United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Research and
Development
Washington DC 20460
EPA/625/R-94/002
September 1994
vvEPA
Guide to Septage
Treatment and Disposal
*~.&
-------
EPA/625/R-94/002
September 1994
Guide to
Septage
Treatment and
Disposal
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
Office of Science, Planning, and
Regulatory Evaluation
Center for Environmental Research Information
Cincinnati, OH
Printed on Recycled Paper
-------
Notice
This document has been reviewed in accordance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's peer and administrative
review policies and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorse-
ment or recommendation for use.
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Contents
Page
List of Figures vi
List of Tables vii
Acknowledgments viii
Chapter 1. Introduction 1
Part I. Administrators7 Guide 3
Chapter 2. Overview of Septage Handling Options 4
Chapter 3. Regulatory Requirements 11
Chapter 4. Local Responsibilities 13
Part II. Inspectors' and Haulers' Guide 17
Chapters. Inspecting Septic Tanks 18
Chapter 6. Pumping Septic Tanks 22
Chapter 7. Regulatory Requirements 24
Part III. Facility Managers' and Operators' Guide 25
Chapter 8. Septage Receiving 26
Chapter 9. Land Application 30
Chapter 10. Treatment at Wastewater Treatment Plants 35
Chapter 11. Independent Septage Treatment Facilities 38
Chapter 12. Odor Control 41
References 45
Appendix A. Sources of Additional Information 47
Appendix B. List of State and EPA Regional Septage Coordinators 51
Appendix C. Example of Local Permitfor Septage Disposal 59
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List of Figures
Figure Page
2-1 Diagram of aerated static pile (top) and windrow composting processes 10
4-1 Example of proposed local ordinance for septage disposal 16
5-1 Typical residential septic tank 19
5-2 Measuring solids accumulation in a septic tank 20
8-1 Examples of septage receiving station layouts 27
8-2 Example of a septage manifest 28
9-1 Certification of pathogen reduction and vector attraction requirements 34
10-1 Allowable septage loadings to a sewage treatment plant having a septage holding tank 36
12-1 Diagram of a biofiher for odor control 44
-------
List of Tables
Table Page
2-1 Overview of Approaches to Septage Treatment and Disposal 4
2-2 Characteristics of Septage: Conventional Parameters 5
2-3 Characteristics of Septage: Metals and Organics 6
2-4 Summary of Land Application Options 7
2-5 Summary of Septage Stabilization Options 8
2-6 Summary of Options for Handling Septage at WWTPs 8
3-1 Examples of State Septage Regulations 12
4-1 Guidelines for Selecting a Septage Disposal System 14
8-1 O&M Checklist for Septage Receiving Facilities 29
9-1 O&M Checklist for Equipment Used in Applying Septage to Land 31
9-2 Federal Crop and Site Restrictions for Land Application of Domestic Septage 32
9-3 Procedure for lime-Stabilizing Septage Within the Pumper Truck 33
10-1 Impacts of Septage Addition to a WWTP 35
10-2 O&M Checklist for Handling Septage at a WWTP 37
11-1 O&M Checklist for Lime Stabilization of Septage 38
11-2 O&M Checklist for Dewatering Using Drying Beds 39
11-3 O&M Checklist for Mechanical Dewatering Systems 39
11-4 O&M Checklist for Static Pile Composting of Septage Solids 40
11-5 O&M Checklist for Windrow Composting of Septage Solids 40
12-1 Guidelines for Minimizing Odor Emissions at a Septage Receiving Facility 41
12-2 Guidelines for Minimizing Odor Problems at Land Application Sites 41
12-3 Summary of Odor Treatment Alternatives 42
12-4 Recommended Design Criteria for a Biofilter 43
-------
Acknowledgments
The principal author of this guide was Robert EG. Bowker, Bowker & Associates, Inc., Portland, Maine, under Contract
No. 68-CO-0068 to Eastern Research Group, Inc. (ERG), Lexington, Massachusetts. Randy Revetta, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Center for Environmental Research Information (CERI), Cincinnati, Ohio, was the EPA Project Of-
ficer. James Kreissl, CERI, provided substantial technical editing and guidance during the development of the document.
Editing and graphics support was provided by ERG under the direction of Heidi Schultz.
We would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their important contributions to this effort:
Marcia Deizman and Joseph Rezek
Rezek Henry Meisenheimer & Gende, Inc.
libertyville, Illinois
Robert Rubin
North Carolina State University
Raleigh, North Carolina
Tom Ferrero
Nutrecon, Inc.
Ambler, Pennsylvania
Tim Frank
National Association of Waste Transporters
Sayville, New York
Anishjantrania
National Small Flows Clearinghouse
Morgantown, West Virginia
Bob Kendall
Cole Publishing
Three Lakes, Wisconsin
John Melby
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Madison, Wisconsin
Mark Ronayne
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Portland, Oregon
Kevin Sherman
Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services
Tallahassee, Florida
John Smith
J.M. Smith & Associates
Cincinnati, Ohio
Ellen Vause
Florida Septic, Inc.
Hawthorne, Florida
John Walker
EPA Office of Water
Washington, DC
Hollis Warren
Hollis Warren, Inc.
Wyoming, Delaware
VI! I
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Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this guide is to present practical informa-
tion on the handling, treatment, and disposal of septage in
a concise, recommendations-oriented format for easy use
by administrators of waste management programs, septage
haulers, and managers or operators of septage handling fa-
cilities. The guide is not intended to provide detailed
engineering design information.
"Septage" is the material removed from a septic tank by
pumping. This guide focuses on septage of domestic ori-
gin. Industrial septage containing toxic compounds or
heavy metals requires special handling, treatment, and dis-
posal methods, a description of which is beyond the scope
of this document. Although certain commercial septages
may be appropriately treated with domestic septage, these
septages must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
When properly managed, domestic septage is a resource.
A valuable soil conditioner, septage contains nutrients that
can reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers for agriculture.
A good septage management program recognizes the po-
tential benefits of septage and employs practices to
maximize these benefits.
1.2 User's Guide
This field guide is divided into three parts. Part I: Admin-
istrators' Guide provides administrative guidelines for
managing the collection and treatment of septage. Chap-
ters within Part 1 cover the following topics:
• Septage Handling Options (Chapter 2)
• Regulatory Requirements (Chapter 3)
• Local Responsibilities (Chapter 4)
Part II: Inspectors' and Haulers' Guide is designed for
those involved in the inspection of septic tanks and in the
pumping and transport of septage. Chapters cover the fol-
lowing:
• Inspecting Septic Tanks (Chapter 5)
• Pumping Septic Tanks (Chapter 6)
• Regulatory Requirements (Chapter 7)
Part 111: Facility Managers' and Operators' Guide pro-
vides information on the operation and maintenance of
septage treatment and disposal facilities. Chapters cover:
• Septage Receiving (Chapter 8)
• Land Application (Chapter 9)
• Treatment at Wastewater Treatment Plants (Chapter 10)
• Independent Septage Treatment Facilities (Chapter 11)
• Odor Control (Chapter 12)
Key references and information sources have been identi-
fied in Appendix A for more detailed information on
system design and operation, applicable federal regula-
tions, and facility planning and management. Appendix B
lists state and EPA regional septage coordinators. Appen-
dix C provides an example of a local permit for septage
disposal.
Although the information contained in Parts I, II, and III is
targeted for the specific audiences described above, read-
ers are urged to review all sections of the guide to gain a
broader understanding of the technical, administrative,
and regulatory issues that a successful septage manage-
ment program must address. Specific requirements for such
a program must be developed on a case-by-case basis.
Chapter 1 introduction
-------
Parti
Administrators'
Guide
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Chapter 2
Overview of
Septage
Handling Options
Septage is a highly variable organic waste that often con-
tains large amounts of grease, grit, hair, and debris and is
characterized by an objectionable odor and appearance, a
resistance to settling and dewatering, and the potential to
foam. These characteristics make septage difficult to han-
dle and treat. The major reason for providing adequate
treatment and disposal systems is to protect public health
and the environment, as septage may harbor disease-
causing viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
Septage treatment and disposal facilities are either pri-
vately or publicly owned. Larger municipalities often have
the technical and managerial capabilities necessary to exer-
cise full control over septage handling, treatment, and
disposal. Other municipalities are attracted to privately
owned systems because these systems relieve municipali-
ties of the burden of operating and maintaining a facility,
establishing tipping fees, and monitoring septage deliver-
ies. A municipality might, however, remain responsible for
ensuring the safe handling and disposal of septage gener-
ated within its boundaries, for establishing local ordi-
nances or regulations governing septage handling, and for
meeting all state and federal permit requirements and
regulations.
Alternatives for the treatment and disposal of septage fall
into the following categories:
• Land application
• Treatment at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)
• Treatment at independent septage treatment plants
Advantages and disadvantages of these options are pre-
sented in Table 2-1. Each alternative is discussed in
further detail in Section 2.2 through Section 2.4.
Land application of septage, the most common means of
septage disposal in the United States, is likely to be the
most economical alternative. Unfortunately, availability of
suitable land with adequate buffer separation from resi-
dential areas is limited in many urban and suburban areas,
Table 2-1. Overview of Approaches to Sepfage Treatment and Disposal
Method
Land application
Treatment at
WWTPs
Treatment at
independent
septage treatment
plants
Description
Septage is applied to sites infrequently visited by
the public. Stabilization to reduce odors,
pathogens, and vector attraction may be
encouraged or required by the state. Land
application may be by hauler truck or other
vehicle to apply septage to the land surface, or
by specialized equipment to inject septage
beneath the soil surface.
Septage is added to the plant headworks,
upstream manhole, or sludge handling process
for cotreatment with sewage or sludge. Septage
volumes that can be accommodated depend on
plant capacity and types of unit processes
employed.
A facility is constructed solely for the treatment
of septage. Treatment generates residuals which
must be disposed of.
Advantages
•Simple, economical
•Recycles organic material and
nutrients to the' lar^d
•Low energy use
•Most plants are capable of
handling some septage
•Centralizes waste treatment
operations
•Provides regional solution to
septage management
Disadvantages
•Neecl for hofdfng facility .during
periods of frozen or saturated
soif
•Need for relatively large,
remote land area
•Potential for plant upset if
septage addition not properly
controlled
•Increased residuals handling
and disposal requirements
•High capital and operation
and maintenance (O&M) costs
•Requires high skill levels for
operation
4 Part!
-------
and the public is often concerned about the odor and
health impacts of such practices. Disposal at an existing
WWTP is a viable and economical option if the plant is
reasonably close to the source and has adequate facilities
to handle the material. Independent septage treatment
plants are the most costly of the three categories, and mu-
nicipalities generally consider them only if the first two
options are not technically or economically feasible. (Sec-
tion 4.1 provides guidelines for selecting an appropriate
septage treatment and disposal option.)
2.1 Septage Characteristics
2.1.1 Physical Characteristics
Its physical characteristics make septage difficult and ob-
jectionable to handle and treat. High levels of grease, grit,
hair, and large solids in septage can clog pipes and pumps,
and the parasites, viruses, and bacteria that septage nor-
mally contains can cause disease. The anaerobic nature of
septage results in the presence of odorous compounds
(e.g., hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, and other organic sul-
fur compounds), which are released with greater
frequency when septage is exposed to the turbulent condi-
tions that can occur at a WWTP or during discharge to
agricultural land. Foaming can also be a problem in proc-
esses where air is blown into the septage. For diese
reasons, septage treatment facilities should be isolated
from homes and businesses in the community
Many factors affect the physical characteristics of septage,
including user habits; septic tank size, design, and pump-
ing frequency; water supply characteristics and piping
materials; the presence of water conservation fixtures and
garbage disposals; the use of household chemicals and
water softeners; and climate. Where information about
septage characteristics is needed to design septage receiv-
ing and treatment systems (usually only nitrogen content
information is necessary for land application of domestic
septage), local analytical data should be collected. Many
municipalities have reported substantial discrepancies be-
tween published data and actual characteristics of local
septage. Septage characteristics for conventional wastewa-
ter parameters and nutrients are presented in Table 2-2,
and for metals and organics in Table 2-3.
Samples of local septage for characterization should be
collected during discharge of the pumper truck after the
material has been mixed. Three individual samples col-
lected near the beginning, middle, and end of the truck
discharge will yield a fairly representative sample. Because
of wide variations in septage characteristics, a large num-
ber of truckloads must be sampled. When septage is
applied to land, however, good recordkeeping is sufficient
because variability in characteristics is less critical to the
overall operation.
Table 2-2. Characteristics of Septage:
Conventional Parameters (1)
Concentration (mg/L)
Parameter
Total solids
Total volatile solids
Total suspended solids
Volatile suspended solids
Biochemical oxygen ,
demand ;- -> . - ;
Chemical oxygen demand
Total Kjeldahi nitrogen*'
Ammonia nitrogen
Total phosphorus
Alkalinity
Grease
PH
Average
3#'d6 "
23,100
12,862
9,027
6,480
31,900
588
97
210
970
75,600
—
Minimum
"' 1,132 '*
353
310-
95
,t«o'
1,500
: 66
3
20
522
'208 ':
1.5
Maximum
" 130/475
71,402
93,378 "" '
51,500
, ; 78,600
703,000
"i;o6o -,
116
760
4,190
;: 23,368
12.6
2.1.2 Generation Rates
Septage generation rates vary widely from month to
month due to weather and geography For example, frozen
ground may limit pumping to warmer months in locations
where tank risers do not extend to the surface, or high
ground water during rainy seasons may cause septic tank
effluent to surface, increasing service calls from homeown-
ers hoping to alleviate the condition. (Only temporary
relief is possible.) Daily and weekly variations in septage
generation rates also arise due to homeowner habits and
attitudes, with peak daily rates reaching as much as five
times the average daily rates.
Several approaches that a community can use to estimate
generation rates are discussed below. Each of these ap-
proaches must consider both present and projected
populations, as well as the number of dwellings served by
septic tank systems.
The most accurate approach is to collect information from
actual records of local septage haulers, treatment plants re-
ceiving septage, and other sources. This approach takes
into account the variations in septage generation rates
mentioned above and thus provides data specific to the
municipality
Another approach is to estimate the number of septic
tanks and assume an average tank volume and pumpout
frequency An example calculation for a small community
is shown below:
Chapter 2 Overview of Septage Handling Options 5
-------
640 tanks x 1,000 gal/tank
Septase generation rate — , ,
r ° ° 4-yr pumping interval
= 160,000 gal/yr
The least accurate approach is to assume a per-capita
generation rate of 50 to 70 gal/capita/year:
Septage generation rate
= 2,250 people x 60 gal/cap/yr
= 135,000 gaVyr
2.2 Land Application
Land application of septage is an economical and environ-
mentally sound method of handling septage that is the
method of choice for most rural communities with suffi-
cient suitable land. Various options for land application of
septage are summarized in Table 2-4.
A properly managed land application program achieves
beneficial reuse of waste organic matter and nutrients
without adversely affecting public health. Meeting regula-
tory requirements, finding suitable sites, and overcoming
local opposition may be difficult, however. Federal regula-
tions promulgated in February 1993 simplify the rules
governing knd application of septage and provide minimum
guidelines for state incorporation. Individual state regula-
tions, however, may be more stringent. The federal
regulations are discussed in Chapters 3 and 9. A community's
responsibilities in conforming to state and local regulations
and dealing with the public are described in Chapter 4.
In many cases, septage is stabilized before application to
land. "Stabilization" is a treatment method designed to re-
duce levels of pathogenic organisms, lower the potential
for putrefaction, and reduce odors. Practical options for
stabilization of septage are summarized in Table 2-5. The
simplest and most economical technique for stabilization
of septage is the addition of lime or other alkaline mate-
rial, which is added to liquid septage in quantities
sufficient to increase the pH of the septage to at least 12.0
for 30 minutes. Federal regulations regarding land applica-
tion of septage are less restrictive if alkaline stabilization is
r o
practiced (see Chapters 3 and 9). Other stabilization op-
tions, such as aerobic digestion, are relatively simple but
have higher capital and operating costs.
Chapter 9 discusses the operation and maintenance of
septage land application systems. Appendix A lists addi-
tional references on the subject.
Table 2-3. Characteristics of Septage:
Metals and Organics (2)
Concentration (mg/L)
Parameter
Metob
Iron ''
Zinc
Manganese
Barium
Copper
Lead
Nickef
Chromium (total)
, ' - 'J S
Cyanide
Cobalt
Arsenic. -., , -,
Silver
.Cadmium' , .
Tin
Mercury
Organks
Methyl alcohol ''
Isopropyl alcohol
Acetone ~
Methyl ethyl ketone
Toluene •„
Methylene chloride
Bhyfberizene
Benzene
Xytene
The available options
summarized in Table
Average
39.3 '
9.97
6.09 - ~-
5.76
4.84
1.21
0.526,
0.49
0.469.
0.406
0.141
0.099
0.097
0.076
0.005 '
15.~8* '' '
14.1
10.6 '
3.65
0.17 ;
0.101
0,067
0.062
0.051
Minimum
- 0.2"'- -",
<0.001
" \0.55 '-"'•/'';
0.002
, 0.01 , ~
<0.025
0.01
0.01
. . 0.001
<0.003
0
<0.003
0.005
<0.015
"0.0001 " '
1 - "V
1
Q ' ' •
1
' 0.005
' ifr '<
0.005
0.005
0.005
0.005 '
for handling septage at a
2-6 and discussed below.
Maximum
2,740 ' '''=
444
)7.1 ' •""
202
261^^
118
37 --.-
34
1.53;
3.45
3.5 .
5
8fl ' • --
1
^ ,>,' -.-
0.742 > •'* •
396 :i;& '
391
210->'-
S" -.
240
m: ,
2.2
!^ , r.
3.1
0.?2 V
WWTPare
2.3 Treatment at WWTPs
Several approaches can be used to treat septage at WWTPs:
n Addition to the liquid treatment system
• Addition to the sludge handling train
B Combinations of the above
The majority of plants that accept septage do so either at
the headworks of the plant or at a manhole upstream of
the plant. Some plants that treat large volumes of septage
provide receiving and equalization facilities to allow
septage addition at a relatively constant, controlled rate
at one or more locations in the plant. This method of
septage addition minimizes the potential for short-term
Part (
-------
Table 2-4. Summary of Land Application Options
Method
Description
Advantages
Disadvantages
Surface Application
Spray irrigation'
Ridge and furrow
irrigation
Hauler truck -','
spreading • •"
Farm tractor and
wagon spreading
Pretreated {e.g., screened) " ;,
septage is pumped through'
nozzles and sprayed directly onto
land. Must be Incorporated into
soil within 6 hr if not lime
stabilized.
Pretreated septage is applied
directly to furrows. Must be
incorporated into soil within 6 hr
if not lime stabilized.
Septage 7s applied to'sott Itr^ctV
from hauter tfuck usirtg a splash
plate to improve distribution.
Must be incorporated into soil
within 6 hr if not time stabilized.
Liquid septage or septage solids
are transferred to farm
equipment for spreading. Must
be incorporated into soil within
6 hr if not lime stabilized.
•Can be used on Steep of rough
(and. •'
•Minimizes disturbance of soi! by>
trucks. • - -„:
Lower power requirements and
odor potential than spray
irrigation.
Same track can be used for ' "•
transport and disposal.
Allows for application of liquid
septage or septage solids.
Increases opportunities for
application compared to hauler
truck spreading.
•Large fand'area required. -. , v
•High.odor' potential during appficatiort;
•Possible pathogen dispersal and vector
attraction if not lime stabilized.
•Storage tank or lagoon required during periods
of wet or frozen jground.~- <
•Potential for nozzle plugging.
•Limited to 0.5 to 1.50% slopes.
•Storage lagoon required.
•pgh 'odorpotentiaf during and immediately
- *"after spreading,,
f •Storage tank or fagoph required during wet or
freezing conditions,
•Slope may limit vehiefe operation.
•Hauler truck access limited by soil moisture;
truck weight causes soil compaction.
• High odor potential during and immediately
after spreading.
•Storage tank or lagoon required.
• Requires additional equipment (tractor and
wagon).
Subsurface Incorporation
Tank truck or -
farm tractor with
plow and furrow
cover "' ;
Subsurface
injection
liquid septage is discharged :
from tank into furrow1 ahead ofv
single plow and is covered by'',.
second plow. "•:- '
Liquid septage is placed in
narrow opening created by
tillage tool.
- •Minimal odor and vector /\*?T*~
~ - attraction compared with .surface,
application. '-;/'
•Satisfies EPA criteria for reduction,
of vector attraction.
•Minimal odor and vector
attraction compared with surface
application.
•Satisfies EPA criteria for reduction
of vector attraction.
•Slope mayijmit vehicle operation, *," "'
.•Storage tank or lagoon required during periods
> of wet or frozen ground.:
•Slope may limit vehicle operation.
• Specialized equipment and vehicle may be
costly to purchase, operate, and maintain.
•Storage tank or lagoon required during wet or
frozen conditions.
overloading of downstream processes. Treatment plants
with primary clarifiers are generally best suited to receive
septage in the liquid stream. Septage addition is much
more likely to upset smaller plants without primary
clarifiers.
Septage also can be introduced into the sludge handling
train of a WWTR For example, screened, degritted septage
can be pumped to aerobic or anaerobic digesters, sludge
holding tanks, or gravity thickeners. Such practices allow
blending of the septage with primary and/or secondary
biological sludge prior to thickening, stabilization, or de-
watering. High ratios of septage to sludge, however, may
adversely affect these processes. For example, septage de-
waters poorly, and direct dewatering of waste sludge
containing raw, unconditioned septage may cause a reduc-
tion in dewatering performance. Because separate
screening and grit removal facilities are recommended,
and due to the potential for adverse effects on sludge de-
watering, septage addition to the liquid stream (upstream
of wastewater screening and grit removal systems) is more
commonly practiced at small to medium-sized plants. Sev-
eral manufacturers offer equipment specifically designed
for the screening and degritting of septage.
Chapter 10 discusses operation and maintenance consid-
erations for plants receiving septage, and presents
guidelines for estimating allowable septage loadings. Addi-
tional references are listed in Appendix A.
2.4 Treatment at Independent
Septage Treatment Plants
For situations where land is unavailable and WWTPs are
too far away or of insufficient capacity, use of independent
septage treatment facilities maybe warranted. Only a small
number of mechanical septage treatment facilities exist in
Chapter 2 Overview of Septage Handling Options 7
-------
Table 2-5. Summary of Septoge Stabilization Options
Method
AfkaJi
stabilization
Aerobic
digestion
Anaerobic
Composting
Description
Lime or other atkalme «wN&d Is --v ;
added to liquid sepfage to rafee pf
12.0forminimumof30»nin. •>•$5:
»Uwr\s4^« ->: u*,
•Reaewes -stated oKanforto t^intaih
«Sg maintenance requirements for -
gas handling equipment. : "
•High capM. costs. "'
*
cotreatmertt with sewage sludge.
•Costly materials handling requirement.
•Requires skilled operator process
control.
• High odor potential.
•High operating costs.
Table 2-6. Summary of Options for Handling Septage at WWTPs
Method
to upstream sewer
manhole
Septoge addition
to plant headwords
addition
to sludge handling
process
Septage addition
to both liquid
stream and sludge
handling processes
Description
Septage «s added to a sewer t
oftheWWTE < ;^
-------
the United States. Such plants can be mechanically
complex and incorporate many unit processes to handle
both the liquid and solid fractions of septage.
Using lime in septage-only treatment facilities is attractive
since this approach can provide both conditioning and
stabilization prior to dewatering. EPA conducted pilot test-
ing of a simple septage handling scheme that entailed
adding lime to the septage to achieve the necessary pH,
followed by dewatering on sand drying beds (3). A cake
solids content of 25 percent was achieved within 6 days
with 8-in. (20-cm) lifts. An independent septage treatment
facility employing this process should incorporate initial
screening and degritting, with treatment and disposal of
the underdrainage from the drying beds. The dewatered
septage can be applied to land as a soil conditioner or dis-
posed of in a sanitary landfill.
Another successful approach, used at a private facility in
Pennsylvania, is to raise the pH to 12 to achieve stabiliza-
tion, then allow the solids to separate from the liquid. The
settled sludge is then dewatered on a plate-and-frame filter
press until solids reach 40 to 45 percent. Dewatered solids
are then further dried by stacking in windrows, which are
turned mechanically The dried solids are then applied to
agricultural land using a manure spreader. The liquid
fraction is discharged to a nearby municipal sewer. This
system is actually a hybrid since it involves discharge to
a WWTP, for which an industrial discharge permit is
necessary
Composting of septage is also a feasible approach for inde-
pendent septage treatment systems in areas where bulking
agents are plentiful and a demand for composted product
exists. The final compost product may be attractive to mu-
nicipalities, commercial operations (e.g., nurseries), and
homeowners as a soil conditioner. If bulking agent re-
quirements exceed availability and marketability limits,
this approach may become costly. For this reason, dewa-
tering of the septage prior to composting is usually
preferred. Septage is difficult to dewater, and the demand
for conditioning chemicals is high and variable from load
to load. A combination of lime and ferric chloride has
been successfully used, as have polymers. Unit processes
likely to be used for dewatering conditioned septage at
such a facility include screw presses, gravity- and vacuum-
assisted drying beds, and sand drying beds. Mobile
septage dewatering systems, originally developed in
Europe, are now available in the United States (see Section
6.1).
Separation of solids from liquid via settling and/or dewa-
tering generates a liquid fraction that must be managed.
Options include treatment and discharge to the land or
surface water and disposal at a WWTP State and local per-
mits must be obtained for such facilities.
Composting processes applicable to stabilization of sep-
tage in rural areas include aerated static pile composting
and windrow composting. Schematic diagrams of these
processes are shown in Figure 2-1. In aerated static pile
composting, air is forced through the septage/bulking
agent mixture using a blower and air distribution piping,
which helps to maintain aerobic conditions, and to control
pile temperature and moisture. In the windrow process,
these parameters are controlled by turning the piles, usu-
ally with specialized equipment. Windrow turning
frequency depends on oxygen, temperature, and moisture
conditions in the pile, and may vary from once per day to
every 1 to 2 days.
Chapter 2 Overview of Sepfage Handling Options 9
-------
Air
Screened or
Unscreened
Compost
Sludge and
Sulking
Agent
Drain for
Condensate
Exhaust Fan
Filter Pile
Screened
Compost
Windrow Turning Machine
Long Windrows of
Sludge and
Bulking Agent
Figure 2-1. Diagrams of aerated static pile (top) and windrow composting processes.
10 Part
-------
Chapter 3
Regulatory
Requirements
Both state and federal regulations govern septage disposal.
Because federal regulations set minimum standards, state
regulations might be the more stringent of the two. The
agencies responsible for administering septage disposal
programs at the local level must be familiar with these
regulations. For assistance with applicable regulations, con-
tact your state septage coordinator, listed in Appendix B.
3.1 Federal Regulations
Federal regulations applicable to domestic septage are con-
tained in 40 CFR Part 503, "Standards for the Use or
Disposal of Sewage Sludge," published in the Federal Reg-
ister on February 19,1993. U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) regulations define domestic septage as
"either liquid or solid material removed from a septic tank,
cesspool, portable toilet, Type III marine sanitation device,
or similar treatment works that receives only domestic
sewage." Septage that does not meet this federal definition
must be handled and disposed of in accordance with 40
CFR Part 257 (available from EPA or your state septage co-
ordinator).
40 CFR Part 503 simplified the requirements for land ap-
plication of domestic septage to "nonpublic contact sites."
Nonpublic contact sites include agricultural land, forest
land, and reclamation sites that the public uses infre-
quently The regulations:
• Establish a simplified method of determining sep-
tage application rates to the land based on nitrogen
loading.
• Define site restrictions depending on whether or not
the septage is stabilized by the addition of lime or
other alkaline material prior to application.
• Establish alternatives to reduce vector attraction (in-
jection, incorporation, or alkali treatment).
• Establish requirements for recordkeeping, reporting,
and certification.
H Prohibit the application of domestic septage to satu-
rated or frozen soil where potential exists for con-
tamination of surface water, or to land within 10 m
(33 ft) of wetlands, streams, rivers, or lakes.
Specific aspects of the federal regulations as they pertain to
the operation of land application sites are discussed in
Chapter 9.
If domestic septage is handled other than by application to
a nonpublic contact site, the more complex provisions of
40 CFR Part 503 for sewage sludge then apply. For exam-
ple, if septage is processed with sewage or sludge at a
wastewater treatment plant, the septage effectively be-
comes part of the sewage sludge. Because septage usually
contains low levels of metals and other regulated contami-
nants, its handling at a wastewater treatment plant will not
adversely affect these constituents of the sewage sludge. If
septage is treated at an independent septage treatment fa-
cility, the sludge generated from such processes is no
longer considered septage and thus is subject to the sludge
provisions of 40 CFR Part 503. State septage coordinators
can provide details on applicable regulations.
3.2 State Regulations
State regulations for septage disposal vary widely. In most
cases, states require a hauler to submit disposal plans for
approval and provide recommendations on how septage
should be disposed of. The state usually issues hauler li-
censes, although some states delegate this authority to
counties or other municipal agencies.
Since promulgation of the federal regulations on land ap-
plication of septage, many states have reviewed their
regulations on this subject. Those states that have regula-
tions less stringent than the federal regulations will likely
change state regulations to meet the minimum federal re-
quirements.
Table 3-1 summarizes the regulations of six Midwest states
and compares them with EPA regulations for land applica-
tion of septage. EPA Region 5 staff compiled the table in
1992, prior to promulgation of the current federal regula-
tions. As shown, some state regulations are more stringent
than the federal regulations, while others are less so. In
such cases, the more stringent regulations establish mini-
mum standards. State septage coordinators listed in
Appendix B can provide additional guidance on these
regulations.
Chapter 3 Regulatory Requirements 1'
-------
Table 3-1. Examples of State Septoge Regulations (4)
Regulation
Annual application rate (gal/acre/yr)
(based upon 1 00 Ib/ocre/yr crop
uptake)
Recordkeeplng --,
Retain for (yr)
Site location
Number of acres
Date/Time of application
Crop N requirements
Application rate (gal/yr)
Pathogen/Vector Reduction Method
12pH/30min
Injection
Incorporation
Site Restrictions and Management
Crop harvesting0
Truck crops
Root crops
Commodity crops
Turf
Access
Grazing animals
High public access
Low public access
Other -
Depth of ground water/bedrock (ft)
Site slope (max. %)
Soil characteristics
EPA IL
38,462 60,000
' " ."of.
5 1
Y Y
Y —
Y
Y —
Y Y
Y
Y —
Y Optional
- ' .;. ^;\ "-r v-'
— —
14 mo NA
38 mo NA
30d —
lyr -
30 d —
lyr -
30 d —
— 4
— 5
— —
IN
50,000
-'
3
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
—
Optional
8-12 mo
—
—
—
—
2-9 mo
18 mo
—
3
2-9
Y
Ml
60,000
, ,;, ~/ ""••''*''
1
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
-„ _ '-'-,-
Optional
Optional
Optional
—
—
—
—
—
1 mo
12 mo
—
2.5
2-12
—
MN OH
50,000 to —
66,700
? "'•'•'' "•"*•'* \f^, *' •
1 1
Y —
_ _
Y —
Y —
Y —
'*-'; 1 - '"
Optional —
Y —
Y
— 2-1 2 mo
_ _
2yr -
30d —
_ _
1 mo —
— —
: ~ - ••«*
3 4
2-12 8
Y Y
WI
39,210
v "x ^
3
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
-------
Chapter 4
Local
Responsibilities
A municipality or sewerage authority is likely to bear re-
sponsibility for administering a septage disposal program.
In some states, local governments are required to provide
a means of septage disposal sufficient to handle septage
generated within their boundaries. While responsibilities
of municipal or county governments vary widely from
state to state, such responsibilities might encompass the
following:
• Selecting a septage disposal alternative.
• Ensuring compliance with federal and state regula-
tions.
• Establishing rates for disposal of septage at wastewa-
ter treatment plants or independent septage treat-
ment facilities.
• Issuing licenses or permits to haulers for septage
pumping and/or disposal.
• Inspecting onsite systems and pumping of septic
tanks.
• Establishing local ordinances and rules.
• Administering septage disposal programs and main-
taining records.
4.1 Selecting a Septage
Disposal Alternative
A municipality is ultimately responsible for selecting a
method for septage disposal. Larger communities might
enlist the services of an engineering firm to review alterna-
tives and make recommendations.
Table 4-1 provides guidelines for selecting a septage dis-
posal alternative. For small rural communities with
adequate land area available, land application is clearly the
recommended alternative due to its low cost, simplicity,
and environmental benefit. Even for larger, more metro-
politan municipalities, land application may be the most
cost-effective solution, but land availability is often the
major constraint to implementation. Disposal at an existing
wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is relatively simple and
economical, but the long-term viability of this option de-
pends on available plant capacity and projected increases in
sewage and septage flows. Independent septage treatment fa-
cilities are expensive to build and operate, therefore usually
the last resort for a municipality
4.2 Complying With Federal
and State Regulations
A local municipal or county government operates a sewage
treatment plant that accepts septage or an independent
septage treatment facility is responsible for complying with
federal and state sludge regulations as described in
Chapter 3.
According to 40 CFR Part 503, requirements for the land
application of domestic septage are directed toward the
applier of the septage (see Chapter 9): an independent
septage hauler, a private company under contract to the
municipality to provide septage disposal services, or the
municipality itself. Even if the local government is not
designated as the septage applier, it has the right to moni-
tor and inspect septage disposal operations and should
reserve the right to inspect records maintained by the ap-
plier in accordance with state and federal regulations.
Some states grant authority to the municipality to enforce
state regulations on septage disposal. In addition, a local
municipality may establish rules and regulations regarding
the handling and disposal of septage (see Section 4.6).
4.3 Setting Rates
A local government or sewerage authority is responsible
for establishing rates for disposal of septage at publicly
owned sewage treatment plants or independent septage
treatment facilities. Such rates vary widely, from $40 to
$200 per 1,000 gal in one state alone. Occasionally arbi-
trary, rates are most often set using formulas that estimate
the actual cost of treating the septage based on its contri-
bution of the specific wastewater parameters on which the
facility National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit is based. High rates discourage disposal
at the WWTP and encourage illegal dumping and reduced
pumpout frequency Charging less during off-peak seasons
may reduce seasonal variability in flows. Disposal fees
should have a rational and verifiable basis because haulers
must pass on these costs to their customers. One approach
that large facilities use is to base fees on local industrial
surcharge formulas applied to hauled wastes in addition to
administrative, operations, laboratory, and other special
costs.
Chapter 4 Local Responsibilities 13
-------
Table 4-1 . Guidelines for Selecting a Septage Disposal System
Community
Profile
Small,
unsewered rural
community
Conditions
Remote land area available
with suitable site and soil
conditions
Land available but relatively
close to neighbors
Recommended
Alternative
Land application of
untreated septage
Land application of
alkali-stabilized
septage
Relative Costs
Capital
Low
Low to
medium
O&M
Low
Low to
medium
Facility
Ownership
Municipal or
private
Municipal or
private
Financing Norms
Fees to users
Fees to users
Medium-size,
partially
sewered,
semirural or
suburban
community
Large, sewered
municipality
with suburban
onsite systems
inadequate land area
available with suitable site
and soil conditions; WWTP
with available capacity
within 20 miles
Land area available with
suitable site and soil
conditions but relatively
close to neighbors
Inadequate land area, but
available WWTP capacity
Inadequate land area; no
available WWTP capacity
Disposal at WWTP
Land application of
alkali-stabilized
septage
Low to Medium Participating -• Capital improvements •
medium •' municipalities shared by municipalities'
contribute to and paid off through
host facility ' tipping fees
Low to Low to Municipal or Fees to users
Medium Medium private
Disposal at WWTP Medium Medium Municipal
Disposal at
independent septage
treatment facility
High
High
Capital improvements
financed by municipality
and paid off through
tipping fees
One or more Capital improvements
municipalities financed by municipality
or county and paid off through
tipping fees
Available WWTP capacity Disposal at WWTP Medium Medium Municipality
Capital improvements
financed by municipality
and paid off through
tipping fees
No available WWTP
capacity
Independent septage High High
treatment facility
One or more Capital improvements
municipalities financed by municipality
or county . and paid off through
• tipping fees
4.4 Issuing Permits
A local government may require haulers to obtain permits
to operate within its jurisdiction. Such permits may cover
septic tank pumping, treatment at a sewage treatment
plant, land application, or treatment at an independent
septage treatment facility. An example of such a permit is
shown in Appendix C.
The state issues permits for septage application to land to
either the hauler (applier) or the municipality State re-
quirements for permit application vary widely but may
include site inspection by state personnel, an estimate of
crop nitrogen requirements by an agronomist, soil tests,
and notification of neighboring land owners or residents.
Permits assist the municipality or county In maintaining
control of septage haulers and their disposal practices. The
cost of the permit should be sufficient tc finance an in-
spection program to assure compliance with local
regulations
4.5 Inspecting Onsite Systems
and Pumping of Septic Tanks
Most municipalities rely solely on homeowners to main-
tain their wastewater disposal systems. Unfortunately,
negligence can lead to early failure of the soil absorption
system, increasing the cost burden to the owner and po-
tentially threatening the health of the homeowner and
neighboring residents.
An alternative approach is for a municipality to conduct
inspections of onsite systems, to maintain records of
pumping and system rehabilitation or replacement, and to
determine whether or not septic tank pumping is re-
quired. If pumping is necessary, the owner is required to
have his or her tank pumped by a local hauler within a
given period, and to provide documentation to the mu-
nicipality that the tank was pumped in accordance with
local requirements. Another approach is for the munici-
pality to assume complete responsibility For inspecting
onsite systems and for pumping and disposing of septage.
•Jorr
-------
With both of these approaches, the user is either assessed
an annual fee to cover such costs or is billed by the mu-
nicipality as such tasks are completed.
4.6 Establishing Local
Ordinances and Rules
The local government may establish ordinances and rules
governing the disposal of septage and other wastes within
its jurisdiction. If the municipality or county operates a
WWTP, it is required by law to establish an industrial pre-
treatment program to ensure that industrial wastes receive
treatment prior to discharge into the municipal sewer sys-
tem. Such ordinances specify what materials can or cannot
be discharged by a hauler to a sewage treatment plant.
These rules are designed to prevent:
• An upset of biological processes by toxic materials.
• Discharge of pollutants in the effluent in excess of
that specified in NPDES permits.
• Accumulation of metals or toxic organics in the
sludge, which could affect sludge disposal.
Local ordinances and rules may also govern hauler prac-
tices, such as good housekeeping, cleanliness of vehicles,
and odor control. An example of a local ordinance is
shown in Figure 4-1. Rules regarding the treatment and
disposal of septage may also be incorporated as conditions
to the permit, as shown in Appendix C.
4.7 Administration and
Recordkeeping
Administrative and recordkeeping requirements vary de-
pending upon a local governments level of responsibility
for septage disposal. For many rural communities where
septage is applied to land by haulers, local government
control is minimal. In such cases, the community should,
at a minimum, maintain copies of all hauler records as re-
quired by the state regulations for septage applied within
its jurisdiction. If the municipality applies septage to land,
it becomes the "applier" and must itself comply with the
federal regulation and maintain records of its applications
for at least 5 years (see Chapter 9).
If the local government operates a WWTP that accepts
septage, the municipality is responsible for establishing
and collecting fees, regulating the volume of septage that it
accepts, and controlling the types of wastes allowed to be
discharged. This may also involve sampling and analysis of
loads discharged to the WWTP. Additional information on
recordkeeping requirements for plants receiving septage
may be found in Section 8.2. The greatest possible admin-
istrative and recordkeeping burden is associated with a
municipality that assumes total responsibility for inspec-
tion and maintenance of onsite systems, including
pumping, treating, and disposing of septage.
Chapter 4 Local Responsibilities
-------
ARTICLE XIV — DISPOSAL OF HOLDING TANK AND GREASE TRAP WASTES
Section 1401 General Rules
Holding tank or grease trap wastes originating within Hamilton County may be hauled to and discharged into the Department's wastewater
treatment system only at those locations, by such methods, and at such times and days as are designated by the Director.
Section 1402 Geographic Restrictions
Holding tank or grease trap wastes originating outside the boundaries of Hamilton County are prohibited from being discharged into the
Department's wastewater treatment system without prior approval from the Director.
Section 1403 Permits
Permits for discharge of holding tank or grease trap wastes shall be obtained on application forms furnished by the Director. A separate per-
mit shall be obtained for each tank vehicle upon payment of a fee of one hundred dollars ($100) per vehicle. Each permit shall be
displayed at all times on the vehicle for which "rt was purchased. Permits are transferrable only when the tank vehicle for which the permit
was purchased is to be replaced, and then only with the approval of the Director. The term of the permit shall extend from January 1
through December 31 of a calendaryear. The permit fee shall not be prorated.
Section 1404 Fees
The costs of the disposal of holding tank or grease trap wastes are to be paid by the discharger. Any person discharging holding tank or
grease trap wastes into the wastewater treatment system of the Department shall pay the Department at the specified rate per one thousand
(1,000) gallons of tank capacity (or fraction thereof) as a sewage disposal charge.
The Director shall have the authority to, and shall set the specified rate to reflect costs of program elements, including, but not limited to,
administration, treatment at rates established by resolution of the Board, laboratory and enforcement. From time to time as the Director
deems necessary, the Director shall revise the specified rate to reflect conditions then current.
Section 1405 Discharge Process
No person shall discharge holding tank or grease trap wastes into a wastewater treatment system without a permit except with the prior ap-
proval of the Director. Proper reporting as to the source and composition of the waste, such as is determined necessary by the Director, is
required. Forms for this purpose will be provided by the Director. Complete cooperation with District personnel supervising the discharge of
waste is required. Any other conditions determined to be applicable by the Director must be met. Discharge of wastes shall take place in a
neat and orderly fashion. The person discharging said waste shall clean up any spillage and shall leave the discharge site in a state of
housekeeping at least as good as the state just before the discharge began.
Section 1406 Discharge Restrictions
No person discharging holding tank or grease trap wastes into the wastewater treatment system of the District shall discharge or cause to
be discharged, either directly or indirectly, industrial wastes without the prior approval of the Director. Wastes which violate any of the provi-
sions of Sections 1513, 1514, or subsections A, C, D, E, G, H, or I of Section 1518 of Article XV, Industrial Wastes, are further prohibited
from discharge without prior approval of the Director. In any case, wastes are prohibited which cause the wastewater treatment plant to fail
to meet effluent limitations set by State or Federal regulatory agencies. The District may inspect any licensed disposal unit at any time. The
District will sample the contents of each disposal. Any costs incurred by such sampling and analysis shall be charged to the permittee unless
otherwise determined by the Director.
Section 1407 Liabilities
No person discharging holding tank or grease trap wastes shall discharge so as to interfere with the operation of, or cause damage to, a
wastewater treatment works, or engage in disorderly or unlawful conduct. Each discharger shall be responsible for the costs of the dis-
charger's operations. Damages shall include fines or other penalties imposed on the District as a result of the discharger's operations.
Section 1408 Indemnity
The discharger covenants and agrees to indemnify and hold the County, City, and Department and all their officers, agents, and employees
harmless from any liability whatsoever for any injuries to persons or property arising out of the discharger's operations and defend any suit
or legal proceeding brought against the County, City, or Department or any of their officers, principals, agents, or employees on account of
loss or damage sustained by any person or property as a result of the discharger's operations, whether or not such injuries or damage be
caused by the inherent nature of services performed by the discharger or by the negligence of the discharger or his employees.
Section 1409 Bonding
Each permit application shall be accompanied by a bond, payable to the Board upon default, in an amount depending on the septic haul-
ing capacity of the tank vehicle, or where multiple tank vehicles are operated by a single applicant, in an aggregate amount based upon
the fleet capacity, of $10,000 per 1,000 gallons or any part thereof. The full face value of the fleet operator's bond shall apply to each
incident. Said bond is intended to insure the performance of the permittee in complying with each and every applicable section of these
M.S.D. Rules and Regulations.
Section 1410 Statutory Obligations
Each and every permit issued to a permittee is subject to revocation by the Director upon a finding that the permittee has been convicted of
a violation of any Federal, State, or local law or regulation whose subject matter is water quality and/or water pollution control.
Section 1411 Failure to Comply
Failure to comply with any of the above provisions shall be grounds for permit suspension or revocation, fines, and/or forfeiture of bond,
such as is determined to be appropriate by the Director in accordance with these Rules and Regulations and other applicable law.
Figure 4-1. Example of proposed local ordinance for sepfage disposal (courtesy of Cincinnati, OH, MSD).
16 Parti
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Part II
Inspectors' and
Haulers' Guide
-------
Chapter 5
Inspecting Septic
Tanks
5.1 Purpose off Inspection
Septage typically accumulates in a septic tank as shown in
Figure 5-1. "Sludge," or heavy solids, grit, and sand, falls
to the bottom of the tank. "Scum," or grease, fats, and
floatable matter, collects on the surface, forming a mat. Be-
tween these zones of sludge and scum is a relatively clear
liquid, called "effluent," which normally discharges into a
soil absorption system (also referred to as a "leachfield" or
"drainfield") each time wastewater is generated from the
source.
The rate of accumulation of sludge and scum in a septic
tank is highly variable and depends on many factors, in-
cluding the number of family members, their personal
hygiene and eating habits, the dimensions of the tank, the
types of appliances used in the home (e.g., garbage dispos-
als), and local climate. In some cases, natural digestion of
organic matter significantly slows the accumulation rate,
and pumping is required less frequently If excessive
buildup of sludge or scum occurs, however, solids may be
carried with the effluent into the soil absorption system,
where they accelerate soil clogging. Once soils are clogged,
a new soil absorption system may be required, the con-
struction of which is quite costly Regular inspection and
pumping of the septic tank is therefore essential.
Although a septic tank can be inspected to determine
whether or not pumping is required, most inspections are
performed as part of the pumping service to identify such
items as broken baffles and cracked pipes. For older,
established communities with septic tank access lids
buried 6 to 24 in. (15 to 60 cm) below grade, locating
and gaining access to the tanks for inspection can be time-
consuming, which limits an inspection program's
cost-effectiveness. For newer developments, in which
septic tanks are equipped with surface risers that bring
access ports flush with or above the existing grade (see
Figure 5-1), inspection programs can be simple and
therefore cost-effective.
5.2 Determining the Need for
Pumping
Most older guidelines suggest that a septic tank serving a
single family home should be pumped every 3 to 5 years.
Depending on use, however, a modern septic tank may
need less frequent pumping; some studies have shown
that pumpout frequencies of 7 to 10 years are satisfactory.
More frequent inspections, however, are prudent to iden-
tify such problems as cracked pipe joints and damaged or
clogged baffles. Until local experience dictates otherwise, a
pumpout frequency of 4 years is reasonable for most do-
mestic septic tanks. Some states issue operating permits to
homeowners that require regular septic tank inspections.
A relatively simple inspection of the septic tank can deter-
mine whether or not pumping is required. Inspection
consists of measuring the depth of the scum and sludge
layers, and assessing the physical condition of the tank
and its components.
Scum layer depth can be measured using a stick with a
hinged flap as shown in Figure 5-2. The stick is pushed
through the scum layer until the flap falls into the hori-
zontal position. The stick is raised until it meets resistance
at the bottom of the mat. By marking the stick at the top
of the scum layer, the thickness of the mat can be meas-
ured. The location of the bottom of the outlet baffle can be
measured the same way. Instead of a hinged flap, some in-
spectors use a vertical stick with a small board attached
horizontally at the bottom. If the bottom of the scum mat
is less than 3 in. (8 cm) above the bottom of the baffle or
outlet tee, or if the anticipated accumulation rate will re-
sult in this condition prior to the next inspection, the tank
should be scheduled for pumping.
Sludge layer depth can be measured by wrapping a rough
cloth strip or toweling around the lower 3 ft (1 m) of a
measuring stick, fastening the cloth securely, and lowering
the stick to the tank bottom. The measuring stick is low-
ered through a hole in the scum mat near the outlet baffle
or through the outlet baffle itself to prevent scum from at-
taching to the toweling (see Figure 5-2). After at least 30
sec, the stick is slowly removed. Sludge depth can be esti-
mated by the length of the cloth containing black sludge
particles.
Another type of device for measuring sludge depth utilizes
a hollow tube with a glass lens at the bottom. A small wa-
terproof light source is attached a set distance from the
glass lens, and liquid is allowed to enter the space between
the light source and the lens. When the light can no
longer be seen through the tube, the sludge layer has been
18 Part II
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To Soil
Absorption
System
Sludge
Figure 5-1. Typical residential septic tank.
reached. If the top of the sludge layer is closer than 12 in.
to the bottom of the outlet baffle or tee or, more impor-
tantly, if the bottom of the scum layer is within 3 in. of the
bottom of the outlet baffle or tee, the tank should be
pumped.
Most commercial devices available to measure sludge
depth are designed for use by operators of sewage treat-
ment plants, and their accuracy for measuring sludge
depth in a septic tank should first be demonstrated before
purchasing such a device. Most of these instruments em-
ploy a light source and sight tube or photoelectric cell;
other sludge blanket detectors use a transparent tube in
which a "core" of the liquid profile is extracted and the
sludge depth is directly measured. Yet another device em-
ploys a vertical rod that "floats" on the top of the sludge
layer and extends through a hole in the septic tank cover
to the surface. When the rod rises to a preset level, a sign
becomes visible instructing the user to call a pumper.
Ideally, septic tanks should initially be inspected at least
once every 2 years. A proper inspection of the septic tank
includes observing the condition of the inlet and outlet
baffles or tees; broken baffles or tees should be replaced.
ChapterS Inspecting Septic Ianks 19
-------
Device for Measuring Scum Thickness
Device for Measuring Sludge Depth
Weight
Hinged Flap
•2x2
Wrap a Rough Cloth
Strip (Toweling) on
Bottom 3' of Pole
Fasten Cloth Securely
Inlet
Measuring Scum
Measuring Sludge
Grade
scum :'.:•:•:•!:'::•.•:•;'.:>•.
Outlet
Figure 5-2. Measuring solids accumulation in a septic tank.
20 Part!
-------
Inlet and outlet pipes should be sealed at the tank walls.
Sludge and scum accumulation rates can be estimated
based on measured levels and the time elapsed since the
last pumping. The top level of water should also be com-
pared with the outlet tee invert level (the bottom of the
horizontal section) to see whether the tank is leaking.
Inspections of onsite sewage disposal systems generally are
not limited to the septic tank. If present, distribution
boxes should be inspected to determine if they are level
and structurally sound and if solids have accumulated in
them. Sludge in the distribution box indicates that solids
have already been discharged into the drainfield, and the
cause should be investigated and necessary action taken.
Water levels in the box should also be noted; if levels are
above the invert of the outlet pipe, the drainfield may be
malfunctioning, which might require a repair or addition.
The area of the drainfield should also be inspected for evi-
dence of surfacing or "daylighting" of septic tank effluent,
such as waterlogged soils or ponded liquid, objectionable
odors, dead grass from previous ponding episodes, pres-
ence of gray or black septic solids, and surface erosion due
to runoff from accumulated liquid; these conditions might
indicate a need for system improvements.
ChopterS inspecting Septic Tanks 21
-------
Chapter 6
Pumping Septic
Tanks
6.1 Equipment
Pumper trucks typically range in capacity from 1,000 to
4,000 gal (3,800 to 15,000 L), although multiaxle trucks
may have capacities over 6,000 gal (23,000 L). Most states
require the business name, address, truck capacity, and
other identifying information to be displayed on the side
of the truck. Hose racks on the trucks store not only hoses
but also devices used for breaking up the scum layer and
other equipment.1
Pumps are typically either vacuum or centrifugal. Vacuum
pumps, the most common system used by septage haulers,
have the following advantages: liquid does not flow
through the pump, which reduces wear; the pump is less
likely to freeze; and the tank contents can be discharged
under pressure. Vacuum pumps should be equipped with
a water trap to prevent dispersion of aerosols. Because liq-
uid moves through the pump, centrifugal pumps are more
likely to clog and wear more readily from grit and debris.
Centrifugal pumps are typically open-impeller or recessed-
impeller for handling solids. Both types of centrifugal
pumps have a maximum suction lift of about 27 ft (8 m).
Some truck-mounted tanks are equipped with high-level
automatic shutoff controls to prevent overfilling. Pump
capacities are typically at least 400 gal/min (1,500 L/min).
Hoses should be of high-vacuum black rubber or synthetic
material, with a minimum diameter of 3 in. (8 cm). Hoses
should also be capable of being drained and capped to
minimize spillage. Haulers typically carry at least 100 ft
(30 m) of hose. Discharge valves on the hauler trucks
should be drip tight, and a discharge nipple should ac-
commodate a quick-disconnect coupling.
Other equipment includes a device for breaking up the
scum layer (e.g., a long-handled fork), shovel, soil probe
for locating the septic tank, and other tools to either meas-
ure accumulations or perform other tasks in the field. A
squeegee and suction wand attachments should be carried
"The Pumper," a monthly publication aimed at the liquid waste
hauler industry, produces an annual directory of equipment suppli-
ers that is free with a subscription to "The Pumper." Contact Cole
Publishing, PO. Box 220, Three Lakes, WI 54562-0220, telephone
(800) 257-7222.
to help dean up any spills. Lime should also be available
to apply to areas where septage has been spilled.
Mobile septage dewatering systems, originally developed
in Europe, are now available in the United States. With
these systems, septage is pulled from the septic tank into
one compartment on the truck; filtrate is returned to the
septic tank. Polymer or lime is added to the septage dur-
ing transfer to a dewatering tank, where solids are
concentrated. A sludge solids content of 15 to 20 percent
is reportedly achievable for polymer and lime systems, re-
spectively. Mobile dewatering systems offer:
• Lower transportation costs due to fewer trips to the
disposal site.
• Greater truck capacity
• Lower volumes of material requiring further treat-
ment and disposal.
These advantages are best suited to areas with many septic
tanks and long travel distances to the discharge site.
Disadvantages include more complex operational require-
ments and high equipment investment costs.
6.2 Procedures
After the septic tank has been located and the access
hatches exposed, the inlet and outlet baffles or tees are ex-
amined for such problems as damage, loose connections,
and plugging. Broken pipes or baffles should be replaced
or repaired. If the liquid level in the tank is higher than
the outlet pipe, this may indicate clogging in the outlet
pipe or in the drainfield. Next, the scum mat is manually
broken up to facilitate pumping. Before this is done, the
liquid level in the septic tank first is lowered below the in-
vert of the outlet, which prevents grease and scum from
being washed into the drainfield. After the scum mat is
broken up, the contents of the tank are removed.
Normally, the vacuum/suction hose draws air at a point
where 1 to 2 in. (2.5 to 5 cm) of sludge remains over the
tank bottom; this material should be left in the tank.
Washing down the inside of the tank is unnecessary unless
leakage is suspected and the inside must be inspected for
cracks. If internal inspection is warranted, fresh air should
be continuously blown into the tank for at least 10 min to
22 Part II
-------
displace toxic gases or oxygen-deftcient air. The interior
can then be inspected from the surface with a flashlight.
A septic tank should never be entered without first testing
the air for oxygen content, lower explosive limit, and hy-
drogen sulfide. This is accomplished using electronic
"triple gas detectors," available from suppliers of industrial
safety equipment. Septic tanks are considered confined
spaces and are subject to confined-space entry regulations
published by the Occupational Safety and Health Admini-
stration (OSHA Standard 1910.146). Anyone entering a
septic tank should wear a safety harness connected to an
aboveground hoist. Two additional workers should be
topside to assist the inspector in the event of problems.
Your state or local agency responsible for occupational
health and safety should be contacted regarding any addi-
tional regulations regarding confined-space entry in their
jurisdiction.
In the event of a spill, septage should be immediately
cleaned up. Hydrated lime should be sprinkled over the
area of the spill, and a squeegee and a suction wand at-
tached to the end of the vacuum hose are useful tools for
cleanup. For large spills, a second pumper truck may be
necessary; companies with one truck should reach an
agreement with another company to assist in emergency
spill cleanup.
Addition of any chemical or biochemical agents to the sep-
tic tank, such as disinfectants, microorganisms, and
enzymes, is discouraged. Such formulations offer little or
no benefit and may even be detrimental to the operation
of the septic tank and drainfield. For instance, agents that
emulsify grease allow its discharge to the soil absorption
system, where the emulsion may break at the soil infiltra-
tive surface and cause increased rates of clogging or pass
through the soil to ground water. Other agents are formu-
lated of strong alkaline compounds that can pass through
a tank and destroy soil structure. The most detrimental
formulations contain chlorinated hydrocarbons, which can
pass through the tank and soil to contaminate ground
water. Fortunately, many commercial products do little to
affect performance of either tanks or soil systems.
Although no known benefits have been demonstrated to
date, the possibility of an effective formulation in the
future cannot be ruled out.
Chapter 6 Pumping Septic Tanks 23
-------
Chapter 7
Regulatory
Requirements
Local, state, and federal regulations govern the pumping,
transport, and disposal of septage. Septage haulers must
be familiar with local codes and state and federal laws as
they apply to septage handling; failure to comply with
such regulations may result in severe penalties or loss of
operating permits.
7.1 Pumping and Transport
State regulations generally address the pumping and
transport of septage. For example, state regulations may
specify minimum requirements for certain components of
the hauler's truck, such as type or capacity of pump,
length of hose, discharge valves, cleanliness, and display
of company name. Local codes may require a certain size
or type of discharge fitting to be compatible with a sep-
tage receiving station. Local codes also specify the area
from which septage can be accepted, hours of operation,
fees, and procedures for disposal at a local treatment and
disposal facility. For example, some municipalities or
county governments require a manifest for every load of
septage that indicates the name and address of the source.
Such requirements are generally simple, and local haulers
understand them well.
Most states require that haulers be licensed to transport
septage within state boundaries. Prospective haulers
may have to pass state exams to become licensed. The
state or local municipality or sewer authority may re-
quire that the hauler secure specified limits of insurance
coverage and show proof of motor vehicle insurance
and/or liability insurance. In addition, bonds may be re-
quired to ensure that the hauler complies with rules and
regulations. The amount of the bond may vary depend-
ing on the capacity of the truck. In at least one state, a
group insurance policy ($1,000,000 liability) is pro-
vided through the state pumper organization for an
affordable fee.
Federal laws regarding the transportation of septage only
apply to septage hauled across state lines. In this case, U.S.
Department of Transportation (Federal Highway Admini-
stration) regulations apply (49 CFR Part 390). These
regulations generally deal with safety issues affecting the
vehicle and driver.
7.2 Land Application
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations
contained in 40 CFR, Subchapter O, Part 503, often re-
ferred to as the "503 regulations," provide minimum
requirements for the application of domestic septage to
land used infrequently by the general public. Such sites,
referred to as "nonpublic contact sites," include agricul-
tural fields, forest land, and reclamation sites. For septage
application to land where public exposure potential is
high, or for application of residuals from an independent
septage treatment facility, the septage is considered a
sludge and is subject to more complex provisions of the
503 regulations. Haulers need not be concerned with such
regulations unless they operate an independent facility to
treat septage. Haulers who apply septage to land become
the "applier" and are subject to EPA and state regulations;
these haulers should refer to the information in Chapter 9
regarding regulations for land application of septage.
The 503 regulations set minimum requirements for land
application of domestic septage that must be met by all
states. States may, however, adopt (or continue to use)
regulations that are more stringent than the federal rules.
Examples of state regulations regarding septage disposal
are provided in Section 3.2. For further guidance, contact
your state septage coordinator (see Appendix B).
Local regulations often require that a hauler obtain a permit
to discharge septage into a municipal wastewater treatment
plant. An example of such a permit is shown in Appendix C.
7.3 Sources of Information
The state septage coordinators listed in Appendix B can as-
sist haulers in understanding regulations regarding septage
disposal; in addition, state, regional, and national organi-
zations exist that address regulatory, insurance, and other
issues. A partial listing of organizations such as the Na-
tional Association of Waste Transporters is provided in
Appendix A. Haulers are urged to obtain a copy of Domes-
tic Septage Regulatory Guidance (EPA/832/B-92/005),
available free from the National Center for Environmental
Publications and Information, 11029 Kenwood Road, Cin-
cinnati, OH 45242, telephone (513) 569-7980 or fax
(513)891-6685.
24 Part I
-------
Part
Facility
Managers' and
Operators' Guide
-------
Chapter 8
Septage
Receiving
8.1 Description of a Receiving
Station
Septage receiving facilities are a critical component of a
septage handling system, particularly if septage is being
accepted at a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) or in-
dependent septage treatment plant. Septage receiving
facilities may also be part of land application programs
where septage haulers discharge to a holding tank prior to
septage application to the land. Records of septage sources
and volumes and routine sampling of septage loads are es-
sential parts of a comprehensive septage management
program. Both can deter septage haulers from discharging
incompatible materials, such as industrial wastes, and can
assist in determining the source of the load if an upset oc-
curs in a subsequent treatment process. Operators can also
prevent the discharge of illegal wastes by observing the
odor and appearance of the load.
Septage receiving stations vary in design depending on the
volume of septage received, the location of the facility, and
the method for processing the septage. Essential elements
of a septage receiving station include a concrete pad, an
inlet box, pipe, and/or quick-disconnect fitting to receive
the septage, a trash rack to remove rags and debris, and
wash-down facilities. Other features include holding tanks
or systems designed for finer screening and/or grit re-
moval, metering, and odor control. Typical layouts of
septage receiving stations are shown in Figure 8-1.
8.2 Recordkeeping and
Sampling
A treatment and disposal facility should maintain a log or
manifest of every load of septage received. Figure 8-2 is an
example of such a form; another example is shown in Ap-
pendix C. Normally such forms are provided to haulers,
who submit a completed one with each load brought to
the receiving facility.
More sophisticated operations may issue special plastic
cards to the haulers that operate a gate allowing access to
the site. The haulers can either enter the volume and
source of septage on a special keypad or manually fill out
a manifest such as the one shown in Figure 8-2.
Many sewage treatment plants or independent septage
handling operations require that either grab samples of
"random" loads be collected and analyzed or that samples
of each load be collected, preserved, and stored for a pe-
riod of one to several days. Both approaches deter
discharge of wastes that could cause problems with treat-
ment plant operation, performance, or permit compliance.
When every load is sampled and stored, suspect loads can
be analyzed "after the fact" if an upset or other problem
occurs, while other samples may be discarded without
analysis. Many plant operators measure the pH of every
septage load prior to discharge, which allows a visual ob-
servation of the sample and a check for any "unusual"
odors, such as those caused by solvents or degreasers. This
practice should not replace collection and storage of sam-
ples, however, since potentially hazardous or disruptive
wastes may have a neutral pH.
Discharge of loads when a facility is unstaffed is rarely per-
mitted due to the perceived risk of incompatible material
being discharged, since an operator is not sampling the
waste. A few large European facilities do permit this prac-
tice, however, because they are equipped with automatic
samplers.
8.3 Operation and Maintenance
Table 8-1 presents a checklist for routine operation and
maintenance activities at a typical septage receiving facility
26 Port ill
-------
Receiving Station With Equalization
Dumping Station
c
To Treatment Process
Pump Station
Buried Receiving/Storage Tanks
Receiving Station With Equalization and Pretreatment
L
Buried Multiple Receiving/
Storage Tanks
:ion, V.
y HID0!
Dumping Station,
Including Open Pit with
Coarse Screen and
Hose Connection
Odor Control System
To Treatment Process
• Aerated Grit Chamber
1 Mechanically Cleaned Screen
• Solids Handling Pumps
Figure 8-1. Examples of septage receiving station layouts.
ChapferS Septage Receiving
-------
DATE:.
SEPTASE AND SLUDGE MANIFEST
TIME OF COLLECTION:
8251
SECTION A GENERATOR INFORMATION
MUNICIPALITY SERVICED:.
GENERATOR NAME:
ADDRESS:
PHONE NUMBER:.
SECTION B WASTE CLASSIFICATION AND VOLUMES
SOURCE:
WASTE TYPE:
VOLUME:
1. Residential
4. Restaurant
2. Commercial 3. Industrial-
5. Sewage Treatment Plant
6. Other
1. Septoge 2. Holding Tanks 3. Sludge
4. Grease Traps 5. Portable Toilet
6. Other
Gallons Cubic Yards
Tons.
SECTION C TRANSPORTER, STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
PCGA License Number of Collection Vehicle:.
Disposal Facltry Utilized:
Location of Temporary Storage Tank:
Other Disposal Methods:
. Location:.
SECTION D CERTIFICATION
As a PCGA Ucensed Transporter, I hereby certify that all the above Information
is true and accurate.
Signature: .
.Date:.
DRIVER - DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE
LAB RESULTS:
COMMENTS:
Sample ID Number.
Date:.
Grease/Oils:
Petroleum Products:
Accepted • Rejected
Time:
Yes No
Yes No
.ph:
Toxtclty Indicator: Pass Fall
Solvent Odors: Yes No
Signature of Operator on Duty
White/Generator Pink/Transporter Green/Disposal Canary/PCGA
Figure 8-2. Example of a septage manifest (courtesy of Pike County, PA, General Authority).
28 Part ill
-------
Table 8-1. O&M Checklist for Septage Receiving Facilities
Task Responsibility
D Colfect and store sample; Inspect septage for odor and appearance"" Operator
LJ Wash down pad Hauler
D Rake screenings from bar rack ' '. * - Hauler
LJ Remove screenings and grit Operator
Q Lubricate mechanical screen; use grit removal equlpment'lf applicable Operator
L-l Rotate use of septage transfer pumps Operator
D Repack pump seals and conduct other preventive mafnteadnce •'-',' _' Operator
D Wash down walls of holding tank Operator
j__ -*— =<•• /" '~"";> ,""-- ',„*•••*''"•
D Check oil levels in pumps and blowets'- ,-"'--'-, : ' Operator
LI Conduct preventive maintenance on blowers and diffusers Operator
Recommended Frequency
, Every load
Every load
Every load '
Dictated by design
"Per manufacturer's
recommendations
Typically monthly
•' * rPer manufacturer's
recommendations
Daily
Per manufacturer's
i recommendations
Per manufacturer's
recommendations
Chapter 8 Septage Receiving 29
-------
Chapter 9
Land Application
Septage may be applied to the following "nonpublic con-
tact sites" with minimal federal regulatory requirements:
• Agricultural fields
• Forest land
• Reclamation sites
Septage application to other sites is equally feasible subject
to state and federal regulations.
Key elements of a successful operation and maintenance
(O&M) program for a septage land application site include
the following:
• Provision of septage receiving and holding facilities
to provide operational flexibility (optional).
• Proper septage treatment prior to application as re-
quired to meet state regulations (need for treatment
depends on requirements of application method).
• Control of septage application rates and conditions
in accordance with state rules.
• Proper operation and maintenance of the applica-
tion equipment.
• Monitoring of septage volumes and characteristics,
soil, plants, surface water, and ground water as re-
quired by state regulations.
• Odor control.
• Good recordkeeping and retention for at least 5
years.
9.1 Receiving and Storage
Septage storage facilities greatly increase the flexibility of
land application operations. Storage facilities may be used
during the process of transferring septage to specialized
application equipment, during periods when ground is
wet or frozen, or during planting or harvesting operations.
Because open pits or unlined storage lagoons can be a ma-
jor source of nuisance odors and ground-water
contamination, enclosed holding tanks are recommended,
although lined lagoons in isolated areas may be accept-
able.
Holding tanks most commonly are simple concrete struc-
tures. Epoxy-coated aluminum tanks might also be used.
Steel tanks, which have also been used, are subject to
rapid corrosion and early failure. If alkali stabilization is
practiced at the site, a mixing system is required. Air mix-
ing, the most efficient system, generally requires off-gas
collection and treatment to control odors. Biofilters or soil
filters are recommended (see Section 12.2). O&M require-
ments for holding tanks are minimal: daily washdown and
periodic tank inspections.
Enclosed storage tanks are subject to corrosion from the
release of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas. Because H2S is toxic,
proper confined-space entry procedures must be carefully
followed anytime a tank is entered. Key procedures in-
clude the following:
• Monitoring H2S, oxygen, and lower explosive limit.
• Providing forced ventilation of the tank prior to
entry.
• Wearing self-contained breathing apparatus, if
appropriate.
• Wearing a safety harness.
• Providing two additional people topside with equip-
ment to hoist the tank inspector.
If the holding tank is provided with a mixing system, this
should be inspected and cleaned regularly and serviced
once per year, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Biofilters or soil filters require moisture control and peri-
odic change of media. Chapter 8 discusses O&M
requirements for septage receiving stations.
9.2 Application
Using the simplest application method, a hauler truck ap-
plies septage by opening a valve and driving across the
land application site. A splash plate or spreader plate im-
proves septage distribution onto the soil surface. The
septage should be discharged through a simple screen or
basket located on the truck between the outlet pipe and
the spreader plate, which prevents nondegradable materi-
als such as plastics and other objectionable trash from
being applied to the soil. A simple box screen can be fabri-
cated from expanded metal. Collected trash should be
lime stabilized and sent to a sanitary landfill. The septage
must be lime stabilized prior to surface application and in-
jected below the surface or plowed into the soil within 6
hr of application to meet federal requirements to reduce
vector attraction. This method offers the least flexibility
and control from a management perspective. In addition,
soil may become compacted, and trucks not designed for
offroad use may have difficulty driving on the site. Small.
rural land application operations where little environ-
mental or human health risk is likely to occur may find
30 Part
-------
this approach acceptable, however. A transfer or storage
tank must be available when sites are inaccessible due to
soil, site, or crop conditions.
Another common approach is to use a manure spreader or
a special liquid-waste application vehicle that removes
screened septage from a holding tank and injects it on or
below the soil surface. If the septage is incorporated into
the soil by plowing or subsurface injection, lime stabiliza-
tion may not be required.
A third approach is to prerreat the septage (minimum of
screening) during discharge into a holding/mixing tank by
adding lime and stabilizing it to pH 12 for 30 min, and
then to spray the septage onto the land surface using com-
mercially available sludge application equipment, lame
stabilization reduces odors and potentially eliminates the
need to incorporate the septage into the soil; good prac-
tice, however, dictates that the septage be incorporated
within a reasonable period of time. Guidelines for lime sta-
bilization are included in Section 9.3.
Odors are a concern during and after septage application.
A well-managed operation that incorporates lime stabiliza-
tion, subsurface injection, or surface application at or
below agronomic rates, however, creates minimal odor
emissions. Guidelines for minimizing odor problems at
land application sites are presented in Chapter 12.
O&M requirements for land application of septage vary
widely depending on the application technique and the
type of equipment used. An equipment O&M checklist is
shown in Table 9-1.
Table 9-1. O&M Checklist for Equipment Used in Applying Septage to Land
Task
Spray Irrigation ;=''"" ' }
L~H Check engine oil level
EH Verify proper connection of hoses
D Check all shields
LJ Observe recommended safety practices
LJ Grease bearings, lubricate chains, etc.
D Adjust tension in drive chains
LJ Inspect seals, and check oil level in all gearboxes
LJ Check tires and hoses
LJ Flush pumps and hoses with water
D Drain or air-purge hoses and pump
Subsurface 1n|ectlon ; .
'- * "' *
D Check engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant levels, air filter, tire pressure
D Check and adjust injector depth
D Check all belts
D Replace oil, hydraulic fluids, and air filter
LJ Grease bearings, steering cylinder, drive shafts, universal joints, and tool bar pivot
D Clean engine radiator, hydraulic oil cooler, transmission cooler, and air conditioner condenser
D Inspect broke pads, articulation joints, and battery fluid
LJ Observe recommended safety practices
LJ Flush injectors with water
LJ Drain tank hoses
Surface Application
LJ Same as subsurface injection without injector O&M
Recommended Frequency
Before each use
Before each use
Before each use
Before and during each use
As recommended by manufacturer
As recommended by manufacturer
As recommended by manufacturer
As recommended by manufacturer
After each use
As necessary to prevent freezing
Daily or before each use
Before each use
As recommended by manufacturer
As recommended by manufacturer
As recommended by manufacturer
As recommended by manufacturer
As recommended by manufacturer
Before and during each use
After each use
As necessary to prevent freezing
Chapter 9 Land Application 31
-------
The maximum annual volume of domestic septage applied
to all but land reclamation sites depends on septage nitro-
gen content, the amount of nitrogen required by the crop,
and the planned yield of the crop. Federal guidelines for
estimating application rates based on nitrogen loading are
as follows:
Annual application rate (gal/acre/yr) =
Pounds of nitrogen required
for the crop and yield (Ib/acre/yr)
0.0026
Nitrogen requirements of the crop depend on expected
yield, soil conditions, and other factors such as tempera-
ture, rainfall, and length of growing seasons. Local
agricultural extension agents should be contacted to deter-
mine the appropriate septage (and nitrogen) application
rates, which may vary from 10,000 to 100,000 gal/acre/yr
(100 to I,000m3/ha/yr),
The federal regulation for domestic septage application to
nonpublic contact sites outlines various restrictions of the
crops grown on the site as well as access to the site by the
public. The rules are less restrictive if the septage has been
alkali stabilized. Table 9-2 summarizes federal crop and
public access restrictions. For more detailed information,
consult the EPA publication Domestic Septage Regulatory
Guidance (5) or 40 CFR Part 503. Remember that the state
regulation may differ and be more restrictive than that out-
lined in Table 9-2.
"Vectors" are organisms such as flies, mosquitos, and ro-
dents that can transmit disease. For application of
domestic septage to nonpublic contact sites, the federal
regulation requires that one of the following three options
be implemented to reduce vector attraction:
• Subsurface injection.
• Incorporation (surface application followed by
plowing within 6 hr).
B Alkali stabilization (pH of 12 or greater for 30 min
prior to application).
By February 19, 1994, the domestic septage applier must
certify that the requirements for pathogen and vector at-
traction reduction are met (see Section 9.4). Refer to
Domestic Septage Regulatory Guidance (5) or 40 CFR Part
503 for further information.
Other management aspects of land application that the
503 regulations address are avoiding application practices
that affect endangered species; occur during flooded,
frozen or snow-covered conditions; or occur within 33 ft
(10 m) of wetlands or surface waters.
Table 9-2. Federal Crop and Site Restrictions for Land Application of Domestic Septage
restriction
Crop
1. Food crops with harvested parts that touch the septage/soil mixture and are totally aboveground shall
not be harvested from the land for 14 months after application of sewage sludge or domestic septage.
2. Food crops with harvested parts below the surface of the land shall not be harvested for 38 months
after application of domestic septage.
3. Food crops with harvested parts below the surface of the land shall not be harvested for 20 months
after application of domestic septage when the domestic septage remains on the land surface for
4 months or longer prior to incorporation info the soil.
4. Food crops with harvested parts below the surface of the land shall not be harvested for 38 months after
application of domestic septage when the domestic septage remains on the land surface for less than
4 months prior to incorporation into the soil.
5. Animal feed, fiber, and those food crops whose harvested parts do not touch the soil surface shall not be
harvested for 30 days after application of the domestic septage.
6. Turf grown on land where domestic septage is applied shall not be harvested for 1 year after application of
the domestic septage when the harvested turf is placed on either a lawn or land with a high potential for
public exposure, unless otherwise specified by the permitting authority.
Untreated
Septage
X
X
Alkali-Stabilized
Septage
X
X
1. Public access to land with a low potential for public exposure shall be restricted for 30 days after
application of domestic septage. Examples of restricted access include remoteness, posting with no
trespassing signs, and simple fencing.
2. Animals shall not be allowed io graze on the land for 30 days after application of the domestic septage.
Part HS
-------
9.3 Lime Stabilization
Septage can be stabilized by adding sufficient lime or other
alkali to raise the pH to 12 for a minimum of 30 min.
Typically, this requires 20 to 25 Ib of lime (as CaO or
quicklime) per 1,000 gal (2.4 to 3.0 kg per 1,000 L) of
septage, although septage characteristics and lime require-
ments vary widely. Three approaches are recommended
for alkali stabilization prior to land application:
• Addition of lime slurry to the truck before septage is
pumped into the truck, with additional lime added
as necessary after pumping.
• Addition of lime slurry to the septage as it is
pumped from the septic tank into the hauler's truck.
(Addition of dry lime to a truck during pumping
with a vacuum pump system is not recommended;
dry lime will be pulled through the liquid and into
the vacuum pump, causing damage to the pump.)
• Addition of either lime slurry or dry lime to a hold-
ing tank containing septage that has been dis-
charged from a pumper truck.
Compressed air injection through a coarse-bubble diffuser
system is the recommended system for mixing the con-
tents of a septage holding tank. Mechanical mixers often
become fouled with rags and other debris present in the
septage.
Some states prohibit lime stabilization in the hauler's truck
and require a separate holding/mixing tank where lime ad-
dition and pH can be easily monitored. A separate holding
and mixing tank is preferred for alkali stabilization for the
following reasons:
• More rapid and uniform mixing can be achieved.
• A separate holding and mixing tank affords more
control over conditions for handling and metering
the proper quantity of alkali.
• pH monitoring is easier, and more representative sam-
ples are likely to be collected due to better mixing.
• Raw septage can be visually inspected.
Many states do allow septage to be lime stabilized within
the truck. If the lime is added before or during pumping
of the septic tank, 30 min often elapses before the truck
reaches the land application site. (At pH 12, 30 min meets
the federal requirements for lime stabilization of septage,
but state regulations may be more stringent.) To prevent
damage to vacuum pumps and to promote better mixing
of the lime and septage, addition of lime as a slurry is rec-
ommended. The slurry can be added to the truck before
pumping the tank, although the amount of lime necessary
to reach pH 12 will vary from load to load. Provision
should be made to carry additional lime slurry on board
the truck to "top off the dosage.
Table 9-3 presents a procedure for lime-stabilizing septage
within the pumper truck. Haulers should experiment with
different approaches to determine the best methods for in-
dividual situations.
Whether lime is added to the septage hauler truck or to a
holding/mixing tank, the pH must be measured to ensure
that pH 12 is achieved and maintained for 30 min. After
pH 12 is reached, pH should be measured every 15 min
using a hand-held or pocket-size pH meter or color-
sensitive pH paper that indicates a relatively narrow band
of pH in the recommended range (e.g., 10 to 13). A pH
meter, available from laboratory supply companies, is
Table 9-3. Procedure for Lime-Stabilizing Septage Within
the Pumper Truck
Purpose •*> ; fpraisethepHoffeptageto 12 for a'
~'x :,' f (Hfftlfmjm of 30 nun.' %-;' ^ , ,
Approach • Add lime slurry in sufficient quantity before
pumping the tanks and add additional slum/
as needed offer pumping.
• Add lime slurry in sufficient quantity during
pumping the tanks by vacuuming slurry
through small suction line fitted to main
suction hose.
~^f '•:-•
i hydroJbdl feme
*'?., to achieve the same- pH, but quiddim% is mare
""- corrosive and difficult 1 segstage,
-. colled sample front top access Katch using a
polyethylene container fastened to a pole.
: Measure pH with pH meter. {pH pa per can
alse be used, but it is more cumbersome and
less accurate.) If the pH is less tKan 12, odd
more sfony If pH 12 has been reached, record
pH and •tee. Sample again after 15 trim. If the
pH has dropped below 12, add more lime.
The pH must remote otl 2 for of feasf 34} tmn.
$s«)ple and record pH prior to applying
septage to the land.
Chapter 9 Land Application 33
-------
preferred due to its convenience. Hand-held meters cost
$300 to $500, while pocket-size meters cost $50 to $150.
If the pH drops below 12 during the 30-min period after
mixing, more lime or other alkali must be added. The pH
of the mixture must be maintained at 12 or greater for a
full 30 min (longer in some states).
9.4 Monitoring and
Recordkeeping
Depending on applicable state regulations, monitoring re-
quirements for land application programs may vary widely
with respect to sampling points, sampling frequency, and
analytical parameters. Monitoring may include sampling
and analysis of septage, soil, ground water, and plant tis-
sue. State regulations must be followed regarding specific
requirements for monitoring sites receiving septage.
The federal 503 regulations require that the applier of do-
mestic septage to land begin to monitor and maintain
records by July 20, 1993. By February 19, 1994, all other
provisions of 40 CFR Part 503 must be met. For a given
application site, records must be kept for 5 years. Mini-
mum recordkeeping requirements outlined in the federal
regulations are as follows:
• Location of site (street address or latitude and longi-
tude from U.S. Geological Survey maps).
• Number of acres to which septage is applied at each
site.
• Nitrogen requirement of crop or vegetation grown at
each site,
• The gallons of domestic septage applied to the site
during the specified 1-year period.
• Certification that pathogen reduction and vector
attraction requirements have been met (see Figure
9-1).
• A description of how pathogen reduction and vector
attraction requirements were met for each batch of
domestic septage that was land applied.
CERTIFICATION
I certify under penalty of law that the pathogen
requirements in /insert pathogen reduction al-
ternative 1 or 2] and the vector attraction
reduction requirements in [insert vector reduc-
tion alternative 1, 2, or 3] have/have not
/circle one/ been met. This determination has
been made under my direction and supervi-
sion in accordance with the system designed
to ensure that qualified personnel properly
gather and evaluate the information used to
determine that the pathogen requirements and
the vector attraction reduction requirements
have been met. I am aware that there are sig-
nificant penalties for false certification,
including the possibility of fine and imprison-
ment.
Signed:
(to be signed by the person designated as re-
sponsible in the firm that applies domestic
septage)
Figure 9-1. Certification of pathogen reduction and vector
attraction requirements.
34 Part!!!
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Chapter 10
Treatment at
Wastewater
Treatment Plants
A wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) is often a conven-
ient and environmentally sound location for septage
disposal. Many plants can be modified to receive and treat
septage effectively Septage addition, however, can have a
significant impact on plant operations or performance if
receiving facilities are not properly designed. Septage han-
dling increases plant operation and maintenance (O&M)
costs in proportion to the amount of septage received. The
cost of residuals (sludge, grit, screenings) handling and
disposal often shows the largest increase. The septage re-
ceiving program must be developed recognizing that the
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)
permit of the treatment plant prohibits the acceptance of
hazardous wastes under the Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA).
10.1 Estimating Plant Capacity
Determining the ability of a plant to handle septage and
estimating the amount of material that can be effectively
handled are complex processes. Table 10-1 lists the poten-
tial impacts of septage addition to a WWTP
Figure 10-1 provides a method to estimate the allowable
rates of septage addition, assuming that a holding tank is
provided and that septage is added to the sewage flow on
a semicontinuous basis. This chart takes into account the
current loadings to the plant compared with its design
loadings. Package plants or other activated sludge proc-
esses that do not employ primary treatment are the least
amenable to septage handling. A conventional activated
sludge plant (with primary clariEer) designed for 2 million
gallons per day (mgd) and operating at 50 percent of de-
sign capacity should be capable of receiving a septage flow
of 1.4 percent of 2 mgd, or 28,000 gal per day. A 2-mgd
extended aeration plant operating at 50 percent capacity
could receive 0.6 percent of 2 mgd, or 12,000 gal per day
Allowable septage volumes may be reduced due to septage
characteristics, treatment plant operations, and sewage
flow patterns. A factor of safety should be included in es-
tablishing allowable septage volumes.
Table 10-1. Impacts of Septage Addition to a WWTP
* I ncreased volume of screen) rtgsand grit req urn ng disposal
• Increased odor emissions from headworks
• Scum accumulation in clarifiers ,
• Increased organic loadings to biological processes
» Potential odor and foaming problems fn aerated basins
• Increased loadings to sludge handling processes
• Increased sludge volumes requiring final disposal
• Increased housekeeping requirements
The adverse impacts of septage addition may increase sig-
nificantly if septage is discharged directly from the hauler
truck as a slug load into a small treatment plant. A 1,000-
gal load of septage adds an organic load equivalent to
35,000 gal of sewage. If a 1-mgd plant with no primary
clarifier received a 1,000 gal load of septage over a 10-min
period, the instantaneous organic loading would increase
by a factor of four. If that load were to be added over a pe-
riod of 60 min, the organic loading would increase by only
about 60 percent. As a rule of thumb, for unequalized sep-
tage addition to a sewage treatment process, the allowable
septage addition rates determined using Figure 10-1
should be divided by five.
If septage is added to the solids handling train, allowable
loadings must be estimated based on site-specific informa-
tion and will vary depending on both the existing solids
handling processes used at the plant and their design ca-
pacity. First, information on current versus design
hydraulic and solids loadings must be compiled for those
processes that will be employed to cotreat septage-sludge
mixtures. Such processes may include thickening, aerobic
or anaerobic digestion, dewatering, chemical stabilization,
and composting. Then, conservative estimates of the vol-
umes of septage that could be processed without
exceeding the design capacity of each unit process can b-
developed.
Chapter 10 Treatment at Wastewater i reatrnent Plants
-------
Activated Sludge
Without Primary
Treatment
\
Activated Sludge
With Primary
Treatment
Aerated
Lagoon
0.4
2.8
0.8 1.2 1.6 2.0 2.4
Septage Added, Percent of Plant Design Capacity
Figure 10-1. Allowable septage loadings to a sewage treatment plant having a septage holding tank (1).
3.2
3.6
10.2 Additional O&M
Requirements
Septage addition to a WWTP will increase O&M require-
ments, as well as the administrative tasks associated with
recordkeeping and billing of haulers, in proportion to the
quantity of septage treated. Section 8.1 describes the typi-
cal O&M requirements of a septage receiving/holding
facility
Table 10-2 is a checklist of additional O&M requirements
for a plant receiving septage. Many of these tasks are a
normal part of treatment plant operation and mainte-
nance. The frequency of cleaning and inspection, however,
is likely to increase. For example, screenings, grit, scum,
and sludge might need more frequent removal from the
site, and accumulations from water surfaces and tank walls
might also need more frequent removal.
Monitoring requirements at a WWTP are unlikely to in-
crease significantly with septage addition. A well-operated
plant already employs a data collection program sufficient
to maintain good performance and to demonstrate compli-
ance with discharge permits. During peak septage
loadings, aeration basin dissolved oxygen (DO) concentra-
tions should be checked frequently to ensure that
adequate levels (usually >2.0 mg/L) are present. Other op-
erational data should continue to be collected to assess the
impact of septage on overall plant operation and perform-
ance. Such data should include sludge production,
chemical and power consumption, cake solids from sludge
dewatering, and grit and screenings volumes.
36 Part i
-------
Table 10-2. O&M Checklist for Handling Septage at a
WWTP
Recommended
Task Frequency
* t * ••-. -i"< % '
Preliminary Treatment - , ; ':•'- , ', : : '":
CD Inspect screens for plugging Twice per shift
D Backflush grit transfer lines After each
pumping cycle
CH Remove grit and screenings from plant As necessary
LJ Flush grease from tank walls, channels Daily
* * , ''
Primary Clarification
D Remove any grease and scum from surface As necessary
D Hose down weirs As necessary
Aeration Basins -'-• ,-'-'»'• ^'!^\;-;-, " ' ^
LJ Check dissolved oxygen; maintain minimum Twice per shift
of 2 mg/L at peak septage flows
LJ Hose down any excess foam accumulation Once per shift
Final Clarifiers - - ;',.-f""^X'
tH Inspect for scum accumulation Twice per shift
Sludge Handling %|J
LJ Remove grease and scum from gravity Daily
thickeners
D Hose down thickener weirs Daily
ED Check for increases in biological and/or Daily
chemical conditioning requirements
d! Check impact on cake solids content Daily
Chapter 10 ! reatmsnt at Wastewater Treatment Piants
-------
Chapter 11
Independent
Septage
Treatment
Facilities
The operation and maintenance (O&M) of independent
septage treatment facilities can be quite complex, and
O&M requirements for a mechanical septage treatment
system can equal those of a conventional sewage treatment
plant. The purpose of this section is not to provide de-
tailed O&M procedures for such facilities but rather to
outline typical O&M requirements for several simple
schemes for septage treatment and disposal. Most inde-
pendent septage treatment plants (and many wastewater
plants) have special septage receiving facilities. O&M con-
siderations for such facilities are discussed in Chapter 8.
11.1 Lime Stabilization/
Dewatering
Lime stabilization is one likely component of an overall
septage treatment scheme at an independent facility; other
major unit processes include settling/dewatering and treat-
ing/disposing of liquid and solids fractions. Dewatering
options include drying beds or mechanical devices such as
screw presses or belt filters. Liquid fraction treatment con-
sists of either biological or physical-chemical systems with
discharge to surface water (for which a National Pollutant
Discharge Elimination System permit is required), to the
land, or to a sewage treatment plant. The solids fraction
(sludge) must be managed in accordance with state and
federal regulations.
Lime stabilization and sand-bed dewatering present one of
the simplest schemes for stabilizing and dewatering sep-
tage. Because sand drying beds are labor- and
land-intensive, other alternatives for dewatering facilities
may be preferable. These include vacuum-assisted drying
beds and gravity dewatering systems, which employ
manufactured plates (in lieu of sand) and polymer condi-
tioning prior to application. Other dewatering processes
such as filter presses and centrifuges are mechanically
complex and are most applicable to facilities handling in
excess of 10,000 gal per day (0.4 L/sec). Details of all
these devices are available elsewhere (see Appendix A).
Table 11-1 is an O&M checklist for the lime stabilization
process. Table 11-2 is an O&M checklist for drying beds.
11.2 Mechanical Dewatering/
Composting
Septage is amenable to composting, either as a liquid or as
a dewatered cake. Bulking agent requirements for liquid
septage composting are substantial, and unless a suitably
absorbent bulking agent is available at very low or (prefer-
ably) no cost, this approach is unlikely to be economical.
Septage can be dewatered, but finding an optimum condi-
tioning agent that consistently performs well despite wide
fluctuations in load characteristics is difficult. The liquid
fraction resulting from dewatering must be properly
Table 11-1. O&M Checklist for Lime Stabilization of
Septage
Task
f_J Monitor pH during time addition
LJ Clean pH probe
D Calibrate pH meter
LJ Hose down walls of
holding/stabilization tank
D Remove scale and lime dust from
feed equipment, if applicable "
LJ Check oil levels in pumps, blowers,
and mixers
Q Rotate use of septage transfer
pumps
LJ Conduct preventive maintenance
on pumps, blowers, diffusers, and
Recommended Frequency
(Continuously until pH'
exceeds 12; thereafter
every-l 0 pin for
'30-min minimum
After each measurement
Twice per day ,
Daily
Daily " •' •"'-'• ••' ''•:
Per manufacturer's
recommendations
Daily
Per manufacturer's
recommendations
38 Part!!!
-------
treated and disposed of. Mechanical dewatering processes
include belt filter presses, screw presses, plate-and-frame
filter presses, membrane/decant processes (as used in Can-
ada), and centrifuges. As noted earlier, these devices are
generally suitable for large quantities of septage. Table 11-
3 is a general O&M checklist for mechanical dewatering
systems.
Two types of composting operations applicable to com-
posting of septage solids in rural areas are static pile
composting and windrow composting. These processes are
discussed briefly in Chapter 2. Composting operations are
labor-intensive due to requirements to mix septage solids
with bulking agent, to monitor pile temperatures, to break
down piles and restack them in curing piles, to screen the
cured material to recover bulking agent, and to monitor
product distribution. Table 11-4 is an O&M checklist for
static pile composting of septage. Table 11-5 is an O&M
checklist for windrow composting.
Table 11 -2. O&M Checklist for Dewatering Using Drying
Beds
Table 11 -3. O&M Checklist for Mechanical Dewatering
Systems
Task
LJ Apply conditioned septage to
depth'of 8 in.
LJ Measure percentage of solids
in cake
LJ Remove dewatered solids
LJ Rake surface of sand
LJ Remove and replace top 4 in.
to 6 in. of sand
Recommended
Frequency
As required
Weekly or as
necessary to
determine when
desired solids
content is achieved
• When desired solids
content is achieved
(e.g., 20 percent}
After removal of
dewatered solids
As necessary to
maintain good
drainage
Task
LJ Males up day tank of conditioning
cheroicafs r •
LJ Set dosage of conditioning chemicals
LJ Calibrate chemical feed pumps ' •
LJ Measure percentage of solids in cake
LJ Check quality of filtrate for pH, SS,
BOD/COD
LJ Thoroughly clean and flush
equipment
D lubricate moving ports
LJ Conduct regular preventive
maintenance
Recommended
Frequency
Daily
Every batch
Weekly
Every batch
Daily, or as required
by regulatory agency
or treatment plant
Daily
Per manufacturer's
recommendations
Per manufacturer's
recommendations
Chapter 11 Independent Septage Treofnient Facilities
-------
Table 11 -4. O&M Checklist for Static Pile Composting of
Septage Solids
Table 11-5. O&M Checklist for Windrow Composting of
Septage Solids
Task
CD Mix with sufficient bulking agent to
achieve initial moisture content of 40 to
, 45 percent
D Set air flow at 50 to 85 dm per
dry ton; maintain maximum off-time of
15 min.
LJ Monitortemperature and oxygen levels
at multiple locations irt each active pile
EH Screen out bulking agent from compost
as required, and cure screened compost
CD Clears up any spilled septage i ' v-'~r
CH Collect excess leachate/condensate
LJ Conduct routine preventive
maintenance on pug mills, blowers,
and other mechanical equipment
Recommended
Frequency
Every batch
Daily
Daily
Upon breakdown of
active pile
'Daily ',
Daily
Per manufacturer's
recommendations
Task
D Mix with sufficient bulking agent to
achieve inttiat moisture'content of
40 to 45 percent
Lj Stack in long parallel rows (see Figure
2-1) upto 15ft wide and 7ft high
D Monitor temperature and oxygen levels
at multiple locations In windrows
LJ Turn windrows with special machines
D Screen,out bulging'jagent from compost
as required, "ond-cure screened
compost ''--'"-„
CD Clean up any spilled septage
D.'Collect excess feachafe/coriaeosate
Lj Conduct routine preventive
maintenance on pug mills, windrow
turning machines, and other
mechanical equipment
Recommended
Frequency
Every batch '
Every batch
Daily or prior to
turning
Twice a day for first
5 days, then once a
day or as necessary
to maintain desired
temperature and
oxygen levels
Upon breakdown of
active pile
Daily
Daily '•- -~ : :'
Per manufacturer's
recommendations
40 Port il
-------
Chapter 12
Odor Control
Controlling odors is critical to the success of any waste
handling operation. Septage has an offensive odor, and
septage processing can release odors and subsequently
cause complaints from local residents. Good management
practices can often reduce odor emissions; positive steps
such as odor containment and treatment, however, may be
necessary to control downwind impacts.
Odors evoke an emotional response from residents, and
the importance of implementing a good odor control pro-
gram cannot be overstated. If a septage receiving or
treatment facility is being planned, odor impacts must be
addressed early in the planning process. Failure to do so
may cause mounting local opposition to the project. Once
major complaints are lodged against a facility for emitting
odors, convincing local residents that the problem will be
solved is very difficult, and the project may be doomed
politically Whenever possible, septage handling and treat-
ment facilities should be isolated from residential areas.
12.1 Minimizing Odor Emissions
There are several approaches to minimizing the release of
odors from septage. Such approaches generally fall into
two categories:
• Reducing the exposure of septage to the atmosphere
• Minimizing turbulence or agitation
Table 12-1 summarizes some "rules-of-thumb" for mini-
mizing odor releases at a septage receiving facility.
Although using such techniques is always good practice,
alone they may be inadequate to control odors; one of the
odor control technologies described in Section 12.2 may
be necessary Table 12-2 provides guidelines for minimiz-
ing odor problems at land application sites.
12.2 Odor Control Technologies
12.2.1 Chemical Addition
Numerous chemicals are available to control odors in
wastewater. These chemicals, added directly to the waste-
water, are often aimed at controlling hydrogen sulfide, one
of the principal odorants in septic wastewater. Chemicals
include oxidants (potassium permanganate, hydrogen per-
oxide, sodium hypochlorite), precipitants (ferrous
chloride, ferrous sulfate), and compounds used to prevent
the generation of odorous compounds. Such chemicals
Table 12-1. Guidelines for Minimizing Odor Emissions at
a Septage Receiving Facility
•Use quick-disconnect fittings between-pumper truck and receiving
station to minimize exposure of septage to the atmosphere. -
•Provide wash-down facilities to clean up any spills, with drainage
into holding tanks.
•Avoid "free fall" of septage by extending .receiving pipes befow
" water surface.;, • -. •' '" - •
•At wastewater treatment plants, introduce septage at slow,
controlled rates.
•For a holding tank with mechanical or air mixing, ventilate the
tank and direct odorous air to a biofilter or other odor control
system.
Table 12-2. Guidelines for Minimizing Odor Problems at
Land Application Sites
•Select remote sites if possible. For dedicated sites, plant a
vegetative barrier (e.g., trees) at the property border to reduce
neighbors' views and change wind patterns.
•Use subsurface injection rather than spray irrigation or surface
application.
•Apply weff-stabifized material {e.g., times stabilization).
•Use application rates that are below the maximum rates dictated
by site conditions.
•Avoid applying septage when wind conditions favor transport of
odors to residential areas or when thermal tnversions tend to
"trap* odors {early morrorig or late afternoon).-
• Use a covered holding tank and vent odorous air to a biofilter or
other odor control system.
•Clean tanks, trucks, ana1 equipment daily.
have been used successfully for odor control in sewage
collection systems and for reducing odor emissions from
sludge storage and dewatering processes. Their application
in controlling septage odors is limited, however, because:
H Septage contains high levels of other odorous com-
pounds such as mercaptans, which are not signifi-
cantly removed by chemical addition.
• Septage deliveries are intermittent, making control
of chemical dosage rates difficult.
Chapter 12 Odor Control 4'<
-------
12.2.2 Containment and Treatment
For septage handling systems, the best approach to control
odors is to cover the sources of odor emissions and to ex-
haust this air to a suitable control system. If septage
holding tanks are mixed, the agitation causes odor to be
released from the solution. Septage holding tanks should
always be covered. Normally, concrete tanks with precast
covers are used; open tanks should be covered with corro-
sion-resistant fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) or
aluminum plate. A corrosion-resistant fan should be em-
ployed to exhaust the odorous air at a minimum rate of six
air changes per hour (assuming an empty tank).
Odor emissions from wastewater treatment plants
(WWTPs) are likely to increase if significant amounts of
septage are processed. Aerated channels and grit chambers
can cause odorous compounds in the septage to be re-
leased to the atmosphere. Covering of such channels and
tanks may be necessary Corrosion-resistant FRP or alumi-
num panels are recommended, with air exhausted from the
head space at a minimum rate of six air changes per hour.
Table 12-3 provides a summary of technologies used for
the treatment of odorous air. A brief description of these
options is provided below Some of these alternatives may
not be appropriate for small septage handling facilities due
to their high capital and operating costs.
Wet scrubbers are an effective, well-demonstrated odor con-
trol technology. Two types of wet scrubbers are available:
• Packed tower scrubbers
• Fine mist scrubbers
Both are countercurrent reactors in which the odorous air
is contacted with a chemical solution, typically containing
sodium hypochlorite and caustic soda. This allows absorp-
tion and subsequent oxidation of the odorous compounds.
In packed tower scrubbers, the chemical solution is
sprayed over a bed of plastic packing, which is used to
promote intimate contact of the chemical solution with the
odorous air. The packing is contained in a cylindrical ves-
sel typically constructed of FRP or polyvinyl chloride
(PVC). The chemical solution is continuously recirculated,
with makeup chemicals added on a controlled basis to
maintain the pH and oxidizing capability (ORP) of the
solution. Spent chemical solution (with dilution water)
is wasted from the system at a rate of 0.5 to 1.0 gal/min
per 1,000 ft3/min of air flow (68 to 135 L/min per 1,000
m3/min). At WWTPs, the spent chemical solution is typi-
cally returned to the headworks. The "cleaned" air is
discharged through a demister.
Fine mist scrubbers use a packingless reaction chamber,
typically constructed of FRP Specially designed nozzles, in
conjunction with air compressors, create a very fine mist
Table 12-3. Summary of Odor Treatment Alternatives
Technique
Packed tower wet
scrubbers
Application
Moderate to high strength
odors; medium to large
facilities
Fine mist wet scrubbers Moderate to high strength
odors; medium to large
facilities
Activated carbon
adsorbers ,
Biofilters
Thermal oxidizers
Low to moderate strength
odors; small to large
facilities
Low to moderate strength
odors; small to large
facilities
Cost Factors
Moderate capital and
O&M cost
Higher capital cost than
packed towers
Cost-effectiveness depends
on frequency of carbon
replacement or
regeneration
Low capital and
O&M costs
High strength odors; iarge Very high capital and
facilities O&M (energy) costs
Advantages
Effective and reliable;
long track record
Lower chemical
consumption
Simple; few moving parts
Simple; minimal O&M
Effective for odors and
volatile organic
compounds
Diffusion into activated Low to moderate strength Economical if existing Simple; low O&M;
sludge basins odors; small to large blowers and diffusers can effective
facilities be used
Odorcounteracfanfs Low to moderate strength Cost dependent on
odors; small to large chemical usage
facilities
tow capital cost
Disadvantages
Spent chemical must be
disposed of; high chemical
consumption
Water softening required
for scrubber water; larger
scrubber vessel
Only applicable for
relatively dilute air
streams; longevity of
carbon difficult to predict -
Design criteria not well
established; may not be
appropriate for very strong
odors
Only economical for
high-strength,
difficuh-to-treat air streams
at large facilities
Blower corrosion possible;
may not be appropriate
for very strong odors
Limited odor reduction
efficiency (<50%)
-------
of 10 urn micron droplets of the chemical solution to pro-
vide intimate contact with the odorous air, which
eliminates the need for packing. Such systems are de-
signed without recirculation of the chemical solution (i.e.,
the solution only makes one pass through the chamber, af-
ter which it is collected and typically discharged back to
the headworks). To prevent scaling and plugging of noz-
zles, makeup water passes through a water softener. Spent
chemical solution is discharged at the rate of approxi-
mately 0.1 gal/min per 1,000 ft3/min of gaseous emission
(14 L/min per 1,000 mVmin).
Activated carbon adsorbers can also effectively control
odor. Their principal application is for low levels of odor-
ous gases, such as for dilute air streams or for polishing
high-strength odors pretreated by wet scrubbers or other
control device. Two types of carbon are generally used for
odor control applications. For air streams containing hy-
drogen sulfide (H2S), a caustic-impregnated carbon is
often used. Where non-H2S odors are involved, untreated
activated carbon is typically selected. Periodically the carb-
on must be changed or regenerated due to saturation of
the carbon's adsorption sites. For caustic-impregnated
carbon, chemical regeneration can be accomplished using
a sodium hydroxide solution to desorb the H2S, although
replacement is more common and may be more economi-
cal. Nonimpregnated carbon is not usually regenerated on
site owing to the cost of thermal regeneration facilities.
Small plants either discard spent carbon or ship it to re-
gional regeneration facilities.
Interest in biofilters has increased substantially within the
past 10 years due to their simplicity and low capital and
operating costs. Biofilters have been commonly used in
Europe for many years for odor control applications. The
principles of biofilter operation are relatively simple.
Odorous air is passed upward through a bed of porous
material, which is often composed of a mixture of soil,
compost, peat, leaf mulch, sand, wood chips, and other
porous materials. Odors are removed through a combina-
tion of mechanisms, including absorption, adsorption, and
biological oxidation. Figure 12-1 shows a schematic dia-
gram of a biofilter. Although biofilters are generally
regarded as very effective, data that document their odor
removal efficiency and design criteria are limited. Some
problems have been experienced due to excessive drying
of the media and short-circuiting of the odorous air
stream. Design criteria (e.g., loading rates, media depth)
are not well established, and media selection is still some-
what arbitrary. An underdrain system may be necessary to
collect condensate from saturated gases. A mist nozzle is
often installed in the inlet pipe to humidify drier incoming
air to reduce drying of the biofilter media. Typical design
criteria for a biofilter are shown in Table 12-4.
Thermal oxidation technologies effectively destroy odor-
ous compounds by subjecting them to temperatures of
approximately 1,500°F (815°C). Many variations are avail-
able, from direct flame combustion to regenerative thermal
oxidation. Such systems are typically used only for very
strong, difficult-to-treat odors, such as those from thermal
sludge conditioning processes. Because of the high capital
cost and high energy consumption, thermal oxidation is
not cost-effective for controlling odors from septage han-
dling operations.
Diffusion of odorous air into activated sludge basins is an
economical and effective odor control technique if the dif-
fused aeration system is already in place. For septage
handling processes, this option is only appropriate where
septage is treated at an activated sludge sewage treatment
plant. The mechanism of odor reduction is likely to be a
combination of absorption, adsorption, and biological oxi-
dation in the mixed liquor. For most odors, odor removal
efficiencies in excess of 95 percent can be expected.
Odor counteractants are formulations designed to react
with odorous compounds in the vapor phase to render
them less detectable or less offensive. A myriad different
formulations exist. Few vendors of these chemicals have
data documenting their effectiveness for odor reduction.
Limited data indicate a maximum reduction of odor de-
tectability of 30 to 40 percent. Odor detectability
measured using an olfactometer and an 8- to 10-member
odor panel, refers to the number of dilutions of the odor-
ous sample required before half the odor panel can no
longer detect the odor (6). Some formulations are not rec-
ommended for odorous air streams containing more than
5 ppm of H2S. Odor counteractants are attractive to
municipalities because the equipment is simple and rela-
tively inexpensive.
Table 12-4. Recommended Design Criteria for a
Biofiiter
Parameter Value
Hydraulic loading ~ <3 cfm per ft2 of bottom bed area
Detention time S30 sec through media.
Media depth >3 ft
Media pH 6 to 8
Pore volume 40 to 50 percent
Moisture content 50 to 60 percent
Media constituents" Equal parts bark mulch, hardwood chips,
and screened sludge compost
°Constituents of media vary substantially depending on designer; constitu-
ents listed are only an example. Other materials that have been used
Chapter 12 Odor Control
-------
Biofilter
Media
Air Distribution
Laterals
Drainage Fabric
(Between Crushed Sone
and Biofilter Media)
Crushed Stone
VN
From Odor Source
Figure 12-1. Diagram of a biofilter for odor control.
Air Distribution Manifold
Port !1!
-------
References
When an NTIS number is cited in a reference, that docu-
ment is available from:
National Technical Information Service
5285 Port Royal Road
Springfield, VA 22161
703-487-4650
1. U.S. EPA. 1984. Handbook: Septage treatment and dis-
posal. EPA/625/6-84/009. Cincinnati, OH.
2. U.S. EPA. 1991. Supplemental manual on the develop-
ment and implementation of local discharge limitations
under the pretreatment program: Residential and commer-
cial toxic pollutant loadings and POTW removal efficiency
estimation (NTIS PB93209872). Washington, DC.
3. U.S. EPA. 1975. An alternative septage treatment method:
Lime stabilization/sand-bed dewatering. EPA/600/2-75/036
(NTIS PB24581-4BE). Cincinnati, OH.
4. U.S. EPA. 1993. Hauled domestic waste land application
of domestic septage: A Region 5 introspective. U.S. EPA
Region 5, 77 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60604.
5. U.S. EPA. 1993. Domestic septage regulatory guidance.
EPA/832/B-92/005. Washington, DC.
6. American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). 1979.
Determination of odor and test thresholds by a forced-
choice ascending concentration series method of limits.
ASTM E679. Philadelphia, PA: ASTM.
References
-------
Appendix A
Sources of
Additional
Information
-------
Septage
Documents
Technical Sources
1. U.S. EPA. 1993. Hauled domestic waste land applica-
tion of septage: A Region 5 introspective. U.S. EPA
Region 5, 77 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL, 60604.
2. Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF). 1990.
Operation of municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Manual of Practice No. 11. Alexandria, VA: WCPE
3. U.S. EPA. 1987. Process design manual: Dewatering
municipal wastewater sludges. EPA/625/1-87/014.
Cincinnati, OH.
4. U.S. EPA. 1984. Handbook: Septage treatment and
disposal. EPA/625/6-84/009. Cincinnati, OH.
5. U.S. EPA. 1983. Process design manual: Land appli-
cation of municipal sludge. EPA/625/1-83/016.
Cincinnati, OH.
6. U.S. EPA. 1980. Septage management. EPA/600/8-
80/032 (NTIS PB81-142481). Cincinnati, OH.
7. U.S. EPA. 1979. Monitoring septage addition to
wastewater treatment plants, Volume I. Addition to
the liquid stream. EPA/600/2-79/132 (NTIS PB80-
143613). Cincinnati, OH.
8. U.S. EPA. 1979. Process design manual: Sludge treat-
ment and disposal. EPA/625/1-79/011 (NTIS
PB80-200546). Cincinnati, OH.
9. U.S. EPA. 1978. Pilot-scale evaluations of septage
treatment alternatives. EPA/600/2-78/164 (NTIS
PB288415/AS). Cincinnati, OH.
10. U.S. EPA. 1975. An alternative septage treatment
method: Lime stabilization/sand-bed dewatering.
EPA/600/2-75/036 (NTIS PB245816-4BE). Cincin-
nati, OH.
Sources
Code of Federal Regulations. 1993. 40 CFR Subchap-
ter O Part 503, Standards for the use or disposal of
sewage sludge. Washington, DC (February 19).
2. U.S. EPA. 1993. Domestic septage regulatory guid-
ance. EPA/832/B-92/005. Washington, DC.
3. U.S. EPA. 1992. Environmental regulations and tech-
nology: Control of pathogens and vector attraction in
sewage sludge. EPA/625/R-92/013. Cincinnati, OH.
4. U.S. EPA. 1989. Environmental regulations and tech-
nology: Control of pathogens in municipal
wastewater sludge. EPA/625/10-89/006. Cincinnati,
OH.
Planning and Management
Sources
1. U.S. EPA. 1982. Management of onsite and small
community wastewater systems. EPA/600/8-82/030.
Cincinnati, OH.
2. U.S. EPA. 1980. Planning wastewater management fa-
cilities for small communities. EPA/600/8-80/030.
Cincinnati, OH.
Obtaining Documents
The EPA documents listed above, as well as other perti-
nent information, are generally available from one or more
of the following sources:
1. National Center for Environmental Publications and
Information, 11029 Kenwood Rd., Cincinnati, OH
45242; telephone (513) 569-7980 or fax (513) 891-
6685.
2. National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port
Royal Rd., Springfield, VA 22161; telephone (800)
553-6847 or (703) 487-4650.
3. Center for Environmental Research Information, 26
W Martin Luther King Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45268;
telephone (513) 569-7562 or fax (513) 569-7566.
4. National Small Flows Clearinghouse, West Virginia
University, PO. Box 6064, Morgantown, WV 26506-
6064; telephone (800) 624-8301.
48 Appendix,
-------
Hauler
Organizations
National
National Association of Waste Transporters, Inc., PO. Box
731, Sayville, NY 11782-0731. Kenneth Daly. Telephone
1-800-236-NAWT.
State
Alabama
Alabama Septic Tank Association (ASTA), EO. Box 39,
Crane Hill, AL 35053. Tommy Shaddix, President. Tele-
phone (205) 747-4097 or (205) 747-4097.
Arizona
Arizona Liquid Waste Transporters Association, American
Pumping, PO. Box 83148, Phoenix, AZ 85071. Perry
French, NAWT Director. Telephone (602) 252-8111.
California
San Diego County Sewage Haulers Association, PO. Box
2576, Vista, CA 92085. Scott Ferguson, NAWT Director.
Telephone (619) 724-8111.
California Liquid & Hazards Management Association,
3972 N. Waterman Ave., Suite 106, San Bernardino, CA
92404.
Delaware
Delaware Sanitary Pumpers Association, Route 3, Box 585,
Wyoming, DE 19934. Hollis Warren. Telephone (302)
284-9130.
District of Columbia
Hazardous Waste Service Association, 1333 N. Hampshire
Ave. NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC 20036.
Florida
National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, Inc.
(NOWRA), PO. Box 525, Lakeland, FL 33802. Telephone
(813) 644-3228.
Illinois
Illinois On-Site Wastewater Association, PO. Box 205,
Winfield, IL Bruce Sims, NAWT Director. Telephone
(708) 668-3370. Fax (708) 668-1351.
Indiana
Indiana Pumpers Association, Inc., PO. Box 423, 55910
Currant Rd., Mishawaka, IN 46544-0423. Diana J. Miller,
NAWT Director. Telephone (219) 294-3133.
Maine
Maine Association of Wastewater Transporters, PO. Box
155, Minot, ME 04258-0155. George "Buster" Downing,
NAWT Director. Telephone (207) 782-4508.
Maryland
Maryland Sanitary Pumpers Association, 211C 24th St.,
Westminster, MD 21157. John S. Cullop Jr., NAWT Di-
rector. Telephone (301) 898-0686.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Association of Sewerage Pumping Contrac-
tors, PO. Box 498, Wakefield, MA 01880-0498. Richard
A. Mottolo, President. Telephone (617) 245-7576.
Massachusetts Septic Association/Allan Rodenhiser, Elec-
tric Sewer Cleaning Company, PO. Box 269, Alliston, MA
02134. Telephone (617) 782-1550.
Michigan
Michigan Septic Tank Association, PO. Box 127, RR #2,
Bark River, MI 49807. Carl Stenberg. Telephone
(906) 466-9908.
Michigan Septic Association, 5623 N. M-13, Tinconning,
MI 48650. Bob Pierson. Telephone (517) 879-2691.
Minnesota
Minnesota On-Site Treatment Contractors Association,
Inc., PO. Box 125, Nisswa, MN 56468-0125. Larry Fyle,
President. Telephone (218) 963-2225.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire Association of Septage Haulers, 106
Horsehill Rd., Concord, NH 03303. Ray Barton, Presi-
dent. Telephone (603) 753-8444.
New Hampshire Septage Hauler Assoc., 338 Quaker St.,
Weare, NH 03281. Telephone (603) 529-7954.
Hauler Organizations 49
-------
New York
New York State Contractors and Transporters of Septage,
Inc. (NYCATS), EO. Box 29, Smithtown, NY 11787.
Richard F Lange, President. Telephone (516) 361-8500.
Long Island Liquid Waste Association (LILWA), EO. Box
29, Smithtown, NY 11787. Richard Lange, NAWT Direc-
tor. Telephone (516)361-8500.
Mid-Hudson Septic Haulers Association, 269-271 Cream
St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Theodore Losee, NAWT
Director. Telephone (914) 452-1123.
North Dakota
Great Plains Liquid WP Assoc., R.S. Box 34, Dickinson,
ND 58601.ValStockert.
Ohio
Ohio Waste Haulers Association, PO. Box 277,
Huntsburg, OH 44046-0277. Tim Frank, NAWT Direc-
tor. Telephone (216) 636-5111.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Septage Management Association, RD #3,
Box 3231, Moscow, PA 18444. Joseph Macialek, Execu-
tive Secretary. Telephone (717) 842-7300.
Pennsylvania Portable Sanitation Association, PO. Box
178, Bellefonte, PA 16825. Richard L. Macialek. Tele-
phone (814) 355-2185.
Texas
Southeast Texas Liquid Waste Haulers Association, PO.
Box 488, Pearland, TX 77588. Clarence F. Zabawa, Sr.,
NAWT Director. Telephone (713) 489-9895.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Liquid Waste Carriers Association, 444 Kettle
Morraine Dr., Eagle, WI 53119. Don Murphy. Telephone
(414) 537-4988.
50 Append!); A
-------
Appendix B
List of State and
EPA Regional
Septage
Coordinators
-------
State Septage
Coordinators
Alabama
Sam Robertson
Environmental Program Management Division
Department of Health
434 Monroe St.
Montgomery, AL 36130
(205) 242-5007
Alaska
Deena Henkins
Wastewater and Water Treatment Section
Division of Environmental Quality
Department of Environmental Conservation
410 Willoughby Ave.
Juneau, AK 99801
(907) 465-5312
Arizona
Krista Gooch
Office of Waste Programs, Solid Waste Unit
Department of Environmental Quality
2501 North 4th St., Suite 14
Flagstaff, AZ 86004
(602) 773-9285
Arkansas
Carl Graves
Environmental Health Protection
Bureau of Environmental Health Services
Department of Health
State Health Bldg.
4815 West Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 661-2171
California
Archie H. Matthews, Chief
Regulatory Section
Division of Water Quality
State Water Resources Control Board
PO. Box 944213
Sacramento, CA 94244-2130
(916) 657-0532
Colorado
Phil Hegeman
Municipal Sludge Management Program
Water Quality Control Division
Department of Health
4300 Cherry Creek Dr. S.
Glendale, CO 80222-1530
(303) 692-3598
Connecticut
Warren Herzig
Water Management Bureau
Department of Environmental Protection
State Office Bldg.
165 Capital Ave.
Hartford, CT 06106
(203) 566-2154/1932
Delaware
Jenny McDermott
Dept of Natural Resources & Environmental Control
Division of Water Resources
Waste Utilization Program
89 Kings Highway
PO. Box 1401
Dover, DE 19903
(302) 739-5731
District of Columbia
Dr. Mohfin R Siddique
DCRA Environmental Regulation Administration
Water Resources Management Division
2100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE., Suite 203
Washington, DC 20020
(202)404-1120
Florida
Julie Gissendanner
Bureau of Water Facilities Planning and Regulation
Domestic Wastewater Section
Department of Environmental Regulation
Twin Towers Office Bldg.
2600 Blairston Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
(904) 488-4524
52 Appendix B
-------
Florida (cont.)
Dale Holcomb
HRS Onsite Sewage Program
Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services
1317 Winewood Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0700
(904) 488-4070
Georgia
Ide Oke
Department of Environmental Resources
Division of Public Health
878 Peachtree St., NE., Suite 100
Atlanta, GA 30309
Hawaii
Dennis Tuland
Construction Grants Program
Wastewater Branch Department of Health
5 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 250-D
500 Ala Moana Blvd.
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-4294
Idaho
Barry Burnell
Division of Environmental Quality
Department of Health and Welfare
1410 North Hilton
Boise, ID 83706
(208) 334-5860
Indiana
Mike Hoover
Permits Section
Office of Water Management
Department of Environmental Management
105 South Meridian
Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 232-8760
Illinois
Doug Ebelherr
Private Sewage Disposal Program
Department of Public Health
535 West Jefferson St., 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
(217) 782-5830
Iowa
Darrell McAllister
Surface and Groundwater Protection Bureau
Department of Natural Resources
Wallace Bldg.
900 East Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA 50309
(515)281-8869
Kansas
Rodney Geisler and Julie Greene
Department of Health and Environment
Forbes Field, Bldg. 740
Topeka KA 66620
(913) 296-5527
Kentucky
Ken Wade
Environmental Sanitation Branch
Division of Local Health
Cabinet for Human Resources
275 East Main St.
Frankfurt, KY 40621
(502) 564-4856
Louisiana
Bijan Sharafkhani
Solid Waste Division
Department of Environmental Quality
PO. Box 82178
Baton Rouge, LA 70884-2178
Maine
Jim Pollock, Environmental Specialist
Department of Environmental Protection
Bureau of Hazardous Materials & Solid Waste Control
Division of Solid Waste Facility Regulation
State House Station 17
Augusta, ME 04333
(207)287-2651
Maryland
Dr. Simin Tirgari, Chief
Sewage Sludge Division
Hazardous and Solid Waste Management Administration
Department of the Environment
2500 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224
(301) 631-3318
State Septage Coordinators 53
-------
Massachusetts
Rick Dunn
Department of Environmental Protection
Division of Water Pollution Control
1 Winter St.
Boston, MA 02108
(617) 556-1130
Michigan
Andy Kock
Waste Management Division
Department of Natural Resources
EO. Box 30241
Lansing, Ml 48909
(517) 373-9523
Minnesota
Mark Wespetal and David Nelson
Non-Point Source Section
Division of Water Quality
Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Rd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
(612) 296-9322
Mississippi
Glen Odom
Bureau of Pollution Control
PO. Box 10385
Jackson, MS 39289-0385
(601) 961-5159
Ralph Turnbo
General Sanitation Branch
Department of Health
PO. Box 1700
Jackson, MS 39215-1700
(601) 960-7690
Missouri
Ken Arnold, Unit Chief of Land Application
Water Pollution Control Program
Department of Natural Resources
PO. Box 176
Jefferson City, MO 65102
(314)751-9155
Montana
Scott Anderson
Water Quality Bureau
Department of Health & Environmental Sciences
Cogswill Bldg., Rm. A206
Helena, MT 59620
(405) 444-2406
Nebraska
Steve Goans
Water Quality Division
Department of Environmental Quality
EO. Box 98922-8922
Statehouse Station
Lincoln, NE 68509-8922
(402) 471-4220
New Hampshire
Selina Makofsky
Water Supply and Pollution Control Division
Sludge and Septage Management
Department of Environmental Services
6 Hazen Dr.
EO. Box 95
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-2457
New Jersey
Mary Jo M. Aiello
Bureau of Pretreatment and Residuals
Department of Environmental Protection CN-029
Trenton, NJ 08625
(609) 633-3823
New Mexico
Arun T. Dhawan
Construction Program Bureau
Wastewater Construction Programs
Environmental Department
1190 St. Francis Dr.
EO. Box 26110
Santa Fe.NM 87502-6110
(505) 827-2808
Nevada
Jim Williams
Bureau of Water Pollution Control
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Division of Environmental Protection
Capitol Complex
333 West Nye Ln.
Carson City, NV 89710
(702) 687-5870
New York
Edwin Dassatti
Residuals Management Section
Bureau of Resource Recovery, Division of Solid Waste
Department of Environmental Conservation
50 Wolf Rd.
Albany, NY 12233^013
(518) 457-7336
54 Appendix B
-------
North Carolina
Ted Lyon
Dept of Environment, Health and Natural Resources
Division of Solid Waste Management
Solid Waste Section
Septage Management Branch
EO. Box 27687
Raleigh, NC 27611
(919) 733-0692
North Dakota
Jeff Hauge
Division of Municipal Facilities
Department of Health
1200 Missouri Ave.
Bismark, ND 58505
(701) 221-5210
Ohio
Scott Golden
Private Water System and
Household Sewage Disposal Unit
Department of Health
246 North High St.
EO. Box 118
Columbus, OH 43266-0118
(614) 466-1390
Oklahoma
Dan Hodges
Water Quality Services
Department of Health
1000 N.E. 10th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73117-1299
(405) 271-5205
Oregon
Mark Ronayne
Department of Environmental Quality
Water Quality Division, Municipal Waste Section
811S.W6thAve.
Portland, OR 97204
(503) 229-6442
Pennsylvania
Thomas Woy
Department of Environmental Resources
Municipal and Residual Waste Management Administration
Bureau of Waste Management
RO. Box 2063
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-1749
Rhode Island
David Chopy
Division of Water Resources
Department of Environmental Management
291 Promenade St.
Providence, RI02908-5657
(401) 277-3961
South Carolina
Dick Hatfield, Director
On-Site Wastewater Management Division
Bureau of Environmental Health
Department of Health and Environmental Control
2600 Bull St.
Columbia, SC 29201
(803) 935-7835
South Dakota
Bill Gyer
Division of Environmental Regulation
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
523 East Capital St.
Pierre, SD 57501-3181
(605) 773-3351
Tennessee
Steve Morris
Division of Groundwater Protection
Department of Environment and Conservation
LNC Tower, 10th Fl.
401 Church St.
Nashville TN 37243-1533
(615) 532-0774
Texas
Paul Curtis
Watershed Management
Municipal Permits
Texas Water Commission
EO. Box 13087
Austin, TX 78711-3087
(512)463-8201
Utah
Kiran Bhayani
Division of Water Quality
Department of Environmental Quality
EO. Box 144870
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4870
(801) 538-6146
State Septage Coordinators 55
-------
Vermont
George Desch, Chief
Agency of Natural Resources
Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Solid Waste Management, Residuals Section
103 South Main St.
Waterbury, VT 05671-0407
(803) 244-7831
Virginia
Robert W Hicks
Office of Environmental Health Services
Department of Health
Main St. Station, Suite 117
EO. Box 2448
Richmond, VA 23218
(804) 786-3559
Washington
Kyle Dorsey
Department of Ecology
P.O. Box 47600
Mailstop 7600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600
(206) 459-6307
West Virgina
Ron Forren, Director
Public Health Sanitation Division
Office of Environmental Health Services
815 Quarrier St., Suite 418
Charleston, WV 25305
(304) 558-2981
Wisconsin
Roger Steindorf
Bureau of Wastewater Management
Division of Environmental Quality
101 South Webster St. GEF II
EO. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
(608) 266-8907
Wyoming
Larry Robinson
Water Quality Division
Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality
Herschler Bldg., 4th Fl. W
122 West 25th St.
Cheyenne, WY, 82002
(307) 777-7075
Puerto Rico
Victor Matta, Section Chief
Non-Hazardous Solid Waste Section
Land Pollution Control Area
Environmental Quality Board
EO. Box 11488
Santurce, Puerto Rico 00910
(809) 767-8124
Virgin Islands
Leonard G. Reed, Jr., Assistant Director
Division of Environmental Protection
Department of Planning and Natural Resources
45 A. Nisky Center, Suite 231
Saint Thomas, VI 00802
(809) 774-5416
56 Appendix B
-------
EPA Regional
Seplage
Coordinators
Region 1
(CT, ME,MANH, RI,VT)
Thelma Hamilton
Water Management Division
Wastewater Treatment Management Branch
U.S. EPA Region 1
John E Kennedy Federal Bldg.
Mail Stop WMC
Boston, MA 02203
(617) 565-3569
Region 2
(NY, NJ, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
Alia Ronfaeal
NY-NJ Municipal Programs Branch
Water Management Division
26 Federal Plaza, Room 837
New York, NY 102 78
(212) 264-8663
Region 3
(DE,DC, MD, PA,VA,WV)
Ann Carkhuff
Permits Enforcement Branch
Program Development Section
U.S. EPA Region 3
Mail Stop 3WM55
841 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 597-9406
Region 4
(AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN)
Vince Miller
Permits Section
Water Permits and Enforcement Branch, OR,
Ben Chen
Technical Transfer Unit
Municipal Facilities Branch
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 4
354CourtlandSt.,NE.
Atlanta, GA 30365
(404) 347-2319
Region 5
(IL, IN, Ml, MN, OH, Wl)
John Colletti
NPDES Permit Section—Water Quality Branch
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 5
WQP-16J
77 West Jackson Blvd.
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 886-6106
Region 6
(AR, LA, NM, OK, TX)
Stephanie Kordzei
Technical Section
Muncipal Facilities Branch—Water Division
U.S. EPA Region 6
1445 Ross Ave.
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 655-7164
EPA Regional Septage Coordinators
-------
Region 7
(IA, KS, NE, MO)
Dr. Rao Surampalli or John Dunn
Water Programs—Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 7
726 Minnesota Ave.
Kansas City, KA 66101
(913) 551-7553
Region 8
(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY)
Robert Brobst
NPDES Permit Section
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 8
Mail Stop 8WM-C
999 18th St.
Denver, CO 80202-2466
(303) 293-1627
Region 9
(AZ, CA, HI, NX American Samoa, Guam)
Lauren Fondahl
Pretreatment Program and Compliance Section
Permits and Compliance Branch
Water Management Division
U.S. EPA Region 9
Mail Stop W-5-2
75 Hawthorne St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 744-1909
Region 10
(AK, ID, OR, WA)
Dick Hetherington
Water Permits Section
Wastewater Management and Enforcement Branch
Water Division
Mail Stop WD134
U.S. EPA Region 10
1200 6th Ave.
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 553-1941
58 Appendix 8
-------
Appendix C
Example of Local
Permit for
Septage Disposal
(Courtesy of Deny, PA, Township Municipal Authority)
-------
HAULED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT
DERRY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
Permit ID Number: HWDP#999
In accordance with all the terms and conditions of the current Deny
Township Municipal Authority Rates, Rules and Regulations, the special
Permit conditions accompaning this Permit, and all applicable Federal or
State Laws or regulations, permission is hereby granted to:
NAME of PERMITTEE:
ADDRESS:
CITY, STATE & ZIP:.
For the disposal of domestic septic tank or holding tank wastewater at the
Derry Township Municipal Authority wastewater treatment facility on
Clearwater Road in Hershey, Dauphin County, PA.
This Permit is based on information provided in the Hauled Wastewater
Discharge Permit application which together with the conditions and
requirements contained in Attachments A and B constitute the Hauled
Wastewater Discharge Permit. This Permit is effective for the period set
forth below, may be suspended or revoked for Permit condition
noncompliance and is not transferable.
The original Permit shall be kept on file in the Permitee's office. A copy of
this Permit shall be carried in every registered vehicle used by the
Permittee.
•
I
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 21, 1992 I
EXPIRATION DATE: August 21, 1993 I
D Check if Renewed Permit
Number of HWD Permit copies required: 1
AUTHORIZED DERRY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY SIGNATURE
[HWDP£RMT.MtS/R«wl»»d 08/92)
60 Appendix C
-------
ATTACHMENT A
HAULED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT
PROGRAM GUIDANCE AND GENERAL PERMIT CONDITIONS
VIOLATION OF ANY OF THESE PERMIT CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN THE
SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF THE PERMITTEE'S DISPOSAL PRIVILEGES
1. INTRODUCTION: The Denry Township Municipal Authority [DTMA] has
established a progam to provide for the environmentally safe, cost effective
and convenient disposal of septic and holding tank wastewaters.
Recognizing that the acceptance of hauled wastewaters presents certain
risks including plant upsets and sludge contamination, DTMA has
developed these guidelines to minimize those risks and protect its facilities.
2. TYPES OF WASTEWATER ACCEPTED: In general, any wastewater that
is: 1) norttoxic to the biological and has no adverse impact on any
physical/chemical treatment processes at the DTMA wastewater treatment
plant [WWTP], and 2) is biodegradable and is determined to have no
adverse impacts on the WWTP operation and discharge effluent, will be
considered for acceptance. Hauled wastewaters can be categorized into
three categories:
a. Normally Acceptable Wastewaters:
> Residential Septic Tanks
»> Residential Holding Tanks
>• Commercial holding/septic tanks used for domestic
type sanitary wastewater (non-process wastewater)
b. Conditionally Acceptable Wastewaters, Prior Approval Required
(Considered on a Case by Case Basis):
»• Industrial and commercial process wastewaters
A-1 nmtisest: September 5. l
Example of Loco! Permit for Septoge Disposal 6';
-------
>• Municipal Sludges if they are from biological
processes and meet all State and Federal Guidelines
for Agricultural-Use
»• Special Wastewaters such as leachates, condensates,
washwaters and others.
c. Prohibited Wastewaters:
> Any wastes as defined in Section 9.40:A. 1. of the
DTMA Rates, Rules and Regulations, including any
flammable, explosive, or corrosive wastes and any
wastewaters or sludges with unacceptable levels of
metals.
In all cases, the DTMA reserves the unconditional right to accept or reject
any hauled wastewater as it deems necessary to protect its employees,
facilities or treatment processes. Any DTMA employee may unconditionally
refuse to accept a load or stop an unloading in progress.
3. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES: All haulers are required to obtain a
Hauled Wastewater Discharge Permit [HWDP] before discharging
wastewaters at the DTMA WWTP. Permits will be issued to haulers that
meet the following conditions:
»• Submit a completed DTMA Permit Application
Form with proof of vehicle insurance and the
current HWD Permit application fee.
> For permit renewals, haulers must have a
record of satisfactory compliance with all
conditions and requirements of the expiring
HWD Permit.
Permits will be issued for a term of one year. Haulers who have
satisfactorily operated within all the conditions of their HWD Permit may
submit an application for permit renewal along with the current HWD
Permit application fee.
4. MANIFESTS: Haulers must complete and return to DTMA a Hauled
Wastewater [HW] Manifest for each source of wastewater on a truck load.
All pump outs require a completed HW Manifest including:
A-2 R«i»ocl: S*piwntw 1.
62 Appendix C
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+ Section 1: Wastewater Stream Identification - Indicating
volume (in gallons), type, and source of hauled wastewater.
»• Section 2: Generator of Wastewater - Indicating name, complete
address, and telephone number for all pumpouts. Any wastewater
that does not originate in a single family residences must also
include the generator's signature.
+ Section 3: Hauler of Wastewater - Indicating company name, HWD
Permit number, vehicle license number, pumpout date, and
signature.
> Section 4: Acceptance by DTMA - A DTMA Representative must
sign of the HW Manifest for any conditionally approved loads. The
white (top) copy of the HW Manifest must be left at the DTMA
WWTP.
5. FEES: The following fees are utilized in the hauled wastewater acceptance
program. The actual fee is set forth in the Rate Schedule of the most
current edition of the OTMA Rates, Rules and Regulations [RR&RJ.
»• Permit Application Fee
>• Permit Renewal Application Fee
> Disposal Fee
> Laboratory Analysis Fee
The disposal fee is a rate per 1,000 gallons of hauled wastewater as set
forth in the DTMA RR&R Rate Schedule, Section V. Charges for disposal
will be based on this rate, multiplied by the registered usable capacity of
a vehicle. Regardless of the volume of hauled wastewater accepted,
charges will be based on full tank load capacity only. Partial loads will be
considered as full loads. Fees for the laboratory analysis of any
wastewater will be made in accordance with the current edition of the
DTMA RR&R Rate Schedule, Section IV.C.1 & 2.
6. COMPLIANCE: An HWD Permit and the associated disposal privileges may be
suspended or revoked immediately for any violation of the HWD Permit
conditions.
Page A-3
xampie of Local Permit for Septage Disposal 6-3
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ATTACHMENT B
HAULED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PERMIT
SPECIFIC PERMIT CONDITIONS
VIOLATION OF ANY OF THESE PERMIT CONDITIONS CAN RESULT IN THE SUSPENSION OR
REVOCATION OF THE PERMITTEE'S DISPOSAL PRIVILEGES
1. Hauled wastewaters will be accepted from 7:30 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday and from
8:00 am until 12:00 noon on Saturday.
2. The DTMA inlet connection is a 4* male cam-lock quick connect. DTMA will provide 2 feet of 4"
hose with female cam-lock quick connects on both ends. Any additional hose or special adapters
will be the responsibility of the Permittee.
3. Care shall be taken when connecting, disconnecting or unloading to prevent the spillage of any
materials around the hauled wastewater acceptance station. It is the responsibility of the Permittee
and their employees to leave the hauled wastewater acceptance station in a satisfactory condition.
If necessary, the area shall be washed down by the Permittee [or their employees] before departing
the site.
4. The original Hauled Wastewater Permit shall be kept in the owner's office file. Each registered
hauling vehicle shall carry a copy of the Permit at all times. A DTMA representative may request
to see the Permit at any time.
5. All Permittees shall use a DTMA Hauled Wastewater (HW) Manifest for each pump out. All pump-
outs must include completed HW Manifest including:
» Section 1: Wastewater Stream Identification - Information indicating
volume (in gallons), type and source of hauled wastewater.
» Section 2: Generator of Wastewater - Information indicating name, complete
address, and telephone number for all pumpouts. Any wastewater that does
not originate in a single family residence must also include the generator's
signature.
•> Section 3: Hauler of Wastewater - Indicating company name, HWD Permit
number, vehicle license number, pumpout date, and signature.
» Section 4: Acceptance by DTMA - A DTMA Representative must sign of me HW
Manifest for any conditionally approved loads. The white (top) copy of the
HW Manifest must be left at the DTMA WWTP. All manifests must be stamped
with the DTMA date/time clock located at the hauled wastewater accptance
receiving desk.
6. A DTMA representative may request information concerning the origin, and nature
of the contents of any registered vehicle. In addition, the Permittee shall allow the DTMA to
Page B-1
64 Appendix C
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immediately obtain a sample of the wastewater from any vehicle. The Permittee shall comply with
all information requests concerning the load. This may include but is not limited to the following
information; pick up points, volumes, and wastewater characteristics.
7. This permit shall be valid only when all other Federal State or Local permits required by the
Permittee for transporting wastewaters are valid and current. In addition, the Permittee's vehicle
insurance shall be kept current. Expired vehicle insurance coverage will result in the suspension
of disposal privileges.
8. The Permittee shall immediately report in writing to the DTMA any changes in business name,
ownership, address/telephone number, and registered vehicles. Changes to vehicles include but
are not limited to: the modification of previously registered vehicles, the addition of vehicles, or the
deletion of vehicles.
9. In the case of multiple pump-outs included as one vehicle toad, any part of the toad that is
prohibited or restricted shall constitute an entire toad that is unacceptable for discharge.
10. The DTMA reserves the unconditional right to refuse acceptance of any toad or stop an unloading
operation in progress at any time. Any DTMA employee may unconditionally refuse to accept a
load or stop an unloading in progress.
11. All vehicles used by the Permittee to haul wastewater shall be registered with DTMA. Any vehicle
additions, deletions or modifications shall immediately be reported in writing to the DTMA. The
written notification shall include vehicle license number, make and model of vehicle, tank capacity
and the nature of the modifications. The use of a registered hauled wastewater vehicle for the
transportation or storage of hazardous materials, liquid petroleum fuels, waste oil, petroleum
derivative wastes or corrosives is specifically prohibited.
12. The discharge of any materials as defined in the DTMA Rates, Rules and Regulations Section
9.40:A.1. is specifically prohibited. These wastes include but are not limited to; flammables,
explosives, corrosives, or wastes with unacceptable levels of metals. Any violation on the part of
the Permittee or their representatives with the conditions of this permit or any portion of the
Authority's Rates, Rules and Regulations shall be cause for immediate suspension or revocation
of the HW Permit and associated disposal privileges. In addition, such violations shall be cause
for legal prosecution by the DTMA under prevailing law.
13. The disposal fee will be based on the current rate per 1000 gallons (as set forth in the latest edition
of the DTMA Rate Schedule, Section V) times the registered usable capacity of a vehicle. Charges
will be based on vehicle full load capacity only. Partial toads will be considered as full toads. Fees
for laboratory analyses (if any) will be made is accordance with the latest edition of the DTMA Rate
Schedule, Section IV.C.1 & 2.
14. Port-a-let (jiffy John, etc.) wastewaters are considered to be conditionally acceptable hauled
wastewater. Under no circumstances will these wastewaters be accepted if they contain any
formalin or formaldehyde based deodorizers. Current MSDs for all deodorizers used by the
permittee must be kept on file with DTMA.
15. Invoices will be prepared at the beginning of each month tor the previous month's disposal charges
and will be due within 25 days. A 5% delinquent payment charge will be added to any invoices
unpaid by the due date.
B-2 RWOO* &i*Kitor 1.1838
Example of Loco! Permit forSepfage Disposal
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DERRY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY
HAULED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE PROGRAM
MULTIPLE MANIFEST LOAD SUMMARY
NAME OF HAULER:
DISCHARGE VEHICLE UCENSE NUMBER:
DISCHARGE DATE/TIME STAMP
HWD PERMIT #
HW MANIFEST
NUMBER
PUMPOUT
VOLUME
TOTAL VOLUME DISCHARGED
KNOWLEDGE I AM AWARE OF THE CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF MY HAULED WASTE DISCHARGE PERMIT AND UNDERSTAND THAT
PERMIT AND ITS DISPOSAL PRIVILEGES AS WELL AS THE ENFORCEMENT OF POSSIBLE PENALTIES AS MAY BE ALLOWED BY LAW.
SIGNED (DRIVER)
NOTE:
THIS FORM IS TO BE USED WHEN MULTIPLE PUMP OUTS ARE TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER VEHICLE PRIOR TO
DISPOSAL AT THE DTMA FACILITY.
ATTACH ALL INDIVIDUAL PUMP OUT MANIFESTS TO THIS SHEET
HWDMNFST.WQ1 [Revised 12/92]
6-i Appendix
v r
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Deny Township Municipal Authority
P. O. Box 447
Hcrsheypark Dr. & Ctearwater Rd.
Hershcy.PA 17033-0447
(717) 566-3237
FAX 566-7934
T DATEATME STAMP T
MANIFEST
ID
32501
HAULED WASTEWATER DISCHARGE MANIFEST
1. WASTEWATER STREAM IDENTIFICATION (Sections LA, IB, & 1C must be completed by generator or hauler)
A. Volume: gallons B. Type: Holding Tank D Septic Tank D Olhar
C. Source: Home/Apt CD Office/Commercial ED Restaurant Q Portable Toilet O Industrial CH Otter
Description of Other and special handling instructions, if any:_
2. GENERATOR OF WASTEWATER (Sections 2A, 2B, & 2C must be completed by generator or hauler)
A. Complete Name (print or typel: B. Phone No.:
C. Complete Pickup Address: .
ALL WASTEWATERS ARE SUBJECT TO THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE DERRY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY.
The undersigned being duly authorized does hereby certify to the accuracy of the source and type of hauled wastewater identified
above and subject to this manifest SECTION D GENERATOR SIGNATURE REQUIRED FOR ALL NON-DOMESTIC
LOADS.
Date:
D. Signature:.
3. HAULER OF WASTEWATER (Sections 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 3E must be completed by hauler)
A. Company Name (print or type):
B. HWD Permit # C. Vehicle License No. D. Pump Out Date:_
The above described wastewater was picked up and hauled by me to the disposal facility name below and was discharged. I
certify under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct
E. Signature of authorized agent and title:_
4. ACCEPTANCE BY DERRY TOWNSHIP MUNICIPAL AUTHORITY (must be completed by disposer)
The above hauler delivered the described wastewater to this disposal facility and it was accepted.
Disposal Dale: Sample ID# _Jif required)
Signature of authorized agent and title:_
Jrequiied for non-domestic loads)
Wkto Stea - Oupxa,
Ydlo« Stem-Heater
'U.S. Governrneni Printing Office: 19S4— 550-001/00171
Exomple of Local Permit for Septage Disposal 67
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