase 1
1. Legal Description of the Application Site(s)
2. U. S. Geological Survey Quadrangle Maps
-------
DRAFT
Date
3. Location of all existing and proposed residences, commercial
developments, roads, and water supplies within 1/2 mile delineated
on appropriate maps
4. Existing land use, vegetation, and wildlife
5. Climatological data to include pertinent information on wind
speed and direction, precipitation, evapotranspiration, and
temperature.
6. Wastewater volumes and where industrial wastes are involved,
wastewater analytical data.
7. Geologic and ground water information as available from geologic
maps, hydrologic atlases, soil maps, nearby well logs and pumping
data.
8. Soil information as available from soil survey maps, soil atlases,
and Soil Conservation Service, Soil and Water Conservation District,
and County Extension Service personnel.
9. Presence and location of field drainage systems and outlets.
10. Reconnaissance soil borings to six feet to identify soil types
where existing soil survey data is insufficient.
Typical Data Requirements For Phase 2
1. Infiltration and percolation rate data for surface and subsurface
soil.
2. Ground water depth, flow direction, gradient, aquifer thickness
at existing conditions and as estimated for proposed operational
conditions.
3. Soil boring data to at least 25 feet or bedrock, whichever is
least.
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_ 3 - DRAFT
Date
4. If encountered in borings, a description of local bedrock condi-
tions, including faults, fractures, joints.
5. Detail on the presence of or formation of sink holes or solution
channeling.
6. Detailed site contours at present and a discussion of any topo-
graphic modifications.
7. Preliminary design for application rates, acreages, application
methods, drainage, runoff, storage, vegetation, monitoring.
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPLICATION
OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER SLUDGES ON LAND
August 1978
MINNESOTA POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY
1935 West County Road B-2
Roseville, Minnesota 55113
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RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPLICATION
OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER SLUDGES ON LAND
Table of Contents
SECTION PAGE
A. Intent 1
B. Definitions 1
C. Recommendations for Landspreading
1. Stabilization of Sludge 5
2. Storage of Sludge 6
3. Sludge Composition Data 7
4. Application Methods 9
5. Location of Application Sites 9
6. Site Usage Agreements 12
7. Utilization on Non-Dedicated Agricultural Sites
a. Nitrogen Limitations 14
b, Heavy Metal Limitations 18
c. Persistent Organic Limitations 20
d. Soluble Salt Limitations 20
e. Management Practices 21
f. Monitoring 23
8. Utilization on Non-Dedicated Non-Agricultural '
Sites 24
9. Utilization on Dedicated Application Sites 25
10. Utilization in Reclamation of Unproductive Land 27
D. Plans and Reports
1. Plan for Solids Disposal 27
2. Routine Monitoring Reports 30
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Table of Contents - cont.
SECTION PAGE
E. Example Calculations
1. Conversion of Wet Weight Basis to Dry
Weight Basis 31
2. Conversion of Tons of Solids per Acre to
Gallons of Liquid per Acre 31
3. Determination of Annual Application Rates
Based on Nitrogen Addition 32
4. Determination of Annual Application Rate
Based on Cadmium Addition 33
5. Determination of Allowable Cumulative
Sludge Loadings Based on Heavy Metals 34
-------
(08/15/78)
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPLICATION
OF MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER SLUDGES ON LAND
A. INTENT
Improper disposal of municipal wastewater sludges on land can
adversely affect surface and ground waters, soil, vegetation, public
health, and the general public welfare. It is the purpose of this
document to set forth recommendations of the Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency pertaining to land application of municipal wastewater
sludges.
In the application of sludge on land, priority consideration
should be given to alternatives such as landspreading which benefi-
cially use or recycle the materials in the sludge. The recommenda-
tions contained herein represent generally accepted and used
engineering and operational practices for landspreading of municipal
wastewater sludges. As further data becomes available or changes in
statutes and regulations take place, modification of these recommenda-
tions may be necessary. Also, landspreading practices other than
those outlined herein and determined by the Director to be acceptable
for protecting the environment and public welfare may be used.
Practices involving sludge burial or landfilling must be done in
accordance with all applicable regulations and criteria of the Agency,
B. DEFINITIONS
For the intent and purpose of these recommendations, the follow-
ing definitions should be used. Terms not here defined should be
construed in accordance with acceptable professional usage.
"AGENCY" - The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
"AGRICULTURAL LAND" - Land intensively managed for production of
crops used for human or animal consumption.
-------
"AVAILABLE NITROGEN" - Nitrogen which can be readily absorbed by
growing plants or leached by percolating water.
"DEDICATED APPLICATION SITE" - Site devoted to and managed for the
primary function of sludge disposal. Such sites may or may not be
used for growth of food chain crops, but generally do receive high
cumulative sludge and potential pollutant loadings and are, therefore,
intensely managed and monitored during and after the application
program.
"DEWATERED SLUDGE" - Sludge with sufficient solids content such that
it has no free water and can be transported and handled as a solid
material.
"DIRECTOR" - The Executive Director or other designated representa-
tive of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
"GROUND WATER" - Water contained below the surface of the earth in a
saturated zone, including, without limitation, all waters whether
under confined, unconfined, or perched conditions, in near surface
unconsolidated sediment or regolith, or in rock formations deeper
underground.
"HEAVY METALS" - Metals having a high specific gravity; including
but not limited to, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) , copper (Cu), lead
(Pb), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni) and zinc (Zn).
"INCORPORATION" - The mixing of sludge with topsoil, concurrent with
application or within 48 hours thereafter, by means such as discing,
mold-board plowing, chisel plowing or rototilling.
"LANDSPREADING" - Placement of sludge in or on soil at rates where
the quantity of nutrient and non-nutrient elements and soil condi-
tioning materials is consistent with the biochemical assimilative
capacity of the soil-plant system.
- 2 -
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"LEACHATE" - Liquid which has percolated through sludge amended soil
and has dissolved and extracted variable concentrations of materials
from it.
"MUNICIPALITY" - A city, sanitary district, or other governmental
subdivision or public corporation.
"NON-DEDICATED AGRICULTURAL SITE" - Site intensely managed for produc-
tion of crops used as human or animal food, around which sludge
application is scheduled and managed. Such sites receive low cumula-
tive sludge and potential pollutant loadings and generally are not
intensely managed and monitored because of sludge additions.
"NON-DEDICATED NON-AGRICULTURAL SITE" - Site not currently used in
agricultural production, but which otherwise meets the definition
of a "non-dedicated agricultural site."
"ORGANIC NITROGEN" - Nitrogen combined with, and part of, organic
compounds. In sludge, organic nitrogen generally equals Kjeldahl
nitrogen minus ammonium and nitrate nitrogen.
"PCS's" - Total polychlorinated biphenyls, persistent organic
chemicals.
"RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT" - A concentration of human residences
equaling or exceeding 10 residences within 10 acres.
"SLUDGE" - The various solids and associated liquid encountered and
concentrated during wastewater treatment; not inclusive of grit,
scum or screenings where such materials are removed from other solids
during treatment.
"SLUDGE SOLIDS" - The total, oven-dry (105°C) solids in sludge.
"SOIL CATION EXCHANGE CAPACITY" - A measure of the potential quantity
of readily exchangeable positive ions that the soil can attract and
retain, expressed in milliequivalents per 100 grams of soil.
- 3 -
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"SOIL TEXTURE" - The relative proportion of the soil separates sand,
silt and clay.
Coarse Texture - USDA textural classification sands and
loamy sands
Medium Texture - USDA textural classification sandy loams,
loams, silt loams, and silts
Fine Texture - USDA textural classification clay loams,
and clays
"STABILIZED SLUDGE" - Sludge which has been treated to provide patho-
gen reduction and odor control.
"SURFACE APPLICATION" - Sludge spread on the surface of the land and
not incorporated into the soil within 48 hours of application.
"TISSUE ANALYSIS OR MONITORING" - Analytical determination of vege-
tative composition; to include, but not limited to, major inorganic
constituents, heavy metals, and as necessary, persistent organics.
The stage of development and sampling tissue varies with plant species
and use.
"USDA" - United States Department of Agriculture.
C. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LANDSPREADING
Landspreading of sludge for utilization as a fertilizer and soil
conditioner is considered in most cases to be preferable to disposal
oriented practices such as landfilling, and landspreading should be
practiced wherever feasible. The following recommendations indicate
application site location factors, application rates and management
practices which provide a feasible opportunity for landspreading of
- 4 -
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sludge while minimizing associated potential environmental and public
health problems.
1. Stabilization of Sludge
a. Sludge should be adequately stabilized prior to landspreading to
avoid undue nuisance and potential public health problems.
b. Alternative methods of stabilization include:
(1) High rate, heated anaerobic digestion with a minimum solids
retention time of 10 to 15 days.
(2) Low rate, unheated anaerobic digestion with a minimum
solids retention time of 30 to 60 days, depending upon
sludge temperature.
(3) Aerobic digestion, a minimum solids retention time of
15 to 20 days at sludge temperatures higher than 60°F.
Retention time should be increased at least 25?0 for each
10°F decrease in sludge temperature below 60°F.
(4) Lime stabilization; sludge pH must be maintained at 11.5
or greater for at least one hour.
(5) Chemical and physical stabilization. Other methods may
be acceptable provided an adequate degree of stabiliza-
tion is achieved and the acceptability for land applica-
tion is not impaired.
(6) Composting the sludge at temperatures above 130°F which
are the result of oxidative bacterial action, and further
stockpile curing for 30 days. If sludge is composted,
the process shall consider all applicable regulations and
should be done using proven sludge composting methods.
- 5 -
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2. Storage of Sludge
a. The need for, type, and size of sludge storage facilities should
be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Storage facilities should
be included in any landspreading program where year-round appli-
cation may be restricted by such things as soil conditions,
topography, road weight restrictions, snow depths, wet periods,
cropping seasons, or periods of conflicting land use.
b. Storage facility location and design should consider geologic
and hydrologic conditions, prevailing winds, vegetative barriers,
topography, residence locations, leachate and runoff generation,
and facility operation and maintenance.
c. Storage facilities should not be located within a 100 year flood
plain.
d. Permanent open storage facilities should be at least 1/4 mile
from occupied residences and areas of concentrated human acti-
vity and should be enclosed by adequate fencing and access
gates equipped with locks.
e. Storage facilities should be designed such that the maximum
seepage loss is less than 500 gallons/acre/day (0.018 inches
per day). Facility design should consider removal of solids
from the facility and integrity of the seal.
f. Facilities should be diked as necessary to retain sludge and
divert extraneous surface runoff.
- 6 -
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3. Sludge Composition Data
a. Chemical analyses of sludge is necessary for all projects.
The data should characterize the sludge which is actually land
applied (direct from digester, stored, chemically treated,
dewatered, liquid, etc.) and be reported on a dry weight
(105°C) basis.
b. Minimum analytical requirements for different class treatment
facilities are provided in Table I. Increased sampling fre-
quency or additional parameters may be necessary on a case-by-
case basis as determined by the Director.
c. Design for new or upgraded facilities and landspreading prac-
tices should be based on a minimum of two separate samples
taken a minimum of three weeks apart.
d. The following concentrations of heavy metals (dry weight basis)
are median values found in numerous sludges throughout the
upper midwest. Concentrations substantially above these levels
probably result from point source discharges and pretreatment
of such discharges is recommended.
Zinc 1750 mg/kg Nickel 100 mg/kg
Chromium 900 mg/kg Cadmium 20 mg/kg
Copper 850 mg/kg Mercury 5 mg/kg
Lead 500 mg/kg
- 7 -
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TABLE I
Required Sludge Analyses*
Parameter
pH
Total solids
Total Volatile Solids
(% of total solids)
NH3-N (%)
N03-N (%)****
Kjeldahl-N (%)
Total Zinc (mg/kg)***
Total Copper (mg/kg)***
Total Nickel (mg/kg)***
Total Lead (mg/kg)***
Total Cadmium (mg/kg)***
Total Mercury (mg/kg)***
Total Chromium (mg/kg)***
Total PCB's (mg/kg)***
Treatment Facility Classification
quarterly
annually
B
semi-
annually
annually
C and D
annually
**
**
**
* Analyses performed in accordance with Standard Methods, 1977
or Methods for Chemical Analysis, EPA, 1974 and results
reported on a dry weight (105°C) basis
** Not required unless specifically requested by the Director
*** Upon establishment of relatively consistent concentrations and
data base, a reduction in required parameters and/or monitoring
frequency may be requested
**** Necessary for aerobically digested or composted sludges only
- 8 -
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4. Application Methods
a. Liquid sludge may be applied in several ways:
(1) Tank trucks and wagons - vehicles should be equipped with
deflector plates or equivalent to promote uniform appli-
cation.
(2) Subsurface injection.
(3) Pressurized spray - sludge must be highly stabilized; for
upward directed spray nozzles, application should be
limited to wind speeds less than 10 miles per hour; spe-
cial consideration must be given to aerosol drift and
aesthetics.
b. Dewatered sludge may be applied like solid animal manures.
c. Sludge should be incorporated into the soil as necessary to
prevent runoff and nuisance conditions. This is an especially
important consideration for chemically stabilized sludges.
d. Transport of sludge should be performed without spillage, undue
odors or unsightliness.
5. Location of Application Sites
a. Separation from human dwellings, water wells and public trans-
portation facilities are as shown in Table II.
- 9 -
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TABLE II
Separation Distances (feet)
Feature
Individual Dwelling*
Residential Development*
Water Wells
Major Road Rights-of-Way
Airports**
Immediate
Incorporation
or Injection
* 100
merit* 300
200
if-Way 10
1 of Applical
Surface
Spreading
200
600
200
25
Pressurized
Spray
1300
2600
200
300
**
b.
Distances may be reduced upon consent of occupants
Regulations and criteria of the Federal Aviation Administration
and Division of Aeronautics, Minnesota Department of Transporta-
tion must be observed with regard to sludge application on
airport land. Approval of these agencies should be submitted
where application on airports is desired.
Separation from surface water (including streams and waterways)
(1) Sludge should not be surface applied within a 10-year
floodplain or within any wetland area.
(2) Care shall be taken to prevent direct runoff into any
drainage ditch or waterway.
(3) Where sludge is injected or immediately incorporated into
the soil, or where the site is enclosed by adequate
diking to retain runoff and sediment, the recommended
separation from surface water is 100 feet.
(4) Where sludge is applied by pressurized spray, the minimum
recommended separation from surface water is 300 feet.
(5) Where sludge is surface applied by tank truck, wagon or
similar method, the recommended separation from surface
waters is given in Table III.
- 10 -
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TABLE III
Separation from Surface Waters
for Surface Applications
Slope
0 - 6
Greater
than 6
Texture of
Surface Soil
Coarse
Medium and
Fine
All
Months of Application
May - October
November - April
May - October
November - April*
All year
Minimum Separation
(feet)
200
400
300
600
No surface applica-
tion without runoff
retention terraces
or berms
* Winter spreading on medium and fine textured soil should be limited
to 0 - 2% slopes wherever possible and in no case should the slope
exceed 670.
Separation from ground water and bedrock is listed below:
Soil Texture Minimum Separation (feet)
Coarse 6
Medium and 4
Fine
Soil Considerations:
(1) Whenever available from local Soil and Water Conservation
District or Soil Conservation Service offices, a detailed
soil map of a scale equaling four inches per mile or
larger should be obtained to determine soil types at
application sites.
(2) Sludge should not be applied to very coarse sands or
gravel soils.
(3) Organic soils (peat) should not be utilized for sludge
application unless adequately drained.
- 11 -
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(4) Application sites should be tested to determine specific
soil characteristics. Generally, land receiving sludge
should be divided into areas not exceeding 40 acres for
composite sampling and testing. Areas differing in soil
type, crop yield and management practices should be
sampled separately. For each designated sampling area,
individual samples should be taken to a depth of one
foot from about 10 locations, the samples placed in a
clean container, mixed together, and a sample of the
composite soil taken for analysis.
(5) Required soil test data is listed in Table IV.
TABLE IV
Parameter
Texture (USDA Classification)
Organic matter (70)
Extractable phosphorus (Bray's No. 1 Extractant)
Exchangeable potassium (Ammonium Acetate Extractant)
pH (1:1 soil-water suspension)
Lime requirement to pH 6.5
Soluble salts (electrical conductance - mmhos/cm)
6. Site Usage Agreements
a. The municipality is responsible to achieve proper sludge disposal.
Reliable access to and proper management of application sites
are vital factors in any successful landspreading program.
Therefore, appropriate agreements between application site owners
and the municipality should be made to reasonably ensure reliable
access and site management plans. Wherever such agreements are
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verbal or otherwise non-binding in nature, agreements should be
obtained for acreages equaling or exceeding 150% of the required
application acreage. At least two separate owners should be
included in obtaining the necessary site acreages with agree-
ments .
b. Small scale sludge giveaway, individual sludge pickup, and sludge
marketing programs must be closely supervised by the municipality.
The following is a minimal recommended program for such control:
(1) Individuals may receive or pick up 10 cubic yards or less
of dried or dewatered stabilized sludge without furnish-
ing specific site or management information. However,
these individuals should sign a criteria-agreement sheet
which states their agreement to adhere to minimum sludge
usage criteria outlined on the sheet. Copies of the
signed criteriaragreement sheet should be retained by both
the individuals and the municipality.
(2) The municipality should obtain, submit, and receive
approval of all information pertaining to application site
location, description, and management prior to delivering
or allowing individual pickup of more than 10 cubic yards
of dried or dewatered sludge or any quantity of liquid
sludge.
(3) Marketed sludge products should at a minimum have a label
containing directions for use. These directions should
include recommended and non-recommended uses and recom-
mended rates for various acceptable uses.
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7. Utilization on Non-Dedicated Agricultural Sites
a. Nitrogen Limitations. The rate of sludge applied per year must
be controlled so as to avoid excess nitrogen additions and the
resulting potential for nitrogen pollution of ground water.
Annual limitations based on nitrogen additions are described
below:
(1) Existing treatment facilities - Calculations in this
section to determine annual application rates based on
available nitrogen additions need not be performed if
sludge application rates do not exceed five tons of
solids per acre per year. Rates greater than five tons
of solids per acre per year may be used if the calcula-
tions in this section are performed and indicate such
rates would be acceptable.
(2) New and upgraded facilities - Design application rates
should be calculated in accordance with the following
discussion or other methods acceptable to the Director.
Design application rates must consider appropriate
available nitrogen levels for various crops, yields and
soils and the amount of available nitrogen supplied by
the sludge and any other added nitrogen containing
materials.
(a) Maximum allowable available nitrogen levels for
various crops and yields and soil types are pro-
vided in Table V.
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TABLE V
Maximum Allowable Available Nitrogen Levels for
Various Crops, Yields
and Soil Textures
Maximum Available
Nitrogen Level (Ibs./acre)
Crop
Alfalfa*
Barley
Blue grass
Corn
Oats
Soybeans*
Wheat
Yield/Acre
4 ton
6 ton
80 bushel
3 ton
75 bushel
100 bushel
125 bushel
150 bushel
175 bushel
75 bushel
100 bushel
30 bushel
40 bushel
50 bushel
60 bushel
50 bushel
75 bushel
o,
Coarse
180
280
100
180
100
130
150
180
210
80
130
120
180
230
280
100
160
)il Texture
Medium
210
340
110
210
120
150
180
210
250
90
150
140
210
270
340
120
180
Fine
230
370
120
230
130
160
190
230
270
100
160
150
230
300
370
130
190
* Legumes can usually obtain their nitrogen from the atmosphere, so
addition of fertilizer nitrogen is not normally needed. However,
since fertilizer nitrogen reduces use of atmospheric nitrogen,
sludge may be applied.
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(b) Where crops are not harvested from the site each
year, maximum allowable available nitrogen appli-
cation during years of non-harvest are provided in
Table VI.
TABLE VI
Maximum Allowable Available
N Application Level
(Ibs./acre)
Soil Texture
Degree of
Vegetative Cover Coarse Medium Fine
high density 75 100 125
low density 50 75 100
(c) Where application sites are used in consecutive
years, carryover nitrogen from sludge applied the
previous.year must be subtracted from the maximum
allowable nitrogen level (Tables V or VI) to deter-
mine ongoing application rates. An approximation
of carryover nitrogen from sludge applied the
previous year is as follows:
Carryover N (Ibs./acre) =
(% organic sludge N) x (tons sludge solids/acre)
(d) Available nitrogen added in fertilizers or animal
manures must be subtracted from the maximum allowable
nitrogen level (Tables V or VII) to determine sludge
application rates.
(e) The amount of available nitrogen added with sludge
is dependent upon type of stabilization, application
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method and sludge composition and can be estimated
using the proper formula in Table VII.
TABLE VII
Formulas for Determination of Available Nitrogen in Sludge
(pounds of available nitrogen per ton of sludge solids;
Type of Application
Stabilization Method Formula
Digested Surface . . . (% organic---N x 4) + (7. NHg -N x 10)
Incorporated
or Injected . (% organic---N x 4) + (7» NH3~--N x 15)
Chemically or Surface . . . (% organic---N x 6) + (% NH----N x 10)
Physically
Stabilized or Incorporated
Unstabilized or Injected . (% organic---N x 6) + (% NH3- N x 15)
(f) Necessary nitrogen limit determinations are as
follows:
( i) Based on cropping practices and soil type,
determine maximum allowable available
nitrogen levels (Tables V and VI) .
( ii) Determine and subtract carryover nitrogen
and other added nitrogen from the maximum
allowable available level (Section
C.7.a.(2)(c) and (d)) .
(iii) Determine available nitrogen in sludge
(Table VII) .
( iv) Divide maximum allowable available nitrogen
level (Ibs./acre) by available nitrogen in
sludge (Ibs./ton) to obtain sludge applica-
tion rate in tons of solids per acre per
year.
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b. Heavy Metal Limitations. The total quantity of sludge applied
to a site over the duration of site usage should be limited to
prevent excessive heavy metal accumulation in the soil and sub-
sequent potential plant and food chain toxicity.
(1) The metals of greatest concern for most sludges are
cadmium, zinc, copper, nickel and lead. The recommended
total cumulative addition of these metals to agricultural
land are found in Table VIII.
TABLE VIII
TOTAL RECOMMENDED METAL ADDITIONS (Ibs./acre)
Soil Cation Exchange Capacity
(milliequivalents/100 grams)
METAL
Lead
Zinc
Copper
Nickel
Cadmium
(2)
(3)
0-5
500
250
125
50
5
5-15
1000
500
250
100
10
2000
1000
500
200
20
No more than two pounds of cadmium should be applied per
acre per year.
Sludge application to non-dedicated agricultural sites
should be terminated when the sum addition of any one
metal equals the recommended total for that particular
metal and soil. Metal additions above those levels
listed in Table VIII or above two pounds of cadmium
per acre per year will require crop tissue monitoring
and specific approval of the Director.
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(4) In particular situations, metals other than those listed
in Table VIII may be of concern and additional specific
limitations may be imposed.
(5) The Soil Cation Exchange Capacities used to determine
metal addition limits can be estimated using Table IX.
As considered necessary by the Director, direct analytical
measurement of cation exchange capacities may be required
instead of using estimations.
TABLE IX
Texture
Coarse
Medium
Fine
Cation Exchange Capaci
(milliequivalents/100 j
c . .
Low (<270) Medium
0-5 5 -
5-15 5 -
>15 ' >1!
Lty
;ms)
_
Matter Level -
(2-4%)
15
15
j
High (>47o)
5-15
>15
>15
(6) Necessary heavy metal limit calculations are as follows:
(a) Pounds of metal per ton of sludge solids =
concentration in ppm (mg/kg) x 0.002.
(b) Design cumulative sludge loading = metal addition
limit (Table VIII) divided by pounds of metal per
ton of sludge solids (should be calculated for each
metal with the lowest value being maximum design
cumulative sludge loading).
(c) Metal addition per sludge application = pounds of
metal per ton of sludge solids x tons sludge solids
applied.
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(d) A running total or summation of the pounds of each
metal applied from sludge applications should be
kept and when the sum addition of any one metal
equals the total addition limit for that metal,
sludge applications should be ceased.
(e) Accurate records must be kept for each site on the
quantity of sludge applied per year and cumulatively,
and the quantity of metals applied per year and
cumulatively.
c. Persistent Organic Limitations. In some instances persistent
organics may be found in sludges at concentrations to be of
concern for vegetative and food chain toxicity and ground water
quality. There currently is insufficient data to set specific
criteria for allowable concentrations in sludge or for annual or
cumulative additions of sludge-borne persistent organics. There
is, however, enough data to conclude that special precautions,
site management, and monitoring may be necessary where sludges
are found to contain significant concentrations of persistent
organics. The specific precautions and monitoring necessary for
such projects will have to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
d. Soluble Salt Limitations
(1) Sludge application should be suspended whenever the elec-
trical conductivity of a saturation extract of site soil
exceeds 4 millimhos/cm (soluble salt test).
(2) Long term application of sludges high in sodium can cause
a deterioration of soil structure and result in increased
erosion and runoff. The Director should be notified if
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field observations indicate reduced water infiltration
rates or deteriorating soil structure.
i
Management Practices. Proper utilization of sludge on land
requires good site management, much of which is commonly recom-
mended cropland management.
(1) Runoff Control
(a) Where necessary, appropriate tillage operations
should be performed to promote infiltration of
sludge liquid and rainfall, i.e., crusted soil
should be tilled before application.
(b) To avoid prolonged ponding and runoff, individual
surface applications of liquid sludge should
generally not exceed:
Coarse textured soil 25,000 gallons per acre
Medium textured soil 15,000 gallons per acre
Fine textured soil 10,000 gallons per acre
(c) Soil conservation measures such as contour tillage,
strip cropping and terracing should be practiced at
application sites as necessary to minimize soil
erosion losses.
(d) Diking of application sites must be provided where
site conditions or management practices fail to
prevent polluted runoff and eroded sediments from
reaching surface waters or, as necessary, adjoining
property.
(2) Cropping Practices
(a) To apply sludge at maximum nitrogen application
rates (i.e., in accordance with Table V) it will be
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necessary for a crop to be grown and appropriately
harvested each year. If crops are not harvested
each year, application rates should be restricted
to levels consistent with Table VI.
(b) Sludges having concentrations exceeding 1000 mg/kg
lead, 25 mg/kg cadmium, 10 mg/kg mercury or 5 mg/kg
total PCB's should not be applied on forage crops
or pastures where surface contamination of the
foliage and direct ingestion by feeding animals is
possible. This is especially important for dairy
cattle. An allowable exception to this criteria is
that the above sludges may be applied on forage
crops during the period immediately following cut-
ting and harvest when there is minimal vegetative
surface area. Application under this exception
should be made within seven days of forage cutting.
(c) Harvesting of forage crops or grazing of pastures
should be delayed for at least two weeks following
application.
(d) Sludge amended soils should generally not be used
for growth of leafy vegetables to be consumed by
humans unless crop tissue analyses indicate such
practices are acceptable. This is especially
pertinent during the year the sludge was applied
and for sludges having cadmium concentrations
greater than 25 mg/kg.
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(e) Vegetable crops consumed raw by humans should not be
grown on sludge amended soils for at least one year
and preferably two years following the last sludge
application.
(3) pH Control
(a) The pH of sludge amended soils should be maintained
between 6.5 and 8.0 throughout the application
program.
(b) After the cessation of sludge application to a site,
the soil pH should be maintained at 6.2 or greater
for five years.
(4) Potassium Fertilization. Supplemental potassium fertili-
zation consistent with agronomic production is recommended
as necessary to assure desired crop yield and nitrogen
uptake.
(5) Public Access. Unless the sludge has undergone treatment
for reduction of potential pathogens beyond normal stabili-
zation processes, public access to application sites should
be restricted for at least two weeks after the last
application
f. Monitoring
(1) Except as specifically exempted for small scale giveaway
and individual pickup programs, routine monitoring will
be necessary of all sludge disposal programs. All necessary
monitoring is the responsibility of the municipality.
(2) The following is a list of minimum monitoring requirements:
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Sites and acreages used for application
Amount of sludge spread per site
Sludge composition data (Table I)
Soil test data (Table IV)
Cropping practices
Problems encountered
(3) Monitoring of runoff, leachate, ground water, soil and
vegetation may be required where project size; sludge,
soil, site properties; or management practices could
adversely impact water, soil or vegetative resources.
8. Utilization on Non-Dedicated, Non-Agricultural Sites
a. Nitrogen Limitations. Annual sludge application rates should
be limited such that available nitrogen additions are consistent
with Table VI and Section C.I.a., or as otherwise specifically
approved by the Director.
b. Heavy Metal Limitations. The total quantity of sludge applied
to non-dedicated, non-agricultural sites over the duration of
site usage should be limited such that the total cumulative
addition of metals is limited to levels provided in Table VIII.
The acceptability of metal additions above those levels must
be determined on a case-by-case basis and have the specific
approval of the Director.
c. Further Limitations
(1) Limitations for application of sludges containing signi-
ficant concentrations of persistent organics must be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
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(2) Sludge application should be suspended whenever the
electrical conductivity of a saturation extract of site
soil exceeds 4 millimhos per centimeter (soluble salt
test), except as otherwise specifically approved by the
Director.
d. Management Practices
(1) Runoff Control - See Section C.7.e.(l).
(2) pH Control - See Section C.7.e.(3).
(3) Vegetation. A vegetative cover should be established and
maintained on all non-agricultural sites.
(A) Public access - See Section C.7.e.(5).
e. Monitoring Requirements - See Section C.7.f.
9. Utilization on Dedicated Application Sites
Classification of application sites as dedicated sites requires
demonstration of the capability for acceptable long term and inten-
sive site management and monitoring.
a. Nitrogen Limitations. Annual sludge application rates should
be limited such that available nitrogen additions are consistent
with Table V or VI, whichever is appropriate, and Section C.7.a.,
or as otherwise specifically approved by the Director.
b. Heavy Metal Limitations. The quantity of sludge applied to
dedicated sites must be controlled to prevent excessive heavy
metal accumulation in the soil or vegetation. It is not possible
at this time to set precise maximum metal addition levels that
would provide appropriate protection of soil, vegetative or water
resources at dedicated sites. However, addition of metals beyond
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those levels provided in Table VIII and Section C.7.b. will
necessitate site monitoring, including but not limited to,
appropriate vegetative tissue analysis, soil analysis, and
leachate and/or ground water analysis.
Further Limitations
(1) Limitations for application of sludges containing signi-
ficant concentrations of persistent organics must be
determined on a case-by-case basis.
(2) Soluble Salts - See Section C.8.c.(2).
Management Practices
(1) Runoff Control - See Section C.7.e.
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10. Utilization in Reclamation of Unproductive Land
Application should be controlled so that there is environmental
improvement at the site without pollution of ground water, surface
water, or land resources.
a. Application rates must be determined on an individual basis with
consideration of the fate of added nitrogen, heavy metals and
organics.
b. When high amounts of sludge are to be applied to alter adverse
soil conditions, the sludge should be dewatered and the amount
of inorganic nitrogen decreased to prevent ground water pollu-
tion.
c. Sludge should be incorporated if possible to increase the
effectiveness of the application for reclamation.
d. The soil pH should be maintained between 6.2 and 8.5.
e. The same monitoring program prescribed in Section C.7.f. should
be followed for reclamation projects. Projects of greater
environmental concern, as determined by the Director, will also
be required to monitor runoff, leachate, ground water and vege-
tation on a case-by-case basis.
f. Sludge application must be modified or suspended when, as
determined by the Director, there is or is pending net environ-
mental degradation due to sludge application.
D. PLANS AND REPORTS
1. Plan for Solids Disposal
In accordance with the general condition of National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) - State Disposal System Permits
regarding "Removed Substances," all permittees will be requested to
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develop and submit a Solids Disposal Plan to the Agency for review
and approval. As new or upgraded wastewater treatment facilities
are planned and designed, the new Solids Disposal Plan should be
incorporated into or accompany the facilities plans or appropriate
engineering plans and reports.
a. Solids Disposal Plan for Landspreading. The following specific
information should be provided in the Solids Disposal Plan
where landspreading of the sludge is practiced:
(1) Data on the sludge, to include:
(a) quantity of sludge generated and disposed of;
(b) treatment provided for stabilization of the sludge;
(c) composition data as prescribed in Table I or as
otherwise specifically requested.
(2) Detailed description of practices and facilities used in
storage of sludge.
(3) A Soil Survey map delineating the specific location of
storage facilities other than regular digesters and all
landspreading sites. Each landspreading site should be
numbered for easy reference during correspondence. Where
Soil Survey maps are not available, the locations should
be delineated on U. S. Geological Survey or county maps.
(4) Names and addresses of the owners of privately owned
application sites.
(5) Type of agreement obtained for application on private land,
i.e., informal written, lease, verbal, and what provisions
are provided or available for alternate disposal should
sites normally used become unavailable or inaccessible.
(6) Application acreage at each site.
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(7) Detailed description of each application site which pro-
vides the information outlined below. The information on
slopes, depths to ground water and bedrock, and soil types
can be obtained from Soil Survey maps and reports, or
where such reports are not available, assistance in obtain-
ing this data may be available through local Soil and Water
Conservation District, Soil Conservation Service, and
Agricultural Extension personnel.
(a) Approximate separation distances from nearest
individual dwellings, residential developments,
water wells, major road rights-of-way, airports, and
surface waters, including drainage ditches and
waterways.
(b) Approximate degree (percent) and direction of slope(s)
at site.
(c) Approximate depth to ground water, including seasonal
water tables, and bedrock.
(d) Soils information and data as prescribed in Section
C.S.d.
(8) Duration and approximate quantity of past sludge applica-
tions on proposed sites.
(9) Annual application rates to be used.
(10) Methods of application to be used.
(11) Site management practices to be used, i.e., cropping
practices, crop use, etc.
(12) Description of any program for small scale sludge giveaway,
individual pickup, or marketing.
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(13) Discussion of how and where grit, screenings and scum are
disposed of.
(14) Indication that any necessary local and county approvals
have been obtained.
2. Routine Monitoring Reports
Monitoring/operational reports which provide monitoring data and
summarize application and site management practices is necessary on a
routine basis.
a. Annual Report for Landspreading (due by March 1 of the following
year).
(1) Required sludge composition data.
(2) Application sites and acreage at each site used during the
year.
(3) Soil test data for application areas used during the year.
(4) Annual application rates at each site.
(5) Vegetation grown on each site used during the year.
(6) Complaints, management problems, or other difficulties
encountered during the year.
(7) A map showing the location of, and a description of any
new application sites.
(8) Results of any other required monitoring, i.e., ground
water, soils, vegetative tissues, etc.
(9) Quantity of sludge disposed of through small scale give-
away, individual pickup and sludge marketing, and the
number of participants in small scale giveaway and indi-
vidual pickup programs.
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E. EXAMPLE CALCULATIONS
1. Conversion of Concentrations on Wet Weight Basis (mg/1) to
Concentrations on Dry Weight Basis (mg/kg).
a. Concentrations expressed on wet weight basis (mg/1) can be
converted to dry weight basis (mg/kg) by dividing concentration
wet weight basis by the fraction of total solids in sample.
b. Example. Given: 570 total solids
50 mg/1 zinc
Concentration dry weight basis =
50 T 0.05 = 1000 mg/kg
2. Conversion of Tons of Solids per Acre to Gallons of Liquid
Sludge per Acre.
a. Application rate in tons of solids per acre can be converted to
gallons of liquid sludge per acre by using the following pro-
cedure:
(1) tons solids per acre v fraction total solids in liquid
sludge = tons of liquid sludge per acre.
(2) tons of liquid sludge per acre * 0.0042 tons/gallon =
gallons of liquid sludge per acre.
b. Example
(1) Given : Application rate of 5 tons solids per acre,
5% total solids
(2) Solution: 5 tons solids/acre T .05 = 100 wet tons/acre
100 wet tons/acre i 0.0042 = 24,000 gallons
liquid sludge/acre
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3. Determination of Annual Application Rates Based on Nitrogen
Addition
a. Given:
(1) Anaerobically digested sludge with following composition:
organic nitrogen 3.070, ammonium nitrogen 2.070.
(2) Surface application by tank truck.
(3) Soil type is medium texture.
(4) Corn crop with 125 bushel/acre expected yield.
(5) Site received 5 tons sludge solids/acre last year.
b. Solution:
(1) Determine maximum allowable available nitrogen level for
medium texture soil and 125 bushel/acre corn.
(a) Using Table V answer is 180 Ibs/acre.
(2) Derive adjusted available soil nitrogen level by deter-
mining and subtracting carryover nitrogen from last year's
sludge application (C.7.a.(2)(c)).
(a) Carryover nitrogen = (% organic nitrogen) x
(tons solids/acre)
= 3.0 x 5
= 15 Ibs/acre
(b) 180 Ibs/acre - 15 Ibs/acre = 165 Ibs/acre
(3) Determine the available nitrogen in the sludge (Table VII).
(a) For digested sludge and surface application, the
proper formula is:
(7o organic-N x 4) + (% ammonia-N x 10) = Ibs
available N/ton
(3.0 x 4) + (2.0 x 10) = Ibs available N/ton
12 + 20 = 32 Ibs available N/ton
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(4) Derive sludge application rate by dividing adjusted
available soil nitrogen level by available nitrogen in
sludge.
(a) From Step 2 of solution adjusted available soil
nitrogen level equals 165 Ibs/acre; from Step 3 of
solution available nitrogen in sludge equals 32
Ibs/ton.
165 Ibs/acre T 32 Ibs/ton =5.2 tons
of sludge solids per acre
4. Determination of Annual Application Rate Based on Cadmium
Addition
a. Given: :
(1) Cadmium concentration equals 25 rag/kg.
b. Solution:
(1) Derive pounds of cadmium per ton of sludge solids by
multiplying cadmium concentration by 0.002.
(a) 25 mg/kg x 0.002 = 0.05 Ibs Cd/ton
(2) Derive sludge application rate by dividing annual cadmium
addition limit of 2 Ibs/acre (Section C.7.b.(2)) by pounds
of cadmium per ton of sludge solids.
(a) 2 Ibs/acre/year t 0.05 Ibs/ton = 40 tons of sludge
solids per acre
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5^. Determination of Allowable Cumulative Sludge Loadings Based on
Heavy Metals
a. Given:
(1) Metal concentrations in sludge of:
1750 mg/kg zinc 100 mg/kg nickel
850 mg/kg copper 20 mg/kg cadmium
500 mg/kg lead
(2) Agricultural land with medium texture soil (loam) with 3%
organic matter content.
b. Solution:
(1) Derive pounds of each metal per ton of sludge solids by
multiplying concentration of each by 0.002.
(a) 1750 mg/kg Zn x 0.002 = 3.5 Ibs Zn/ton
850 mg/kg Coi x 0.002 = 1.7 Ibs Cu/ton
500 mg/kg Pb x 0.002 = 1.0 Ibs Pb/ton
100 mg/kg Ni x 0.002 = 0.2 Ibs Ni/ton
20 mg/kg Cd x 0.002 =0.04 Ibs Cd/ton
(2) Determine cation exchange capacity range for soil (Table
IX).
(a) For medium texture soil with 370 organic matter,
cation exchange capacity range is 5-15 (Table IX).
(3) Determine allowable metal additions for agricultural soil
with cation exchange capacity of 5-15.
(a) Using Table VIII, allowable metal additions are:
1000 Ibs/acre lead
500 Ibs/acre zinc
250 Ibs/acre copper
100 Ibs/acre nickel
10 Ibs/acre cadmium
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(4) Derive allowable cumulative sludge loading on site by
dividing allowable metal additions in pounds per acre
(Step 3 of solution) by metal concentration in sludge in
pounds per ton of solids (Step 1 of solution) and use
lowest derived value.
(a) Zinc : 500 Ibs/acre ^3.5 Ibs Zn/ton =
143 tons/acre
Copper : 250 Ibs/acre T 1.7 Ibs Cu/ton =
147 tons/acre
Lead : 1000 Ibs/acre * 1.0 Ibs Pb/ton =
1000 tons/acre
Nickel : 100 Ibs/acre T 0.2 Ibs Ni/ton =
500 tons/acre
Cadmium: 10 Ibs/acre T 0.04 Ibs Cd/ton =
250 tons/acre
(b) Lowest derived value is 143 tons/acre so that is
the recommended allowable cumulative sludge loading
to the site.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
3 i
Chapter 120 '0 #./ 0
LAND APPLICATION OF WASTEWATER EFFLUENT >./, ,
121. Site Considerations
121.1 Site Location
The location of the site, relationship to the overall land
use plan, proximity to surface waters, the number and size of
available land parcels and the location and use of potable
water supply wells are of prime importance. A topographic
map of the proposed project area will be required, as a part
of the engineering design, locating all buildings, treatment
units, land disposal field boundaries including buffer zones,
water supply wells and abandoned wells and shafts within a
mile of project boundary.
121.2 Buffer Zones
121.21 Low Pressure Systems
Spray irrigation systems using low pressure sprayers
(less than 50 p.s.i.) must maintain a distance of 200
feet between the outer boundary of the spray and
occupied dwellings, surface waters and the closest
edge of the traveled portion of any public road.
121.22 High Pressure Systems
Spray irrigation systems using high pressure sprayers
(greater than 50 p.s.i.) must maintain a distance of
1000 feet between the outer boundary of the spray and
occupied dwellings, surface waters and the closest
edge of the traveled portion of any public road.
121.23 Overland Flows Systems
Overland flow systems and rapid
infiltration/percolation systems must provide
distances of: 200 feet from occupied dwellings, 200
feet from surface waters, 75 feet from the closest
edge of traveled portion of any primary or secondary
public roads or 50 feet from closest edge of lesser
utilized public roads or within fence.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
All application methods must maintain a minimum
distance of 500 feet from the disposal site to
potable water supply wells. When overland flow or
. rapid infiltration/percolation systems use spray
irrigation for distributing the wastewater, the
minimum separation distances required for low or high
pressure sprayers should be provided.
121.3 Geology
Geological conditions present at the land disposal site and
their potential effects must be described. This description
should include the structure of the bedrock, depth to
bedrock, degree and thickness of surficial deposits, and the
presence of any special conditions such as limestone terrain
with solution openings or sinkholes.
For projects greater than 1000 PE, an evaluation by a
geologist or geohydrologist shall be provided.
121.4 Hydrology and Groundwater
An investigation of the groundwater at a proposed site must
be conducted, with particular detail given to the effect of
groundwater levels on renovation capabilities, existing
groundwater quality, the effects of the applied wastewater on
groundwater movement and quality with respect to groundwater
quality standards.
The depth to the seasonal high water table must be given
including a description of seasonal variations. Static water
levels must be determined at each depth for each aquifer
under concern.
The direction of groundwater movement and the point(s) of
discharge must be located on the topographic map.
Chemical analysis qf the existing groundwater quality at the
site must be provided for those parameters that could be
affected by the application of wastewater. A groundwater
mount will develop below the site and must be taken into
account in the groundwater analysis.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
121.41 Depth to Groundwater
Depth to groundwater is important because it is a
measure of the aeration zone where purification will
take place. An aerated zone of at least five feet
shall be maintained.
The minimum depth of earth cover to the mean annual
water table will vary with the type of system used
and the soil conditions. A minimum of 10 feet of
earth cover to the water table for rapid permeable
soils (2.0 to 20.0 inches per hour), and 5 feet of
earth cover for moderate to slow permeable soils
(less than 2.0 inches per hour) must be provided.
Underdrains shall be provided as required to maintain
a zone of aeration, to prevent surface waterlogging
and to reduce the groundwater mount. If such
drainage will result in a surface discharge,
additional precautions may be necessary to meet
required effluent and/or water quality standards.
121.5 Soil Characteristics
The soil at a proposed site must be evaluated for: chemical
characteristics soil types and texture classifications, soil
mantle thickness, pH, nutrient levels, adsorptive
capabilities and infiltration/percolation potential. The
infiltration rate should be determined under conditions
similar to those expected during operation. The double-ring
infiltrometer method, as developed by USDA-ARS, is
recommended for measuring infiltration. The method is
described in the appendix.
1E1.6 Topography
For system other than overland flow, slopes shall be limited
to 4% or less on cultivated fields and 8% or less on sodded
fields. Forrested areas with slopes up to 14% are acceptable
for some seasonal operations.
Slopes for overland flow systems should range from 2 to 4%.
121.7 Loading Factors
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
121.71 General
To size the land disposal field, it will be necessary
to determine which characteristics of the wastewater
will be limiting. Balances should be conducted for
water, nitrogen, phosphorus, and organic matter.
Loading rates must be established from these balances
for each parameter, and the critical loading rate
must be identified as the one requiring the largest
field area.
121.72 Water Balance
The design shall be based upon a water balance that
takes into account the applied effluent,
precipitation, evaportranspiration, infiltration and
percolation and runoff.
For spray irrigation and rapid
infiltraton/percolation systems, surface runoff must
be prevented from entering or leaving the site.
Provisions may be necessary in the preliminary
treatment system or storage basin for holding this
runoff water.
Hydraulic equipment and the spray field shall be
sized and designed to allow alternate wetting and
drying periods in order to maintain aerobic
conditions in the top soil, as well as to maintain a
viable cover crop.
121.73 Nitrogen Balance
On an annual basis, the total nitrogen applied in the
wastewater must be accounted for in crop uptake,
denitrification, volatilization, percolation into the
groundwater, runoff into surface waters or storage in
the soil.
Total annual nitrogen crop uptake will depend upon
the type of crop, and is a function of crop yield.
Harvesting and physical removal of the crop is
required.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
Typical values for fertilizer requirements for
Illinois crops and typical nitrogen uptake rates can
be found in the Appendix.
Denitrification and volatilization are dependent upon
the loading rate, wastewater characteristics and
conditions in the active zones of the soil.
For irrigation systems, these mechanisms are not
significant, but for overland flow and rapid
infiltration/percolation systems, denitrification
plays a major role.
Nitrogen cannot be held in the soil indefinitely.
Ammonia and organic nitrogen will be converted to
nitrate nitrogen which will leach into groundwater,
denitrify or be washed into surface waters through
runoff.
The design loading must provide for adequate nitrogen
removal by crop uptake with subsequent physical
removal and/or denitrification of nitrates to
nitrogen gas to ensure that the nitrogen groundwater
quality standards are not violated.
121.74 Phosphorus Balance
Phosphorus applied to land will be removed by
fixation and chemical precipitation as well as by
plant uptake. Generally, the phosphorus levels in
municipal effluents will be well below the capacity
of the soil to fix and/or precipitate the phosphorus.
Plant uptake is normally less than 20% of the applied
phosphorus with the remaining phosphorus staying in
the upper several feet of the topsoil.
121.75 Organic Balance
Organic loadings in the range of 10 to 25
pounds/acre/day should be adequate to maintain the
tilth of soil, replenish carbon oxidized by soil
microorganisms and not cause a clogging problem.
Treated municipal wastewater will add much less
organic matter than this to the disposal field and
will normally not be the critical loading factor in
the design.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
122. Preapplication Treatment and Storage
122.1 Lagoons
Land application treatment systems which will employ waste
stabilization ponds or aerated lagoons for preliminary
treatment shall be required to have a minimum of two cells.
Systems employing overland flow as the application technique
shall be required to have three cells.
122.11 Design
Lagoon cells must be designed in accordance with
criteria listed in Chapter 80. Systems utilizing
spray irrigation shall be provided with screening
devices.
122.2 Mechanical Plants
When preliminary treatment is to be accomplished by a
mechanical treatment system, the system should contain the
equivalent of secondary processes. Secondary treatment
processes can be various combinations of units such as a
primary clarifier with trickling filter, Imhoff tank with
intermittent sand filter, or an activated sludge process.
Other combinations of units will be reviewed individually.
122.21 Design
The design of all preliminary treatment systems must
conform to this document for such processes.
122.3 Disinfection
The requirement for disinfection depends upon itended land
use. Systems using fodder, fiber or seed cover crops, not
for human consumption, and are sufficiently isolated will not
require disinfection. Systems that will grow produce for
human consumption and systems which will use public access
areas for land disposal will be required to provide
disinfection. Disinfection will, however, be required for
all systems utilizing mechanical type treatment processes in
combination with overland flow land application.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
122.4 Storage
Storage shall be provided for all land application systems.
The volume provided shall be sufficient to hold flows
received during the following periods:
a. When mean air temperature is less than 32°F;
b. When the ground is frozen;
c. When the ground is saturated (as from late winter
snowmelt and spring rains);
d. During days when precipitation exceeds 0.1 inch;
e. During field or crop maintenance and harvest days;
f. During days set aside for equipment maintenance.
122.5 Fencing
The entire project area must be enclosed with fencing to
preclude livestock and prevent access by the general public.
Warning signs shall be posted at 100 yard intervals on
exterior fences identifying the area as a sewage disposal
area.
123. Application Systems
123.1 General
The three most widely used systems for applying wastewater to
land are spray irrigation, overland flow and rapid
infiltration/percolation.
123.11 Spray Irrigation
Spray irrigation applies large amounts of wastewater
to land using standard irrigation equipment in
combination with a cover crop to utilize the
nutrients and moisture for growth. This method uses
percolation as well as evapotranspiration to dispose
of wastewater.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
123.12 Overland Flow
Overland flow applies a thin film of wastewater over
a soil surface covered with close growing vegetation
where filtering action and soil micro-organisms
reduce contaminants. Overland flow is appropriate
where the infiltration/percolation capacity of the
soil is low, and generally results in a surface
discharge.
123.13 Rapid Infiltration/Percolation
Rapid infiltration/percolation applies wastewater to
basins at high rate therefore requiring deep,
permeable soils. The wastewater is renovated as it
passes through the soil matrix and is removed mainly
by infiltration/percolation and evaporation, with no
surface discharge occurring.
123.2 Equipment Design
123.21 General Requirements
The design of all application techniques must provide
for even distribution of the wastewater over the
disposal.area.
Sufficient spare equipment and parts must be
available to assure uninterrupted irrigation.
Provision for draining all pipes and equipment must
be provided to prevent freeze damage.
Equipment for measuring and recording the following
flows shall be provided:
a. Raw waste to treatment facilities
b. Treated wastes to storage;
c. Wastes applied to land;
d. Volume of wastes in storage.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
123.22 Spray Equipment
Stationary systems are acceptable. Moveable systems
must be provided with one main header having
individual connections for each field.
Application of wastewater by spray irrigation should
be ceased when wind velocities exceed 22 MPH.
124 Effluent and Groundwater Standards
124.1 Surface Discharges
All surface discharges from land application sites must
comply with regulations set forth by the Illinois Pollution
Control Board in Chapter 3: Water Pollution, Part II: Water
Quality and Part IV:Effluent Standards.
124.2 Groundwater Discharges
Groundwater quality requirements as set forth in Rule 207 of
Chapter 3: Water Pollution state that groundwaters shall
meet the General Use Standards (Rule 203) and Public and Food
Processing Water Supply Standards (Rule 204) except due to
natural causes.
124.21 Groundwater Monitoring
Groundwater monitoring shall be provided for all land
application systems except overland flow.
A minimum of one groundwater monitoring well must be
provided in each dominant direction of groundwater
movement and between the project site and public
well(s) and/or high capacity private wells.
One additional well shall be provided for determining
background concentrations.
The monitoring wells should be constructed with
provisions for sampling at the surface of the
waterable and at five (5) feet below the water table
at each monitoring site.
Monitoring equipment shall be provided to run tests
for nitrates, ammonia-nitrogen, chlorides, sulphates,
pH, total dissolved solids, phosphates, and fecal
coliform bacteria.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
This list of parameters may be decreased or increased
depending upon the site situation and the wastewater
constituent make-up.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
AGRONOMIC FERTILIZATION AND NITROGEN UPTAKE RATES
FOR VARIOUS ILLINOIS CROPS
POUNDS OF NUTRIENT
CROP
NITROGEN UPTAKE
Ibs/acre/year
Avail-
able N P?OC KoO
Corn for grain
Corn silage
Wheat (1)
Oats (1)
Barley (1)
Rye (1)
Grain sorghum
for grain
Grain sorghum
for silage
Tall fescue
Bromegrass
Sorghum-Sundan
Orchard Grass
Timothy
Reed Canary Grass
Alfalfa
Clovers
Soybeans
1. If straw is removed
2. Legumes can obtain
50-76
275
226-359
155-220
77-158
94-113
most of their
1.3/bu.
7.5/T
2.3/bu.
1.1/bu.
1.5/bu.
2.2/bu.
2.0/100
Ibs.
7.5/T
39 /T
33/T
40 /T
50/T
38 /T
55/T
(2)
(2)
(2)
N from the air
.55/bu.
3.1/T
0.68/bu.
0.40/by.
0. 55/bu.
0.69/bu.
0.75/100
Ibs.
3.1/T
19/T
13/T
15/T
17/T
14/T
13/T
10/T
15/T
1.1/bu.
0.28/bu.
9.4/T
2.0/bu.
1.5/bu.
1.0/bu.
1.8/bu.
0.38/100
Ibs.
9.4/T
53/T
51/T
59 /T
63/T
63 /T
50/T
60 /T
60/T
2.4/bu.
and are normally not
fertilized with N. However, if included in a crop rotation with
nitrogen using crops, they will use the available N in the soil and
not fix N from the air. Therefore, it can be assumed that they will
remove as much N as corn for grain would in the same rotation.
This information is general in nature and may not reflect an accurate
recommendation for all areas or soil types of the State. Any
recognized fertility recommendation for Illinois crops, climate and
soils is acceptable in lieu of these general figures. In order to
obtain more accurate recommendations for phosphorus and potassium,
soil testing should be done.
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ILLINOIS REGISTER
Double-ring Infiltrometer Method*
The double-ring Infiltrometer method involves driving a 6 to 14 inch
diameter metal ring, about 10 inches in length into the soil to a depth
of 6 inches to prevent lateral flow of water from the ring. Divergent
flow is additionally reduced by using a buffer zone surrounding the
central ring. The buffer zone is usually another ring from 16 to 30
inches in diameter, driven to a depth of 2 to 4 inches and then kept
partially full of water during the time of infiltration measurement of
the inner ring.
For further information, consult: Haise, H.R., et _§]_. "The Use of
Cylinder Infiltrometers to Determine the Intake Characteristics of
irrigated Soils." U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Agricultural Research
Service 41-7 (1956).
DD:bs/sp/2092/l-22
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Division of Water Pollution Control
ISBH
July 1977
Technical Release No. 8
Recommended Design Guidelines for
Surface Application of Wastewater
Land application of wastewater (not sludge) is being recognized as one of
the viable methods of wastewater treatment. It is the intent of this technical
release to delineate the necessary design criteria so that a design consultant and
the regulatory agency will have a common ground in implementing such a project.
This release is aimed at the land application of wastewater originating
from municipal and industrial sources which is amenable for bio-degradation. Wastewater
from confined animal feeding operations is not addressed as its disposal is covered
in a separate publication (ID 88). This release, also, does not cover sludge application
on land as this subject will be covered by separate guidelines.
It is generally recognized that there are three methods of wastewater
application on land; irrigation, overland flow, and infiltration-percolation ponds.
Each will be discussed separately.
I. Irrigation
This process involves application of wastewater on land by either ridge and
furrow irrigation or surface spraying. The applied wastewater i: removed
mostly by evapotranspiration with no point source discharge of wastewater.
A) Site Requirements
1) Buffer zone
In order to prevent nuisance complaints originating from the
irrigation operation due to aerosol and/or odor, it is recommended
that at least 500 feet separation between the edge of a irrigation
field (or lagoon) and a nearest residence be provided when a high
pressure sprinkling system (more than 50 psi) is utilized. For
the lower pressure sprinkling and ridge and furrow irrigation,
the minimum separation distance should be 200 feet. A minimum
separation distance between an edge of irrigation field and a
water supply well should be 300 feet. The spray irrigation site
should be at least % mile away from a built-up area.
2) Ground water level
The average ground water table should be no less than five feet
and the seasonal highwater table should be no less than three
feet from the land surface. When the soil is drained by under-drain
pipes, this requirement may be waived. However, flow from the
under-drain tile shall be collected and recycled. Otherwise, the
dischargers will be subject to requirement of point source discharges.
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3) Topography
The maximum allowable slope of the disposal site is 5%. When the
site has a slope in excess of 5% average, runoff control and
recycling facilities, or reduced hourly application rate should
be considered.
4) Soil depth
The minimum depth of permeable agricultural soil should be 20
inches to bedrock or hardpan. Soil borings and percolation tests
should be performed to confirm this.
B) Pretreatment Requirements
Pretreatment of wastewater prior to irrigation is usually required to
prevent nuisance conditions and/or public health hazards. Depending
on the type os wastewater, solids reduction, disinfection, heavy metal
reduction and/or other pretreatment may be required.
1) Removal of settleable, floatable, and large solids
In order to prevent clogging of irrigation equipment and soil,
the wastewater should not conta.in excessive quantities of settleable,
floatable and large solids. This may be attained during storage
of wastewater by installing screens and scum baffles.
2) Disinfection
Domestic wastewater contains high counts of bacteria, and spray
irrigation could cause propagation of pathogens through drift of
spray mist. Also, ridge and furrow irrigation of wastewater
could cause public health hazard to the operators of the systems
and bacterial contamination of ground water. Therefore, disinfection
of the domestic wastewater will be required prior to irrigation.
If chlorine is used, the design shall provide a minimum contact
time of 15 minutes with equipment to introduce sufficient chlorine
to maintain a minimum residual chlorine level of 0.5 mg/1. For
chlorination, the use of chlorine gas, hypochlorite solutions, or
chlorine pellets may be considered. Industrial wastewater may
not need to be disinfected if sanitary sewage is excluded from
wastewater. However, certain industrial wastewater, such as that
from a slaughter house operation, may contain high bacterial
concentration, and the bacterial quality may have to be ascertained
for the determination of disinfection requirements. Disinfection
should be considered if the fecal coliform concentration exceeds
1,000 per 100 ml before surface application.
C) Storage Requirement
A storage capacity should be provided for periods when wastewater
cannot be applied on land. As a guide to estimating che detention
time required, storage should be provided for the days with more than
0.5 inch/day rainfall, more than 1.0 inch snow on the ground, and less
than 32°F average daily atmospheric temperature (adjustment should be
made for the overlapping days). Also, the expected duration of
mechanical failure should be included in the consideration (two weeks
as a minimum is recommended). These data and the expected average
flow of wastewater will give the necessary storage requirement.
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If local climatic information is not available, it is recommended that
a minimum of 90 days storage in northern Indiana and 60 days in southern
Indiana be provided; U.S. 36 West and U.S. 40 East of Indianapolis may
be considered as the demarcation line.
In general, the construction of a storage lagoon should follow the
"10-State Sewage Works Standards" in order to assure proper construction
and maintenance. The lagoon bottom should be relatively impermeable
to prevent groundwater contamination. The depth of lagoon, however,
could be up to 20 feet. It is expected that a storage lagoon could
serve as the unit to remove floatable, settleable, and large solids.
On the other hand, the storage of wastewater may cause the onset of a
septic condition and odor nuisance. Therefore, a storage lagoon may
have to be provided with aeration facilities sufficient to keep the
lagoon aerobic at the peak organic loading. Considerable reduction of
organic strength of the wastewater can be expected during the storage
and aeration.
Facilities to control the water levels in the lagoon should be provided
so that sufficient storage will be available at the onset of wet
seasons.
D) Loading Criteria
In order to prevent pollution of ground and surface water, the following
loading criteria are recommended. The least value of the loading
rates computed from each criterion should be used in the design.
1) Hydraulic loading rate
Two different approaches are suggested. The first is the water-balance
approach in which the effective water storage capacity of soil is
balanced against the water-loss due to evapotraspiration. The
duration of wastewater application, time interval between irrigation,
and the intensity of application are computed based on the soil
characteristics, climatic conditions, and the cover crops.
Detailed method of computation can be found in the publication by
P.E. Brisbin titled "Design of Spray Irrigation system -April 1975."
A copy of the paper will be made available upon request.
The second approach is somewhat more empirical based on the
generally accepted practices in the country. The maximum weekly
rate of application should be no more than 2.0 inch/week, and the
average interval of irrigation should be approximately one week
between irrigation cycles when the ground is amenable for land
application. Wastewater should not be applied on land when
precipitation on the day or preceding day exceeded 0.5 inch/day,
ground has more than 1 inch cover of snow, or when the gound is
frozen. Also, the maximum intensity of irrigation should not
exceed the value shown on Table I which takes into consideration
the soil type and crop cover.
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Table I Maximum Design Application Rates
Textural Class Application Rate in Inches per Hour
Grass Sod Cultivated
Sand 1.5 0.8
Loamy sand 1.3 0.7
Sandy loam ,0.9 0.5
Fine sandy loam 0.8 0.5
Loam 0.7 0.4
Silt loam 0.7 0.4
Clay loam 0.6 0.3
Clay 0.5 0.2
Organic soils (muck) 1.0 1.0
Either approach (water-balance or empirical approach) will be considered if sufficient
supportive information is attached.
2) Nitrogen loading
The total nitrogen loading from wastewater, commercial fertilizer
or any other source should be balanced against the expected
nitrogen demand of the crop. This is to prevent pollution of
ground water which is a potential source of drinking water. The
maximum allowable nitrate nitrogen in drinking water is 10 mg/1.
The total poundage of nitrogen loading should be calculated from
the total volume of wastewater applied per year and the concentration
of nitrogen in the wastewater; the concentration of nitrogen
should include -Kjeldahl nitrogen (organic and ammonia nitrogen)
and nitrate-nitrite nitrogen. Under most conditions, volatilization
of ammonia into atmosphere is not a major mechanism of removal.
Therefore, the ammonia loss to the atmosphere during and after
irrigation should be neglected in the nitrogen balance computation,
However, the loss of nitrogen due to denitrification in soil is
expected in the range of 15 to 25% of the applied nitrogen. The
nitrogen demand of specific crops is shown in Table II. The
expected annual loading of nitrogen from wastewater and commercial
fertilizer, minus 20% of the applied nitrogen due to denitrification,
should not exceed the expected utilization of nitrogen by the
specific crop.
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Table II. N, P, and K Utilization* of Specific Crops
Crop
Yield/Acre
P K
Ibs per acre
Corn
Corn Silage
Soybeans
Grain Sorghum
Wheat
Oats
Barley
Alfalfa
Orchard Grass
Brome Grass
Tall Fescue
Bluegrass
Canary Grass
150 bu.
180 bu.
32 tons
50 bu.
60 bu.
8,000 bu
60 bu.
80 bu.
100 bu.
100 bu.
8 tons
6 tons
5 tons
3.5 tons
3 tons
185
240
200
257**
336**
250
125
186
150
150
450**
300
166
135
200
350
35
44
35
21
29
40
22
24
24
24
35
44
29
29
24
38
178
199
203
100
120
166
91
134
125
125
398
311
211
154
149
280
*Values reported above are from Reports by the Potash Institute of America
except that on canary grass and are for the total above-ground portion of the
plants. Where only grain is removed from the field a significant proportion of
nutrients are left in the residues. However, since most of these nutrients are
temporarily tied up in the residues they are not readily available for crop use.
Therefore, for the purpose of estimating nutrient requirements for any particular
crop year, one can assume complete crop removal.
**Legumes get most of their N from the air so additional N sources in the forms
of livestock wastes or inorganic N fertilizer are not normally needed.
3) Heavy Metal Loading
Some industrial wastewater may contain relatively hign concentration
of metals. Excessive application of metals can impair crop
productivity and the quality of food. The data on the long-term
effect of heavy metals on soil are very scarce. However, if soil
pH is maintained above 6.5 by proper soil management, the following
total accumulated loading (including the existing metal concentration
in soil) shown in Table III could be considered safe.
Table III indicates the total metal loading allowed for the life
of the land. Annual application rate should not exceed one-tenth
of the values shown in the table. The total duration (years) of
irrigation should be calculated from the maximum allowable metal
loading. The cation exchange capacity of the soil may be estimated
by the soil type as follows:
-------
Soil type cation exchange capacity (meg/100 gr)*
sand, loamy sand ----------------- less then 5.0
sandy loam, loam ----------------- 5.0-15.0
silty loam, clay loam, clay ------------ greater than 15.0
* meq. milliequivalent
Since domestic wastewaters and some industrial wastewaters are
low in metal contents, the application rate is unlikely to be
dictated by metal loading criteria. Therefore, the need for
metal loading analysis on domestic wastewaters and some industrial
wastewaters may be omitted if allowed by the State.
Table III
Maximum Metal Applications for Farmland
Soil Cation Exchange Capacity (meq/100 gr)*
<_5 5 -^ 15.0 15<-
Maximum I
Lead
Zinc
Copper
Nickel
Cadmium
*Cation exchange capacity determined on soil prior to application by pH 7 ammonium
acetate procedure. Estimation of CEC by the soil type is acceptable.
**1.0 kg/ha = 0.893 Ib/acre
Computation should be made for each of the five metal ions on Table III,
and the least number should be used.
4) Organic loading
Excess application of organic matter, dissolved or suspended, can
cause a septic condition, pore plugging, reduction of percolation
rates, and odor problems. Therefore, the organic loading should
not exceed 1,400 Ib/acre/week as violatile solids or 933 Ib/acre/week
as 5-day BOD. An exception could be considered if supporting
document is submitted to substantiate an effective operation at
the higher organic loading.
E) Other Requirements
1) Distribution System
The system should be designed to deliver the design hydraulic
flow.
Provisions should be made for draining the pipe to prevent freezing
if pipes are located above frost line.
Maximum Metal
500
250
125
50
5 -
addition, kg/ha**
1,000
500
250
100
10
2,000
1,000
500
200
20
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The irrigation system should be designed to assure uniform distribution
of wastewater.
2) Total Dissolved Solids( TDS)
TDS concentration of the wastewater should not exceed 1,000 mg/1.
Specific conductivity of wastewater could be substituted for the
TDS measurement, and it should not exceed 1,600 micromhos/cm at
25°C.
3) Manpower requirement
The applicant should estimate the necessary manpower for proper
operation, maintenance, and monitoring of the irrigation operation;
availability of such manpower should also be established.
4) Irrigation of truck-farm
The use of wastewater for irrigation of truck farms growing
vegetables is prohibited.
F) Monitoring and reporting
Since there would not be a point source discharge from the irrigation
process, no NPDES discharge permit would be required. However, such
an operation would be subject to an SPC 15 operation permit. The
pertinent operational parameters should be measured and reported to
the ISBH according to the following schedule:
1) Reporting frequency - Every three months for less than 0.5 mgd
design
Every two months for 0.5 - 2.0 mgd
design
Every month for greater than 2.0 mgd
design
2) Operation information required (weekly records)
location of area and acreage used for the week
volume of wastewater sprayed
duration of spraying for each cycle
precipitation, snow cover, and temperature on the day of
application
date of spraying
type of crop grown
harvesting of crop
ultimate use of the crop
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8
3) Quality information
a) Sampling frequency: Every three months for less than 0.5 mgd
Every two months for 0.5 - 2.0 mgd
Every month for greater then 2.0 mgd
b) Type of information: - TKN (nitrogen content) before and
after the storage
- Nitrate and Nitrite before and
after the storage
before and after the storage
- Ground water table
- Soil pH
- Heavy metal content (where required)
- Fecal coliform before and after
disinfection (where required)
- Residual chlorine (where required)
4) Other information - as requred by the regulatory agency
II. Overland flow
In this process the wastewater is treated mainly during flow over gently
sloped land surface.
Part of the flow percolates into ground while the remaining is collected
and discharged to a natural water course as a point source or is collected
and reapplied on land.
All of the design requirements indicated for an irrigation process will
apply except:
1) The maximum hydraulic application rate will be 3 inch/week instead of
2 inch/week.
2) The minimum length of travel on land surface should be 200 feet.
3) The discharger should obtain an NPDES discharge permit and comply with
its requirements instead of the SPC 15 operation permit.
4) The land slope should be relatively uniform and be in the range of 2 -
8%.
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III. Infiltration-Percolation Pond
This is a process utilizing percolating capacity of soil. Wastewater is
disposed of underground at a relatively higher rate compared to irrigation
or overland flow. For reason of potential nitrate contamination of ground
water, the method of infiltration-percolation is not recommended on municipal
wastewater.
On industrial wastewater, this method will be considered only when the
following conditions are met:
1) The applicant submits a detailed document prepared by a qualified
person to establish the movement of quality of existing ground water.
2) The applicant delineates the effect of proposed wastewater percolation
on the quality of ground water, and assures compliance with the primary
drinking water limits on inorganic, organic and bacterial levels.
3) The concentration of TDS, chloride, and sulfate in the wastewater are
less than 1,000, 250, and 250 mg/1, respectively.
4) The applicant extablished a detailed ground water monitoring program,
and submits a feasible alternate and plan of wastewater treatment if
and when the contaminant levels of the ground water exceed the maximum
allowable concentration.
IV. Information Needed in the Design Report for Irrigation
and Overland Flow Proposals
. - *
1) Location of disposal'site - map and layout
2) Climatic data - days of freezing weather, rainy days of more then 0,5
inch/day, weeks available for surface application, and direction of
prevailing wind during irrigation season
3) Soil classification, soil maps, and percolation tests
4) Soil borings to a minimum depth of ten feet
5) Ground water table elevation - average and maximum
6) Soil property - pH, CEC (if needed)
7) Land use, location of buildings, built-up areas, road, highways, and
environmentally sensitive areas such as parks, historical sites, and
endangered species
8) Depth to bedrock, sink-hole location, limestone area
9) Surface slope
10) Flood plain information
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11) Location of stream and stream flow as 7-day average, l-in-10-year low
flow (applicable only to overland flow process)
12) Crop type, crop management plan, and planned crop usage
13) Buffer zones
14) Computations for the four application parameters
15) Application area needed and available
16) Storage requirement - needed and available
17) Construction method of the storage lagoon
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