ENVIRONMENTAL
PLANNING and ASSESSMENTS
FOR
WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT
PLANS and PROJECTS
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
JOHN F KENNEDY FEDERAL BUILDING
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS O2203
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GUIDES TO ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING, ASSESSMENTS
AND IMPACT STATEMENTS FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANS
- AND MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
REGION I
John A. S. McGlennon
Regional Administrator
February 1973
Revised October 1974
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GUIDES TO ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING. ASSESSMENTS.
AND IMPACT STATEMENTS FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANS
AND MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING. ASSESSMENTS, AND IMPACT STATEMENTS 1
National Requirements 1
Environmental Assessments and Impact Statements 1
Planning, Project and Assessment Sequence 2
Breadth and Depth of Planning and Related Assessments 3
Responsibilities 3
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 5
PREPARATION AND REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS FOR WATER
QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANS AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PROJECTS7
Outline for Environmental Assessments for Water Quality
Management Plans 10
Checklist of Environmental Evaluation Factors for Water
Quality Management Plans14
Outline for Environmental Assessments for Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Facilities21
Checklist of Environmental Evaluation Factors for Municipal
Wastewater Treatment Facilities 24
APPENDICES
Appendix A - Information Form - Sludge Handling and Disposal
Appendix B - Sludge Incineration Air Impact Assessment Form
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ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING. ASSESSMENTS AND
IMPACT STATEMENTS
National Requirements
The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) directs
any federal agency proposing an action that "significantly affects
the quality of the human environment" to prepare a detailed
environmental impact statement. The Act requires interdisciplinary
evaluation of environmental factors and consideration of the full
range of alternatives.
To comply with the Act, EPA regulations require that basin
and areawide waste treatment management plans submitted by the
states for EPA approval and applications for municipal wastewater
treatment facility grants contain environmental assessments reflecting
full consideration of environmental factors throughout the course
of planning and project development.
Environmental Assessment and Impact Statements
Figure 1 outlines the ideal sequence of basin and areawide
plans and project design. Figure 2 shows the responsibilities,
activities, and decisions in the accompanying environmental
assessment and impact statement process.
For basin plans the State agencies or designated local or
interstate agencies are required to conduct the environmental
evaluations and prepare environmental assessments. For areawide
plans this responsibility rests with the State designated regional
or local planning agencies. For projects the applicant communities
have the responsibility. Assessments for plans and projects are
submitted to the State for review prior to submittal to EPA for
review and approval.
EPA Regional staff responsible for approving waste treatment
plans and facilities grant applications use the assessment and
supporting planning and project documents to determine whether
a detailed environmental impact statement is necessary.
If EPA determines an impact statement is necessary, EPA
independently prepares a draft statement using the applicant's
assessment as the source of information and analyses. To achieve
early participation of experts and citizens, EPA issues a "Notice
of Intent" to file an impact statement. Although EPA assumes
responsibility for the statement, it may request assistance from
the applicant. It circulates the draft statement for review and
comment by federal, state, regional and local agencies and the
public (including the Council on Environmental Quality). The
reviewing agencies and public have a minimum of 45 days (plus a
15-day extension, if they so request) in which to submit their
comments on the draft statement.
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EPA evaluates the comments received, modifies the proposals if
necessary, and prepares a final statement. It submits the final
statement together with the verbatim comments to the Council on
Environmental Quality, to the reviewing agencies and organizations,
and to other interested parties. CEQ regulations require release
of the final statement at least 30 days before action on the plan
or project. EPA will consider fully the views of all concerned in
its decisions.
If EPA determines an impact statement is not necessary, it
will use the assessment as the basis for a negative declaration
and environmental impact appraisal. The negative declaration will
notify all interested parties of EPA's determination. The sup-
porting appraisal describes the proposed EPA action, its expected
environmental impact, and the basis for EPA's conclusion that no
significant impact is anticipated. Because it is a public informa-
tion document, this appraisal shall be available for inspection in
EPA's regional office records.
Planning, Project, and Assessment Sequence
All parties in the planning - States, regional and local
planning agencies, consultants, as well as Federal agencies -
shall evaluate environmental effects of the full range of alter-
natives at the earliest stages of planning and project development.
They shall improve planning methodology, use interdisciplinary
expertise, weigh intangible as well as tangible values, and analyze
in detail specific gains and losses to the environment of each
alternative.
As Figure 1 outlines, planning must be done in a coordinated
sequence, from general planning to specific project development,
to assure early consideration of broad environmental effects of
general location policies as well as specific effects of project
siting and design. This ideal planning and environmental assessment
sequence is as follows:
Comprehensive plans outline the broad development and conserva-
tion objectives and land uses. They provide the framework for more
specific functional plans: basin and areawide water quality management
plans, transportation plans, and recreation plans.
Basin and areawide plans analyze the needs, evaluate alternative
measures, and propose implementation programs for water quality
management. They evaluate the effects of proposed alternatives on
specific environmental elements and on development and conservation
objectives outlined in the comprehensive plans. They evaluate
environmental effects of levels of treatment, of plant locations
and configurations, of induced development, and of nonpoint sources. ,
Project designs specify the measures to carry out the basin
and regional plans. They pinpoint environmental considerations
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TIME
FRAMEWORK: COMPREHENSIVE a LAND USE PLANS
^ Adoption
(O
UJ
o
2
v>
tO
UJ
Q
o
BASIN PLAN
Plonning, with ossessment
E. I.S^ Revision _
AREAWIDE PLAN
Planning, with assessment E.I.S. Revision
Adoption
NOTE:
E.I.S. - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT, if EPA
determines required.
PROJECT
Planning and
design, with ossessment^ E.I.S.
Revision
Construction
PLANNING AND PROJECT DESIGN SEQUENCE
FIGURE 1
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STEPS:
PLANNING AND DESIGN
WITH ASSESSMENT
ASSESSMENT
DECISION
DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT(E.I.S-)
or
NEGATIVE DECLARATION
NO change
NO-*-
RESPONSIBLE
AGENCY:
ACTION:
Applicant:
State, Regional, Local agency
with staff or consultants
with public
Prepares plans or designs,
incl alts and environ eval
with assessment and hearing
1
1
EPA
Reviews to
determine
whether EJ.S.
required
EPA
Prepares and
circulates neg.
declaration
FINAL IMPACT STATEMENT
DECISION
•DECISION
I
•DECISION
YES
-YES reconsider
EPA
Prepares
draft
Ei <;
Public
State and local
Federal agencies
Review and
comment
« SO DAY A
i
1
45 DAYS
+ 15 DAY EXOL
MINIMUM FOf
EPA
Evaluates
comments and
prepares
rinnl • fc° 1 Q
? FWTIRF F
1
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in specific sites, layout, detailed engineering design, architectural
and landscape design, construction practices, and operation and
maintenance procedures.
Breadth and Depth of Planning and Related Assessments
The breadth and depth of the assessment is geared to the stage
in planning. Factors affecting the breadth and depth of analysis
include:
- generality vs. specificity of the proposal
- geographic extent
- complexity of primary and secondary effects
- cumulative effects
- future ramifications.
The proposal must be sufficiently broad to give perspective,
.cumulative effects and ramifications. At the same time, the
analysis must be sufficiently narrow to focus on the relevant
details at critical decision points. More general early plans and
their assessments establish the framework for initial screening
of environmental effects, feasibility, general location, design
levels, and priorities. They lend perspective for later analysis
of siting and design details of specific projects within a plan.
As these project details develop, individual projects will, in
turn, require assessments.
The outlines for environmental assessments presented in
Section III of these guides present the logical thought process
of environmental evaluation from the comprehensive plans, through
the basin and areawide plans, to specific projects. The checklists
presented suggest detailed considerations under each environmental
element to include in this planning and project development, and
to distill in the assessment.
If the plan is properly formulated and documented, the planning
report should contain the elements of a thoughtful environmental
evaluation and assessment. Environmental assessment, then, becomes
a tool to be used early in the planning before alternatives and
positions crystallize. This will forestall or mitigate adverse
environmental impacts of the plan, prior to project costruction.
Formal environmental assessments and impact statements distill
and document this analysis, pinpointing the critical issues for
the decision makers.
Responsibilities for evaluation, assessment, and impact statements
1. EPA as proposing Federal agency is held responsible for impact
statements under NEPA. EPA is responsible for financial/technical
assistance and approval of basin and areawide plans and construction
grants.
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2. State environmental agencies have prime responsibility for
planning and construction grant applications. As an integral part
of planning and project development, they develop detailed
environmental information and evaluation for the plans, projects
and assessment of environmental issues for EPA use. States are
responsible for full participation and coordination with agencies
and experts having expertise in environmental and socio-economic
evaluation.
State planning agencies serve as A-95 clearinghouses to solicit
comments of other State agencies on pending proposals (including
environmental effects) and to give them an opportunity to comment
on any impact statements prepared.
3. Regional and local agencies work with States in developing
plans and projects, including detailed environmental evaluation
and assessments for EPA impact statements. Regional agencies
may assume lead in areawide plans; local agencies may play key
role in area project development as well as participation in
regional planning.
4. Consultants may be used to develop detailed environmental
information and evaluations under contract and direct guidance
from States, regional agencies and localities. Consultants develop
inter-disciplinary capability and work with diverse agencies and
organizations having environmental and socio-economic expertise.
5. Environmental organizations and citizens assist in formulating
conservation and development goals in planning; in alerting local,
regional and State agencies to environmental and aesthetic factors;
in evaluating alternatives; and in reviewing plans and projects,
including accompanying assessments. They express preferences and
value judgments. They comment on impact statements and negative
declarations.
Public information meetings and systemmatic consultation pro-
vide an informal vehicle for exploring objectives with the public
and eliciting public reactions on alternatives and proposals.
Public hearings provide a formal mechanism for recording and
evaluating public views.
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The Federal Water Pollution Control Amendments of 1972 and
EPA policy require Federal and State officials to seek out and
involve the public at the preliminary stages and in the
continuing development of plans and projects (as well as other
water pollution control regulations, standards, effluent limitations
and enforcement actions). The public can offer value judgments,
set goals, identify environmental issues, evaluate alternatives,
and help work out implementing organizational and financial
arrangements.
Each plan and project application shall contain a "Summary
Report on Public Participation" documenting the actions taken to
involve the public. Such actions include (but are not limited
to) public information materials and releases, technical and
educational assistance to public groups, notification lists of
environmental groups, systemmatic consultation with citizen
groups, adequate public notification, full and timely public
disclosure under Freedom of Information laws, and public meetings
and hearings. The report should cover the disposition of major
issues raised by the public.
The public participation report should include a record of
public meetings and/or hearings. The record should contain,
as a minimum, a list of witnesses, the text of each presentation,
and a statement that the participants were informed that one
of the purposes of the meeting and/or hearing was to discuss
the environmental effects of the proposed plan/project and
alternatives.
The potential grantee must give sufficient notice to the
public of meetings and/or hearings at least thirty (30) days
prior to the date. "Sufficient notice" must include:
(1) Official notice to the public by prominent advertisement
identifying the plan/project, giving the date, time and place of
the meeting and/or hearing, and announcing the availability of
detailed information on the proposed plan/project for public
inspection in at least one location in the area in which the plan/
project will be located. "Detailed information" shall include,
as minimum, a complete description of the plan/project, cost and
financing information, alternatives, the environmental effects
of each alternative, including a detailed description of the effects
on land use. The notice must contain a statement that one of the
purposes of the meeting and/or hearing is to discuss the potential
environmental impacts of the project and alternatives to it.
(2) Notification to the appropriate State and local agencies
and to the appropriate State and metropolitan clearinghouses.
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(3) Notification to interested environmental and conservation
action groups.
The record of the public meeting and/or hearing shall include
(1) a copy of any advertisement published, broadcast, or otherwise
issued; (2) a list of those notified; and (3) a certification that
the meeting and/or hearing was held in accordance with the notice.
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PREPARATION AND REVIEW OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS
FOR WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT PLANS AND
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES
Environmental considerations are to be incorporated into the
formulation of all water quality management plans and into the
design and construction of all municipal wastewater treatment
facilities. Water quality management plans shall integrate all
environmental factors into evaluations of alternative water quality
management strategies, in accordance with the EPA "Water Quality
Management Planning Guidelines," January 1971, and subsequent draft
guidelines under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments
of 1972. Facilities shall be designed and constructed using the
"Federal Guidelines - Design, Operation and Maintenance of Waste-
water Treatment Facilities," September 1970. These Guides supplement
existing Guidelines by elaborating upon environmental factors that
must be considered.
EPA requires planning agencies and facilities grant applicants
to submit a written environmental assessment with each plan or
project application. The assessment must evaluate and document
the effects of the proposed plan or project on all aspects of the
environment. To develop an environmentally sound and acceptable
plan or project, environmental factors must be fully considered
throughout the planning and project formulation. If such environmental
evaluation is incorporated into the substance of the plan or project,
the planning or project report should contain the components of an
environmental assessment. The assessment, then, should be a complete,
concise and accurate distillation of these environmental considerations,
The assessment should discuss the environmental impact of the proposed
plan or project and feasible alternatives as well as public response.
Because of the subjective nature of such a comparative analysis
of alternatives, the views of the affected public (environmental/
conservation groups and individuals) must be considered throughout
the course of plan or project formulation. Maximum practicable
public participation is fundamental to the eventual success of all
plans and projects. To assist the applicant identify environmental
issues sufficiently early to avoid possible major modifications at
a later date, public meetings and/or hearings should be held.
In conjunction with the final Title II Construction Grant
Regulations issued February 11, 1974, the construction of Federally
financed waste treatment works is generally accomplished in three
steps:
1) Step I Grant - A grant for preparation of a facilities plan.
Facilities planning consists of reports and studies which are
directly related to the construction of wastewater treatment
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works for a defined planning area. A facilities plan demon-
strates the need for the proposed facilities and, by a
systematic evaluation of feasible alternatives, demonstrates
that the proposed measures represent the most cost-effective
means of meeting established effluent and water quality goals,
while giving full recognition to environmental and social
considerations. The plan should conclude with a preliminary
design for the selected treatment works.
2) Step 2 Grant - A grant for preparation of construction
drawings and specifications. An approved facilities plan
is required before a Step 2 grant can be awarded.
3) Step 3 Grant - A grant for fabrication and building of a
treatment works. Both an approved facilities plan and con-
struction drawings and specifications are required before
a Step 3 grant can be awarded.
The following are the procedures that must be followed in applying
NEPA to the Title II Construction Grants Program:
1) An environmental assessment statement is not required for the
awarding of a Step 1 grant as the environmental evaluation is
an integral part and major tool of the facilities planning
process. The environmental evaluation, together with the
monetary cost evaluation and consideration of various systems'
ability to meet environmental goals, will comprise the major
analysis of alternatives which finally results in the selec-
tion of a facilities plan.
The impact of each alternative on the environment must be
evaluated with a notation of significant impacts and failures
to meet environmental goals or constraints. The noted impacts
may require further study. Adverse impacts could be a basis
for rejecting an option, thus reducing the number of alterna-
tives. Major impacts and reasons for option rejection should
be indicated.
If a number of related facilities plans are submitted to
EPA in conjunction with applications for construction grants,
approval of these plans and awarding of grants may be delayed
until the plans can be reviewed together to allow EPA to
properly evaluate their cumulative impact.
Ideally the facilities plan will serve as an environmental
assessment, and a separate assessment document will not be
necessary. However, for a lengthy facilities plan it may be
desirous to prepare a separate environmental assessment to
summarize the highlights of the plan.
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2) An environmental assessment statement must be included with
an application for a Step 2 grant. NEPA procedures must be
completed prior to the award of a Step 2 grant, except that
a facilities plan may be approved and a Step 2 grant awarded
prior to completion of an impact statement when the Regional
Administrator determines that excessive costs would be in-
curred if award of a Step 2 grant were delayed pending
completion of the statement.
3) An environmental assessment statement must be included with
an application for a Step 3 grant. However, if the NEPA
procedures have been completed for a Step 2 grant for the
project, it will not be necessary to re-submit an environ-
mental assessment except when the project or its impact has
changed significantly from that specified in the approved
facilities plan.
Following are suggested outlines and checklists for preparing
an assessment for a water quality management plan (including
alternatives) and for a municipal wastewater treatment facility.
The planning checklist raises broad environmental issues, considered
at the early planning stage: development;and conservation objectives,
induced development, treatment levels (in relation to standards and
uses), regional waste treatment facility configurations, general
location, and proximity to other land uses. The project checklist,
in turn, details more specific environmental considerations:
siting and alignment issues, layout, engineering design, archi-
tectural and landscape design, construction practices, operations
and maintenance, and scheduling.
In cases where the plan assessment does not present relevant
environmental issues or detail, the project assessment must include
them.
If all environmental factors are fully considered and documented
in the plan, a summary assessment, cross-referenced to the plan
report, will be adequate. Likewise, if the grant application is
supported by a detailed engineering report containing an updated
environmental evaluation of the project, a summary assessment
cross-referenced to the engineering report will be acceptable.
If the plan or engineering report is not sufficiently detailed, a
more detailed environmental assessment statement will be required.
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Outline for Environmental Assessments for
~Water Quality Management Plans
Plan Identification
Name and Location of Plan:
Submitting Agency:
Address:
State Certification (official and date):
Brief Plan Description:
Following Council of Environmental Quality (CEQ) Guidelines,
cover the following major points (specific issues raised are
suggestive rather than all-inclusive):
I. Plan Background.
A description of the proposed action, including information
and technical data necessary for environmental evaluation.
Describe planning area, population and growth goals, water
quality problems, resource objectives or constraints,
present waste treatment facilities (including residual
disposal) and management programs. Include maps. If not
enclosed, identify supporting references and documents.
II. Summary of Alternative Solutions.
Delineate alternative solutions and the principal features
of each. Summarize types of measures (both facilities and
regulations), regional configurations, locations, capacities,
capital and operating costs over the planning period, and
completion dates of the main components of each plan.
Alternatives to the proposed action. Conduct imaginative
search for alternatives as integral part of early planning
and project development. Explore range of potential
alternatives to proposals creating adverse effects. For
example: Have reuse, recycling, process change been considered?
Technological advances? Land use regulation and zoning? Evalute
alternative of taking no action.
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Evaluate rigorously for each alternative quantifiable and
nonquantifiable costs, environmental impact, economic and
social effects, technological feasibility. Analysis should
enable reviewers to judge independently their relative
desirability.
III. Detailed Environmental Evaluation of Each Alternative.
Conduct a detailed environmental evaluation of each feasible
alternative, applying the following items:
A. The.probable impact of the proposed action on the
environment. including impact on ecological systems. Describe
both short and long term impacts.Discuss physical changes
to the project area, alterations to ecological systems,
changes in land development or zoning and shifts in population
distribution and concentration which might be induced by
the project. Outline the time frames in which these impacts
are anticipated. Evaluate measures to prevent,, eliminate,
reduce or compensate for any environmentally detrimental
aspect of the proposed action.
The following are a number of resource and other evaluation
considerations.
1. Resource considerations:
a. Specific resources affected and their interrelationships?
(Natural, historic, cultural; role in ecosystem.)
b. Significance of resources? Relative scarcity and
scale? National, regional, local significance?
Significance in comprehensive and master plans?
c. Contribution to diversity of resources in an area
and opportunities for a variety of experiences and
tastes?
d. Specific effects on such resources as air, water,
landscape or setting?
e. Specific problems in solid wastes, pesticides,
radiation, noise?
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2. Evaluation considerations:
a. To what degree will proposal meet standards for
maintaining or enhancing quality—including uses,
criteria, schedules, and nondegradation or enhance-
ment policies?
b. How will sequence and timing affect environment?
c. In addition to the primary effects (direct
degradation) what will be secondary effects—such
as adverse patterns of land development, water
uses, or demands for public services?
d. In addition to the impact of the permanent measures
themselves, what will be effects of their construction,
installation, operation and maintenance procedures?
e. Will proposals generate toxic or hazardous materials?
f. Adequacy of monitoring and surveillance?
g. Adequacy of emergency provisions?
B. Any probable adverse environmental effects which cannot be
avoided. Describe the kinds and magnitudes of adverse impact
which cannot be reduced in severity or can be reduced to an
acceptable level but not eliminated. Focus on adverse consequences
with which technology cannot cope.
C. The relationship between local short-term uses of man's
environment and the maintenance and enhancement of long-term
productivity.Assess the cumulative or long-term effects and
risks.Consider reduction or enhancement of the future environment.
Include ultimate site development. Evaluate the broader regional,
national or international- interest. Weigh localized gains against
long-term widespread losses, or vice versa.
D. Any irreversible and irretrievable commitments of resources.
Describe the extent to which the proposed action curtails the
diversity and range of uses of the environment. Assess
irreplaceable ecosystems or natural areas, and adverse land use
patterns. Identify health and safety hazards. Consider long-term
contamination by toxic wastes. Examples of potentially committed
resources are (1) the proposed project sites and (2) the opening
of areas to further development, committing future generations
to similar uses.
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IV. Comparison of Alternatives and Selection of Proposed Project.
Summarize comparison of environmental effects of alternative
solutions. Highlight ecological factors. Include pertinent
social and economic effects. Outline impact of recommended
selection. Figure 3 suggests a convenient format for
summarizing the costs and environmental pros and cons of
each plan alternative. Quantify where relevant, but also
use succinct narrative.
V. Agencies and Public Consulted.
Problems and objection raised by other Federal, State
and local agencies and by private organizations and individuals
In the review process and tne disposition or the issues
involved.
Outline extent proposal has been coordinated with:
- Federal, State, regional and local environmental agencies,
laws, and regulations?
- Regional, metropolitan, statewide, and basin planning
agencies?
- Environmental organizations and citizens?
Indicate Federal, State and local agencies and organizations
that have been involved in the development of the project.
Include agencies that have jurisdiction or expertise in
planning, water quality, water supply, solid waste management
and air quality, parks, recreation, fish and wildlife. If
necessary, also consult noise, radiation, and pesticide control
agencies. Submit comments received from these agencies.
Present "Summary Report on Public Participation."
Discuss:
Results of all public meetings and/or hearings.
Source and nature of all written or other comments
indicating opposition.
Steps taken to resolve conflicts.
Remaining unresolved conflicts.
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FIGURE 3 . SUMMARY OF PROS/CONS OF PLAN ALTERNATIVES
Alternate
Capital Cost
Operating
Cost During
Design Life
Present Value
All Costs
Adverse
Environmental
Effects
Beneficial
Environmental
Effects
Reasons Why
Alternate is
Desirable
Reasons Why
Alternate is
Undesirable
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Checklist of Environmental Evaluation Factors For
Water Quality Management Plans
The following list of environmental evaluation factors provides
guidance to the preparers and reviewers of environmental assessments
for water quality management plans. Any other environmental issues
associated with the plan should also be covered.
Water Quality
1. Does the plan present a reliable solution for meeting
water quality standards and goals throughout the planning
area? Describe the probable effect on water use
classifications, numerical criteria, and implementation
schedules. Outline relationship to emerging uses, future
goals, and proposals to upgrade classifications.
2. Does the plan recognize all reasonable point and non-point
sources, hydrologic conditions, and conditions peculiar
to the area such as freezing?
3. Will treatment levels and pollution prevention measures
be sufficiently high and comprehensive to meet present
standards? Future goals?
4. What liquid discharges will result (or remain) from this
plan? Consider all pertinent effluent characteristics.
Discuss BOD, solids, color, turbidity, pH, temperature,
nutrients, chemical constituents, metals, toxics,
radioactivity, grease and oils. Consider leachate from
solid waste disposal areas.
5. What beneficial and adverse effects will plan implementation
have on aquatic biota and habitats? Evaluate species
composition, limiting factors, and productivity.
6. What physical effects will plan implementation have on
hydrology? Include effects on water levels, high and
low-flow conditions, mixing and stratification, temperature,
salinity, sediments, and nutrients.
7. If spray irrigation is proposed or considered, what are
its effects on the hydrological patterns of the basin and
on both surface and ground water quality?
8. If interbasin transfer of wastewater effluent is considered,
what environmental effects would such a transfer have on
the waters of each basin?
9. What measures will be taken to prevent erosion and siltation?
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Water Supply
1. How and to what extent will the plan affect the quality or
quantity of any existing or potential, public or private
water supply - including watersheds, reservoirs, and
groundwater? Include effects of induced development and
land runoff in the watershed.
2. If there is a local groundwater depletion problem, has
groundwater recharge of treated wastewater been considered,
and its effects evaluated?
3. If local water demand is high and supply low, has water
reuse been considered? What effects would these water
reuse measures have on meeting both water quality and
quantity needs?
Solid Waste
1. What quantities and types of solid waste will be generated?
How will they be handled? (Handling here refers to storage,
collection, transportation, processing and ultimate
disposal.)
2. What is the potential for utilizing or recycling solid
wastes at present and in the future?
3. Will handling of solid waste affect water, air or other
environmental factors? Have alternative sites or methods
been fully explored?
4. Discuss relative environmental effects. Will methods comply
with EPA guidelines and State and local plans and regulations
for solid waste management?
Air Quality
1. How will the total emissions resulting from implementation
of the plan affect the ambient air capacity within the
planning area? Discuss relation to Federal, State and
local air quality standards. Consider effects of topography
and meteorology.
2. What is the relationship of treatment plant locations and
prevailing wind patterns to nearby residences, businesses,
and recreation areas?
3. Has the growth in emissions been projected to determine whether
air quality standards will be maintained. Has generated growth
as well as normal growth been considered?
4. How will maintenance of standards be monitored?
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Radiation
Does the plan cover discharge of radioactive material to
the environment? Account for major sources and their
control measures. Consider possible reconcentration through
food chains.
If applicable, what surveillance programs, records, and
emergency plans are proposed?
If applicable, have plan and specific radiological controls
been coordinated with responsible Federal, State and local
officials?
Noise
1. Are any noise problems anticipated due to operation of the
facilities proposed in the plan? Consider time of occurrence,
duration, intensity impact and possible control.
2. Where facilities may generate noise, have existing and
projected noise levels been measured or estimated? .
3. Will noise levels comply with existing or proposed regulations?
4. Has noise from present operations or similar projects
generated adverse conditions? Have there been any complaints?
5. If significant noise may result, have State and local noise
agencies been contacted and comments obtained?
Land Use
How does the plan relate to areawide comprehensive and land
use plans? To conservation plans (recreation, open space,
fish and wildlife, water conservation, air quality, solid
waste management plans)? To development plans (transportation,
utilities, housing)? Discuss consistency of the water
quality management plan with the HUD sponsored comprehensive
plans or planning in process for the area. If there is no
HUD comprehensive plan, discuss consistency with the State
or locally developed land-use plan.
Would implementation of the water quality management plan
induce urban development or land uses consistent with the
development and conservation plans of the area? Would it
strive for a balance between population and the capacity of
the renewable resources?
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Planning Guide - A planning premise should be that every
area has an ultimate environmental carrying capacity beyond
which degradation occurs. Balance resource use and
availability; balance scale of land development and land
capability; balance intensity of development and capacity
of the setting to sustain numbers of people or concentrations
of use and economic activity.
3. What environmental effects might induced development in
turn produce? Evaluate effects of point and non-point
sources generated by additional urban or resort development
resulting from interceptors and treatment facilities.
Consider prospect of improved water quality stimulating
additional waterside development and, hence, need for land use
regulations or further water quality control measures.
4. Does the plan support adopted or proposed zoning, subdivision
controls, tax policies, and other land use regulations? Is
current land zoning consistent with the comprehensive or
land use plans available or being formulated? Has citizen
participation been encouraged in State or local planning
and zoning efforts?
5. Will land use plans for public acquisition in fee or easements
and zoning protect public access, banks and setting to
sustain the water uses sought in the standards and goals?
Planning Guide - Relate scheduling of water quality measures
to that of land use policies to insure public access to the
waters and protection of banks and setting.
6. Are locations of interceptors and treatment facilities compatible
with present and proposed land use in the surroundings?
7. What direct effects would the proposed facilities or
measures have on the site or alignment? Discuss types
and,amounts of land that would be irreversibly used by
facilities included in the plan. For spray irrigation
strategies, would the irrigated lands have greater social
value for other uses?
8. Have alternative facility sites been considered and were
environmental factors recognized in site selection?
9. Have adequate facility sites been reserved and protected
for plan implementation? Are site locations, topography,
and size adequate for future expansion? Do the sites permit
enough land to develop buffer areas to screen the projects?
10. Has the plan considered possibilities for coordinated planning
and acquisition of lands and easements for multiple use of
sites and nearby areas?
17
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Planning guide - Coordinate planning for waste treatment
facilities with master planning for recreation and open
space areas. Preserve open space corridor along stream
valley. Acquire streamside lands, public rights-of-way,
recreation areas, and scenic easements in conjunction
with interceptors. This might embrace opportunities
for trail access to stream valleys and waterside recreation
areas.
Recreation, Historical, Cultural and Aesthetic Values
1. How will location, construction, and operation of facilities
or measures affect existing and potential park and
recreation areas, open spaces, natural areas, .and scenic
values?
2. How will plan affect historical, archeological, and cultural
sites? What measures have been taken to protect these
values? Consult National Register of Historic Places and
discuss how any effects on these properties were taken into
account. What measures will be taken to protect these
sites?
3. What will be the visual impact of location and siting of
facilities and measures? Have facility locations been
selected to minimize visual impacts upon the landscape?
If facility sites are located in areas of natural scenic
beauty, what measures will be taken to protect these areas?
Planning guide - Conceal rather than locate facilities
where they intrude upon the scene. Locate in concealed
valley, rather than on key promontory or headland, or
in commercial-industrial zones rather than natural areas.
Avoid locating across from areas of special interest or
use.
4. Will architectural and landscaping techniques be included
in the individual facilities?
Planning guide - Harmonize proposed architectural and
landscaping styles, color, texture, and materials with
physical, historic, and cultural setting.
5. What would be visual impact of any induced development?
Planning guide - Adopt zoning and subdivision controls
to assure that any induced development contributes to
attractive community and setting.
18
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Social and Economic
1. How will plan contribute to areawide social and economic
objectives?
Planning guide - Serve or guide development to meet
areawide and community social and economic objectives.
Maintain conservation areas and low density residential
character of community. Serve a range of income groups,
including the poor and minorities.
2. Will plan implementation require relocation of people,
disrupt employment opportunities, or impair public
services? Include actions covered by Uniform Relocation-
Assistance and Land Acquisition Policies Act of 1970.
Planning guide - Respect the needs of the poor and minorities,
avoid locations in ghettos merely to protect upper and
middle class neighborhoods. Minimize relocation of
people or employment opportunities, especially the
poor, minorities, or otherwise disadvantaged. Minimize
disruption of public services such as transportation and
utilities.
3. If considerable urban growth would occur as a result of
the plan implementation, what consideration was given to
developing the necessary sewerage services as well as
other services and public utilities to serve such growth
in a timely manner?
4. Is sequence and timing of plan elements scheduled in
relation to timing of desired development and conservation
objectives and provisions of other public services?
Planning guide - Schedule planning, financing, construction
and operation to synchronize with other supporting public
services, transportation, utilities, and schools to serve
induced development. Schedule development inducing facilities,
especially interceptors, so that the supporting planning,
zoning, subdivision controls, and hook-up regulations are
in force prior to project operation. To avoid speculation,
try to adopt regulations prior to announcement.
5. To what extent are proposed expenditures consistent with
other state and local priorities? Consider both direct
expenditures for capital investment and operation and
maintenance as well as indirect expenditures for additional
public services required by induced development.
19
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Construction
Has planning considered overall effects of proposed
construction insofar as probable effects are known and
relevant to evaluation of alternatives and recommendations?
How will proposed construction sites and practices relate
to land forms, soil types, vegetation and fish and wildlife?
Will construction pose particular erosion or sedimentation
problems?
Will proximity of construction sites to residences or
businesses cause possibility of nuisances?
20
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Outline for Environmental Assessments for
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities
Project Identification
Name of Applicant:
Address:
EPA Project Number:
Project Location:
Brief Project Description:
I. Project Background
Describe the project service area, pertinent waste treatment
management plans, conformity to any studies that have been
done on the project area by State, Federal or private
organizations, and present and future wastewater treatment
needs with a discussion of development and population trends
in the project area. If not enclosed, identify supporting
references and documents.
II. Summary of Alternative Project Solutions
Delineate alternative solutions and the 'principal features of
each. Discuss alternate sites and regionalization—giving,
for each alternate,facility sizes and capabilities, capital
and operating costs and completion dates. Evaluate alternate
interceptor routing and ultimate sludge disposal methods.
The alternative of taking n£ action and continuing with the
existing situation should also be evaluated. Alternatives
must be analyzed in such a manner that reviewers independently
can judge their relative desirability.
III. Detailed Environmental Evaluation of Each Feasible Alternative
The evaluation must consider environmental effects during
operation and construction.
A. Probable impact on the environment (complete listing of
beneficial and adverse effects). Describe both short and
long term impacts.Discuss physical changes to the project
area, alterations to ecological systems, changes in land
development or zoning and shifts in population distribution
and concentration which might be induced by the project.
21
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Include the time frames in which these impacts are anticipated.
Evaluate measures to prevent, eliminate, reduce or compensate
for any environmentally detrimental aspect of the proposed
action. Adverse impacts which cannot be substantially avoided
will be considered in greater detail in the next section.
B. Adverse effects which cannot .be avoided should the proposed
project be implemented.Describe the kinds and magnitudes of
adverse impacts which cannot be reduced in severity or which
can be reduced to an acceptable level but not eliminated. Some
specific factors to consider are: wooded or wildlife habitat
which will be lost with the project; stream or downstream impound-
ment siltation due to project construction; disruption of the
natural setting; and the impact of the additional quantity
of flows and associated residual pollutants upon the receiving
bodies of water.
C. Relationship between short-term beneficial uses versus
long-term environmental consequences. Describe the cumulative
or long-term effects of the proposed action which either
significantly reduces or_ enhances the state of the environment
for the future. Consider ultimate site development.
D. Irreversible and irretrievable commitment of resources.
Describe the extent to which the proposed action curtails the
diversity and range of uses of the environment. Assess
irreplaceable ecosystems or natural areas and adverse land use
patterns. Examples of potentially committed resources are
(1) the project site and (2) the opening of areas to further
development generally commit future generations to similar
uses.
IV. Environmental Comparison of Alternatives and Selection of
Proposed Project
Compare the environmental effects of alternative solutions.
Highlight ecological factors and include pertinent social
and economic effects.
To consolidate the significant considerations on which
alternatives were evaluated, the analysis in this section
and that in Section II should be summarized and presented
on a form like that shown in Figure 4. The form provides a
place to indicate the cost of future modifications if they
can be reasonably estimated at this time. As indicated in
Column 5, all costs should be reduced to their present value.
22
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V. Agencies Consulted About the Project
Indicate Federal, State and local agencies that have been
involved in the development of the project. Include agencies
that have jurisdiction over or expertise in planning, water
quality, water supply, solid waste management, air quality,
parks, recreation, fish and wildlife. Also, if necessary,
consult pesticide, noise and radiation control agencies.
Submit comments received from these agencies.
VI. Opportunity and Extent of Public Participation
Present "Summary Report on Public Participation." Discuss:
A. The results of all public meetings and/or hearings
pertaining to the project.
B. The source and nature of all written or other comments
received by the Grantee that indicate opposition to
the project.
C. The steps taken to resolve conflicts.
D. Remaining unresolved conflicts.
23
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FIGURE 4. SUMMARY OF PROS/CONS OF PROJECT ALTERNATIVES
Alter-
nate
Capital Cost
Operating
Cost During
Design Life
Cost of
Future
Modifications
Present Value
All Costs
Adverse
Environmental
Effects
Beneficial
Environmental
Effects
Reasons Why
Alternate is
Desirable
Reasons Why
Alternate is
Undesirable
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Checklist of Environmental Evaluation Factors for
Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities
The following list of environmental evaluation factors provides
guidance to the preparers and reviewers of environmental assessments
for individual projects. The assessment should address all of those
factors contained in the list that are pertinent to the project.
Other environmental issues associated with the project may exist and
should also be covered in the assessment.
Water Quality
1. How does the project conform to the waste treatment management
plan(s) for meeting water quality standards or objectives?
Discuss effects on water use classifications, criteria and
implementation schedules, including the treatment of combined
sewer overflows and stormwater.
2. What are the existing (if applicable) and proposed effluent
characteristics? Discuss BOD, solids, color, turbidity, pH,
temperature, chemical constituents, nutrients, metals, toxics,
radioactive material, grease and oil.
3. What beneficial and adverse effects will the project have on
aquatic biota and habitats?
4. What physical effects will the project have on hydrology?
Include effects on water levels, mixing and stratification,
temperature, salinity, sediments and nutrients. If the
project will contribute to increased flooding, discuss
alternatives considered and measures to mitigate reduction
in hydraulic capacity of the floodviiay or increased down-
stream flows. Water pollution control facilities should
not be located in flood plains or intrude on wetland if
there is a feasible alternate site.
5. If spray irrigation is proposed, what effect would such a
project have on groundwater or surface water quality?
Would such irrigation deplete stream flows during low-
flow periods?
6. What measures will be taken to prevent erosion and siltation?
7. If the project will result in the propagation of insects,
discuss preventative measures that will be taken to control
the problem.
8. Discuss the impact of treated effluent, pump station over-
flows and bypasses, and combined sewer overflows on shellfish
growing areas. Indicate the size and shape of buffer zones.
24
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9. Will the project site require filling that will affect the
hydraulics of a stream? For projects in flood plains
evaluate the effects on the stream for the 25, 50, and 100
year floods.
Land Application of Wastewater
1. Land Use
a. Current use of land to be used for application
b. Current and proposed future zoning and land use of
adjacent areas
c. Proximity to current and planned development areas
d. Availability of land for expansion
e. Provisions for buffer zones
2. Climate
a. Rainfall analysis including quantities and seasonal
distribution
b. Effects of storm intensities on runoff potential
c. Temperature analysis including seasonal variations
d. Evapotranspiration rates
e. Humidity effects on evaporation and plant growth
f. Wind analysis including velocity, direction, seasonal
variations and frequency
g. An analysis of snow conditions with respect to depth
and period of snow cover
3. Topography
a. Ground slope
b. The topography of land adjacent to the site. The effects
of storm runoff, both from adjacent land onto the site and
from the site onto adjacent lands and surface water bodies,
c. Predict the erosion potential of the site and adjacent
land; indicate required corrective action
d. Flood potential of disposal area
e. The extent of clearing and field preparation
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4. Soil Characteristics
a. Physical and chemical characteristics
b. Infiltration and percolation potential
c. Evaluate renovation and percolation potentials of under-
lying soil layers. Locate lenses or constraints to flow
5. Geological Formations
a. Type and description with formations which may provide
short circuits to the groundwater noted and thoroughly
investigated
b. The depth to bedrock and formations containing discon-
tinuities
c. Earthquake potential
6. Surface Water
a. Proximity to surface water
7. Groundwater
a. Depth to groundwater
b. Direction and rate of groundwater flow; determine whether
the groundwater will come to the surface, be intercepted
by a surface water, or join another aquifer.
c. Depth and extent of existing or potential perched water
d. Quality
e. Current and planned use including the quality requirements
for these uses
f. Location of existing and potential wells, both on site and
adjacent to the site
g. Seasonal variation of water table in existing wells
8. Receiving Water (other than groundwater)
a. Type of body
b. Current use
c. Existing quality
d. Prescribed water quality standards and effluent limitations
e. Water rights
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Mater Supply
1. How and to what extent will the project affect the quality
and quantity of any existing or potential public or private
water supply - including watersheds, reservoir and ground-
water? Will this project directly or indirectly pose health
risks to consumers of public or private water supplies?
Consider the effects of development on surface runoff in
the watershed.
2. If there is a groundwater depletion problem, has ground-
water recharge been considered and its effects evaluated?
3. If local water resource demand is high and supply low, has
water reuse been considered? What effects would such reuse
measures have on meeting water quality needs in the receiving
waters?
Social and Economic
1. Will project require relocation of people, disrupt employment
opportunities, or impair public services? Include actions
covered by Uniform Relocation Assistance and Land Acquisition
Policies Act of 1970. Discuss social and economic effects
of social disruption.
Planning guide - Avoid locations in ghettos merely to protect
upper and middle class neighborhoods. Minimize relocation
of people or employment opportunities. If relocation is
necessary, arrange for relocation opportunities. Minimize
disruption of public services such as transportation and
utilities.
2. If the project will induce growth upon the service area,
discuss the effects of such growth on the community. Will
other public services and utilities be available to serve
such growth when it occurs?
3. Discuss the economic impact of construction and operation
and maintenance expenses on the community.
4. Discuss the source and quantity of fuel and power require-
ments for treatment facilities and pump stations.
Recreation. Historical, Cultural and Aesthetic Values
1. How will siting, construction, and operation of the project
affect existing and potential park and recreation areas,
open spaces, natural areas, and scenic values? Discuss
how the project will affect recreational opportunities in
the area due to changes in water quality, location of
facilities near parkland, etc.
27
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2. How will project affect historical, archeological, or
cultural sites? Consult National Register of Historic
Places and discuss how any effects on these properties
were taken into account. What measures will be taken
to protect these sites?
3. What will be the visual impact of the project? Have
facility sites been selected to minimize visual impacts
upon the landscape? Are project sites located in wooded
areas, open spaces, or other areas of recognized aesthetic
value? If so, what alternatives were considered and
what measures will be taken to minimize project effects
on these areas?
Planning guide - Conceal rather than site facilities where
they intrude upon the scene. Site in concealed valley
rather than on key promontory or headland, in commercial -
industrial zones rather than in natural areas. Avoid siting
across from areas of special interest or use. Lay out
structures perpendicular to the river or shoreline rather
than longitudinal (and obtrusive) to the river scene. Site
back from the shorelines, behind vegetation or rock outcroppings,
4. What architectural and landscaping techniques will be used
to blend the structures with the surrounding area?
Planning guide - Harmonize proposed architectural-landscaping
styles, color, texture and materials with physical, historical
and cultural setting. Where possible, design the elevations,
height, and layout of structures to blend with natural
contours, tree cover, and rock formations. Choose color
and texture to blend with surrounding rock and vegetation.
Choose style that harmonizes with surroundings, either
blending or appropriately contrasting.
Land Use
1. How will the proposed project encourage or discourage
residential, commercial, and industrial growth within
the service area? Will interceptor locations and system
capacity induce growth in undeveloped areas or concentrate
population in developed areas? Will they be located and
scheduled to avoid inducing development in conservation
areas, recreation areas, and wetlands?
2. Discuss the method(s) used for estimating future populations
and industrial development.
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3. How will the project effects on growth conform with federal,
state, or local land-use plans for the area? Would such
growth appear consistent with the growth goals of the area
and the community? When changes in population patterns and
growth are significant, their effect on the resource base,
including land use, water quality and quantity, air quality,
and public services, should be determined.
4. How will the project affect the land-based ecosystems near
the facility site, such as wildlife habitat, stream bank
cover, and vegetal and wooded growth on rights-of-way?
5. Would the project impair the landscape and/or create
irreparable damage to geological formations?
6. What types and amount of land will be affected permanently
by construction and operation of the project?
7. Have alternative sites for project structures or interceptor
alignments with lesser adverse impact upon the environment
been considered?
8. Has consideration been given to restricting future develop-
ment adjacent to the treatment plant site and interceptors
through land acquisition, zoning subdivision, hook-up
controls, or other land use policies?
9. Has sufficient land been acquired (in fee or easement) or
zoned for future expansion needs, such as tertiary treatment
and increased capacity for ultimate design year? Consider
prospective higher use standards, higher level of "maximum
feasible treatment", and re-use concepts. Is buffer area
sufficient to screen project and reduce any odor or noise?
10. Do site planning and layout take advantage of opportunities
to develop waterside recreation areas, trails, and buffer
zones?
Solid Waste
1. Grit, screenings, and scum
A. Quantities
B. Procedures for storage, processing, transportation,
and disposal
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2. Sludge Disposal
A. Quantity and characteristics of sludge
B. Dewatering method
C. Stabilization method
D. Method of ultimate disposal
1. Sludge utilization by land spreading or sludge
disposal by landfill ing
a. Location, area, owner and operator of site
b. Location of site with respect to developed
areas. Existing and expected future use of
surrounding areas.
c. Past and present uses of site
d. Future use of site if not for sludge utilization
or disposal
e. Capacity and useful life of site
f. Application method and rate
g. Permeability and pH of soil at point of appli-
cation
h. Depth to fissured rock and highly permeable gravel
i. Quality, use and distance to groundwater in the
disposal area
j. Proximity to surface water
k. Method of controlling surface water runoff
1. Precautions to control odors and insects
m. Frequency of earth cover and material to be used
n. For utilization for agricultural purposes
1. Type of vegetation to be grown. Ultimate
consumer(s) of cultivated crops
2. Public health control measures to be utilized
30
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o. Provisions for storage and/or disposal during
periods when site cannot be used due to weather
or other reasons
p. Local and State agencies that have reviewed site
q. Emergency disposal procedures should regulatory
agencies close site
r. Proposed program to monitor site
s. Method of transportation to site
1. Types of vehicles
2. Facilities available for cleaning transportation
equipment
3. Local and State permits required for hauling
sludge
t. Types of equipment for handling sludge at disposal
site and provisions for furnishing it
2. Ocean disposal
a. Because ocean disposal of sewage sludge is
strictly controlled by EPA and is subject to
strict regulations and criteria, preparers of
environmental analyses documents must coordinate
their preparation closely with EPA's staff.
Therefore, specific factors for consideration
will not be presented in this document but will
be delineated on a case by case basis.
3. Dried sludge as a fertilizer or soil conditioner.
a. A detailed discussion of the proposed market.
Proposed method of disposal if dried sludge
cannot be marketed as originally intended.
4. Incineration
a. Incinerating sewage sludge is an environmentally
acceptable method of sludge disposal. However,
the process does require a thorough evaluation
of the impact on air quality in the project area.
In addition the incinerator ash must be handled
in an environmentally acceptable manner. The
criteria for an air quality analysis is presented
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in the Air Quality section. With regards to the
incinerator ash the quantity, moisture content,
disposal method, disposal area, and method of
transportation to the disposal area must be
discussed. Basically, the items under 2.D.I.
above should also be applied in the analysis
of ash disposal.
As the solid waste problem is constantly becoming more acute,
the EPA Region I office is requesting that applicants for construction
grants submit detailed information regarding sludge handling and
disposal. A format for presentation of the information required is
given in Appendix A.
Air Quality
1. What is the relationship of the project site and prevailing
wind patterns to nearby residences, businesses and recreation
areas? Consider potential odors from treatment facilities
and pump stations.
2. If odor problems can be expected from the project, what
precautions will be taken to minimize this effect?
3. Sludge incineration - Before approving grants for the
construction of sewage sludge incinerators, EPA, as the
agency primarily concerned with the environment and its
effect on the public health, requires that the impact on
air quality of sludge incineration be completely and
correctly assessed. Obviously, the suitability of sludge
incineration for final disposal at a wastewater treatment
plant will depend upon the environmental and economic
suitability of alternate means of sludge disposal, and some
consideration of this must enter an assessment of the
impact of sludge incineration on air quality. The following
questions, however, can be used to exclude sludge incineration
from consideration under certain circumstances, indicated by
an affirmative answer to the following:
/
A. Referencing measured pollutant levels in the area, are
National Ambient Air Quality Standards for TSP, S02, or
N02 currently being approached or exceeded?
B. Citing applicable Federal, State, or local air pollution
control regulations, will any conditions of air pollution
exist (e.g., violations of Federal NSPS, State air quality
standards, etc.)? What measures will be taken to comply
with such regulations?
32
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Noise
C. Do the results of diffusion modeling of the proposed
plant indicate that any long or short term National
Ambient Air Quality Standards will be exceeded because
of its operation? (Cite incremental increases in TSP,
S02, and N02.)
D. Will the sludge incinerator emit any toxic substance
(e.g., lead, mercury, PCB's, etc.) that may have an
adverse effect on the environment or the public health?
(If this is a potential problem, cite probable emissions
of each substance and countermeasures that will be used
for its suppression.)
E. Will any public nuisance condition (e.g., from odor,
smoke, fugitive dust, or a steam plume) result from
operation of the sludge incinerator? (If so, reference
countermeasures to be employed.)
F. Could failure to obtain adequate supplies of auxiliary
fuel or of auxiliary conforming fuel cause either a
substantial increase in the incinerator's impact (C
above), production of an unacceptable residue, the
appearance of nuisance conditions (E above), or an
increase in toxic emissions?
If the above can all be answered negatively, there exists
no single reason for rejecting final sludge disposal by
incineration because of its effect on the ambient air. It
may sometimes be the case, however, that a combination of
effects on air quality (e.g., "moderate" increase in TSP
with possible heavy metals emissions in an area of border-
line air quality) will act to discourage the use of sludge
incineration. Such conditions must be evaluated together
and on a case by case basis.
To enable an adequate review of any assessment and to enable
the reviewer some discretion in interpreting results, assump-
tions and methods used in completing the air impact study
must be clearly indicated. Without such information, there
is no assurance that all relevant points have been consistently
and reasonably considered. Necessary information (keyed to
the above questions) and a format for its presentation is
given in Appendix B. Preparation of this material would
logically be done by the engineering consultant for the
project as it should, by and large, require little additional
work.
1. Have existing noise levels in the project area been measured
or estimated?
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2. Has noise from present operations or similar projects
generated adverse conditions? Have there been any
complaints?
3. Discuss noise or vibrations from the proposed project
giving special attention to generators and air compressors.
Operating frequency, length of operating time, and intensity
levels in decibels should be indicated.
4. What control measures will be used? Indicate where silencers,
mufflers, or insulated casings will be utilized.
5. Indicate how the noise levels will comply with existing or
proposed regulations.
Radiation
1. Does the project involve any collection and discharge of
radioactive material from industrial or commercial sources
or hospitals? If so, account for the sources and their
measures of control.
2. If appropriate, what surveillance programs, records, and
emergency plans are proposed?
3. If appropriate, have project and radiological controls been
coordinated with responsible Federal, State, and local
officials?
Construction
1. Identify all critical impact areas in the project area that
could be affected by construction. Areas considered critical
are streams, wetlands, forests, parks, steep slopes, highly
erodible soil, natural and man-made drainage facilities, and
water recharge areas.
2. Discuss the effects of the construction on aquatic life and
wildlife in the area.
3. For all stream crossings discuss the construction methods
that will be used for each. Discuss special procedures
that will be followed for streams that are critical to
fish life cycles.
4. For all construction in streams requiring review and approval
from the Army Corps of Engineers, indicate the status of thair
review.
5. What erosion and dust control measures will be taken during
construction? Will these procedures preclude sedimentation
and turbidity in the nearby waters?
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6. Specify areas which will be temporarily or permanently cleared.
How will disruption of land forms and clearing of vegetation
and wooded cover be restricted? What provisions will be made
to restore the construction site to its preconstruction
condition?
7. Discuss disposal of land clearance wastes including identifi-
cation of disposal site(s). Indicate if herbicides, blasting,
or burning will be required. Discuss the environmental
effects of the proposed method(s).
8. For fill operations, indicate quantities and sources of
material.
9. Describe the extent of inconveniences or nuisances to
residences or businesses in proximity to the construction
site of the treatment facility and/or along interceptor
route.
10. Discuss the traffic procedures that will be used specifying
any local time limitations on maintaining open trenches.
Include effects of increased truck traffic due to a large
fill or excavation operation.
11. What measures will be taken to abate construction noise?
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INFORMATION FORM
SLUDGE HANDLING AND DISPOSAL
1. Applicant
2. Project Location (Street, City, County, State)
3. Type of Facility: New Expansion Upgrading
4. Description of Facilities:
5.
Initial:
Design:
Year
Year
Flow
Flow
(MGD)
(MGD)
Population
Population
Served
Served
6. Sludge Treatment at this facility (check applicable items)
Sludge Digestion Sludge Lagoons
Sludge Thickening Multiple Hearth Incineration
Elutriation Fluidized Bed Incineration
Vacuum Filtration Heat Treatment
Centrifugal Separation Other (Specify)
Lime Recalcination
Sludge Drying Beds
Appendix A
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7. Sludge storage
Describe method of storage and equipment used. Include storage prior
to dewatering, prior to volume reduction (if applicable), prior to
haul to disposal facility and storage during any emergency conditions.
8. Quantities and Characteristics of Dewatered Sludge Produced at Facility
(Other-Specify)
RAW
DIGESTED
% Solids C.Y./WK % Solids C.Y./WK % Solids C.Y./WK
Primary
(jSecondary-Spec ify)
Mixed P&S
Chemical/Physical
Other-Specify)
9. For chemically precipitated or conditioned sludge:
a. Indicate chemicals used
b. Are any of these recovered?
recovered
If yes, indicate which ones and percent
- 2 -
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10. Quantities of (.
applicable)
Primary
.Wet,
_Dewatered) sludge to be incinerated (if
RAW
% Solids C.Y./WK
(Other-Specify)
% Solids C.Y./WK
(Secondary-Specify)
Mixed P & S
Chemical/Physical .
Other-Specify)
11. Sludge Transport
a. Describe method of transport and number and types of vehicles used.
Include transport from storage to processing, if at another plant, storage
to disposal and/or processing to disposal
b. Are local or state permits for hauling sludge required? If yes,
include a copy of the requirements for this permit.
12. Ultimate Disposal
a. Indicate method(s) of ultimate disposal for sludge or ash from
incinerated sludge.
Land Spreading Other (Specify)
Sanitary Landfill
Ocean Disposal
- 3 -
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12. b. Sludge or ash requiring disposal
Quantity: C.T./WK
Moisture Content: ; %
c. For land spreading, complete the following:
1) Indicate the type(s) of sludge disposed of by land spreading:
wet sludge ; dewatered sludge j ash from incinerated
sludge
2) Indicate quantities of sludge disposed of by land spreading.
If more than one type of sludge is disposed of by land spreading,
as indicated in (1) above, supply quantities for each: (specify
units)
(Other-Specify)
RAW DIGESTED
C.Y./WK % Solids C.Y./WK % Solids C.Y./WK % Solids
Primary '
(Secondary-Specify)
Mixed P&S
Chemical/Physical
Other-Specify) ~ ~~
3) Has this operation been approved by the local health department?
State health department? Department of Agriculture?
State solid waste agency? If yes, submit copies of approvals.
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12. c. 4-) Location, area & ownership of site(s) used for land spreading
Ownership
Street Municipality Area (Acres) (Public or Private)
5) If owned other than by the municipality owning the treatment
facility, have long-term contracts been negotiated for use of
this land? If yes, until what year?
Submit copy of any agreements.
6) During what months will the land spreading operation be conducted?
7) Describe the provision made for storage and/or disposal of the
sludge during the remainder of the year
8) Describe precautions to be taken to insure that sludge will not
run off into nearby watercourses
9) Describe precautions to be taken relative to control of odors and
insects
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12. d. For disposal in a sanitary landfill, complete the following:
1) Indicate the type(s) of sludge disposed of in a sanitary landfill:
wet sludge ; dewatered sludge j ash from incinerated
sludge
2) Indicate quantities of sludge disposed of by sanitary landfill. If
more than one type of sludge is disposed of by sanitary landfill, as
indicated in (1) above, supply quantities for each: (specify units)
(Other-Specify)
RAW
DIGESTED
C.Y./WK % Solids C.Y./WK % Solids C.Y./WK % Solids
Primary
(Secondary-Specify)
Mixed P&S
Chemical/Physical
(Other-Specify)
3) Has this operation been approved by the local health department?
State health department? State solid waste agency?
If yes, submit copies of approvals.
4.) Location, area & ownership of site(s) used for landfill
Ownership
Street Municipality Area (Acres) (Public or Private)
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5) If owned other than by the municipality owning the treatment facility,
have long-term contracts been negotiated for use of this site(s)?
If yes, submit copy of agreements.
6) Indicate the year at which each of the above sites will no longer be
able to accept sewage sludge or ash and state reason
7) Is (will) the disposal site (be) used for the disposal of other
solid wastes? If yes, will the sludge be disposed of by itself
in a separate area? j or will it be mixed with the other solid
wastes? _•
e. If a disposal method other than land spreading or sanitary landfilling
is to be used, describe it in detail, indicate the approvals obtained,
and supply applicable data.
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13. Special Waste Handling
a. Indicate emergency procedures for storing, transporting, processing and
disposing of the contents of fouled biological treatment units such as
digesters, aeration tanks, etc.
b. Will septage be .accepted at the treatment facility? If yes,
how much? and from which towns, cities, etc.?
If yes, describe the receiving and handling facilities
c. If septage is not accepted, describe methods for treatment arid/or
disposal to be utilized by the towns, cities, etc., served by the
treatment facility
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13. d. Have provisions been made for storing, transporting, processing and
disposal of grit, screenings, and grease? Indicate the
quantities of such materials If yes, indicate the procedures to
be followed .__
Other Comments:
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Suggested Content and Form for Sewage
Sludge Incineration Air Impact Assessment
Background Material
In order to place incineration plant facilities, parameters, and
air impact calculations in perspective, a fairly complete schematic
of the sludge incineration system should be presented. This schematic
should show:
1. Flows (@NDC = at normal design conditions)
A. Sludge cake: #wet/min. @NDC
B. Combustion and cooling air: #/min., corresponding % excess
air,^P and T at furnace inlet and outlet @NDC
C. Auxiliary fuel (include plume reheat): tt/min., @NDC and
max. continuous, fuel type
D. Ash: #/min. @NDC
E. Exhaust: #dry/min, #wet/min, T andvAp at stack exit,
scrubber exit, subcooler exit, and furnace breeching @NDC
F. Water: #/min, T @NDC
G. Power: output (horsepower) of motors and fans @NDC and max.
continuous
2. Components, etc.
A. Sludge incinerator: configuration, gross dimensions
B. Quencher, scrubber, demister, subcooler: types and location
C. Air movers and motors: type and location
D. (Separately-) Primary sludge cake analysis including % moisture,
% combustibles (with % C, H, N, O, S), % ash, heating value
of combustibles (Btu/dry#) and the expected ranges in the
% moisture and % ash. Other materials that may be incinerated
in significant quantities should be similarly described and
the NDC case should be related to consumption of these materials.
E. (Separately-) Building dimensions, stack location and
dimensions
F. Air and exhaust flow controls and operation monitors: type
and location
I. Ambient Air Quality Background and Meteorology
1. On a map centered on proposed site of the sewage sludge incinerator
and indicating the character (housing, commercial, industrial, etc.) and
topographic features of the area, show:
A. Location of air pollution sampling sites (or indicate compass
heading and distance from site.)
B. Location of station used for meteorological data.
Appendix B
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2. Provide the following data relevant to the meteorology and
.air quality of the area:
A. For TSP, NCU, and SC^: the annual arithmetic mean; annual
geometric mean; annual arithmetic standard deviation; annual
geometric standard deviation; highest value; 90, 75, and 50
percentile levels; # of samples; year of record; and method used.
B. Available meteorological data; at least a wind direction-
velocity rose.
II. Compliance with Applicable Regulations
For each regulation cited under question 2, state whether compliance
will be guaranteed under the contract specifications and indicate the
basis of the guarantee (e.g., outline test results, etc. on other similar
sludge incinerators).
III. Diffusion Modeling
1. Estimation of plume rise: give the plume rise equation used and
briefly state the conditions and assumptions under which it is valid.
Keying all numbers to operating parameters (incinerator loading, auxiliary
fuel rate, excess air, plume suppression, sludge analysis if not assumed
design, etc.), give emission rates, stack exit ACFM, exit velocity, exit
temperature, and, if necessary, molecular weight of exit gases.
2. Annual average predicted pollutant levels: indicate what
model has been used and state how available meteorological data
has been incorporated into it.
3. Worst case daily average pollutant levels: Give the method
used in finding worst case pollutant concentrations (except for NO^) and
describe the corresponding meteorological conditions and the probability
of their occurrence. Indicate how measured background air quality
has been combined with maximum incremental impact to give worst case
air quality.
IV. Toxic Emission Potential
1. Present an analysis for trace toxic materials (include toxic
metals, PCB's, insecticides, etc.) that may be present in the sludge cake.
2. For each such material present in the sludge in significant
concentrations, estimate the probable emissions.
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3. Based on these estimated emissions, assess the potential for
adverse effects on the public health or the environment. If possible,
these toxic emissions or resulting concentrations of toxic materials in
the air could be correlated with EPA emission standards (e.g., for mercury)
or exposure guidelines (e.g., for lead).
4. If it appears that toxic emissions could be a problem, detail
effective controls or procedures that will be used for their reduction.
V. Nuisance Conditions
For each of the following, indicate operating conditions (incinerator,
treatment plant, or weather) under which a public nuisance might result.
By referring to similar incineration facilities, show that there will
be adequate standby controls to abate any nuisance:
1. Odor and smoke
2. Fugitive dust
3. Steam plume
VI. Evaluation of Disincentives for Proper Control
If adequate supplies of suitable auxiliary fuels are unavailable
or if costs of such fuels discourages proper operation of the incinerator,
an air pollution problem may result. Accordingly, the following
information should be provided.
1. Estimate yearly average and maximum hourly use of auxiliary
fuel. Break these rates down further according to
A. Fuel for proper sludge combustion
B. Fuel for afterburning (say, for odor control)
C. Fuel for plume reheat
2. By citing estimated fuel costs, maintenance costs, incinerator
characteristics, etc. evaluate the use of heat recovery devices.
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