United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Research and Development
Office of Water and Waste Management
Washington, DC 20460
&EPA Municipal Wastewater
Research Strategy Supplement
1981-1985
July 1981
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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH STRATEGY
SUPPLEMENT
1981 - 1985
July, 1981
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH COMMITTEE
CO-CHAIRMEN:
James V. Basilico
Office of Research and Development
Richard Thomas
Office of Water and Waste Management
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH STRATEGY SUPPLEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
1 INTRODUCTION 1-1
2 RESEARCH STRATEGY: 1981-1985 2-1
2.1 Background 2-1
2.2 Legislative and Judicial Requirements 2-2
2.3 Agency Direction and Priorities 2-3
2.4 Overview of the Research Strategy 2-4
2.4.1 Process Development • 2-4
2.4.2 Toxic Pollutants Control 2-5
2.4.3 Municipal Sludge Management 2-6
2.4.4 Plant Operations and Design 2-6
2.4.5 Wastewater Land Applications and Aquaculture 2-7
2.4.6 Urban Runoff 2-7
2.4.7 Small Wastewater Flows 2-8
2.4.8 Innovative and Alternative Technology 2-8
2.4.9 Health Effects 2-9
2.4.10 Exploratory Research 2-9
2.5 Research Committee Interfaces 2-10
2.5.1 Water Quality Research Committee 2-10
2.5.2 Drinking Water 2-11
2.5.3 Industrial Wastewater 2-12
. 2.5.4 Toxic Testing and Assessment 2-12
2.6 Resource Requirements 2-13
3 AGENCY RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS 3-1
3.1 General Requirements 3-1
3.2 Office of Water Program Operations Research Requirements .. 3-4
3.2.1 Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Management 3-4
3.2.2 Other Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Management 3-7
3.2.3 Land Treatment and Other Natural Treatment Systems 3-7
3.2.4 Innovative and Alternative Technology Program Support 3-8
3.2.5 Sludge Management 3-8
3.2.6 Small Wastewater Systems 3-10
3.2.7 National Urban Runoff Program 3-11
3.3 Office of Water Regulations and Standards Research
Requirements 3-15
3.3.1 Process Development 3-15
3.3.2 Toxic Pollutants Control 3-15
3.3.3 Municipal Sludge Management 3-16
3.3.4 Plant Operations and Design 3-17
3.3.5 Land Application of Wastewater and Aquaculture 3-17
3.3.6 Urban Runoff 3-17
3.3.7 Innovative and Alternative Technology 3-18
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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH STRATEGY SUPPLEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Pagg
3.4 Office of Solid Waste Research Requirements 3-21
3.4.1 Pathogens in Sludge 3-21
3.4.2 Fate and Persistence of PCBs 3-22
3.4.3 Sludge Adherence to Crops 3-23
3.4.4 Fate and Effects of Lead in Sludge 3-23
2.4.5 Land Application to Non-Food-Chain Croplands 3-24
2.4.6 Plant Uptake of Toxic Organics and Heavy Metals 3-24
2.4.7 Epidemiological Studies 3-24
3.4.8 Dietary Cadmium Uptake 3-25
3.4.9 Disposal of Septic Tank Pumpings 3-25
3.5 Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances Research
Requirements 3-28
3.5.1 Toxic Pollutants Control 3-28
3.5.2 Municipal Sludge Management 3-28
3.5.3 Urban Runoff 3-29
3.6 Office of Water Enforcement Research Requirements 3-31
3.7 Regional Offices Research Requirements 3-34
3.7.1 Region I 3-34
3.7.2 Region II 3-36
3.7.3 Region III 3-37
3.7.4 Region IV 3-38
3.7.5 Region V 3-38
3.7.6 Region VI 3-40
3.7.7 Region VII 3-41
3.7.8 Region VIII 3-41
3.7.9 Region IX 3-42
3.7.10 Region X 3-43
4 RESEARCH PLANS ....4-1
4.1 Research Plan Overview 4-1
4.2 Process Development Research 4-3
4.2.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-3
4.2.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-4
4.2.3 Current Research Plan 4-8
4.2.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-8
4.3 Toxic Pollutants Control Research 4-16
4.3.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-16
4.3.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-17
4.3.3 Current Research Plan 4-19
4.3.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-19
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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH STRATEGY SUPPLEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
4.4 Municipal Sludge Management Research 4-27
4.4.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-27
4.4.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-28
4.4.3 Current Research Plan 4-31
4.4.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-32
4.5 Plant Operations and Design Research 4-44
4.5.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-44
4.5.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-45
4.5.3 Current Research Plan 4-47
4.5.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-49
4.6 Land Application of Wastewater and Aquaculture Research ... 4-63
4.6.1 Research Program Description and Objectives of Land
Appli cation of Wastewater 4-63
4.6.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-63
4.6.3 Current Research Plan ._. _. 4-65
4.6.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-66
4.6.5 Research Program Description and Objectives of
Aquaculture 4-72
4.6.6 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-73
4.6.7 Current Research Plan 4-74
4.6.8 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-74
4.7 Urban Runoff Research 4-77
4.7.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-77
4.7.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-78
4.7.3 Current Research Plan 4-80
4.7.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-82
4.8 Energy Research 4-89
4.8.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-89
4.8.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-90
4.8.3 Current Research Plan 4-91
4.8.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-92
4.9 Small Wastewater Flows Research 4-96
4.9.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-96
4.9.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-96
4.9.3 Current Research Plan 4-97
4.9.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-98
4.10 Innovative and Alternative Technology Research 4-104
4.10.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4r-104
4.10.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-106
4.10.3 Current Research Plan 4-107
4.10.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-107
4.11 Health Effects Research 4-112
4.11.1 Research Program Description and Objectives 4-112
4.11.2 Recent Research Accomplishments 4-112
4.11.3 Current Research Plan 4-112
4.11.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements 4-113
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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH STRATEGY SUPPLEMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Page
4.12 Exploratory Research 4-125
4.12.1 Program Objectives 4-125
4.12.2 Current and Proposed Exploratory Research Projects 4-125
4.13 Technology Transfer 4-127
4.13.1 Objectives 4-127
4.13.2 Small Wastewater Flows 4-127
4.13.3 Innovative and Alternative Technology 4-128
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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH STRATEGY SUPPLEMENT
APPENDICES
Appendix Page
A Research or Related Activities of the EPA Operating
Programs, Regions and Other Federal Agencies A-l
B ORD Technical Information Outputs for the Municipal
Wastewater Research Committee B-l
C Municipal Wastewater Research Committee and Subcommittee
Members C-l
D Headquarters and Laboratory Staff Contacts for Municipal
Wastewater Research Program Outputs D-l
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MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH STRATEGY SUPPLEMENT
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH STRATEGY
2.1 Research Program Resources 2-14
2.2 New Initiatives 2-15
CHAPTER 3: SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
3.1 Office of Water Program Operations 3-12
3.2 Office of Water Regulations and Standards 3-19
3.3 Office of Solid Waste 3-26
3.4 Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances 3-30
3.5 Office of Water Enforcement 3-32
3.6 Regional Offices 3-44
CHAPTER 4: SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
4.1 Process Development 4-12
4.2 Toxic Pollutants Control 4-25
4.3a Municipal Sludge Management: Processing and
Stabi1ization 4-38
4.3b Municipal Sludge Management: Conversion and
Energy Recovery 4-40
4.3c Municipal Sludge Management: Land Application
Management and Disposal 4-42
4.4a Plant Operations and Design 4-54
4.4b Plant Operations and Design: Collective Rankings of
Factors Limiting Plant Performance 4-59
4.4c Plant Operations and Design: National Survey, EPA
Program and Other Identified Needs Addressed by
POD Program 4-61
4.5a Land Application of Wastewater 4-70
4.5b Aquaculture and Wetlands 4-76
4.6 Urban Runoff 4-87
4.7 Energy 4-95
4.8 Small Wastewater Flows 4-103
4.9 Innovative/Alternative Technology 4-110
4.10 Health Effects t 4-122
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
The Municipal Wastewater Research Program is designed to provide the tech-
nology and science support to the Environmental Protection Agency offices that
implement the regulatory aspects of the applicable legislative acts. The
Agency offices with the primary responsibility for implementing various por-
tions of the legislative acts are referred to in this document as the "Program
Offices" and are the users or "clients" for ORD outputs. Every attempt has
been made to relate ORD activities to the appropriate client office(s).
While many legislative acts have some relationship to municipal wastewater
research and development (R&D), the most significant in terms of research
authorization and requirements for support from the Office of Research and
Development (ORD) are the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (PL 92-500), as
amended by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 (PL 95-217) and the Resource
Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (PL 94-580).
The purpose of this document is to identify the requirements for R&D support
of Program Office activities and to present how ORD is responding or intends
to respond to the identified requirements. Both short-term requirements and
research responses and long-range research planning are presented. These
plans are based on current perceptions of research necessary to address
anticipated problems or technology needs. YThis document resulted from the
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efforts of the Municipal Wastewater Research Committee. It represents a con-
it £ D
sensus view of the pe-se-ar-eh and development relating to municipal wastewater
needs over the next five years. "~i
The establishment of the Municipal Wastewater Research Committee is an out-
growth of a FY 1978 pilot effort involving five research committees. The
success of that effort in improving communication and understanding between
the Program Offices and ORD led to an expansion of that activity that now
involves the following 14 research areas and their respective research com-
mittees.
• Water Quality
• Municipal Wastewater
• Drinking Water
• Industrial Wastewater
• Solid Waste
0 Toxics Testing and Assessment
• Superfund
• Mobile Source
• Oxidants
• Gaseous, Inhalable particulates
• Hazardous Air Pollutants
• Pesticides
• Energy
• Non-Ionizing Radiation
The Municipal Wastewater Research Committee has working relationships with the
Water Quality, Industrial Wastewater, Drinking Water, and Toxics Testing and
Assessment Research Committees. Coordination with the Solid Waste, Energy and
Air Pollutant Research Committees occurs on an "as needed" basis. The munici-
pal wastewater research strategy for 1981 through 1985 is presented in
Chapter 2. The strategy discusses Agency direction, priorities and resource
requirements along with the appropriate research committee relationships.
Chapter 3 describes the research requirements of the Program Offices and the
Regions. These Offices were solicited to identify and prioritize research
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needs. About 200 requirements, categorized in accordance with the research
areas in the R&D program, were listed by the Program and Regional Offices.
Chapter 4 is a comprehensive description of the current and planned research
program developed in response to the stated needs of the Agency clients. It
also presents a listing of recent accomplishments and a listing of reports
that can be used to satisfy information requirements.
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CHAPTER 2: RESEARCH STRATEGY: 1981-1985
2.1 BACKGROUND
This research strategy has been developed to coordinate research activities
by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out its responsibilities
in the area of municipal wastewater pollution control. It considers a time
period of five years (1981 - 1985) and thus includes both immediate objectives
and longer range planning in several evolving areas of research. The Regional
Offices and five Headquarters Offices with program implementation responsi-
bilities have identified 219 individual research requirements in 10 areas of
municipal wastewater research. Approximately one-third of these individual
research requirements are common across several Program Offices, each having a
different rationale for such research. The following sections summarize the
legislative requirements directing Agency activities, the direction adopted by
the Agency and the supporting Office of Research and Development's (ORD)
research effort.
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2.2 LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL REQUIREMENTS
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 (PL 92 - 500), as
amended by the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 (PL 95 - 217), constitutes the
primary force behind the Agency's efforts in municipal wastewater pollution
control. Basic to the Act is the imposition of technology-based controls on
municipal discharges. This provides the fundamental impetus to ORD's efforts
in control technology development. The specific requirements of the Act
foster a variety of program and research activities on specific areas of con-
cern such as toxic pollutants control, sludge management, land treatment of
wastewater and aquaculture, small wastewater flows, urban runoff and the use
of innovative and alternative technology.
Additional legislation under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
defines sludges from wastewater treatment plants as solid waste and identi-
fies, as a health or environmental problem, inadequate and environmentally
unsound practices for the disposal or use of solid waste (including sludge and
other pollution treatment residues). Further, the Marine Protection, Research
and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (often known as the "Ocean Dumping Act"), as
amended in 1977, directs EPA to end the dumping of harmfulsewage sludge into
the oceans by December 31, 1981. EPA presently carries out research to
develop alternatives to ocean dumping as a sludge disposal option.
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2.3 AGENCY DIRECTION AND PRIORITIES
The research program will be guided by the new direction and policies for
implementing the nation's future water quality programs. The Agency's new
direction will emphasize the following:
• Re-orient Agency construction grants program to support state
delegated programs through increased technical support
• Integrate the construction grants, water quality and the permits
and enforcement programs to increase the rate of compliance and
improve the operation and management of existing facilities
• Aid states in developing improved water quality impact and waste
load analysis techniques to make better informed construction grant
decisions
t Base construction of treatment plants on an assurance that the
beneficial impacts on water quality improvement justify the
expenditure of public funds
The priority research areas identified for technology development by the
Program Offices and the Regions are:
• High: Implementation of innovative and alternative
technology program; sludge management; and
improved plant operations including energy
conservation
• Medium: On-site treatment systems; advanced novel bio-
logical processes; aquaculture systems; land
application of wastewater; control of toxic pol-
lutants; and combined sewer overflows
• Low: Best management practices for stormwater runoff;
wastewater disinfection; nutrient control; and
water conservation and reuse
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2.4 OVERVIEW OF THE RESEARCH STRATEGY
The Municipal Wastewater Research program will focus on supporting the Regions
and especially the states in carrying out their water pollution control pro-
grams. Focus will be on the development of efficient and cost-effective
treatment technology to assure that the municipalities will have the tools to
carry out their environmental programs economically. Concentration will also
be on those technical areas that have the broadest application.
Because of the escalating costs of constructing conventional treatment works,
one of the main thrusts of technology development will be in the area of com-
bating the effects of inflation. Resources will be directed toward novel pro-
cess development with breakthrough potential in the areas of cost reduction
(construction'cost, energy requirements, manpower), reduced space require-
ments, reduced sludge production, improved efficiency, dual-use facilities and
conservation of natural resources.
Technology and abatement/control program alternatives will be evaluated for
their abilities to remove "toxicity" and other characteristics impacting
stream quality and beneficial use, and for determining least cost approaches.
The health effects research program will be closely coordinated and will
generally follow the above technology development priorities.
The research effort is organized into 10 areas described below. Within each
area, an individual plan has been formulated. Each plan attempts to utilize
available resources in the best way to address Agency needs.
2.4.1 Process Development
This program area has four elements: novel biological processes, specific
pollutant control, microbial control and water reuse/conservation. Antici-
pated emphasis in the immediate future will be primarily on developing novel
biological processes which will support the Agency's innovative and alterna-
tive program. This element is directed toward improved cost effectiveness and
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reliability of municipal wastewater treatment projects, and should have the
greatest pay-off on a national basis in the construction and modification of
wastewater treatment plants. The specific pollutant control activities in the
past have included work on the biodegradation of toxic compounds and nutrient
(nitrogen and phosphorus) control. Because of limited resources, future
specific pollutant control activities will be confined to the highest Agency
priority work which can be accomplished in-house. The microbial control
efforts will focus on the completion of the Disinfection Design Manual, which
will detail current state-of-the-art on design and operational practices for
chlorination/dechlorination, ultraviolet and ozone disinfection. This Design
Manual should meet the needs of the Regional Offices and the states for infor-
mation on disinfection practices. The water reuse/conservation element is
being phased out and will consist primarily of monitoring the city of Denver's
Potable Reuse project. Other areas where work is planned and is also contin-
gent on the availablity of resources include guidelines for dual distribution
system for nonpotable reuse, and a summary report on water conservation prac-
tices in the eastern part of the United States.
2.4.2 Toxic Pollutants Control
The objectives of the research plan are to define the sources, pathways and
concentrations of priority pollutants as well as to assess and improve the
treatability of such compounds. The lack of appropriate or practical monitor-
ing and analytical techniques for toxic compounds is currently the most criti-
cal deficiency in the area of municipal wastewater control. The gap impedes
the resolution of important health-related issues as well as the application
of several alternative approaches to treatment and disposal. Program and
Regional Offices have expressed additional needs to define the sources, occur-
rence and removal of toxic compounds in treatment plants; the development of
improved treatment processess or alternatives such as source control; and the
evaluation of the effects of toxic compounds released by Publicly Owned Treat-
ment Works (POTWs). Significant planned outputs include detailed source data
of toxic compounds in treatment facilities from a 25-city survey; the examina-
tion of several treatment processes for removing toxic compounds; and the
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development of toxic control options/strategies through various modelling and
systems analysis approaches.
2.4.3 Municipal Sludge Management
This research focuses on three elements: processing and treatment; conversion
and energy recovery; and land application, management and disposal. High
priority needs identified for each of these elements include: pathogen con-
trol; thermal conversion of sludge; and the effect of toxic organic compounds
contained in sludge that is applied to the land. Research on heavy metal
effects, especially cadmium, on food-chain crops will be de-emphasized. In
cooperation with USDA, focus will be on higher rate land application processes
and acceleration of the development of good management practices for applying
sludge on farmlands. Processing outputs are planned for technologies involved
with dewatering, disinfection, digester energy recovery and toxicants removal.
Conversion outputs will include improved processes on incineration, pyrolysis,
composting and resource recovery. Land application and disposal outputs are
planned for toxicants, the fate and effects of pathogens, and the use of
sludge for energy crop cultivation.
2.4.4 Plant Operations and Design
Research in this area is aimed at improving POTW reliability and compliance
with effluent regulations as well as reducing costs of construction, operation
and maintenance of such facilities. The need for the former goal is particu-
larly emphasized by a 300-plant, 3 1/2 year Agency study which identified over
70 specific problems with non-complying treatment facilities. Other high-
priority needs identified by Agency Offices include the need for developing
improved design information for unit processes and energy conservation.
Significant future research outputs are planned for improving plant operation
and design, methods for problem assessment of non-complying POTWs, POTW opera-
tion and maintenance costs, and producing a series of unit process design
information documents. An important part of this program with high potential
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pay-off is the application of automation and process control systems. A mini-
mum but viable effort will be maintained in the development of new applica-
tions for automation systems and the establishment of quality assurance for
measurements made from on-line monitoring and control systems.
2.4.5 Wastewater Land Application and Aquaculture
Research in this area has the objective of developing three types of systems:
slow rate (irrigation); rapid infiltration; and overland flow. Another area
of natural treatment systems under study is the use of aquaculture for waste-
water treatment and resource recovery. To instill confidence in the use of
land application, the Agency Offices have given a medium priority to the
assessment of the movement of toxics and pathogens in such systems along with
the definition of any possible health effects. The refinement of design and
operating practices is also a medium priority. Research in this area involves
demonstrations of the three major land-treatment techniques with a design
manual as a major output goal. The use of water hyacinths, other aquatic
species and wetlands for wastewater treatment are undergoing evaluation.
2.4.6 Urban Runoff
Urban Runoff, especially stormwater runoff control, is no longer an Agency
research priority. The Agency's Nationwide Urban Runoff Program (NURP) and
Clean Lakes program will be phased out in FY 82. Research funds for urban
runoff have steadily declined in recent years and only the highest priority
Agency needs will be addressed. Major needs include the development of a new
procedure for evaluating and correcting infiltration/inflow (I/I) problems and
the development of cost-effective techniques for rehabilitating service con-
nection lines. Other priorities in the combined sewer overflow (CSO) area
will be addressed over a longer period at greatly reduced funding. These
include the assessment of various combined sewer overflow control technolo-
gies, culminating in a CSO design manual and a compendium of best management
practices for urban runoff control. Priority needs relating to the impacts of
CSO and runoff on receiving water and indigenous biota should be addressed
jointly with the Water Quality Research Committee.
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2.4.7 Small Wastewater Flows
This program area is oriented to be responsive to the needs of the Agency and
the states with state-of-the-art design and operating information. Planned
activities include: the Small Wastewater Flows Clearinghouse for the dissemi-
nation and exchange of information located at West Virginia University; the
Cincinnati Center for the controlled study of viable alternative technologies;
initiation of a contract to develop the handbook for alternative wastewater
collection systems; and continuation of a level-of-effort contract designed to
respond to the needs of the Regional Offices and the states for assistance
primarily in the areas of alternative on-site technology and small collection
systems. With these activities, it is anticipated that technical assistance
by the Small Wastewater Flows (SWF) staff will remain at the present level
even as demand for more assistance occurs. The Clearinghouse should be
particularly helpful in reducing the need for technical assistance directly
from the lab as new materials are developed and new personnel at the Clearing-
house are trained in the small wastewater flows program.
2.4.8 Innovative and Alternative Technology
Innovative and alternative technology (I/A) is one of the highest priority
areas for municipal wastewater research. Research is divided into four
elements: technical support which provides review of I/A facility designs;
information dissemination; the active I/A program, which identifies and pro-
motes emerging technologies; and the I/A research program. Highest priority
should go to an expansion of the active I/A program and post-construction
evaluations of I/A projects. Additional resources and travel funds are needed,
however. Demonstrations of new technologies and the Clearinghouse functions
must continue. Planned major outputs include the support of several new I/A
research projects and emerging technology assessments. Initiation of a post-
construction evaluation program and continuance of the I/A program in FY82
will depend upon provisions in the upcoming amendments to the Clean Water Act.
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2.4.9 Health Effects
Health effects research pervades most aspects of municipal wastewater control,
but the current plan focuses on determining the impact on human health and the
development of criteria in three areas: wastewater and sludge management;
wastewater reuse; and urban runoff. The top priority needs in this area,
identified by the Program and Regional Offices, are to provide health assess-
ments in these three areas. Major outputs relating to pathogens and toxic
compounds are planned for each area.
2.4.10 Exploratory Research
To achieve a reasonable balance between the immediate needs of the Agency and
the general advancement of science through longer term activities, 15 percent
of the resources in the extramural research program have been and will con-
tinue to be set aside for long-term exploratory research. The objective of
the grant program is to supplement ORD activities by stimulating scientific
and technical research fundamental to pollution control advances. Specific
program guidance will be given by the Research Committee for solicitation for
grant proposals on an annual basis.
Another supplement to the ORD program is the recent establishment of a number
of innovative research centers at competitively selected universities. One of
these centers, relative to municipal wastewater, is the Advanced Control Tech-
nology Research Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana. This program
should provide a better link between basic and applied research as related to
the Municipal Wastewater Research Program.
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2.5 RESEARCH COMMITTEE INTERFACES
The legislative mandates and the efforts to develop cohesive Agency policy in
the water resources area create the need for interactive research planning
across several research committees. In order to insure that the research
effort is both responsive and efficient, water pollution issues involving
inter-committee consideration must be identified and the responsibility for
their resolution must be allocated. In various places in this document,
research efforts requiring the cognizance of other committees are identified
to facilitate the planning of efficient research. The discussion below iden-
tifies those research areas which require joint committee review and coordina-
tion as determined by the Municipal Wastewater Research Committee.
2.5.1 Water Quality Research Committee
Water quality impacts of point sources. The Municipal Wastewater and the
Water Quality Research Committees have agreed to their respective roles in
planning and implementing research on the ecological efects, including water
quality impacts, of point source discharges into natural water systems.
The Water Quality Research Committee is to address the informational needs of
the selected Program Offices (Office of Water Regulations and Standards; Water
Planning Division of the Office of Water Program Operations; Office of Water
Enforcement; and the Office of Federal Activities) concerning impacts on water
quality. This will be accomplished through the established ranking process of
the Committee and the Agency within the given budget constraints for FY83.
When joint participation is desirable, research will be planned by the Water
Quality and Municipal Wastewater Research Committees for ecological effects
and control technology, respectively. Mutual research needs expressed by the
Program Offices include:
• Water quality criteria development and validation
• Fate and effects of toxic pollutants in aquatic systems from point
source discharges
• Evaluation of urban runoff impacts (including combined sewer over-
flow) on sediment and water quality and aquatic biota
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t Retrospective assessment of ambient water quality improvements from
both point and non-point source water pollution control projects
versus predicted improvements, as necessary to evaluate the effec-
tiveness of predictive techniques used
t Investigations concerning the impacts of human activities on
natural wetlands
Urban runoff (non-point source and watershed management). Research in the
area of effects and control of pollution from urban runoff is to be coordi-
nated by the Municipal Wastewater Research Committee and the Water Quality
Research Committee. The Water Quality Research Committee will have the
responsibility for planning the research required to establish the impacts of
urban stormwater and combined sewer overflows on receiving waters and the
indigenous biota. This research will provide the technical backup for estab-
lishing wet-weather water quality criteria and will be utilized to assist in
determining remedial facility performance requirements for design purposes.
The Municipal Wastewater Research Committee will be responsible for planning
control technology development and the development of the supporting health
effects data base for both urban stormwater and combined sewer overflows.
Further development and/or improvement of mathematical models in the urban
runoff impact/prediction area will be the primary responsibility of the Water
Quality Research Committee.
Wetlands for wastewater management. The Municipal Wastewater Quality Research
Committees have agreed that all research relating to the use of wetlands for
wastewater treatment, including control technology and ecological effects,
will be planned by the Municipal Wastewater Research Committee. Implementa-
tion of the control technology research is planned by the Office of Environ-
mental Engineering and Technology and ecological effects by the Office of
Environmental Processes and Effects Research. Control technology addresses
the abatement needs for both urban point and non-point source generated waste-
water.
2.5.2 Drinking Water Research Committee
Both the Drinking Water Research Committee and the Municipal Wastewater
Research Committee have similar and direct interests in the research related
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to production and feasibility of using renovated municipal wastewater for
potable purposes. Both committees coordinate closely with the Office of
Drinking Water which also has an interest in non-potable reuse. The committee
interface is primarily one of information exchange and, when needed, advice
from the other Committee.
2.5.3 Industrial Wastewater Research Committee
Because of the requirement for industrial pretreatment prior to discharge of
effluent to a POTW, a strong interactive arrangement is required between this
Committee and the Industrial Wastewater Research Committee. The primary focus
of the cooperative effort is to be on determining the proper balance of indus-
trial pretreatment of toxics versus pass-through of toxics for treatment at
POTWs. Active discussions are on-going between the two committees.
2.5.4 Toxics Testing and Assessment Research Committee
In order to focus on the proper analytical procedures and methods of testing
for toxic pollutants, discussion has been initiated between the Municipal
Wastewater Research Committee and the Toxics Testing and Assessment Research
Committee. Major points will be quality assurance and control methods for
technology performance evaluations. In addition, the results of the sludge-
related research on toxic contaminants carried out by the Municipal Wastewater
Research Committee of interest to the Toxics Research Committee will be made
available as they are developed.
2-12
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2.6 RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS
Based on the demands of the Agency for research in this area, the annual
resources that are anticipated for municipal wastewater research in the upcom-
ing years will probably be inadequate. The current FY81 budget of $18.4 mil-
lion has been decreased by $1.7 million in the FY82 budget request. At
present, the current research budget continues to represent only a small
fraction (0.7%) of the municipal facilities construction grants program ($2.4
billion) and other agency programs which it is designed to support. Table 2.1
shows the current operating budget for FY 82 and the changes in resources from
FY81.
Significant new research requirements which have important budgetary implica-
tions for ORD have been identified. The reprogramming of existing and already
limited funds to address this additional work is not advisable. The Committee
recommends, therefore, that these research requirements be addressed by adopt-
ing specific new initiatives described in Table 2.2 and elsewhere in this
document.
2-13
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ro
-.1
TABLE 2.1
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH PROGRAM RESOURCES
Current FY 81
FY 82 Request
Technical Areas
Sludge Management
I /A Technology
Toxic Pollutants Control
Small Flows
New Process Development
Plant Operations & Design
Urban Runoff
MERL-Cinn Subtotal
Ada Lab (Land Application)
Headquarters
Subtotal
Health Effects
Technical Information
GRAND TOTAL
Total ($K)
3,558.3
828.0
1,307.0
750.0
2,456.4
1,459.0
1,255.0
11,583.7
1,292.0
1,536.8
14,412.5
3,393.8
608.0
18,414.3
IH($K)
855.3
317.0
654.0
215.0
1,045.1
402.0
330.0
3,818.4
763.0
230.0
4,811.4
1,160.6
360.0
6,332.0
Extra($K)
2,703.0
511.0
653.0
535.0
1,411.3
1,057.0
895.0
7,765.3
529.0
1,306.8*
9,601.1
2,233.2
248.0
12,082.3
Total ($K)
3,439.5
971.0
973.0
600.0
2,341.3
1,058.1
660.0
10,042.9
1,033.0
1,988.9
13,064.8
3,037.8
625.0
16,727.6
IH($K)
1,261.5
400.0
640.0
250.0
1,050.0
400.0
250.0
4,251.5
730.0
364.2
5,345.7
859.6
377.0
6,582.3
Pos.
24.0
8.0
12.8
5.0
21.0
8.0
5.0
81.8
17.0
5.6
109.4
17.3
5.0
131.7
Extra($K)
2,178.0
571.0
333.0
350.0
1,291.3
658.1
410.0
5,791.4
303.0
1,624.7*
7,719.1
2,178.2
248.0
10,145.3
*Includes 15% setaside for Exploratory Research Program
-------
Table 2.2
NEW INITIATIVES FOR MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH
Required Duration New
Funds (years) Positions
NEW INITIATIVE ($ million)
1.
2.
Post construction evaluations of
I/A projects 2, 4, 8 3
Natural treatment systems -
6
Wetlands, Land Application,
Aquaculture 1*3
3. Sludge management
a. Thermal conversion technology
demonstrations 0.8 3 0
b. Accelerate land reclamation
with USDA participation 0.2 3 0
4. Health aspects of Small Wastewater
Flow Systems, Aquaculture, Urban
Runoff 0.6 * 0
5. Evaluation of Small Flows 201
Projects 1.0 * 1
6. Improve O&M for small community
wastewater systems 0.5 2 1
7. Wastewater Process Development
a. Accelerate development of cost-
reducing energy-saving novel
biological processes 1.5 * 1
b. Increase research in small
flow research center 0.5 * 0
*Recommended ongoing effort, funds are required on a per year basis
2-15
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CHAPTER 3: AGENCY RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
3.1 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
This chapter describes the research requirements identified by the groups con-
cerned with muncipal wastewater control technology within the headquarters and
Regional Offices. The six users of ORD research in municipal wastewater
technology are:
• Office of Water Program Operations (OWPO)
• Office of Water Regulations and Standards (OWRS)
• Office of Solid Waste (OSW)
• Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPTS)
• Office of Water Enforcement (OWE)
• Regional Offices
The priorities for the research needs of the Program and Regional Offices are
identified in Tables 3.1 to 3.6.
There are research needs common to more than one Program Office. Although
each office may require the research output for different reasons, it is use-
ful to be aware of these overlapping needs since they represent areas where
research programs would most effectively address Agency needs. These common
needs are concerned mainly with toxic compounds, pathogens and sludge. A
description of these items follows.
3-1
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Most of the Program Offices and Regions I, II, VI, and VIII are concerned with
the development of environmentally acceptable land spreading methods for the
use and disposal of sludges. The fate and effects of toxic compounds and
pathogens on land used for sludge disposal is of interest to OWPO, OWRS, OSW
and the Regions. Both agricultural and non-agricultural lands (forestry,
energy farms etc.) and lands in need of extensive reclamation are of interest.
OWPO, OWE, OSW and the Regions have a major interest in the transport of
toxics up through the food-chain to the point where products are used for
human consumption. OWRS is also interested in this from the viewpoint of
using any criteria developed on toxics in sludge used for beneficial purposes.
The need for improved analytical techniques for toxics and pathogens has been
emphasized by OWRS, OWE, OWPO and OSW. Because of the large number of toxic
compounds and organisms, the often small concentrations in which they occur,
and the sophisticated instrumentation required for their measurement, the
monitoring of toxics and pathogens often results in a very expensive and some-
what incomplete effort. Moreover, the techniques used in the assessment of
the fate and impact of these contaminents in the environment are often inade-
quate. Hence the development of less expensive analytical and compliance
monitoring procedures, is needed. Along with this, the development of indi-
cator parameters and surrogate techniques which would parallel the presence
and dangers of these materials, is also needed. Monitoring data for material
balances of toxic compounds in POTWs are needed by OWPO, OWRS, and OPTS. More
emphasis on toxic compound removal would assist OWPO and OWRS by providing
state-of-the-art information removal capabilities for toxic compounds. More-
over, the continuous discharge of toxic compounds from POTWs necessitates the
evaluation of the effects and impacts of these materials on the environment,
and both OWRS and OWE have indicated the need for a valid methodology to do
this. Detailed information on the fate and effects of these materials from
land-applied wastewater is also needed by OWPO and OWRS.
Jhe construction grants program has identified the improvement of POTW reli-
ability and compliance with effluent requirements as a major problem area.
Other high priority needs include the development of a design information
3-2
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series of documents for new and improved treatment processes, information on
energy conservation and increasing technical assistance for correcting opera-
tional problems.
Small wastewater flows have been cited as a major problem by a number of the
Regions. Research needs which Regions I, V, VII and IX share with OWPO
include the improvement of cost, design, performance and reliability informa-
tion for on-site systems. Urban runoff controls relate to the interests of
OWPO, OWRS, and the Regional Offices. All three groups need the development
of methods to produce information relating to the impact of urban runoff (both
with and without control technology) upon receiving water quality and biologi-
cal integrity. Both OWRS and Region V have expressed an interest in urban
runoff data for wet-weather flow criteria. In addition, OWPO and Regions I
and X are jointly interested in methods for dealing with infiltration/inflow
problems and in ways to optimize the size and efficiency of combined sewer
overflow (CSO) facilities.
A need for detailed evaluations of selected innovative and alternative (I/A)
systems has been expressed by both OWPO and Region V. In addition, OWPO and
Regions III, V, VII and VIII await the finalization and publication of a dis-
infection design manual.
Finally, several offices (OWPO, OWE, and OPTS) expressed an interest in main-
taining an up-to-date intelligence on ORD activities and output content. The
development of a matrix of research projects and the responsible individuals
within ORD would expedite the acquisition of research updates. Several
efforts presently under way by ORD to address this need for information will
be discussed in Chapter 4.
3-3
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3.2 OFFICE OF WATER PROGRAM OPERATIONS RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The Office of Water Program Operations is concerned primarily with water pol-
lution control facilities associated with municipalities. Facility planning,
design requirements, municipal construction, runoff-related pollution, spills,
and emergency responses fall under the jurisdiction of this Office. The chief
branch of OWPO dealing with technology for municipal wastewater treatment is
the Municipal Technology Branch of the Municipal Construction Division. This
branch is concerned with directing technically-related construction grant
activities at the national level. The main goal is to promote the planning,
design and construction of municipal wastewater treatment plants in a manner
which is cost-effective and technologically and environmentally sound.
An additional point of contact between the Municipal Wastewater Reasearch Com-
mittee and OWPO is the National Urban Runoff Program (NURP) under the Water
Planning Division. Ultimately, the program's aim is to fill information
deficiencies regarding pollutant sources, areal accumulation patterns, washoff
and transport mechanisms, instream behavior of pollutants, and the effective-
ness of control measures. In addition, the practical implications of the
resulting impacts on water quality and aquatic ecosystems are to be addressed.
Projects currently underway involve sampling for the presence of various pol-
lutants in receiving waters ranging from small streams to oceans. The sam-
pling programs will be augmented in some cases by an evaluation of best
management practices (BMPs) for the control of pollutants in runoff.
Both NURP and the Municipal Technology Branch require support over the next
five years from ORD. The research needs outlined by these offices are pre-
sented below and summarized in Table 3.1.
3.2.1 Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Management
Toxic compounds. There is a need to develop in-plant treatment processes for
toxic compound removal. Rather than focusing on high technology processes,
research should be directed toward adequately satisfying practical constraints
such as cost effectiveness, energy requirements and the fate of the removed
3-4
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compounds. Current work needs to be published on the binding of toxic com-
pounds to the sludge and on their extraction from the sludge. This should
include the feasibility of metal recovery for reuse. There is also a need to
identify the flow of toxic compounds through all the process streams in a
treatment plant. For example, what is the optimum distribution of these com-
pounds in conventional or newly-designed process streams that would facilitate
their most satisfactory final disposition? Hence, a comparative assessment is
needed of the capabilities of the various wastewater treatment and sludge
management technologies for removing or destroying toxic compounds. This will
allow for rational decisions in managing the fate of toxic compounds by iden-
tifying their levels in the plant's influent, aerosols, sludge and effluents.
Such information is needed so that it can be incorporated into design and
operation and maintenance (O&M) guidance documents.
Energy. The two main areas of concern are conservation in energy-intensive
treatment processes and energy recovery. Research on energy consumption and
conservation possibilities is needed for such processes as aeration, pumping,
thermal drying, reduction of sludge volumes and sludge conveyance. Non-
process components such as chemicals (lime and disinfectants) and heat pumps
also contain inherent energy demands which need to be characterized. Energy-
producing sludge management processes (e.g., co-disposal, digestion, auto-
thermal processes, refuse-derived fuels) need to be compared to alternative
sludge disposal procedures in terms of cost, performance, reliability and
environmental considerations. The use of natural systems as an energy effec-
tive treatment process and the production of biomass for energy by recycling
wastewaters and sludges should be investigated. It must be determined whether
energy recovery technologies are feasible and cost-effective for municipal
treatment plants. Results of the energy-related research should be incor-
porated into an energy manual for municipal treatment plants. The manual
should identify the balance between conservation in conventional systems and
the use of inherently low energy processes that still can achieve satisfactory
levels of wastewater treatment. At a minimum, energy conservation and
recovery should be considered in facility design and O&M guidance documents.
3-5
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Disinfection. This technology has probably matured to the point that, barring
any major breakthroughs, research activity can be decreased to a minimal
level. Information on currently available conventional chlorination and
alternative disinfectants should be published. A disinfection design manual
should be produced, concentrating on cost and energy requirements as well as
improved effectiveness for conventional treatment of effluents.
Non-point sources. Included in this category are urban runoff, infiltration/
inflow, and combined sewer overflows. Research needs for the National Urban
Runoff Program (NURP) are given at the end of this section. In deference to
more pressing research needs, ongoing work on somewhat matured control techno-
logies such as swirl and dissolved air flotation devices should be minimized
and the results consolidated, evaluated and published as a design manual on
these combined sewer and wastewater overflow controls. Moreover, work in sup-
port of using the stormwater management model (SWMM) should be minimized. Of
higher priority is the need to evaluate the impact of combined sewer overflow
controls on water quality and benthic communities. Also, there is a need to
evaluate the impact of urban runoff and combined sewer overflows on water
quality, public health, recreation and shellfish resources. Data from the
NURP should be used in such studies. Similarly, urban runoff controls such as
street sweeping, detention and the use of wetlands need to be assessed using
NURP data. Research on infiltration/inflow (I/I) is needed to develop a stan-
dardized methodology for I/I problem evaluation along with improved methods
for sewer rehabilitation and maintenance.
Design information and guidelines. Existing design documents should be
updated to include advancements in wastewater treatment and sludge management
technologies and practices. Research and design information on newer pro-
cesses such as deep shaft and U-tube treatment should be developed. It may be
beneficial to include peer review of design guidelines by professional socie-
ties or to stimulate these groups to develop updated design documents.
3-6
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3.2.2 Other Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Management
Most design manuals assume average values for plant influent characteristics.
A methodology is needed to better evaluate and design for variabilities in
flow and concentration resulting from storm loadings and varying practices of
sewer system users. Such variabilities can result in dilute discharges as
well as increased plant loadings and resulting sludges. These extremes should
be addressed. Improved analytical techniques are needed for the measurement
of compounds such as toxics and pathogens in wastewaters, effluents, sludge,
soil and crops. Overcoming major operational problems occurring as a result
of design deficiencies or a lack of technical expertise in municipal waste-
water treatment plants might be effectively aided by a group of in-house EPA
technical experts. The establishment of such a group should be considered.
Finally, the dissemination of successful research results on all of the above
topics to interested parties, both inside and outside of the Agency, is of
utmost importance.
3.2.3 Land Treatment and Other Natural Treatment Systems
Efforts should emphasize providing data to optimize the design and cost-effec-
tiveness of land treatment and other natural treatment systems. Long-term
water quality and ecological impacts need to be assessed for slow rate, rapid
infiltration, overland flow, wetlands and other aquaculture treatment technol-
ogies. Monitoring data and evaluations are needed on the design and perform-
ance of raw wastewater applications to wetlands, water hyacinth, and polycul-
ture systems. The state-of-the-art health assessment of land treatment sys-
tems should be completed and published as an Agency report. The following
health-related issues need to be addressed: microbiological evaluation of
slow-rate land treatment runoff; virus and fecal coliform die-off rates in
ponds, particularly those used for preapplication treatment; required slope/
residence time and dilution effects after rainfall regarding fecal coliforms
in overland flow treatment, particularly with raw wastewater application;
microbiological and other limitations on the reuse potential of water
recovered from land treatment; human health risks due to pathogen or toxic
compound accumulation through the food chain; and source identification and
3-7
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health risks of pathogens in natural systems from non-sewage sources (e.g.,
from domestic or wild animals). In addition to the health-related aspects of
such treatment systems, ecological impacts must be determined. An ecological
assessment of natural and artificial wetlands involved in wastewater treatment
should be performed along with additional studies to evaluate the impact on
wildlife which feed in and around land treatment and other natural treatment
systems.
3.2.4 Innovative and Alternative Technology Program Support
An active innovative and alternative technology (I/A) program is important to
long-range improvements in the economic and technological areas of the waste-
water treatment field. Expansion of this program is needed. It is imperative
to remain informed of operating projects in the I/A program in order to follow
up on promising technologies with any required complementary research activi-
ties. Detailed evaluations of selected systems constructed through the I/A
program need to be performed (in response to Section 105(j) of the Clean Water
Act) in order to transfer new technology to the municipal sector. Assessments
of newer, emerging technologies should be continued. Also, the continued high
level of responsiveness in reviewing I/A proposals from the Regional Offices
is recommended.
3.2.5 Sludge Management
Processing and treatment. Operators of many existing sludge processing sys-
tems are in need of information that would improve system performance and
reliability, and decrease O&M problems, energy requirements and costs. The
operation of new de-watering units, such as filter presses and belts, require
information on the solution of operating problems as well as on the use of
conditioning chemicals and chemical feed systems.
Conversion processes. Rather than studying expensive extraction methods to
remove lead, cadmium and other trace metals from municipal sludge, more empha-
sis should be placed on making these elements less available for 'uptake by
3-8
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vegetation when sludge is applied to the land. Several areas of thermal con-
version require emphasis. The development and evaluation of emission control
systems is needed to provide reliable, efficient and less expensive thermal
conversion of sludge in areas with major air quality problems. The best
available techniques need to be identified for energy recovery from new and
retrofitted thermal processing and co-disposal systems. This should include a
comprehensive economic study of the co-disposal options, including the cost of
adding sludge-handling capabilities to existing incinerators and accepting
sludge in solid waste resource recovery projects. Detailed evaluations are
needed of full-scale conversion systems such as incineration with energy
recovery, pyrolysis, co-disposal and composting.
Disposal and utilization. The state-of-the-art health assessment of land
application of municipal sludge should be completed and published as an Agency
report. The fate and effects of toxic organic compounds in sludges, particu-
larly when applied to agricultural land, must be more clearly defined. Good
management practices and improved designs must be developed for "contaminated"
sludges. To achieve this, possible beneficial approaches to non-agricultural
uses (e.g., production of biomass for energy conversion, reclamation of
drastically-disturbed land and use in silviculture) and disposal practices
such as high-rate surface application to dedicated sites and landfills should
be studied. Data are needed on total and available levels of pathogens and
toxic compounds in soil, runoff, groundwater and crops from sites receiving
sludge treated at various levels of stabilization (including no stabilization)
and using various land application techniques. Microbiological or other
health risks associated with grazing animals on land application sites need to
be addressed. A simple technique for identifying pathogens in runoff which do
not originate from the land-applied sludge (e.g., from domestic or wild
animals) should be developed along with an assessment of any related health
risks. An ecological assessment of land application of sludge is also needed.
Finally, specific places (e.g., Ohio Farm Bureau Project sites for cropland
application, Penn State University/Penn DER Project sites for land applica-
tion) should be identified where detailed sludge reuse studies have been per-
3-9
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formed. This information should be provided to others in a manner that can
help to establish full-scale or pilot projects, using 201 funds or in joint
funding with DOE, TVA, DOI/Office of Surface Mining, USDA, etc.
3.2.6 Small Wastewater Systems
Monitoring and evaluation of carefully selected small wastewater system 201
projects are needed. The present on-site system research program appears to
be very responsive to OWPO needs. Emphasis should be placed on gathering data
pertaining to the cost, design, performance, management and reliability of on-
site systems. These data will be used to assist with future updates of the
on-site design manual. The establishment of a capability to respond to
requests for technical assistance should be considered. Existing on-site oro-
jects that have used current design information should be evaluated. The
monitoring of new on-site systems, particularly community drainage fields,
should be performed to evaluate the impact of these sytems on groundwater. In
this regard, a predictive tool for on-site system impact on groundwater is
needed, particularly for toxic compounds and pathogens.
A study is needed of the low pressure, subsurface soil distribution system
developed at North Carolina State University by Dr. Robert Carlile. Appro-
priate applications, effectiveness, and costs should be included. Also,
existing subsurface aerobic systems need to be evaluated for performance,
effectiveness and costs.
A study of decentralized approaches to wastewater management is needed,
particularly for the extension and upgrading of sytems built with construction
grants funding but now requiring additional capacity due to new development.
Cost effectiveness and institutional considerations should be examined for
alternatives to a second round of construction grants. A comparison of alter-
native wastewater systems and conventional gravity sewers is needed. This
should be done on a present worth/annual equivalent basis for construction,
operation and maintenance costs. Completed small community sewering projects
should be compared to step or grinder pump pressure systems and/or small
diameter gravity sewers as appropriate to each project. Also, a comparison of
3-10
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actual costs, new construction and O&M from completed projects is needed for
alternative conveyance systems.
Finally, a feasibilty study and possibly the preparation of a concept design
manual are needed for alternative systems. This manual should consider a
range of situations requiring pollution control with possible solutions and
designs.
3.2.7 National Urban Runoff Program
Two major research needs have been cited for this program. The first is
research on bacterial indicators that correlate urban runoff with human health
effects. This in turn would allow the development of microbial treatment
criteria for stormwater discharges. These criteria should be health-related
and based on risk assessments.
The second requirement is the development of exposure-response curves for
toxic pollutants entering the receiving water in storm runoff. These curves
should show the LC5Q versus the duration of the runoff event for each toxic
pollutant or indicator organism. As opposed to commonly used toxicity tests
which employ a standard exposure time, this research should address the fact
that storm events result in significant temporal variations in pollutant
exposure. Currently, the greatest interest lies in assessments for lead,
cadmium and mercury.
Additional research which is needed includes studies on the long-term impacts
of stormwater runoff, comparisons of loadings from urban runoff with those
from other sources and determinations of the ultimate fate of these pollu-
tants. The testing of new control technologies should be completed as quickly
as possible and the results published and disseminated.
3-11
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Table 3.1
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Water Program Operations
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
1. Process Development
a) Finalize disinfection manual
b) Technology transfer of alternative
disinfection information
c) Improved toxics and pathogen
analytical techniques**
2. Toxic Pollutants Control
a) Assess and compare all technologies
for toxics removal/destruction
b) Re-examine criteria for Salmonella
c) Effect of toxics on stream quality
and use*
d) In-plant toxics removal processes
e) Publish sludge toxics fixation and
extraction information
u>
NJ
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
a) Finalize state of the art health
assessment for land application and
start followup studies
b) Finalize land application design
manual
c) Evaluate full scale conversion sys-
tems including special studies of
thermal conversion
d) Technical backup for 405 regulations
e) New project applications of available
sludge reuse information
f) EP toxicity testing
g) Air emission controls for thermal
conversion
h) Economics of co-disposal
i) Composting guide for small
communities
j) Good management practices for
contaminated sludges
k) Improved processing information
1) Multi media relative risk
evaluations
m) Ecological assessment of land
application*
n) Bulking agents for composting
o) Pathogen die-off and risks of land
application
Plant Operations And
Design
a) Design information series for
professional society impact
b) Develop design guidelines for new
and improved processes
c) Update design information guidelines
d) Atypical wastewater treatment
e) Form technical assistance groups
for POTWs
*Related to Water Quality Research Committee
**Related to EMSL Committee
-------
Table 3.1
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Water Program Operations
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
a) Finalize and publish state of the
art health assessment and undertake
followup studies
b) Ecological assessment of wetlands*
c) Pathogen die-off rates in ponds
d) Update design, performance and
long-term effects information
e) Determine slope/residence time for
overland flow
f) Ecological studies of land applica-
tion and other natural treatment
systems
g) Effect of rainfall on pathogens
h) Pathogen and other constraints on
water reuse after land treatment
i) Health risks due to food chain
transfer of toxics or pathogens
6. Urban Runoff
U>
a) I/I evaluation and sewer rehabili-
tation
b) Develop methodology for evaluating
CSO control impacts*
c) Design manual on available CSO
controls
d) Develop separate storm sewer wet
weather pathogen criteria
e) Fate and effects of toxics in CSOs,
urban runoff and recycled waste-
waters and sludges*
f) Technology transfer for I/I nrogram
g) Evaluate CSO control impacts*
h) Evaluate urban runoff impacts and
assess level of problem
i) Toxics exposure/response curves for
time-variant systems
j) Assess available urban runoff
controls
k) Stormwater control technologies
report
7. Energy
a) Energy reduction techniques for high
energy components of treatment
b) Energy conservation, recovery and
production studies
c) Thermal conversion, digestion, and
methane recovery/cleanup and other
hardware technology links
d) Natural systems for energy use
reduction
e) Benefical reuse/recycle of sludge
and wastewater for biomass
production
*Related to Water Quality Research Committee
**Related to EMSL Committee
-------
Table 3.1
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Water Program Operations
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
8. Small Wastewater Flows
a) Provide increased technical assis-
tance
b) Evaluate projects using current de-
sign information
c) Complete septage manual
d) State of the art summary of large
subsurface drainfields
e) Improve cost, design, performance
and reliability information
f) Develop facility maintenance and
and impact monitoring methods
g) Evaluate low pressure subsurface
soil distribution and small
subsurface aerobic systems
h) Compare costs of gravity sewers
vs. alternative systems
9. Innovative And
Alternative Technology
a) Expand active I/A effort
b) Technology transfer and conduct
national symposia
c) Identify and support 'promising
technologies
d) Emerging technology assessments
e) Regional and state project reviews
f) Detailed evaluation of selected
I/A Systems
U>
*Related to Water Quality Research Committee
**Related to EMSL Committee
-------
3.3 OFFICE OF WATER REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The Office of Water Regulations and Standards (OWRS) is responsible for the
development of water quality criteria and standards, and for the issuance and
defense of industrial water pollution control regulations in the form of
effluent guidelines and limitations for a variety of industrial categories.
This office is also responsible for determining water quality trends, pollu-
tant problem areas and causes, and for making control recommendations. It
also provides guidance on the implementation of water quality standards, waste
load allocations and the use of water quality criteria. Thus, the interface
between OWRS and the Municipal Wastewater Research Committee lies in several
areas including pretreatment of industrial effluents, the determination of the
presence and effects of toxic pollutants and pathogens in POTW discharges,
urban runoff and combined sewer overflows, and the effects of toxic pollutants
on municipal treatment processes and in municipal sludges. The research
requirements of OWRS in support of its objectives are described below under
the general research categories, and outlined in Table 3.2.
3.3.1 Process Development
As new processes to treat wastewater are developed, the removal capabilities
for toxic compounds must be defined and identified. This knowledge of techno-
logical capabilities will assist in the formulation of effluent guidelines and
waste load allocations.
3.3.2 Toxic Pollutants Control
Of primary importance is the need to determine, in quantitative terms, the
source, fate and effects of toxic compounds discharged from POTWs to the
aquatic environment, and the development of techniques for determining the
human health effects. Source information on priority pollutants in the urban
environment needs to include, for each compound, the amount discharged to and
from the treatment plant and from other points in the system such as combined
sewer overflows. The development of methodologies to determine the reintro-
duction of toxic compounds from the sediment phase to the water column is
3-15
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needed to quantify the fate of these substances. This capability is needed in
order to discern whether long-term buildups of toxic compounds in aquatic
environments will create negative impacts in the future despite the lack of
observable effects at present. Also, a quantitative methodology to determine
the effects of discharged toxic compounds on aquatic life is needed to provide
a basis for setting water quality criteria and standards and for establishing
waste load allocations. In addition to these efforts, better and less costly
test indicators and measurement methods for toxic compounds need to be
developed.
Research is also needed on the control of toxic compounds as they relate to
municipal wastewater treatment plants. Studies of toxic compounds inhibiting
plant performance are necessary to make decisions on pretreatment levels and
credits. Basic incompatibilities of given compounds with municipal treatment
processes should be identified. Organics and metals in addition to cadmium
should be studied, with emphasis on those with known inhibitory and toxic
characteristics followed by those known to occur in the largest quantities.
In terms of removal and cost, the relative effectiveness of secondary treat-
ment, BAT, and source control should be compared. Best management practices
should be identified and evaluated. Institutional impediments to pretreatment
must also be analyzed. Influent loadings to POTWs and treatability need to be
determined for toxic compounds. Also, toxic compound material balances around
a POTW are needed. This should include all air, liquid and solid streams.
Finally, a comparison is needed of toxic compound input to the environment as
a function of point versus non-point sources.
3.3.3 Municipal Sludge Management
The development of toxicity and health effect criteria for metals, toxic
organic compounds and pathogens in sludge is of prime importance in order to
determine their impact on the beneficial use of sludge. A summary document of
all available literature on the short-term and chronic toxic effects of sludge
use and disposal would be helpful. Also, the effect of pretreatment for toxic
3-16
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compounds on sludge quality should be determined. This is needed for indus-
trial environmental assessments and will be used in POTW material balances and
in regulatory impact analyses.
3.3.4 Plant Operations and Design
The possibility of creating toxic compounds as a result of municipal waste-
water treatment (e.g., super-chlorination) must be identified along with
remedial approaches. This is needed to help establish priority of pollutants
for additional inhibition studies and to complete material balances.
3.3.5 Land Application of Wastewater and Aquaculture
The groundwater impact of toxic compounds from the land application of waste-
waters and plant effluents must be determined as a component to determining
pretreatement requirements. Such technical information is also needed for the
development of criteria, guidance and regulations on application practices.
3.3.6 Urban Runoff
A study identifying and relating toxic compounds in urban runoff to the bio-
logical integrity of receiving waters and effects on human health is of
highest priority. To do this, a methodology is needed to study storm event-
related toxicant input, biological response and how this is related to human
health. Basically this amounts to an ecological measure of storm events. In
order to resolve wet weather flow criteria, toxic pollutant loadings from com-
bined sewer overflows must be determined along with the impact of storm event
loadings on POTWs. The effectiveness of toxic compound removal in some of the
more conventional runoff pollution control methods should be evaluated. A
cooperative effort between the Program Offices and ORD is needed to quantify
the sources and impacts of these pollutants in urban runoff and sewer over-
flows. The effect of atmospheric deposition should be included in this
effort. Such effects would result from direct deposition of toxic compounds
to receiving waters as well as from direct inputs via land deposition and sub-
sequent transport (in proportion to acidity) to surface and groundwaters.
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From an area-wide perspective, methodologies need to be identified which are
capable of assessing runoff-related problems and solutions for an entire urban
complex. Toxic compound material balances are needed for this.
Quantitatively, the effects of urban runoff on water quality must be defined,
and evaluation methodology is needed to do this. Once urban runoff problems
are identified, it will be necessary to know what control approaches, particu-
larly BMPs, are available. The effectiveness of runoff controls and the
economic impacts of BMPs should be evaluated on a continual basis.
3.3.7 Innovative and Alternative Technology
The performance of treatment systems on toxic compound removal needs to be
evaluated as new technologies emerge and are tested in operating facilities.
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Table 3.2
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Water Regulation and Standards
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
1. Process Development
a) Removal capabilities and effects
associated with new processes
2. Toxic Pollutants Control
a) Effects of POTW discharges on aquatic
life'
b) Fate in receiving waters of POTW
discharges (e.g., sediment buildup
and release)
c) Determine sources of priority
pollutants
d) Test indicators and measurement
methods
e) Inhibition studies of toxics on POTWi
f) Toxics material balances on all POTW
streams
g) Treatability studies and influent
determination
h) BAT impact of receiving streams
i) Evaluate BMPs
j) Protocols for sampling and testing
k) Compare 2 treatment to source
control
1) Compare point vs. nonpoint sources
m) Analyze institutional impediments
to pretreatment
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
a) Development of sludge criteria for
metals and organics
b) Effect of pretreatment on sludge
quality
A. Plant Operations And
Design
a) Determine toxics formed as a result
of POTW processes (e.g., super-
chlorination)
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater and
Aquaculture
a) Determine groundwater impacts of
toxics
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Table 3.2
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Water Regulation and Standards
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
U!
I
NJ
O
6. Urban Runoff
a) Effects of toxics in urban runoff on
stream biology
b) Data for wet weather flow criteria
and standards - impact on POTWs and
CSOs
c) Evaluate effectiveness of conven-
tional controls
d) Cooperative effort to quantify and
compare pollutant sources and
Impacts
e) Effect of atmospheric deposition
f) Areawide evaluation of urban complex
for problems and solutions
7. Energy
8. Small Wastewater Flows
9. Innovative And
Alternative Technology
a) Performance on toxics (concentration
and effects)
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3.4 OFFICE OF SOLID WASTE RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The Office of Solid Waste (OSW) is involved chiefly in the implementation of
programs under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) and
the Clean Water Act of 1977 (CWA). In an effort to protect health and the
environment, while promoting the conservation of valuable materials and
resources, RCRA requires the establishment of a Federal hazardous waste con-
trol program, issuance of criteria to define acceptable solid waste disposal
practices and a phase-out of unacceptable facilities such as "open dumps".
The Clean Water Act addresses the fate of toxics in POTWs and the establish-
ment of guidelines on the proper use and disposal of municipal sludges by
POTWs (Sections 307 and 405). As part of the comprehensive sludge management
effort (CWA Section 405), the main focus of attention for OSW has been the
finalization of land application criteria under RCRA Section 4004 and CWA Sec-
tion 405 and regulations for the "Distribution and Marketing of Sludge Pro-
ducts Regulations."
ORD support under the category of muncipal sludge management will be required
by OSW over the next few years in the areas described below and outlined in
Table 3.3. Required dates for output of results are given in parentheses.
3.4.1 Pathogens in Sludge
EPA's Office of Research and Development must determine the feasibility of
using a mixed microbe culture or soil inoculum to prevent the re-growth of
pathogenic bacteria in sludge products after treatment by composting, heat
drying, pasteurization, irradiation or other techniques (December 1981).
Correlations between the rate of disease infection and sludge use must also be
identified. This study should include 20 or more communities where sludge use
is an established practice and should entail a review of local medical facil-
ity records and consultation with local physicians on incidence of various
related infections. Analyses of the pathogens present in the sludges used and
in the soils at application sites and an evaluation of the sludge treatment
processes should also be included (December 1981). Work must also be done to
determine whether organisms such as parasitic ova and cysts and salmonella are
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present in sludge-derived fertilizers and soil conditioner products that are
currently available to the public (March 1982). In addition, soil and vegeta-
tion analyses must be made for the presence of pathogens in areas where sludge
and/or slurries (including those from meat-packing and dairy plants) are being
used to irrigate food cropland, animal fodder cropland and pastureland. This
study should include at least 20 sites of varying geographic and climatic
characteristics (March 1982). These projects are high priority needs.
Requirements in this area which are not quite as critical include an evalua-
tion of the effectiveness of various sludge treatment processes in reducing
pathogens (June 1982). Suggestions for improvements in processing techniques
are needed as well. In addition, home garden produce and soils must be ana-
lyzed for the presence of parasitic ova and cysts and salmonella in areas
where sludge products are sold or given to individual gardeners (June 1982).
Areas studied should be of varying geographic and climatic character.
Finally, more reliable and less costly techniques for detecting viruses and
parasites in sludge must be developed (June 1982).
3.4.2 Fate and Persistence of PCBs
High priority research requirements in this area include field studies of
degradation rates and half-life of PCBs as a component of sludge and soil.
The ability of this compound to volatilize from soil or sludge to the surface
of crops and the degree of a sludge's PCB adherence to typical pasture and
forage crops should be studied. Uptake of PCBs by all types of root crops
(particularly potatoes, turnips, radishes and beets), and retention and con-
centration of PCBs in the beef and milk fat of animals grazing on sludge-
amended soils are other areas of high priority (December 1981). A mass
balance study for animals raised for food should be one element of this
effort. Actual PCB ingestion over the life of the animal as it relates to
accumulation in edible portions should be considered.
A study on additions of PCB to field and garden soils, and the development of
better techniques for analyzing sludge samples for the presence of this and
other organic compounds (March 1982) have been specified as medium priority
needs.
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3.4.3 Sludge Adherence to Crops
The adherence of sludge to crops is another area which requires research. A
project should be initiated to evaluate the degree to which sludge, and its
chemical or pathogenic constituents, adheres to various types of forage and
vegetable crops, under various types of sludge land application. A medium
priority has been assigned to this work.
3.4.4 Fate and Effects of Lead in Sludge
Lead is another compound of major concern to OSW. A project should be under-
taken to determine the sensitivity of typical home fruit and vegetable garden
crops to lead (December 1981). Topics to be explored include the types of
crops which tend to accumulate lead, the effects of soil characteristics such
as pH, CEC, P content, etc., on uptake levels, and the degree to which uptake
is affected by the chemical form of lead in the soil. In addition, the con-
centration and availability of lead in soils as a result of sludge application
to land must be determined (March 1982). Typical background concentrations
for various residential areas are: rural 0-100 mg/kg; urban 100-1000 mg/kg,
and urban/central city 1000-3000 mg/kg. The degree to which dilution occurs
in high-lead soils when low-lead sludge is applied, duration of this effect
and the rate of horizontal or vertical migration of lead in soils should be
components of this study. All of these are high-priority projects.
One medium-priority need exists in this area and that is a quality assurance
comparison of various analytical techniques for heavy metals (lead, cadmium,
copper, nickel, zinc, etc.) in sludges, soils and plant tissues. Some tech-
niques which should be studied include nitric acid digestion and AA analysis,
X-ray fluorescence, dithizone extraction and colorimetry, and nitric-
perchloric acid digestion and tantalum boat technique using standard additions
and others (no requested date).
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3.4.5 Land Application to Non-Food-Chain Croplands
Data are needed on the use of non-food-chain croplands of sludge with concen-
trations of toxic elements which would preclude them from food chain land-
spreading, but would not necessarily define them as hazardous wastes. Non-
food-chain lands would include woodlots, energy and ornamental crop sites, and
reclamation projects. Specific requirements of immediate concern are for
studies which address the effect of sludge application on the growth of such
crops under various soil and site conditions and the level of phytotoxic
metals which can be tolerated, particularly by ornamentals. Also needed is a
literature review for work which identifies site characteristics necessary for
preventing degradation of ground and surface water (March 1982).
3.4.6 Plant Uptake of Toxic Organics and Heavy Metals
Plant uptake of toxic organics (other than PCBs) and heavy metals (other than
cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc, chromium and lead) in sludge, as well as basic
research on the mechanisms (such as soil chemistry and metal interactions)
which affect uptake of heavy metals must also be studied (no requested date).
This research is of medium priority. A low-priority requirement is for the
investigation of cadmium uptake by tobacco, peanuts, citrus fruits, and leafy
vegetables (no requested date).
3.4.7 Epidemiological Studies
An epidemiological study designed to detect the potential human health
effects, both immediate and chronic, resulting from exposure to toxic metals
(especially cadmium and lead) and toxic organics (particularly PCBs) in sludge
must be initiated. The subjects would be residents of an area where sludge
distribution and marketing practices have been in existence. The study should
focus on current problem areas where high soil concentrations of the contami-
nants mentioned above have been detected, and sludge use may be the source of
contamination (no requested date). This is of medium priority.
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3.4.8 Dietary Cadmium Uptake
A comparison should be made of the two methods presently used for estimating
current dietary cadmium (and other metals) exposure. The two methods, fecal
excretion studies and market basket surveys, should be evaluated for relative
strengths, weaknesses and reliability. A medium level of priority is assigned
to this effort.
3.4.9 Disposal of Septic Tank Pumpings
Current methods of disposal for septic tank pumpings should be investigated as
a medium-priority project. Pathogen, heavy metal and persistent organics con-
centrations must be characterized. Research related to the potential for
groundwater contamination through land application, direct injection and
trenching of septic tank pumpings must be reviewed (no requested date).
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Table 3.3
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Solid Waste
RESEARCH AREA
1. Process Development
2. Toxic Pollutants Control
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
4. Plant Operations And
Design
HIGH PRIORITY
Pathogens in sludge:
a) Regrowth prevention
b) Land application and disease
correlation
c) Analyze sludge derived fertilizers
d) Study areas where sludge is applied
to land
PCBs in sludge:
e) Adherence to crops
f) Uptake by root crops
g) Accumulation in beef and milk fat
Lead in sludge:
h) Accumulation in soils
i) Land application on non food chain
crop lands
MEDIUM PRIORITY
Pathogens in sludge:
j) Evaluate POTW processes for pathogen
reduction
k) Home garden studies
1) Improve virus and parasite detection
techniques
PCBs in sludge:
m) Home garden studies
n) Better analytical techniques
o) Plant uptake of additional organics
and trace metals
p) Evaluate analytical techniques for
trace metals in sludge, soils and
plant tissues
q) Sludge adherence to crops
r) Plant uptake mechanisms for trace
metals
s) Epidemiological studies in areas of
sludge-amended soils
t) Compare current methods for dietary
Cd exposure evaluations
LOW PRIORITY
u) Cd uptake by leafy plants, fruits
and peanuts
v) Plant uptake studies
U)
1X3
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Table 3.3
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Solid Waste
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
6. Urban Runoff
7. Energy
8. Small Wastewater Flows
a) Characterize contaminants in septic
tank pumpings
b) Effect of septage disposal practices
Ni
9. Innovative And
Alternative Technology
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3.5 OFFICE OF PESTICIDES AND TOXIC SUBSTANCES RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
Although much of the effort of the Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances
(OPTS) is concerned with the testing and regulation of chemicals produced by
industry, some of its work addresses the presence of toxic compounds in muni-
cipal wastewater treatment facilities. This work is the responsibility of the
Exposure Evaluation Division and the Exposure Assessment Branch and is con-
cerned primarily with determining material balances for toxic compounds in
municipal treatment plants. The objective is to be in a position to decide
whether or not there is a sufficient quantity of toxic compounds leaving a
POTW, and by what route, to constitute a problem in the environment. The
research needs of this Office are presented below and outlined in Table 3.4.
3.5.1 Toxic Pollutants Control
All process streams (liquid, solid and air) are routes for transport of toxic
compounds through treatment facilities. Basically, monitoring data on
priority pollutants from all inlet and outlet points in POTWs are needed to
determine the quantities leaving a plant and what route they take. Such data
are necessary to determine the amount of toxic compounds which are discharged
into the environment and their routes of exposure. Monitoring of receiving
water is also needed to determine this. Moreover, the formation of any toxic
compounds within a POTW, perhaps as a result of treatment processes, must be
determined to complete a material balance.
3.5.2 Municipal Sludge Management
In addition to data on treated effluents, baseline data are needed to deter-
mine the presence and quantity of toxic compounds in sludge and, in particu-
lar, the fate of toxics from land-applied sludge and incinerator emissions.
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3.5.3 Urban Runoff
Another objective of this office is to determine material balances for urban
runoff. To do this, data on the presence and quantity of toxic compounds are
needed.
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Table 3.4
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances
RESEARCH AREA
1. Process Development
2. Toxic Pollutants Control
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
4. Plant Operations And
Design
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
6. Urban Runoff
7. Energy
f. Small Wastewater Flows
9. Innovative and
Alternative Technology
HIGH PRIORITY
a) Monitor all inlet/outlet process
streams for toxics
b) Monitor receiving waters below POTW
outfalls
a) Data for toxics material balances
MEDIUM PRIORITY
c) Formation of toxics as a result
of POTW operations
a) Presence and quantity of toxics in
sludge '
b) Fate of toxics from land-applied
sludge
c) Fate of toxics from incineration
LOW PRIORITY
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3.6 OFFICE OF WATER ENFORCEMENT RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The major municipal area of concern for this office is compliance with pre-
treatment regulations. The 1977 Clean Water Act mandated that POTWs develop
programs to enforce the EPA's National Pretreatment Requirements. Since then,
these programs have been shifting toward the local level. Enforcement's
efforts will therefore be directed toward helping to rework state and local
programs, considering requests for modification of pretreatment standards and
modifying municipal permits to incorporate pretreatment requirements. In
addition, the Office of Water Enforcement (OWE) is involved in updating,
rewriting and/or producing manuals for use by the POTW operators and Regional
Offices on such topics as residuals and removal credits.
Chief among the research needs for OWE (Table 3.5) is the development of
methodologies to monitor for compliance with pretreatment regulations.
Several approaches to this objective should be pursued. The development of
surrogate techniques and indicator parameters is one area which could reduce
the costs of effluent monitoring. As an alternative to effluent monitoring,
the possibility for routine plant visits and process performance checks should
be studied. Remote sensing and better flow measurement methodologies would
also aid OWE functions. In addition, data from monitoring studies must be
collected and verified. In the case of OWRS's 40 POTW study, OWE would like
to see verification of the approach used with regard to combined sewer over-
flows as well as other sources. Monitoring data is needed to fill gaps in
current knowledge with regard to the sources of specific toxics (i.e., are
they of industrial, residential or commercial origin?). The possible need for
regulating non-industrial and non-residential sources of toxic pollutants
(e.g., commercial laboratories) must also be addressed. This, again, would
require monitoring data.
Regarding toxic compound controls, assessment criteria are needed for Best
Management Practices both for industries using pretreatment and for urban
runoff controls. Also data analysis and tools for evaluation of wet weather
problems are needed. Finally, cost effective technologies for the control of
combined sewer overflows must be developed.
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Table 3.5
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Water Enforcement
RESEARCH AREA
1. Process Development
2. Toxic Pollutants Control
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
4. Plant Operations And
Design
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
6. Urban Runoff
7. Energy
HIGH PRIORITY
a) Assessment criteria for pretreatment
BMP s
b) Better effluent monitoring methods
c) Alternatives to effluent monitoring
for assessing compliance
d) Identify and monitor source of
specific toxics
a) Assessment criteria for BMPs
b) Cooperative effort to quantify
sources and impacts
c) Data analysis and tools for wet
weather problems
MEDIUM PRIORITY
d) Verification of CSO approach and
results for 40 city study
e) Develop cost effective CSO control
technologies
LOW PRIORITY
a) Develop improved flow measurement
methods
b) Provide technical support on
demand for instrumentation
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Table 3.5
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Office of Water Enforcement
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
8. Small Wastewater Flows
9. Innovative And
Alternative Technology
10. General
a) Provide technical support, on demand, for instrumentation
b) Develop improved flow measurement methods
c) Develop remote sensing methods (discharges, collection systems, impacts, etc.)
OJ
OJ
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3.7 REGIONAL OFFICE RESEARCH REQUIREMENTS
The 10 Regional Offices provide decentralized implementation and oversight of
Agency programs. Functions include local permitting and enforcement activi-
ties as well as the administration of construction grants. These offices
interface directly with state, regional and local groups. As each Region
differs demographically, geologically and climatologically, their research
needs are quite diverse and often very specific in that they reflect the
particular problems arising in each Region. In a number of areas, however,
common needs exist which reflect national trends and interests. For example,
the development of a wastewater disinfection manual, safe landspreading tech-
niques, less energy-intensive wastewater treatment and sludge disposal prac-
tices, and information on the treatment of small wastewater flows were
expressed as prominent needs in a number of regions. Specific needs are
described by Region and research area in the narrative which follows and in
Table 3.6.
3.7.1 Region I
Process development. Three requirements have been specified in this area,
both of which are high priority items. The first is a field investigation of
operating "Phostrip" wastewater treatment facilities. The Phostrip process
uses microorganisms already present in wastewater to concentrate phosphorus
into a substream which can be removed by precipitation techniques. The second
project involves the evaluation of high-energy electron irradiation of
wastewater.
Another high-priority research requirement is an assessment of the impact of
conservation on the design and operation of both POTWs and sewers.
Toxic pollutants control. Information on POTW and on-site non-industrial
toxics must be developed. This is a high-priority research requirement.
Municipal sludge management. The predominant research needs in this area
include developing environmentally acceptable land spreading and land filling
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methods. Demonstrations and case studies must be conducted and technology
transfer to the state and local level should be initiated.
In addition, further information is required on by-products formed during the
Purifax process. Data on high-energy electron irradiation of sludge is
needed, as are improved methods of sludge processing and disposal for small
POTWs. The latter project must address the issues of: chemical conditioning
of sludge prior to discharge to drying beds; labor saving methods to remove
dried sludge with a minimum of damage to the bed; use of non-mechanical
dewatering systems and experimentation in the disposal of semi-dried sludge
through continuous application to a controlled area followed by mixing with
soil.
A less critical area is the production of energy from sludge. Since both
large urban areas and rural areas with an extensive wood industry are located
in this Region (Region I), energy recovery from sludge, solid waste and/or
wood waste might prove to be worthy ventures.
Plant operations and design. All research projects specified for this area
are high priority needs. The first is the development of methods to reduce
energy consumption at POTWs. In addition, methods for improving operational
efficiency and for identifying design deficiencies in treatment plants must be
developed. A useful tool requested by this Region is a set of computer models
of biological wastewater treatment processes. Adequate simulation of these
processes is needed to test the effects of proposed control alternatives for:
training operators, implementing open-loop process control and providing input
data for continuously-responsive controls so that plant operating efficiency
could be maximized.
Land application of wastewater and aquaculture. The ultimate fate of
nitrates, sodium and heavy metals, and the lateral and vertical transport of
pollutants must be studied. This will help determine safe distances from
application sites to water supplies. In addition, methods of sampling at
aquifer interfaces should be developed. It is also required that design
criteria and cost data for eyapotranspiration systems be compiled. These are
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high-priority areas which require immediate attention. A specified medium
priority is the study of nutrient retention in fast percolation lake soils.
Urban runoff. Three research requirements were specified as being of primary
importance in this category. The first is a demonstration of sewer flushing
on large sewers. Such a field study is required in order to ascertain the
feasibility of using this method to mitigate the effects of combined sewer
overflows (CSO). A demonstration should also be conducted of micro-screening
with high-rate disinfection. In addition, innovative ways to optimize the
size and operation of CSO facilities are needed.
Technical support on 201 projects for CSO control is currently being offered
by ORD. Provisions should be made for continuation of this support. A medium
priority is assigned to this need.
Small wastewater flows. Septage treatment and disposal technology is an area
of great concern in Region I. Demonstration and case studies providing actual
field data on capital and operating costs and performance experience for an
appropriate range of alternatives should be conducted. Once this information
is available, it should be disseminated to design engineers and state and
local officials. Two other high-priority needs are the development of a
methodology for predicting the life of a leaching field, and the study of con-
trols for the acid lime sidestream from septage pretreatment.
Innovative and alternative technology. All research needs specified under
this topic have been assigned a high priority by the Regional Office. The
projects required are: the creation of procedures for post-construction veri-
fication of energy savings; the formulation of criteria for justification of
100 percent replacement; and, support for the I/A clearinghouse.
3.7.2 Region II
Process development. Although this is a low priority, Region II would like to
see work done on minimizing the impact of re-use for cooling on the biota.
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Municipal sludge management. Since ocean dumping of sludge (which is prac-
ticed in this Region) must be phased out by 1981, the development and testing
of cost-effective, environmentally and aesthetically acceptable disposal
methods are of grave concern. Of particular interest are new European tech-
nologies. Information to document their efficiency, however, is not available
and should be developed. Other technologies which should be investigated
include land spreading and thermal destruction. An evaluation should be made
of their applicability to urban area sludges.
Land application of wastewater and aquaculture. One medium-priority need was
specified in this area: a study of the effect of wastewater injection on
groundwater quality.
Urban runoff. On a medium level of priority is the development of documenta-
tion on the short- and long-term impacts of runoff.
Small wastewater flows. Of uppermost importance is the need for information
on the treatment and disposal of septage. In particular, the organics loading
from the average household, the loading which is acceptable for septic tank
treatment in a given soil and methods for treating organic wastes to bring the
organics loading to an acceptable level must be ascertained.
3.7.3 Region III
Process development. Although ch1 orination is a common practice, excessive
use of the chemical can disturb water quality. Region III is, therefore,
interested in a set of we11-documented guidelines which will show the impact
on public health of lowered chlorine levels in effluents. The guidelines
should also address seasonal chlorination, for in some areas, chlorination may
only be needed during the summer months.
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3.7.4 Region IV
Process development. One need was noted in this area and has been assigned a
high priority: the development of methods to correct nitrate accumulation in
groundwater.
Plant operations and design. The chief concerns in this area include the
organization of refresher courses for plant operators, the evaluation (for
cost-effectiveness and efficiency) of different types of clarifiers, and the
development of guidelines that can be used to assist design engineers in
selecting unit processes which are best suited to particular wastewaters.
More specific POTW design criteria are required, but are less critical than
the three needs specified above.
Land application of wastewater and aquaculture. A high priority need in this
area is to determine the health implications of land treatment of wastewater
and wastewater sludges.
Urban runoff. Data sollection for storm events is of prime importance in this
area.
Small wastewater flows. The relationships of septic drainfields and lagoon
leachates to various soil types in the coastal zone must be characterized.
Groundwater gradients and movement of leachates through soils to surface
waters should be determined in the coastal plain. Changes in leachate con-
centrations with time and distance in coastal plain soils must be addressed.
In addition, predictive models for contaminant movements in such soils should
be developed. This work is high priority. Studying the effect of small flows
on wetland water quality (a medium-priority need) was also specified.
3.7.5 Region V
Technology transfer. The continuation of the technology transfer program was
designated as a high-priority need. The program would fulfill needs in a
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number of different research areas. Specific outputs requested by Region V
include seminars on the following topics:
t Bioassays: Biomonitoring of Wastewater Effluents.
t Agricultural BMP Alternative to AWT.
• Conducting Hazardous Waste Inspections Safely.
• Treatment of Industrial Wastes to Allow Non-hazardous Disposal.
0 Sludge Treatment and Disposal.
• The Latest Concepts in Innovative and Alternative Technology.
• Atmospheric Hydrocarbons.
• Analytical Methods for Trace Organic Detection in Water and Fish.
0 Automated Wastewater Monitoring & Management Systems.
• Advanced Methods and Approaches for Monitoring Water Quality.
• Advanced Methods and Approaches for Monitoring Air Quality.
• Aerial Monitoring of Hazardous Waste Sites and Hazardous Spills.
« The Impact of Fuel Switching, Can We Do It Without Harming the
Environment.
• Control of Trihalomethane Formation in Drinking Water Treatment.
Process development. Chlorination and alternative disinfection methods must
be studied on a high-priority basis. Specific outputs should include: iden-
tification of suitable criteria for deciding whether or not disinfection
should be required for a given effluent; evaluation of chlorine and other
agents with regard to the criteria for disinfection and investigation of
alternatives to chlorine for potential toxic substance contamination and
formation of toxic byproducts.
Toxic pollutants control. Of prime importance is the need for models which
predict the partitioning of toxic compounds between effluents and sludges in
municipal treatment plants.
Municipal sludge management. The monitoring of cadmium in sludge-amended
soils is the chief concern in this area.
Plant operations and design. Guidelines are needed which define the sensitive
factor determining whether or not advanced wastewater treatment (AWT) is
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justified. In addition, accurate, realistic simulation techniques are
required to make an AWT determination. Many such techniques are available
although each has its drawbacks. A literature search is needed to find those
key parameters which will determine the best choice among alternative water
quality simulation techniques. This work is high priority.
The reliability of sand, multimedia and other final filters should be eval-
uated. Such studies have been given a medium-priority rating.
Land application of wastewater and aquaculture. Design data for overland flow
in northern climates is a high-priority need.
Urban runoff. Of primary importance in this area is an assessment of avail-
able data for the development of wet weather flow criteria.
Small wastewater flows. The cost-effectiveness and benefits of BMPs, as well
as the efficacy of dual septic tanks in series, must be determined and are of
high priority.
Innovative and alternative technology. The chief need in this area is for
data on the cost, performance and reliability of various I&A technologies.
3.7.6 Region VI
Municipal sludge management. The development of environmentally acceptable
sludge management and disposal options is of primary importance. Of particu-
lar interest is the vermicomposting of raw sludge. One project site with a
controlled and managed program is currently operating. Additional testing and
documentation is required.
Small wastewater flows. A medium- priority requirement is the study of
effects of small flows on wetland productivity. Other options for disposal
should also be studied.
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3.7.7 Region VII
Process development. Two prominent research needs were identified in this
area. The first is the evaluation of design criteria relative to performance
and specific site ambient conditions for rotating biological contactors (RBCs)
and activated biofilters (ABF). The second is the evaluation of disinfection
processes. Chlorine, chlorine compounds, chlorine in combination with other
agents and ozone must be analyzed for their relative disinfection efficiencies
and potential for effluent toxicity.
Municipal sludge management. An evaluation of sludge heat treatment processes
should be made. This work should be a high-priority item.
Plant operations and design. A demonstration should be conducted illustrating
the applicability of automation to small POTWs.
Urban runoff. Although it is a low priority, data on urban storm events would
be useful to Region VII.
Small wastewater flows. The development of alternative onsite treatment
options for small flows is needed, particularly for those areas where septic
tanks are unsuitable. New processes should be developed and existing ones
evaluated. Design guides, operating procedures manuals and cost-effectiveness
information should be published and distributed. These are high-priority
needs.
Land application of wastewater and aquaculture. A high-priority need in this
area is to determine the fate of viruses and pathogens in sewage sludge during
land application.
3.7.8 Region VIII
Process development. Two principal needs have been noted in this area. There
is some concern in this Region over residual chlorine levels. Disinfection
design criteria are needed which assure adequate control of pathogens while
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not substantially affecting water quality. Along the same lines, decay/
persistence rates for chlorine in streams must be estimated.
Municipal sludge management. Acceptable practices for land application of
sludges and land treatment of wastewater must be developed for the varying
climates, geomorphology, geohydrology, soils and biological systems in the
western United States. Quantitative descriptions of pretreatment and disin-
fection criteria are needed, as are guidelines for wastes which can be safely
disposed through land application. These have been given a high priority.
Plant operations and design. Three projects of prime concern have been
identified under this research topic. These are the formulation of design
parameters for optimum clarifier performance, the improvement of supernatant
quality in anaerobic digestion and an assessment of the reliability of NH^-N
reduction in cold climates.
Land application of wastewater and aquaculture. Both of the projects
described under "Municipal Sludge Management" have also been listed under this
category.
Innovative and alternative technology. The primary needs in this area are for
the demonstration of vertical tube reactor systems and the wet oxidation of
sludge. Also of high priority is an evaluation of the potential for reducing
the amount of energy used in the treatment process or for recovering energy as
part of the treatment process.
3.7.9 Region IX
Process development. The principal concern here is that an assessment be made
of measures designed to implement conservation and reuse. A low-priority
interest is the use of salt water for toilets and for groundwater protection.
Municipal sludge management. The evaluation of trade-offs between various
sludge disposal systems was specified as a medium-priority need.
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Small wastewater flows. Data on small-scaTe treatment technology is urgently
needed. Specific requirements include: feasibility studies for the use of
salt water oxidation ponds; cost-effectiveness analyses and health/
environmental (e.g., water quality) evaluation of various small wastewater
treatment systems (e.g., aquaculture, pressure sewers, septic tanks,
composting toilets); the evaluation of social and economic effects on small
communities of meeting treatment standards; and the study of public health
acceptability, performance reliability and cost-effectiveness of on-site and
alternative wastewater management systems.
3.7.10 Region X
Municipal sludge management. For small coastal communities in Region X,
sludge and solid waste disposal is quite difficult. Land application cannot
be used because of climatic conditions and the lack of top soil. Landfilling
is costly and, because of the high rainfall rate, could lead to leachate and
nuisance problems, while the use of incinerators is precluded by high fuel
costs. Thus, alternative sludge disposal methods must be developed which
would be cost-effective and environmentally acceptable. This work is of para-
mount importance to Region X. (Subsequent to the submission of these needs,
Region X has requested Agency support for ecological studies of forest land
application of sludge.)
Urban runoff. An urgent concern is that of excessive infiltration/inflow
(I/I). Massive quantities of I/I are causing difficulty in meeting NPDES
requirements. As a result, methods must be developed for alleviating these
problems.
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Table 3.6
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Regional Offices
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
Region I
1. Process Development
a) Field investigation of "phosphostrip"
installations
b) High energy electron irradiation of
wastewater
2. Toxic Pollutants Control
a) Information on POTW and on-site
non-industrial toxics
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
a) Environmentally acceptable land
spreading/land filling methods
b) More information on Purifax process
byproducts
c) High energy electron irradiation of
sludge
d) Sludge application on corn croplands
(assist U. of Conn.)
e) Small POTW sludge handling -
Improved methods
4. Plant Operations And
Design
a) Impact of conservation on POTW and
sewer design and operation
b) Methods to improve operational
efficiency
c) Methods to identify design
deficiencies
d) Computer models for biological
wastewater treatment processes
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Table 3.6
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Regional Offices
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
Region I (Cont.)
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
a) Fate of nitrates, sodium and trace
metals
b) Lateral/vertical transport of pollu-
tants
c) Safe distances from water supplies
d) Sampling methods of aquifer inter-
faces
e) Evapotranspiration systems - design
criteria and costs
f) Nutrient retention in fast percola-
tion lake soils
6. Urban Runoff
a) Demonstrate sewer flushing on large
sewers
b) Demonstrate microscreening with high
rate disinfection
c) Innovative ways to optimize size and
operation of CSO facilities
d) Technical support on 201 CSO projects
7. Energy
a) Develop energy production from
sludge
b) Methods to reduce energy consumption
at POTWs
8. Small Wastewater Flows
a) Septage treatment and disposal
technology
b) Methods to predict life of leaching
fields
c) Control of acid/lime sidestreams from
septage pretreatment
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Table 3.6
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Regional Offices
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
Region I (Cont.)
9. Innovative And
Alternative Technology
a) Procedures for post construction
evaluations of energy savings
b) Criteria for justifying 100%
replacement
c) Support I and A clearinghouse
Region II
1. Process Development
a) Minimize impact on biota of reuse
for cooling
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
a) Evaluate new European technologies
b) Urban area sludges - land spreading
and thermal destruction acceptability
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
a) Effect of wastewater injection on
groundwater
6. Urban Runoff
a) Short and long term impact of runoff
8. Small Wastewater Flows
a) Information on treatment and
disposal of sludge
Region III
1. Process Development
a) Develop wastewater disinfection
guidelines
Region IV
1. Process Development
a) Methods to correct nitrate accumu-
lation in groundwaters
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Table 3.6
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Regional Offices
RESEARCH AREA
Region IV (Cont.)
4. Plant Operations And
Design
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
6. Urban Runoff
8. Small Wastewater Flows
Region V
1. Process Development
2. Toxic Pollutants Control
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
4. Plant Operations And
Design
HIGH PRIORITY
a) Refresher courses for operators
b) Evaluate types of clarifiers
c) Guidelines to select specific unit
processes
.a) Health implications of land treat-
ment of wastewater and wastewater
sludges
a) Data collection on storm events
a) Evaluate lagoon septic tank seepage
for coastal soils
a) Comparison of chlorine and other
disinfectants
a) Predictive model for fate of chemi-
cals in effluents and sludge
b) Continue Technology Transfer
program
a) Monitor Cd in sludge- amended soils
b) Continue Technology Transfer
a) Guidelines to justify AWT Projects
b) Continue Technology Transfer
MEDIUM PRIORITY
d) More specific POTW design criteria
b) Effects on wetland water quality
c) Reliability of sand, multimedia and
other final filters
LOW PRIORITY
•
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Table 3.6
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Regional Offices
RESEARCH AREA
Region V (Cont.)
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
6. Urban Runoff
8. Small Wastewater Flows
9. Innovative And
Alternative Technology
Region VI
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
8. Small Wastewater Flows
Region VII
1 . Process Development
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
4. Plant Operations And
Design
HIGH PRIORITY
a) Design data for overland flow in
northern climates
a) Assessment of wet weather flow
criteria
a) Cost effectiveness and benefits of
BMPs
a) Cost, performance and reliability
data for I/A processes
b) Continue Technology Transfer
a) Environmentally acceptable sludge
management and disposal practices
b) Evaluate vennicompost ing
a) Evaluate Biodisc and ABF processes
b) Evaluate disinfection processes
a) Evaluate sludge heat treatment
process
a) Demonstrate small POTW automation
MEDIUM PRIORITY
b) Determine efficacy of dual septic
tanks in series
a) Effects on wetland productivity,
other options
LOW PRIORITY
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Table 3.6
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Regional Offices
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
Region VII (Cont.)
5. Land Application Of
Wastewater And
Aquaculture
a) Fate of viruses and pathogans in
sewage sludge application
6. Urban Runoff
a) Data on urban storm events
8. Small Wastewater Flows
a) Develop alternative control
technologies
Region VIII
1. Process Development
a) Design criteria for safe chlorina-
tion
b) Decay/persistence rates of Cl. in
streams
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
a) Land application practices for the
western U.S.
b) Pretreatment and disinfection guides
for land application
4. Plant Operations And
Design
a) Design parameters for optimum clari-
fier performance
b) Improved supernatant quality in
anaerobic digestion
c) Reliability of NH..-N reduction in
cold climates
5. Land Application Of
Wasteuater And
Aquaculture
a) Safe application practices for the
western U.S.
b) Pretreatment and disinfection guides
for land application
-------
Table 3.6
SUMMARY OF RESEARCH NEEDS
Regional Offices
RESEARCH AREA
HIGH PRIORITY
MEDIUM PRIORITY
LOW PRIORITY
Region VIII (Cont.)
7. Energy
a) Evaluate potential for energy
reduction, recovery and use
9. Innovative And
Alternative Technology
a) Demonstration of vertical tube
reactor
b) Demonstration of wet oxidation of
sludge
Region IX
1. Process Development
a) Assess conservation and reuse
Implementation measures
b) Use of salt water for toilets and
groundwater protection
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
a) Evaluate systems tradeoffs
8. Small Uastewater Flows
a) Data on small scale treatment
technology
Region X
3. Municipal Sludge
Management
a) Develop small scale sludge disposal
processes
7. Urban Runoff
a) Develop method for correcting I/I
problems
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CHAPTER 4. RESEARCH PLANS
4.1 RESEARCH PLAN OVERVIEW
This chapter describes the research effort for each of ten areas of concern to
municipal wastewater control:
• Process development
• Toxic pollutants control
0 Municipal sludge management
• Plant operations and design
• Land application of wastewater and aquaculture
• Urban runoff
• Energy
• Small wastewater flows
• Innovative and alternative technology
• Health effects
Although some conceptual and technical overlap may exist, each of the above
areas is treated as an individual research effort and is presented under a
separate section herein. For each research area, a description is given of
the objectives, recent accomplishments, the planned research outputs and the
response of these research projects to Agency requirements. To facilitate the
discussion of the responsiveness of the research projects, the Agency require-
ments described in the previous chapter are reiterated here as they pertain to
each research area. Specific needs are listed in the "ORD Response to Agency
4-1
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Research Requirements" section of each research area write-up. Following each
need listed, the Program Office(s) and Region(s) requesting the work are noted
with their stated priorities in parentheses ("H" for high priority, "M" for
medium and "L" for low).
4-2
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4.2 PROCESS DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH
4.2.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
Applied research activity in this area evaluates new technology for municipal
liquid waste treatment using bench-scale, pilot-scale and full-scale
approaches. Technology development is directed toward enhancing the ability
of municipalities to meet discharge limitations in the most cost effective
manner. These limitations may be concerned with oxygen demand, suspended
solids, specific pollutants, harmful microbes or wastewater reuse.
Four national program areas are managed by EPA to conduct in-house and extra-
mural studies as directed by the research and demonstration provisions of the
Clean Water Act. These programs, which interface directly with the innovative
and alternative technology program, are briefly described below.
Novel biological process program. Evaluates concepts and processes that
depart significantly from conventional secondary treatment practice. Emphasis
is placed on cost effectiveness achieved by:
• Decreased land requirements, decreased tankage and space savings
• Lower energy requirements
t Reduced sludge production
• Conservation of resources
t Alternative primary energy sources
Specific pollutant control program. Addresses the manipulation or combination
of biological and/or chemical-physical processes to achieve defined effluent
residuals. Recent examples include chelating agents, hazardous organics,
phosphorus and nitrogenous compounds and priority pollutants as defined by the
Natural Resources Defense Council Consent Decree (see Section 4.2).
Microbial control program. Evaluates approaches for disinfection of municipal
effluents, survival of microorganisms in various sludges and genetic enhance-
ment of microbial reactions. Current work has been devoted to demonstrating
4-3
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ultraviolet light and ozone for effluent disinfection, however, a major effort
is planned to address wet weather flows and improved control of residual
toxics by disinfectants.
Reuse program. The major goal of this program is the implementation of
research and field evaluations that determine the feasibility and practicabil-
ity of implementing water conservation alternatives. Particular emphasis will
be on reusing municipal wastewater for both potable and nonpotable purposes.
These four programs furnish information for the research requirements of EPA
Headquarters, Regional Offices, individual states, International Joint Commis-
sion, Consent Decree agreements, engineering design firms and municipal treat-
ment facilities.
The Wastewater Process Development Group interfaces with the engineering and
scientific communities, universities, MERL's Test and Evaluation Facility,
cooperative grants program and Federally supported Centers of Excellence to
guide new technology for environmental control.
4.2.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
Novel biological process program. Results from this program have been used at
many locations. For example, 125 installations using high purity oxygen have
resulted from the program's developmental work on this technology. Low cost
lagoon treatment for small municipalities has been evaluated and techniques
for upgrading effluent quality have been documented and put into practice.
Studies on attached growth secondary processes, such as rotating biological
discs and the activated biofilter, have provided key design information for
these cost-effective processes. Work is now in progress to reduce the energy
demand associated with secondary treatment by evaluating more efficient aera-
tion devices.
4-4
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The publications listed below describe the results of work conducted in the
novel biological processes area.
• "Upgrading Primary Tanks with Rotating Biological Contactors".
EPA 600/2-80-003. A novel application for converting a primary
treatment plant into a secondary treatment facility, March 1980.
t "Field Study of Nutrient Control in a Multicell Lagoon," EPA 600/2-
80-155. Developed a reliable technique for reducing phosphors from
lagoon effluents, August 1980.
• "First National Symposium/Workshop on Rotating Biological Contactor
Technology," Volumes I & II. Proceedings of the RBC Symposium pro-
vide the latest state-of-the-art on RBC technology, February 1980.
• "Fine Solids Removal Followed by Combined Chemical-Trickling Filter
Treatment," EPA 600/2-80-099. A comparison of granular media filters
and short detention settling ponds for upgrading alum coagulated
trickling filter effluent, July 1980.
• "Converting Rock Trickling Filters to Plastic Media," EPA 600/2-80-
120. Successful conversion and loading expansion of three existing
rock trickling filters to world's largest plastic media trickling
filters, August 1980.
• "A study of Nitrate Respiration in the Activated Sludge Process," EPA
600/2-80-154. A novel modification of the activated sludge process
to remove organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in a single-sludge
application, August 1980.
• "Wastewater Stabilization Lagoon-Intermittent Sand Filter Systems,"
EPA 600/2-80-032. Operating'results of three full-scale lagoon-
intermittent sand filter installations in three different climates,
March 1980.
• "Performance Evaluation of the Aerated Lagoon System at North Gulf-
port, Mississippi," EPA 600/80-006. Comprehensive evaluation of a
two-cell lagoon equipped with mechanical surface aerators, March
1980.
• "Performance Evaluation of Existing Aeration Lagoon System at Consol-
idated Koshkonong Sanitary District, Edgerton, Wisconsin," EPA 600/2-
79-182. Comprehensive evaluation of a three-cell lagoon equiped with
submerged hinde tubing diffusers, December 1979.
• "An Evaluation of Submerged Aeration Equipment." A summary of EPA
Contract 14-12-150 on clean water test studies presented at 53rd
Annual Water Pollution Control Federation Conference, October 1980.
• "Status of Deep Shaft Wastewater Treatment Technology in North
America." A status report on deep shaft research and development
efforts in North America presented to Seventh United States/Japan
conference on Sewage Treatment Technology, Tokyo, Japan, May 1980.
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The following reports have also been completed and are ready to be printed:
0 "Feasibility Study of Open Tank Oxygen-Activated Sludge Wastewater
Treatment." Pilot plant precursor study of commercialized FMC open
tank oxygen system. December 1980.
0 "Simplified Injection of Oxygen Gas into an Activated Sludge Pro-
cess." Evaluation of inflated dome covered pure oxygen activated
sludge process using existing air diffusion equipment. December
1980.
0 "Parallel Evaluation of Air- and Oxygen-Activated Sludge." Compre-
hensive pilot-scale comparison of a Unox covered oxygen system and a
submerged turbine air system. December 1980.
0 "Survey and Evaluation of Fine Bubble Dome Diffuser Aeration Equip-
ment." Two-continent survey of 19 dome diffuser activated sludge
plants summarizing field oxygen transfer efficiency, power consump-
tion and O&M requirements. December 1980.
Specific pollutant control program. About one thousand facilities are using
technology developed in this program to meet water quality standards set for
posphorus or nitrogen. The fate of hazardous organics, such as benzidine, in
biological processes has been determined and all the Consent Decree organics
have been evaluated for biodegradability. Organic substitutes for phosphate
in detergent formulations, such as carboxymethyltartronate and nitrilotri-
acetic acid, have been studied in aerobic and anaerobic processes. Results
from this program allow Regulatory and Program Offices to make decisions on
the ability of municipal facilities to control defined pollutants and conse-
quent costs associated with this control technology. Recent outputs from this
program include the following:
0 Phosphorus Removal in Lower Great Lakes Municipal Treatment Plants."
A survey and documentation of phosphorus removal efficiency of munic-
ipal facilities discharging to Lake Erie and Lake Ontario, August
1980.
0 "International Seminar on Control of Nutrients in Municipal Waste-
water Effluents." A worldwide review of the state-of-the-art for
controlling nitrogen and phosphorus, September 1980.
0 "Proceedings of the Workshop on Decentralized Systems for Management
of Water, Solid and Liquid Wastes." A- workshop investigation of the
future utility of periodic treatment processes for municipal and
industrial wastes, June 1980.
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t "New Secondary Treatment Processes for the 1980"s." A presentation
for the 54th Annual Conference of the Ohio Water Pollution Control
Association, describing new approaches to municipal wastewater treat-
ment, June 1980.
• "Wastewater Nitrification: Alternate Systems and Experiences." A
presentation for the 44th Annual Conference of the Indiana Water
Pollution Control Association, describing the many options for
achieving nitrification and denitrification, November 1980.
t "Developments in Hazardous Wastes: Biodegradation of Priority Pollu-
tants." Five reports presented at the 74th Annual AICHE Conference,
dealing with laboratory, full-scale and consultant activities for
controlling residuals of hazardous compounds, November 1980.
§ "Steroid Hormones as Water Pollutants." Studies on the persistence
of natural urinary and synthetic ovulation-inhibiting hormones in
wastewater and effluents, August 1980.
• "Biodegradability Studies with Organic Priority Pollutants." April
1980.
Microbial control program. Since chlorine and its associated side-products
have been shown to have negative environmental effects, work in this area has
been concentrated on evaluating alternative disinfectants for municipal efflu-
ents. Demonstration of optimized chlorination procedures and subsequent
dech1 orination has shown that aquatic toxicity can be eliminated. A full-
scale study of ultraviolet light disinfection has revealed this technique to
be efficient and cost effective. Several demonstrations of ozone disinfection
show this technology to be efficient, but more costly than either dechlorina-
tion or ultraviolet light. Both ozone and ultraviolet light technology are
being designated in Step 1 facility plans. Ultraviolet light disinfection has
been a major innovative technology approved for I&A funding in 14 wastewater
treatment facilities. A number of reports has resulted from this work. They
are listed below:
• "Proceedings of Wastewater Disinfection Alternatives - State-of-the-
Art Workshop" - WPCF Disinfection Committee Pre-Conference Workshop,
1979 WPCF Conference. Five papers were presented:
- Venosa, A.D., and E.J. Opatken. "Ozone Disinfection: State-of-
the-Art."
- Hubly, D.W., "Evaluation of Risks, Energy Costs, and Associated
Economic Factors of Wastewater Disinfection Alternatives."
- Rakness, K.L., B.A. Hegg, L.M. Boehme, and B.B. Fairchild. "Case
History: Ozone Disinfection of Wastewater with an Air/Ozone
system."
- Roberts, P.V. "Chlorine Dioxide: State-of-the-Art."
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- Scheible, O.K., and C.D. Bassell. "Ultraviolet Disinfection of a
Secondary Wastewater Teatment Plant Effluent."
• "Disinfection of filtered and Unfiltered Secondary Effluent in Two
Ozone Contactores" - Article submitted to Peer Review Journal,
Environment International, November 1980.
• "Physical Chemistry of Virus Adsorption and Degradation on Inorganic
Surfaces" - EPA 600/2-80-136, August 1980.
• "Design Optimization of the Chiorination Process, Volume II: Compar-
ison of Acute Toxicity of Chlorinated Effluents from Optimized and
Existing Facilities" EPA 700/2-80-133, August 1980.
• "Studies of Methanogenic Bacteria in Sludge." EPA 600/2-80-093.
August 1980.
Reuse program. Under this program, guidelines have been developed to assist
water managers in deciding the feasibility of wastewater reuse. A study has
been completed that measures, for the first time, the direct effects of indoor
water conservation on wastewater collection and treatment systems with regard
to positive and negative impacts. Technical and financial assistance was pro-
vided to Denver, Colorado, for the construction of a 3,785 m3 per day reuse
demonstration facility which should advance the technology needed for produc-
tion of potable product water. Reclaimed wastewater is also being used for
groundwater recharge in southern California.
4.2.3 Current Research Plan
The project milestones (Table 4.1) show the individual outputs planned for the
four programs that comprise process development.
4.2.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
Headquarters operating programs and EPA Regional Offices have identified areas
of research needs in process development. Common needs concern energy conser-
vation, impacts of combined sewer overflow (CSO), alternative disinfectants
and modification of process to more effectively control specific pollutants
4-8
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such as toxics. Regional interest in reuse was limited to conservation prac-
tices. All needs expressed in the process development area are listed below:
a. Finalize disinfection manual - OWPO(H), Region V(H), Region VII(H),
Region VIII (H)
b. Technology transfer of alternative disinfection information - OWPO(M)
c. Improved toxics and pathogen analytical techniques - OWPO(M)
d. Removal capabilities and effects associated with new processes -
OWRS(H)
e. Field investigation of "phostrip" installations - Region I(H)
f. High energy electron irradiation of wastewater - Regionl(H)
g. Minimize impact on biota of reuse for cooling - Region II(L)
h. Develop wastewater disinfection guidelines - Region III(H)
i. Methods to correct nitrate accumulation in groundwaters - Region
IV(H)
j. Evaluate Biodisc and ABF processes - Region VII(H)
k. Decay/persistence rates of C12 in strearns - Region VIII(H)
1. Assess conservation and reuse implementation measures - Region IX(H)
m. Use of salt water for toilets and groundwater protection - Region
IX(L)
Novel biological processes. Research for energy reduction for secondary
treatment is being conducted by the program in three areas. More energy effi-
cient aeration devices are being evaluated. Processes that operate at high
organic and volumetric loadings are under investigation. Low energy anaerobic
treatment of mainstream wastewater is in the feasibility stage. The highly
loaded systems are also coincidentally being monitored for ability to handle
peak loadings caused by combined sewer overflows (CSO).
This type of novel process development must be supported by Federal funding,
since the main thrust is frontier development, and consultants, municipalities
and manufacturers are hesitant to try non-proven technology. A broad range of
options is being investigated, such as vertical shafts, combined reactor and
clarifier, fluidized beds, batch reactors and downflow attached growth pro-
cesses. The potential pay-off from this program in terms of national savings
of energy and reduction of special requirements warrants high research
investment.
4-9
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Specific pollutant control. Control of specific pollutants usually leads to
process development that is classified as advanced secondary treatment (AST)
or advanced waste treatment (AWT). To date, research results indicate that
control of specific organics to low residuals requires that POTWs operate with
long sludge retention times and low effluent suspended solids levels. Conven-
tional technology will not provide low residuals of toxics. In view of the
AST and AWT funding policy, toxics control investigations will be limited to
low cost operational modifications to achieve better toxics control in a prac-
tical and feasible manner.
Microbial control program. In response to Headquarters directives and
Regional needs, the program is shifting research objectives and resources away
from effluent disinfection objectives to microbial hazards in sludges and CSO.
A great deal of effort will be made to transfer presently accumulated data on
alternative disinfectants by preparation of design manuals and seminars. Work
on sludge pathogens will be coordinated with the municipal sludge management
program.
The work on CSO will be coordinated with the CSO group, which will make recom-
mendations for requirements and project selection for demonstrating pathogen
control.
The RCRA regulations have a substantial impact on waste treatment facilities
that do not employ either incineration or anaerobic digestion. The microbial
control program will re-program funds to study pathogen levels in extended
aeration facilities, aerobic digesters and oxidation ditches. Whether these
treatments sufficiently reduce pathogens to allow land disposal of sludges
must be demonstrated.
Reuse program. Due to the health effects issues in this program, immediate
work will focus on non-potable reuse and water conservation impacts.
To continue the three areas of study in the novel biological process program,
an infusion of funds will be required. If the needs expressed by Region VII
for rotating biological discs design data, and the needs of Region IV and VIII
4-10
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for clarifier design data are to be met, additional resources will be
required. To encompass the need of Region I for biological phosphorus con-
trol, Region IV for preventing nitrate accumulation in groundwater, the needs
of several Regions to know the fate and effects of toxics in POTWs* and the
Region VIII desire for cold temperature nitrification data*, additional fund-
ing for specific pollutant control would be necessary.
Major reprogramming of funds will be necessary for technology transfer of
alternative disinfectant data, to publish a disinfection manual and to address
the needs of Regions I, III, V, VII, and VIII regarding disinfection, sludge
pathogens and CSO pathogen studies.
Specific needs which are not addressed by the current program are f, g, h, k,
i and m in the above list.
No major funding in the reuse area is planned for the near future.
*Needs listed under Plant Operation and Design
4-11
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.1
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Process Development
R&D OBJECTIVE
NEW BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES
1. Upgrade lagoons by low cost methods
.a. Slow rock and intermediate sand filters
b. Lagoon design manual
2. Efficient 0. transfer in biological systems
and new process development
a. European survey of fine bubble diffusers
b. ABF evaluation
c. Clean water evaluation submerged aeration
equipment
d. Standard 0- transfer test recommendations
e. Deep shaft evaluation
f. Reactor clarifier
g. Dirty water testing high efficiency
aeration devices
h. Optimization of fine bubble aeration
power economy - England
i. Anaerobic retrofit to existing* aeration
tank
j. Aerated biological filter (ODA)*
evaluation
k. Verify 0. transfer standards
3. Rotating Biological Contactors
a. Survey to develop interim RBC design
guidelines
b. National symposium RBC
FY80
O D F A J A
A
A
FY81
0 D F A J A
A
A
A A
A A
A A
A
FY82
O D F A J|A
f\
A
t
FY83
O[D F A J A
A
i
A
A
A
A
FY84
^ D F A J A
FY85
^ D F A J A
0 D
sfc Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.1
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Process Development
R&D OBJECTIVE
c. Field study to develop RBC design criteria
d. RBC reaction kinetics (in-house)
4. Evaluation of batch reactors and fluidized
bed reactors
a. Full-scale sequencing batch reactors
b. Full-scale fluidized bed reactors for
carbon removal
BIODEGRADATION AND SPECIFIC POLLUTANT REMOVAL
5. Biodegradation
a. Interim report biodegradation PP
(Specific comp) protocols
b. Static biodegradation of PP
c. Continuous flow biodegradation of PP
6. Nutrient removal
a. Analysis of P removal in Great Lakes
b. International nutrient control seminar
c. Design manual (N) and (P)*
d. Feasibility of low cost, low residual*
P control (Region V)
e. Evaluate Bardenpho*
MICROBIOLOGICAL CONTROL
7. Chlorination
a. Report chlorination and dechlorination
optimization
FY80
OD F A J|A
A
A
J
A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
A
A
i
FY82
0 D F|A J A
A
A
FY83
O D F A J A
A
A
A
FY84
O D F|A J A
A
A
FY85
o D]F A J A
O|D
# Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.1
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Process Development
R&D OBJECTIVE
8. Ozone
a. Ozone for stringent disinfectant
requirement
b. Ozone measurement
c. Ozone disinfection and trace organic
control (in-house)
9. Ultraviolet light
a. Full-scale UV light demonstration
b. Evaluate UV for disinfectant and trace
organic removal (in-house)
c. UV light dosage control
d. UV disinfection of 30/30 and CSO
effluents
10. Chlorine dioxide (C102)
a. Chlorine vs chlorine dioxide comparison
11. Disinfection of antibiotic-resistant
organisms
a. Occurrence of antibiotic-resistant
coliforms
b. Effectiveness of disinfection on after
growth
c. Genetic engineering for enhanced*
phosphorus removal
12. Disinfection SOA technology transfer
a. Risk-benefit-cost of alternative
disinfectants
b. Disinfection evaluation manual*
FY80
0 D F A J A
A
FY81
o D[F A j A
A
A
A
fa
A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
FY83
0 D F A JJA
A
A
i
FY84
0 D F A J A
\
A
A
FY85
O D F A J|A
A
A
0 D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
± Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
—— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.1
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Process Development
R&D OBJECTIVE
•i)--Carlifornla Mancal on Chlorine
c. Disinfection seminar-HERL-MERL-CERI
REUSE AND WATER CONSERVATION
13. Denver potable water reuse demonstration
a. Completed design
b. Construction complete
c. Trial operation completed
14. Potable reuse demonstration at existing sites
a. Orange County WF 21*
b. Santa Clara/NASA*
c. Long Island*
15. Water conservation practices
a. California experience
b. East and midwest experience*
c. Guidelines*
16. Non-potable reuse criteria and systems
evaluations.
a. Reuse guidelines
b. System evaluation reports*
c. Water quality criteria report*
FY80
O D F A J A
i
A i
FY81
O D F A J A
A
, A
A
t
i
k
FY82
O D F A J|A
A
k
^
FY83
O D F A J A
A
A A
FY84
O D F A JJA
A
A A
A
FY85
O|D F A J A"
A
o|o
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
4.3 TOXIC POLLUTANTS CONTROL RESEARCH
4.3.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
While the Agency has had a long-standing concern about nonconventional pollu-
tants in POTW treatment, research was limited to selected metals and occa-
sional organic pollutants. Following the Natural Resources Defense Council
(NRDC) Consent Decree with EPA in 1979, attention, and most importantly,
resources were focused on specific toxic compounds. Based on the Consent
Decree, a list of 65 compounds and classes of compounds was established which
subsequently evolved into a list of 129 individual compounds which have become
known as the priority pollutants. Three organic compounds have since been
removed from the list. The Decree directed EPA to establish effluent guide-
lines for the discharge of toxic substances employing Best Available Tech-
nology Economically Achievable (BATEA) for 21 primary industries by December
31, 1979. This date has since been extended to 1987. It is estimated that
87,000 industrial plants, classified under the 21 primary industries, dis-
.charge their wastewaters directly to publicly owned treatment works (POTW).
The Clean Water Act of 1977 further requires that industry pretreat their
wastewaters to meet effluent standards established by the Effluent Guidelines
Division. Major considerations in these standards are the ability of the POTW
to treat these compounds with minimum concentrations in the effluents and
without adverse effects on the treatment processes and that sludges shall not
be contaminated to levels which limit their disposal on land. Section 307
further allows consideration of credits for the removal of toxics at POTWs in
the setting of pretreatment standards for industrial discharges to POTWs.
Some toxic chemicals are unique in that they are highly persistent (non-
degradable) under natural conditions and are highly mobile (bioaccumulative)
in the environment. Thus, air, land and water (surface and groundwater) and
most biological tissues can be contaminated with detectable concentrations.
Toxic chemicals pose various degrees of threat to human health and aquatic
life. These degrees range from the acutely toxic, where exposures to high
concentrations over a short period of time can result in immediate effects
(i.e., fish kills or treatment plant upsets), to the chronically toxic, where
4-16
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long-term exposures to low concentrations can result in delayed effects. As a
consequence of these toxic characteristics and the widespread nature of these
chemicals, virtually all segments of EPA have become involved in some aspect
of toxic pollutants control.
The Wastewater Research Division, through the toxic pollutants control pro-
gram, has been assigned the responsibility to conduct research on toxic com-
pounds in POTWs. Broadly, the aims of the program are to eatablish the extent
of the problem in POTWs and to develop treatment options and technology to
control the discharge of toxic substances into the environment.
Specifically the objectives are:
• Development of data bases on priority pollutants in terms of sources
contributing to POTWs, occurrence and concentration in POTWs
influents, effluents and sludges, and removals obtainable by unit
processes.
t Assessment of treatability and removability of priority pollutants by
a variety of conventional and AWT processes. Processes receiving
initial attention are carbon adsorption (sorption in general), bio-
degradability and desorption by "stripping."
• Development of treatment processes which enhance the removal of
priority pollutants from wastewater. The degree of research effort
on treatment processes will be tailored to the problem as revealed in
the first objective.
• The final objective is data-base development and area-wide analysis
of toxics control by various modeling approaches.
4.3.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
In spite of limited resources, it seemed prudent to address all of the above
objectives concurrently rather than sequentially, although major emphasis has
been placed upon assembling a data base on the occurrence of priority pollu-
tants in POTW influents and evaluating the removals across treatment pro-
cesses. Data have been obtained on effluent and sludge concentrations. The
data base assembly included both the organic compounds and metals on the
priority pollutant list. With the completion of ongoing studies, a sufficient
data base will have been accumulated to define, at least in a preliminary way,
4-17
-------
the extent of the problem of priority pollutants in POTWs. Preliminary find-
ings (EPA 440/1-80-301 and other final reports in preparation) show that, in
terms of sources, industry is the major contributor of priority pollutants to
the POTW. Some 70-90 of the priority pollutants have been identified in one
or more plant influents (Arthur D. Little, Inc., 1979). With the exception of
certain metals, the concentrations in the plant influents range from a few
hundred parts per billion to barely detectable. Certain classes of compounds,
for example, the chlorinated alkanes, phthalates, substituted aromatics and
metals tend to be found more consistently and at generally higher concentra-
tions.
Removal of toxics by secondary treatment has been shown to be highly variable.
However, 50% of the plants examined achieved 70-85% removal of organics from
the liquid flow (Petrasek et al., 1980, WPCF 53rd Conference). While some of
this removal was achieved by volatilization and biodegradation, a significant
proportion of certain compounds was found in the sludge. In fact, analysis of
the sludge sometimes revealed compounds that were below detectability in the
influent.
Using available data, a model has been developed (TOXFLO) which can charac-
terize loadings of toxic compounds to a sewerage system and the ability of a
POTW and a given pretreatment technology to remove them.
Concurrent with the data-base accumulation, studies were undertaken to assess
the treatability and removability of all of the priority pollutants. Many of
the preliminary studies on carbon adsorption, biodegradability and volatility
have been completed (final reports in review). The more complex problem of
evaluating removal by treatment processes has been started, but work will need
to be continued. The indications are that most compounds can be removed from
aqueous solution via either biodegradability and/or by carbon adsorption.
A study of the sewerage works of Kokomo, Indiana, was performed to determine
the concentrations and sources of trace metals and cyanide in the local waste-
water and sludge (report in press). The results showed that the activated
sludge treatment removes 80-98% of the metals, except nickel, from the aqueous
4-18
-------
into the sludge phase. In another study, the effect of hot acid treatment on
removing toxic compounds from sludge was examined (EPA 600/2-80-96).
Carbon adsorption and volatility of toxic compounds have also been examined.
Work on adsorption isotherms for organic priority pollutants was recently
published (EPA 600/8-80-023). The volatility of 40 organic priority pollu-
tants was examined by determining Henry's Law constants for these compounds
and by measuring airborne emissions from aeration basins. Several compounds
have been identified which are particularly troublesome in terms of emissions
to the atmosphere.
At this point, it is important to state again that toxic compounds permeate
the entire environment and thus become major objectives of research programs
of practically all segments of the Agency. The program described above for
POTWs represents only a fragment of the total effort and resources devoted to
the control of toxic pollutants. Strategies for handling toxics in other
media and for toxicity to man and other life forms will be addressed by the
research programs responsible for these areas. All of the programs for toxics
should be considered as complementing each other.
4.3.3 Current Research Plan
Current and planned projects fall under four general categories: toxics data
base; toxics removal processes; toxics treatability; and new initiatives.
These projects are listed in Table 4.2 along with a schedule of major
milestones.
4.3.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
In the area of toxic pollutants control, 28 research requirements have been
identified by the Program and Regional Offices. Of this total, about one-
third overlap. Most of these research needs are addressed by recently com-
pleted or new research activities. The completed work was discussed pre-
viously and ongoing or planned research is described below.
4-19
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Data base on occurrence and removal of toxics by process and treatment
systems. Three Program Offices and one Regional Office have requested the
following information in this area:
a. Determine sources of priority pollutants - OWRS(H), OWE(H), Region
V(H)
b. Compare secondary treatment to source control - OWRS(H)
c. Formation of toxics within POTW processes -OWRS(H), OPTS(M)
d. Evaluation of BMPs - OWE(H), OWRS(M)
e. Compare point vs. nonpoint sources of toxics - OWRS(H)
f. Data for toxics material balances -OWRS(H), OPTS(H)
g. Analyze institutional impediments to pretreatment - OWRS(H)
Completion of the 25-city survey, the Kokomo POTW study and the University of
Tennessee data-base evaluation will provide information for many of the above
needs. Work is continuing on recording the results of these surveys in a com-
puterized storage and retrieval system. Projects that will contribute data to
the system are: 25-city survey by MERL; 40-city survey b.y the Effluent Guide-
lines Division (E6D); 4-city collection system survey by MDSD; and special
treatability studies by MERL's T&E facility. Information on toxics occurrence
from non-point sources will be provided by studies conducted by the NURP pro-
gram.
Certain areas of the data base need to be expanded, such as emissions, and
most importantly, an assessment of toxic compounds not considered as priority
pollutants. The latter will be addressed by analyzing the computer tapes
obtained from the 25-city survey. Other approaches, such as analysis of
extracts using alternative analytical methods, may need to be taken. From the
list above, needs that will not be specifically addressed by current and
planned research include b, c and d.
Treatability of toxics by unit processes. Two Program Offices have requested
research in this area:
a. Toxics treatability studies - OWPO(H), OWRS(M)
b. Inhibition studies on POTWs - OWRS(H)
4-20
-------
c. Technologies for toxics removal/destruction; in-plant processes;
treatability studies - OWPO(H,M), OWRS(M)
d. Publish sludge toxics fixation and extraction information - OWPO(M)
e. Data for toxics material balances - OWRS(H), OPTS(H)
Several projects are under way to address these needs. A major effort on
assessing the removal capabilities of unit processes is being conducted on a
pilot plant scale at the Test and Evaluation Facility. The studies include
emissions due to volatility and removal by unit processes of non-volatile com-
pounds. Mass balances, mentioned in several needs, will be attempted across
the treatment processes. Experimentally, mass balances, while very desirable,
are extremely difficult to obtain for a variety of reasons: the very low con-
centrations being handled; the inherent substantial analytical uncertainty;
errors in flow measurement; and loss of compound by biodegradability. An
important additional area of work is to determine the partitioning of toxic
compounds between the aqueous solution and sludge. Because of the importance
of the latter, a study on sludge partition coefficients of toxics is under way
in-house. The biodegradability of priority pollutants is also being studied.
A long-term fundamental study has been ongoing to evaluate the mechanisms and
the effectiveness of adding powdered activated carbon to conventional acti-
vated sludge systems. While the concept is not new, the ability of the pro-
cess to remove specific toxic organics has not previously been studied. The
current approach is to investigate the enhancement of removals by adding pow-
dered activated carbon to aeration basins. The waste activated sludge con-
taining up to 50% of exhausted carbon is processed by wet-air oxidation which
simultaneously incinerates the biomass and regenerates the carbon for recycle
to the system. Thus, in a single operation the disposal problems associated
with waste activated sludge and the destruction of absorbed organics are
eliminated. The process also achieves nitrification. Both a laboratory-scale
study and a field evaluation are ongoing or planned. Activated carbon is also
a useful approach for additional removal of organics from secondary effluents.
A process involving the addition of ozone to the carbon contactors is being
conducted at pilot-plant scale. A longer term goal of this type of research
is the development of a sufficient understanding of how organic compounds
4-21
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behave with respect to the above processes. Structure/activity analysis or
mathematical modeling will become useful in predicting the behavior of
untested compounds.
Several hundred POTWs currently add chemicals - lime, alum or iron salts - to
the biological process to remove phosphorus. Geographically, the plants are
predominantly located near the Great Lakes and other large lakes. These loca-
tions also coincide with high population and industrial densities. While the
phosphorus removal capability of these additives has been well documented in
laboratory and full-scale operations, virtually no information is available on
the enhanced removal of metals. Some 13 metals are on the list of priority
pollutants. Typically, biological plants are capable of removing metals from
the influent, but the removals are erratic, unpredictable and, in some
instances, incapable of meeting the stringent water quality standards. A
study is planned to evaluate the removal of metals when phosphorus reducing
chemicals are added to biological aeration systems. The known ability of
chemicals to precipitate and adsorb metals suggests that these plants, in
addition to removing phosphorus, are also obtaining enhanced removal of
metals. The effect of increasing the metals content of the chemical sludges
remains to be considered.
Several studies continue to address toxics stripping from aeration basins.
Henry's Law constants continue to be studied and an effort is being made to
model the mechanisms of organics emissions from unit processes.
One need that has been expressed, and is being addressed, is to determine the
inhibition of biological processes by toxic compounds. Much literature is
available on the concentrations of metals that are toxic to aerobic processes.
More recently, the Test and Evaluation Facility conducted an in-depth study of
cadmium and concluded that inhibition (monitored by COD in the effluent) did
not occur until the influent cadmium concentration reached 4.1 mg/1. A report
entitled "Inhibition of the Activated Sludge Process by Cadmium" and authored
by A.C. Petrasek will be issued shortly. Work on other metals is being con-
sidered. Plant survey results suggest that the concentration of organics cur-
rently being observed in plant influents is too low to likely cause problems
4-22
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with treatment. One aspect of this which should be investigated is the sensi-
tivity of anaerobic processes to interference by organics.
Measurement, fate and effects. Four Program Offices and Region V have stated
needs in the area of measuring toxic compounds and tracing them after their
discharge to the environment.
a. Fate and effect of toxics in CSOs and recycled wastewaters and sludge
- OWPO(H)
b. Effect of toxics on stream quality and uses: aquatic life, sediment
buildup, predictive models - OWPO(H), OWRS(H), Region V(H)
c. BAT impact on receiving waters - OWRS(M)
d. Monitoring effluents and receiving waters below POTW outfalls -
OPTS(H), OWE(H)
e. Alternatives to chemical monitoring - OWE(H)
f. Sampling and testing protocols - OWRS(M)
g. Develop and test indicators and measurement methods - OWRS(H,M),
OWE(H)
Less expensive analytical techniques and the development of indicator para-
meters for toxic compounds have been widely requested. Present analytical
methods for priority pollutants are extremely burdensome in that sophisticated
and expensive instrumentation is required, and highly skilled analysts are
necessary. In addition, the entire procedure is slow. The consensus is that
few industrial or POTW plants could afford to have the expertise to monitor
their treatment operations. There is, therefore, a clear need for a less
expensive and less demanding parameter or series of tests which would indicate
the presence of priority pollutants. While the need is obvious, the discovery
and development of an indicator parameter(s) is an extremely difficult goal to
achieve. The great diversity of chemical species and the large differences in
degrees of toxicities contribute to the difficulty of the indicator approach.
The obvious need and the advantages to be gained from this approach demand
that serious attempts be made to accomplish this difficult goal. In addition
to efforts by others, this program is also pursuing the objective by the RFP
route to solicit the best ideas available in the country.
4-23
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In addition to the sampling and analytical problems, several other needs (a,
b, c and e in the above list) have not been addressed. This does not mean
that these needs are not important, but resource limitations have required a
priority system in which some work must be deferred to later years.
To conclude, there would seem to be a need for a compendium and assessment
document which brings together, into one source, all of the research informa-
tion on toxic compounds in POTWs that has been accumulated by that time. At
present, the information is dispersed in many reports and is too voluminous to
be useful to the practitioner in the field. An example of this type of com-
pendium is the five-volume Treatability Manual which was produced by the
Treatability Coordination Committee.
4-24
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A. Proposed Project Outputs
•^— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.2
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Toxic Pollutants Control
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Toxics Data Base: Generation Management,
and Indicator Development
a. Data generation by 25-city survey
b. Computerized cost optimization model for
urban toxic control strategies
c. Interim reports on toxics at POTWs
(survey), -analysis of influents, effluents,
and sludges
d. Compendium and assessment reports
e. Test of alternative indicator approaches
f. Risk assessment model for meeting
regulations under various control
strategies
2. Toxics Removal Process Evaluation and
Developments.
a. T&E Facility toxics works
b. Toxics stripping from aeration basin
c. Improved analytical techniques for
organics extraction from wastewater
and sludges
d. Cadmium and metals removal by lime
e. Biological Modification studies
f. Improved clean-up techniques for
increased sensitivity & precision
g. Biological treatment modification by
adding adsorbents
h. Evaluation of ozone/carbon absorption
toxics removal
FY80
o D F A|J|A
A
A A
A
A
A
A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
\
A
A
A i
A
A
FY82
O D F A J A
(\
i A
A
A
A
t
FY83
O D F A| J A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
i
FY84
O D F A J A
A
A
FY85
O D FJAJJ A
O D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.2
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Toxic Pollutants Control
R&D OBJECTIVE
3. Toxics Treatability
a. Progress reports on biodegradation lit-
erature survey
b. Carbon adsorption structure-activity
analysis organics stripping model
c. Biodegradability of priority pollutants
4. New Initiatives
a. Treatability of non-priority pollutants
b. Treatability under anaerobic conditions
c. Design Manuals for Toxics
d. Assessment of cost and energy for toxics
removal
FY80
0 D F A J A
A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
A
A
j
FY83
O D F A J A
A
A
A
^
FY84
iO D F A J A
A
FY85
O D F A J A
0 D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
4.4 MUNICIPAL SLUDGE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH
4.4.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
Since its inception, the sludge management program has addressed the develop-
ment and demonstration of processes for the treatment, conversion, and use of
sewage sludge, and the scientific, engineering, and environmental aspects of
sludge management.
In the early years of the program, emphasis was on technology development and
demonstration. Environmental concerns in recent years have required increased
concentration on scientific objectives related to toxic metals and pathogens
in sludge. Currently, nearly half of the program resources address these
objectives. The program has moved to increase the effort in establishing
relationships among levels of toxicants in sludge, effects on soil, uptake in
plants and effects of processing on pathogens, and effects on consumers of
crops; to determine levels of pathogens in sludge, effects of processing on
pathogens, and effects on exposed populations; and to design and evaluate
management systems to minimize adverse effects. The redirection of effort has
produced information that has provided the scientific background for regula-
tions issued under the requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery
Act and the Clean Water Act for control of sludge application to the land.
The escalating cost of energy has had an exceptionally heavy impact on sludge
management practices. Anaerobic digestion, which was steadily losing ground
to aerobic digestion, is now a highly favored process. Incineration has
remained viable only because new dewatering devices produce higher solids
cake. When such upgrading has proved impractical, many municipalities have
turned to lime stabilization. Our program has anticipated the needs imposed
by high cost energy and has concentrated on technology and processing that
minimize power and fuel costs.
4-27
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4.4.2 Recent Research Accomlishments
The sludge management program has made significant advances in technology both
in process development and in resolving scientific issues. Some of the more
significant advances are summarized below.
Lime stabilization. This process has advanced from bench- to full-scale.
Pathogen reduction and stabilization effects have been verified, technology
transfer has been completed and the process has been installed in several
dozen treatment plants. A report entitled "Review of Techniques for Stabili-
zation of Municipal Wastewater Sludges with Lime and Their Ultimate Disposal"
(Camp, Dresser and McKee) is currently in press.
Composting. Cooperative research with USDA has advanced the static pile pro-
cess from pilot- to full-scale, major scientific issues have been resolved,
and adoption by communities has been extensive. The magnitude of the impact
of the process requires a continuing development program. Within-vessel pro-
cesses are being developed for situations, such as close proximity to resi-
dences where unconfined composting has some drawbacks. The USDA project
resulted in the publication of a manual for composting sewage sludge by the
Beltsville Aerated-Pile Method (EPA 600/8-9-80-022). Other reports on this
topic have recently been completed. "Biostabilization of Wastewater Sludge
Via Composting on a Barge" (Resource Conversion Systems, Inc.) and "A Survey
of BAV Composting Plants in Germany" (Camp, Dresser and McKee) are in press,
while "Evaluation of 'Within-Vessel1 Sewage Sludge Composting Systems in
Europe" was published in January 1980 (NTIS No. PB 80-180847).
Pathogen reduction. Awareness of potential hazards related to the presence of
pathogens in sludge and the method of sludge disposal have led the program to
scientific and development efforts that have established the pathogen reduc-
tion capabilities of conventional sludge stabilization processes. The tech-
nology has been defined for producing almost any level of pathogen reduction
at increased but not prohibitive cost. The background of scientific informa-
tion has been of great value in providing both direction and support to recent
RCRA regulations pertaining to the land application of sludge. The partial
4-28
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and total disinfection processes provide process designers with the flexi-
bility to meet requirements of virtually any disposal situation at reasonable
cost. Recently completed reports on this subject include three Sandia Labora-
tory publications. Two deal with the irradiation of sewage sludge and dried
sewage solids (SAND 80-7097 and SAND 79-2240), while the third addresses the
risk to animal health from pathogens in municipal sludge (SAND 80-7088).
Heavy metal discharges from incineration. Investigations of sludge incinera-
tion quantify the losses of heavy metals from sludge incinerators, provide
suggestions for reducing emission levels by operating controls and suggest new
control technology for reducing emissions. One publication on this topic,
entitled "Emissions of Heavy Metals from Sewage Sludge Incinerators" (H. Wall
and J. Parrel 1) is now in press.
New thermal processes. Modifications of incineration (e.g., starved-air com-
bustion) that allow control of hydrocarbon emissions from multiple hearth
furnaces without the need for expensive afterburning have been developed.
This avoids the need for large quantities of high-grade fuel. A recent accom-
plishment in this area is the presentation of a paper on thermal conversion of
sludge in a multiple-hearth furnace, using a substoichiometric supply of
oxygen. The paper was given at the 7th U.S.-Japan Conference on Sewage Treat-
ment Technology (May 1980).
Use of sludge on farms. Demonstrations in Ohio have produced a successful
model plan for use of sludge on private lands that can meet the needs of small
cities. The plan requires that a measure of control be freely given by the
communities to fanner advisory groups. The results of this work are presented
in "Information Programs Affect Attitudes Toward Sewage Sludge Use in Agricul-
ture" (EPA 600/2-80-103), published in July 1980. In addition, two videotapes
of the Ohio Farm Bureau demonstration (for technical and non-technical
audiences) have been prepared and made available through the CERI film
library.
Sludge in land reclamation. The ability of sludge to reclaim soil disturbed
by mining activities has been demonstrated successfully in Pennsylvania.
4-29
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Results have been dramatic and have changed the whole climate of acceptability
in Pennsylvania and adjoining states. Major cities, such as Philadelphia,
have solved their sludge disposal problems by using sludge for rejuvenating
strip-mined land. A recently completed report on this topic is "Revegetating
Strip-Mined Land with Municipal Sewage Sludge" (Pennsylvania Department of
Environmental Resources - in press).
Metals in sludge used in agriculture. A research program, studying the
impacts of metals in sludge on crop uptake and soil fertility, has established
conservatively safe limits for sludge utilization that protect both the food
consumer and soil productivity. This research provided the scientific basis
for recently issued RCRA regulations for the use of sludge on agricultural
land. A report entitled "Effects of Sewage Sludge on the Cadmium and Zinc
Content of Crops" (Council for Agricultural Science and Technology, Report No.
83) resulted from this work.
In addition, the following reports have been completed:
• Treatment
- "Parallel Evaluation of Low Speed Scroll Centrifuges and Belt
Filter Presses for Dewatering Municipal Sewage Sludges," LA County,
in press.
- "Removal and Recovery of Metals and Phosphates from Municipal
Sewage Sludge," University of Waterloo, EPA 60/2-80-037, June 1980.
- "Integrated Energy Systems and Monitoring Municipal Wastewater
Treatment Plant, Wilton, Maine," Wright-Pierce, Interim Report,
over 100 requests for copies mailed out.
- "Chemical Primary sludge Thickening and Dewatering," Eimco, EPA
600/2-79-055, July 1979 (actually released in 1980).
- "Sludge Dewatering and Drying in Sand Beds," University of
Massachusetts, EPA 600/2-78-141, August 1978 (actually released in
1980).
- "Evaluating of Hot-Acid Treatment for Municipal Sludge Condition-
ing," Wai den Research, EPA 600/2-80-096, August 1980.
- "Engineering Assessment of Vermicomposting Municipal Wastewater
Sludges," Camp, Dresser and McKee, in press.
- "Engineering Assessment of Hot-Acid Treatment of Municiplal Sludge
for Heavy Metals Removal," Camp, Dresser, and McKee, in press.
- Pilot Scale Anaerobic Filter Treatment of High Strength Heat Treat-
ment Liquor," Hydroscience, in press.
- "Pilot Scale Anaerobic Filter Treatment of High Strength Heat
Treatment Liquor," Hydroscience, in press.
- "Auto Heated Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion with Air Aeration,"
Cornell University, in press.
4-30
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- "Evaluation and Optimization of the Anaerobic Digestion of Munici-
pal Sludges," Kenosha, Wisconsin, in press.
• Conversion
- "Coincineration of Sewage Sludge with Coal or Wood Chips,"
Minneapolis-ST. Paul, in press.
• Utilization
- "Wastewater Solids Utilization on Land Demonstration Project,"
Ocean County, New Jersey, EPA 600/2-80-090, August 1980.
- "Soils Temperature and Sewage Sludge Effects on Plant and Soil
Properties," USDA, SEA, in press.
- "Effects of Sludge Irrigation on Three Pacific Northwest Forest
Soils," METRO-SEATTLE, Seattle, EPA 600/2-80-002, March 1980.
- "Production of Non-Food Chain Crops with Sewage Sludge," Peer Con-
sultants, Inc., in press.
- "Helminth and Heavy Metals Transmission from Anaerobically Digested
Sewage Sludge," University of Illinois, in press.
4.4.3 Current Research Plan
The research plan is outlined in the milestone charts Tables 4.3a, 4.3b and
4.3c. Some changes in direction are indicated. Conversion technology, for
example, is receiving more emphasis and a new program has been started in
treatment to determine pathogen reduction in extended aeration, oxidation
ditch and similar sludge treatments. Under utilization on land, a task has
been introduced to form a farmer advisory service on sludge, to be operated
through the Cooperative Extension Services (Federal and/or state). Initia-
tives are suggested in the following areas.
Conversion technology. Conversion processes require major funding if they are
to be demonstrated adequately. Progress will be slow unless sufficient funds
are infused to allow test and evaluation programs to be carried out for con-
version processes constructed under other programs (e.g., Construction Grants
Program) and to allow construction as well as evaluation of processes with
outstanding potential. An initiative of $700,000 for three years would allow
the initiation of two important conversion projects.
Land utilization. Negative outlooks on sludge utilization have been generated
by real or proposed restrictions, such as proposed regulations for sludge
give-away programs. Despite the climate of uncertainty, sludge utilization on
4-31
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land is growing, and there are remarkable success stories that are being over-
looked. The success of low application rate use in Ohio (Ohio Farm Bureau)
and reclamation in Pennsylvania shows that the restrictions may in fact have
served a purpose—dubious practices are yielding to practices that unquestion-
ably satisfy regulations and still produce substantial benefits. It will be a
major shortcoming of the program if negative attitudes undermine the will to
do exactly what should be done to find the best approaches and vigorously sup-
port them. Consequently, an initiative is suggested with another state to
support a land reclamation program patterned after efforts in Pennsylvania.
Such a program would cost $190,000/yr for three years.
4.4.4 ORD Response to Agency Rresearch Requirements
Activities in sludge management are divided into three generic areas: treat-
ment of sludge to prepare it for land use, disposal or conversion to another
form; conversion of sludge to a form not recognized as sludge (e.g., compost-
ing, incineration); and utilization and disposal of sludge (utilization is
primarily for soil-amending purposes). In each area, processes and procedures
are developed and demonstrated to provide scientific and engineering informa-
tion of importance to the Agency.
Treatment. Needs expressed by the Program and Regional Offices under this
subheading are listed below:
a. Presence and quantity of toxics in sludge - OPTS(M)
b. Evaluate POTW processes for pathogen reduction - OSW(M)
c. Regrowth prevention for pathogens in sludge - OSW(H)
d. Good management practices for contaminated sludges - OWPO(L)
e. Improved processing information - OWPO(L), OWRS(H)
f. Further information of by-product formation by Purifax process -
Region I(H)
g. High-energy electron irradiation of sludge - Region I(H)
h. Improved methods of sludge processing and disposal for small POTWs -
Region I(H)
i. Develop energy sources from sludge - Region I(M)
4-32
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The major technological subdivisions under treatment are dewatering and condi-
tioning, disinfection and stabilization, energy technology, and toxicants
removal.
• Dewatering and conditioning. An important influence on progress in
this area, particularly in recent years, has been aggressive competi-
tion among manufacturers of equipment and among producers of
polymeric conditioning agents. Encouragement of development of new
devices and conditioning agents is not ordinarily needed rather,
unbiased assessment of the best areas for utilization, comparative
economics, design procedures, and performance histories are appropri-
ate. Recent efforts have been dissemination of information, such as
the process design manual, "Sludge Treatment and Disposal," and a
strategy manual for sludge dewatering, which is in preparation. This
latter effort responds to a direct need of the Office of Water Pro-
gram Operations.
It is proposed to regularly prepare reviews of rapidly advancing
areas of treatment technology and to disseminate this information to
EPA, state staffs and practicing engineers.
• Disinfection and stabilization. The advances needed in this area are
for basic information on effects and new processes. For the most
part, the private sector has shown little activity in this area, so
initiative has had to come from EPA's program. Primary emphasis has
been on adequately reducing putrefaction potential of sludge while at
the same time achieving suitable pathogen destruction. Considerable
effort has gone into establishing pathogen reduction levels of anaer-
obic digestion and into newer processes that produce greater reduc-
tions. This information has provided important support for RCRA
regulations.
The requirement of RCRA regulations that all sludge be treated at
least by a process that "significantly reduces pathogens" before it
can be applied to 'land makes it appear likely that sludges from pro-
cesses such as aerobic digestion, extended aeration and oxidation
ditches will require additional treatment before they can be used on
land. It is important to find out as soon as possible whether or not
these processes are adequate, and if not, what are the least costly
ways to bring them into conformance with requirements. This effort
will be conducted by the Process Development Program. It responds to
needs informally communicated by staff from Regions V, VI, VII and
VIII.
• Energy technology. Energy technology in "treatment" of sludge pri-
marily considers energy in pumping, dewatering and stabilizing
sludge. There is great interest in maximizing methane generation and
maximizing the energy return from the methane. A modular turbine is
scheduled for evaluation at a California sewage treatment plant in
1981. A report on the use of solar energy in sludge treatment also
is expected in 1981. Review of advances in energy conservation in
4-33
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sludge treatment are planned on a regular basis. These efforts will
be coordinated with the Energy Conservation Research Program and sup-
port the needs of Region 1 and OWPO.
• Toxicants removal. Many sludges have levels of toxic metals high
enough to cause concern in land application. Others have toxic
organic contaminants that are of concern in ocean disposal and, in a
few cases, could be of concern if sludge is utilized on land. Oppor-
tunities for disposal or use could be greatly expanded if these sub-
stances could be economically removed from sludge. Unfortunately,
agents that remove metals and organic toxicants are radically dif-
ferent. Consequently, efforts have been concentrated on the goal
most likely to be achieved—removal of metals. Techniques, such as
extraction with hot acid, have proved successful but are not cost-
effective under most circumstances.
Current efforts are concentrating on improving the economics by con-
ducting the metal removal in an electrochemical cell and depositing
the metals on an electrode. Acid requirement is reduced and costs of
re-precipitating the metals are avoided. No new approaches are
planned until the present approach has been evaluated. The possi-
bility of immobilizing toxics by some kind of treatment rather than
removing them will continue to be considered, although this approach
has not been fruitful. One research requirement (d) is not addressed
by the current research program.
Conversion. The following nine needs have been expressed in the areas of
thermal and non-thermal conversion:
a. Bulking agents for composting - OWPO(L)
b. Air emission controls for thermal conversion - OWPO(M)
c. Economics of co-disposal - OWPO(M)
d. Composting guide for small communities - OWPO(M)
e. Evaluating full-scale conversion systems, including special studies
of thermal conversion - OWPO(H), Region II, Region VII
f. Improved methods of sludge processing and disposal at small POTWs -
Region I(H), Region X(H)
g. Evaluating new European technology - Region II(H)
h. Evaluating vermicomposting - Region VI(H)
i. Fate of toxics from incineration - OPTS(M)
• Thermal processes. The primary need for conventional incineration of
sludge has been to satisfy informational needs on air pollution dis-
charges. These needs have been reasonably well satisfied by recent
work. As other thermal processes are developed, this kind of infor-
mation will have to be obtained for each new process. Some of the
4-34
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new thermal processes that have been developed are: starved-air com-
bustion of sludge or sludge-solid waste mixtures; oxygen or air-blown
gas producers that use sludge cake in conjunction with solid fuels
such as coal; refuse-derived fuel or solid waste; and pyrolytic pro-
cesses that convert sludge to oil and char or to a synthesis gas that
can be converted to a gasoline-range fuel.
For starved-air combustion and gas producer processes, the major
remaining need is to prove that they work on a large scale. For the
pyrolytic processes, there is a need to not only prove the tech-
nology, but also to determine compatibility with wastewater treatment
Efforts to date have brought several processes to the brink of demon-
stration, but funds have not permitted proceeding beyond this point.
Demonstration and evaluation will proceed as far as funds will per-
mit. Current efforts will center on funding an operating period for
the Eco-Rock pilot plant at Philadelphia (conversion of solid waste
and sludge to aggregate), completing an evaluation of co-incineration
at Duluth and air pollution studies at a number of co-incineration
sites. Developments in thermal conversions are a high priority need
of the Office of Water Program Operations and Region VII.
t Non-thermal conversion processes. The most outstanding non-thermal
conversion process is composting. Success of unconfined composting
has been outstanding although some development problems will inevita-
bly arise as the process finds more application. Within-vessel com-
posting is being developed to solve some of the problems of uncon-
fined composting.
Pilot-scale demonstration of a new approach to unconfined composting
will be completed in 1981 (temperature control by air modulation).
Within-vessel composting is being explored by Ohio State University
and a report should be available in 1982. Needs defined in a and f
above not met by ORD's present sludge management program.
Utilization on land. The research needs expressed by the Program and Regional
Offices can be summarized as follows:
a. Fate of toxics from land-applied sludge - OPTS(M), OSW(H)
b. Adherence of sludge to crops - OSW(M)
c. Plant uptake mechanisms for trace metals - OSW(M)
d. Compare current methods for dietary cadmium exposure evaluation -
OSW(M)
e. Cadmium uptake by leafy plants, peanuts and fruits - OSW(L)
f. Home garden studies of pathogens in sludge - OSW(M)
g. Home garden studies of PCBs in sludge - OSW(M)
h. Plant uptake of organics and trace metals (other than PCB, Cd, Pb) -
OSW(M)
4-35
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1. Regrowth prevention for pathogens in sludge - OSW(H)
j. Analyze sludge-derived fertilizers for pathogens - OSW(H)
k. Adherence of PCBs in sludge to crops - OSW(H)
1. Uptake of PCBs by root crops - OSW(H)
m. Accumulation of PCBs in beef and milkfat - OSW(H)
n. Plant uptake of lead - OSW(H)
o. Load application of sludge on non-food chain croplands - OSW(H)
p. Good management practices for contaminated sludges - OWPO(L)
q. Improved sludge processing information - OWPO(L)
r. Multi-media relative risk evaluations for sludge management - OWPO(L)
s. Ecological assessment of land application of sludge management -
OWPO(L)
t. State-of-the-art health assessment for land application and followup
studies - OWPO(H), OSW(H,M), Region IV(H)
u. Design manual for land application - OWPO(H), Region I(H), Region
II(H), Region VIII(H)
v. Assist University of Connecticut study of sludge application to corn
crops - Region I(H)
w. Improved methods of sludge processing and disposal at small POTWs -
Region I(H)
x. Acceptability of landspreading of urban area sludges - Region II(H)
y. Monitoring of cadmium in sludge amended soils - Region V(H)
Categories for land-use projects are somewhat general, since virtually all
projects are multipurpose. They are used below primarly for organizational
purposes.
• Use on agricultural and disturbed land. Studies and demonstrations
indicate that acceptability of sludge by farmers is vastly improved
when the program is placed in the hands of people they trust (Ohio
Farm Bureau Coopertive Agreement). Sludge offers unusual advantages
in renovation of strip mines (State of Pennsylvania), sludge can be
used on sandy soil with minimal impact (Rutgers University), and
carefully controlled projects produce no environmental hazards (USDA
at Minneapolis).
Future needs call for the transfer of information to potential users
of sludge rather than for more demonstrations. Plans are being made
to involve farmer advisory organizations in a program to communicate
the advantages of sludge use to farmers and to establish advisory
centers for sludge users, staffed by people whose primary loyalty is
to the sludge producer.
4-36
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• Toxic substances. The toxic substances of concern are heavy metals
and certain organic compounds. For the heavy metals, knowledge of
concentration levels and effects is adequate for design of environ-
mentally safe systems. Although our knowledge is far from complete,
guidelines have been developed that permit sludge to be used on agri-
cultural land within certain limits. Continuing research is needed
to determine whether these guidelines are excessively conservative.
Parallel studies are needed in the health field to determine whether
the limitations for human ingestion of cadmium (the element of prin-
cipal concern) are realistic.
For toxic organic compounds, our knowledge of all aspects of the
problem—analytical techniques, concentrations in sludges, effects on
soil and groundwater, plant uptake, effects on food consumers—is
rudimentary. The beginning steps are being made. Analytical tech-
niques are being developed by others and the sludge management pro-
gram is investigating uptake by plants and toxicity to plants of cer-
tain organic compounds. With information just now becoming available
on the nature and concentration of toxic organic compounds in sludge,
plans can be made for determining the impact of the toxicant on soil-
plant systems and, equally important, the ability of the soil-sludge
system to decompose the toxicant.
• Pathogens. The sludge management program has done much important
work in establishing the density levels of pathogens in sludges and
the reductions caused by treatment processes. Investigations are
proceeding to solve the much more difficult problem of establishing
the pathogen densities that are safe for certain kinds of disposal
and utilization practices. An important phase of the land utiliza-
tion project with the Ohio Farm Bureau (see above) is to determine
whether there are any negative health effects on animals or humans
from the use of sludge on agricultural land. Needs of the Office of
Solid Waste reflect its keen interest in epidemiological studies to
quantify illness risk caused by sludge utilization. Properly con-
ducted epidemiological studies are extremely expensive and frequently
inconclusive unless the effects are large. Epidemiological studies,
carefully selected to maximize the likelihood of significant informa-
tion, are being planned jointly with EPA's Health Effects Laboratory.
The needs which are not being addressed by current research are f, i,
j, k, 1, m, p, r, and w.
4-37
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.3a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Municipal Sludge Management—Processing and Stabilization
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Dewatering and Conditioning
a. Biennial report on cost, performance and
design data on thickening and dewaterlng
b. SOA report on chemical sludge handling
c. Technology assessment for dewatering to
high-cake solids
d. Data on to-feed rotary vacuum filter
e. Full-scale evaluation of dewatering
devices
2. Disinfection and Stabilization
a. Purifax Evaluation Report
b. SOA report on lime stabilization
c. SOA report on Vermicomposting
d. Report on pathogen survival in aerobic
digestion
e. Evaluation of new and innovative methods
f. Report on gamma ray irradiation for
stabilization
g. Procedure for characterizing sludge
stability
h. Determine pathogen reductions in sludge
from extended aeration and oxidation
ditch plants
3. Energy-Related Sludge Technology
a. Report on improved anaerobic digester
and energy production
b. Solar energy and digester gas use
demonstration
FY80
0 DJF A J A
A
A
A
A
A
A
FY81
O D F A| J A
A A
A A
A
A A
A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
A
A
A
A
FY83
0 D F A J A
A
A
FY84
O D F A J A
A
A
A
A
FY85
0 D F A J A
0 D
A
A
A
# Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
^— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.3a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Municipal Sludge Management—Processing and Stabilization
R&D OBJECTIVE
c. Demonstration of modular gas turbine for
POTW energy
4. Toxicants Removal
a. Report on heat and acid treatment for
conditioning heavy metals removal
b. Assessment of present technologies for
heavy metals removal
c. Heavy metals removal by centritugal
classification
d. Bench-scale evaluation of heavy metals
removal process (U. Carbide), followed
by pilot-scale evaluation
FY80
O D[ F A J A
A
FY81
O D FJA J A
A
A
FY82
0 D F A J A
A
A
FY83
OJD F A J A
f\
FY84
O D F A J A
A
FY85
O D F A J A
0 D
+ Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.3b
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Municipal Sludge Management—Conversion and Energy Recovery
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Evaluate Thermal Processes and Energy Recovery
a. Evaluation of co-Incineration project
b. Evaluation of 2nd co-incineration process
(Eco-Rock process)
c. Evaluation of pyrolysis with RDF
addition and high solids cake
2. Characterize Emissions from Sludge Disposal
Facilities
a. Reports on sludge incinerator emissions i
b. Evaluation of incinerators with best
SOA pollution control devices
c. Summary report on incinerator emissions
and evaluation of advanced control
technologies
d. Determine 'emissions from co- incineration
3. Evaluate Composting and Other Conversion
Processes
a. Report on European technology and t
leading within-vessel process
b. Additional evaluations of within-vessel
processes
c. Report on composting on a barge
d. Demonstration of unique U.S. composting
process
e. Optimization of composting
4. Study Emerging Resource Recovery Processes
a. Evaluation of wet oxidation in a deep-well
reactor
FY80
0 D F A J A
>
A
k
A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
A
(\ A
A
A
& 6.
A
FY82
O D F A J A
i
A
FY83
0 D F A J A
A
k
FY84
O 0 F A J A
A
/
A
FY85
0 D F A J A
i
A
O D
+ Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
^ Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.3b
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Municipal Sludge Management—Conversion and Energy Recovery
R&D OBJECTIVE
b. Contractor evaluation of deep-well wet
oxidation
c. Feasibility study of liquefaction of
sludge to produce synthetic fuel
d. NATO-CCMS study, sludge disposal with
energy recovery
e. Review of novel sludge conversion
technologies
f. Evaluation of sludge gasification systems
g. Evaluation of novel sludge and solid
waste co-disposal process
FY80
IOD F A J A
FY81
O D F A J A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
A
FY83
lO D F A J A
A
A
A
FY84
i£ D F A J A
A
A
FY85
O D F A J A
A
O D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.3c
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Sludge Management—Land Application Management and Disposal
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Impacts of Toxicants on Crop Response and
Site Life
a. Chemistry of metals in sludge-amended
soils
b. Effects of long-term use
c. Impacts of prolonged application of
various rates
d. Cumulative loadings of metals vs. annual
sludge application
e. Soil factors affecting metal absorption
f. Fate & effects of toxic organics in
sludge applied to agricultural land
g. Crop uptake of metals under various soil
properties
2. Sludge Management Practices for Soil Systems
a. Sludge use in sandy coastal plain soils
b. Demonstration of sludge use to reclaim
acidic mine spoils
c. Proper site management on agricultural
soils
d. Fate/effects from various land applica-
tion management schemes
e. Prepare a design manual
f. Develop a Farmer Advisory Service on
sludge use (milestone is starting date)
3. Assess Fate and Effects of Pathogenic
Organisms
a. Static pile composting
FY80
O|D F A
A
J|A
A
A
A
A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
A
A
A
A
FY82
o D|F A j A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
FY83
0 D F A J A
A
FY84
0 D F A JJA
A
A
FY85
0 D F A J A
O D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.3c
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Municipal Sludge Management—Land Application Management and Disposal
R&D OBJECTIVE
b. Helminth transmission from sludge use
c. Pathogen requirements for RCRA
d. Demonstration of beneficial use of sludge
on farms (including epidemiological
study)
e. Effectiveness of sludge storage in
diminishing parasitic ova
f. Parasites in sludge
A. Assess the Use of Sludge for Energy & Other
Non-Food Chain Crops
a. Sludge use in western forest
b. Feasibility of energy crop production
with sludge
c. Non-food chain crops from sludge '
d. Sludge use to grow trees in Eastern U.S.
5. Assess Long-Term Impact of High Rate
Application on Soil
a. Assessment of high rate application
b. Evaluation of sludge landfilling
c. Management document for sludge use in
mine reclamation
FY80
O D F A J A
A
A
A
A
A
FY81
0 D F A|J A
A
A
A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
FY83
0 D F A J A
A
A A
A
A
A
FY84
0 D F A J A
FY85
O D F A J]A
A
O D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
4.5 PLANT OPERATIONS AND DESIGN RESEARCH
4.5.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
The ORD plant operations and design program, including the automation and
instrumentation subsection, supports Titles I through IV of the Clean Water
Act of 1977 (PL 95-217). Specifically, the program develops information lead-
ing to improved training, as required under Sections 104(g) and 109(b) of
Title I of the Act. Principal program responsibility is for supporting the
cost effective facility planning, design and construction of publicly owned
municipal treatment facilities, including the planning, management and conduct
of plant start-up activities. A second major program responsibility is the
investigation and development of technologies, procedures and techniques to
improve the compliance of POTWs as required by Titles III and IV of the Act.
Overall program goals and objectives are to develop, demonstrate and dissemi-
nate information leading to:
• Improved compliance of new and existing POTWs
• Improved unit process and total plant reliability
• Reduced construction cost for municipal treatment plants and collec-
tion systems
• Improved fiscal management of municipal treatment works
• Improved automation and instrumentation technology which will achieve
better performance of water pollution control systems and/or cost
reduction
Activities of the program have broadened during the past few years as a result
of a 3-1/2 year, 30-plant comprehensive survey to identify and prioritize the
causes of municipal non-compliance. As a result of this study, the plant ;
operations and design program also provides technical assistance on a high
priority request basis to EPA's Office of Enforcement, Office of Water Program
Operations and the ten Regional administrators. The program also reviews and
comments on Agency policy, PRMs and guidance materials and participates in the
development of national compliance and construction grants strategies.
4-44
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4.5.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
Since completion of the National Survey that identified and ranked over 70
specific problems with non-complying plants, the plant operations and design
program has undertaken a number of projects to satisfy identified needs. Com-
pleted outputs are shown as darkened triangles in the milestone matrix.
Program accomplishments. High impact accomplishments of the plant operations
and design program are summarized below.
• As a result of the large number of noted design deficiencies, a study
was completed that identified and developed specific remedial mea-
sures for 3,260 separate design deficiencies for both existing and
new plant construction. (Report in press.)
• Because of the impact of sidestreams on plant performance noted dur-
ing the National Survey and because of needs identified by EPA
Regions and operating programs, a study which outlines specific
design modifications and operational techniques that can be used to
ameliorate or eliminate the adverse impact of sidestreams on new or
existing plants was completed (Report in press). Sidestreams from
sludge dewatering and heat treatment processes were identified as the
most troublesome.
• Based on the severe non-compliance problems noted during the National
Survey, a comprehensive plant evaluation program was developed to
address the major factors causing non-compliance. The developed
procedure, called the Composite Correction Program (CCP), was tested
at 12 separate facilities and, in each case, resulted in bringing
non-complying plants into compliance. This technique was endorsed by
EPA's Office of Enforcement and has been incorporated into the
Agency's National Compliance Strategy. ORD has further developed a
CCP protocol to provide guidance to the private sector to employ this
technique. It is estimated that 70% of all non-complying plants can
be brought into compliance using this approach. It is currently
being demonstrated statewide in Colorado under a recent grant awarded
by the plant operation and design program.
• When problems with POTW mechanical components were identified as a
major factor in non-compliance, a study was undertaken to quantify
the reliability of well maintained mechanical components throughout
the United States (Report in press). This study is the first of its
kind to document actual mean time between failures for mechanical
plant components. As a follow-up to this effort, a feasibility study
was completed to determine if a construction grants hotline for
mechanical component problems would be useful to the operations and
engineering community. This concept is now in operation for belt-
filter presses and is co-sponsored by OWPO.
4-45
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• As it became apparent that private sector expertise would be required
to solve the municipal compliance problem, an in-house study was con-
ducted to determine private sector expertise in plant operations. In
analyzing the 107 responses to a request for qualifications, it was
found that 25% of the firms provide full operational services, while
60% of the firms provide technical assistance related to compliance
problems. This study further concluded that private sector expertise
would improve technical assistance related to compliance problems.
This study concluded that private sector expertise would improve as
more incentives were provided to the municipalities through tougher
EPA enforcement. (Unpublished report.)
• Within the area of automation and instrumentation, preliminary
studies indicated that basic technology development in the area of
sensor reliability and process control of treatment processes was
necessary as a foundation upon which automation systems could be con-
structed. Consequently, major efforts have been made to devise
instrumentation specifications and certification standards for com-
monly applied on-line sensors. This effort is resulting in produc-
tion of model instrument specifications which can be used by munici-
pal officials, consulting engineers and construction grant officials
to make judgments on the purchase and application of instruments for
monitoring and control applications. Evaluations of process control
strategies for liquid treatment unit operations in treatment plants
were conducted and those found acceptable were incorporated into a
recently published design manual (EPA 600/8-80-028). A major effort
is currently under way in the area of developing sludge conditioning
and dewatering strategies.
The following represents a summary of major program output documents completed
during the last fiscal year and those programmed during FY 81.
Program Area* Reports Completed in FY 80 To Be Completed in FY 81
1 3 1
2 1 1
342
444
522
602
713
IB" total T5" total
*Numbers refer to major program areas shown on milestone chart (Table 4.4a)
4-46
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Publications completed in 1980 which deal with plant operations and design are
listed below:
Crosby, R.M., and Bender J.H., "Hydraulic Considerations that Affect
Secondary Clarifier Performance," Technology Transfer, March 1980.
"Performance of Biological Wastewater Treatment Plants, Effects of Toxic
Pollutants," Draft Report, September 1980.
"Hourly Diurnal Variations in Publicly Owned Wastewater Treatment Facili-
ties," Draft Report, April 1980.
"Operation and Maintenance Considerations of Land Treatment Systems,"
Draft Report, December 1980.
"Review of RBC Design Procedures, and Process, O&M, Equipment and Power
Performance," Draft Report, September 1980
Chesner, W.H., and lannone, J.J., "Current Status of Municipal Wastewater
Treatment with RBC Technology in the U.S.," Proceedings; First National
Symposium/Workshop on Rotating Biological Contactor Technology, February
-
"Evaluation of Design, Operation, Maintenance and Administrative Factors
Limiting Treatment Plant Performance - Phase II," EPA 600/2-80-129, August
1980.
"Model Protocol for the Comprehensive Evaluation of Publicly Owned Treat-
ment Works Performance and Operation," Final Report.
4.5.3 Current Research Plan
The major program outputs milestone chart for fiscal years 1980-1985 (Table
4.4a) contains details on specific program outputs. Entries for which no
milestone appears are tasks which will, at some future time, contribute to a
major research output.
New program directions and initiatives. From FY81 through FY85 the plant
operations and design program will continue to support the legislatively man-
dated national construction grants program and will respond to changes in that
program as dictated by changing national needs.
Emphasis will be placed on early identification and examination of critical
operating parameters for emerging and alternative technologies before charac-
teristic O&M problems develop. This is considered critical because of the
large impetus given to new technologies as a part of the I/A technology pro-
gram mandated under the Clean Water Act. Many of these technologies are
4-47
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heavily mechanically oriented, involve new unit operations and are completely
new to present day plant operating personnel. Emphasis will also be placed on
reduction of plant operating costs to meet current requirements for secondary
treatment or less stringent future ones.
For newly constructed plants, program efforts will continue to improve design
criteria and to examine new concepts such as fail-safe design practices, as
well as the use of new planning and implementation concepts such as generic
facility plans and certain turn-key design and construction practices.
The program will also continue to develop and maintain the computerized plant
operation and performance data base. The effort will be extended to include
plant operating costs and will concentrate on improving methods for reporting
data on the management of sewer collector systems.
As a new initiative, the program proposes to undertake a comprehensive invest-
igation of design and operational deficiencies of sludge handling processes
with emphasis on identification of capacity-limiting problems, equipment
incompatability and lack of process control. An initial assessment study will
be completed in FY81. Results from this study will provide future program
direction and an estimate of budget needs. It is anticipated that $300-500K
will be needed above base program requirements over a 2-3 year period.
Another new initiative will be the establishment,'within the program, of a
group of experts knowledgeable in performance problems at POTWs. This group
will consist of three engineers who will direct the efforts of a number of
contractors. A municipality will contact this group who, traveling at the
municipality's expense, will visit the site and assess the types of problems
limiting the plant's performance. After the problems have been assessed, EPA
contractors, under different level of effort contracts, will provide solutions
to the problems. The contractor, paid by EPA, will deal directly with the
municipality. This new initiative will require three new positions and from
$500-1000K per year to implement.
4-48
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A long-term goal in the automation and instrumentation area is to develop pro-
cedures to optimize a series of unit operations and/or processes to achieve a
specific discharge goal. In such a situation, not all of the processes need
be optimized in order to achieve the most cost-effective solution. A modest
amount of technology transfer activity is also planned to ensure that these
developments are transmitted to the user community. Most important is the
effort starting next year to provide training seminars in procedures of
selecting, specifying, installing and maintaining instrumentation.
A new initiative is planned in the area of system automation which deals
primarily with the use of computers to aid in the operation of single treat-
ment plants, pump stations and networks of treatment plants. This area of
activity will explore and develop potential cost advantages of the use of
modern computer technology. A start in this direction was made in the past
year with studies of the computer assisted operation, maintenance and remote
monitoring of a treatment plant. These studies have indicated significant
reductions in the cost of treatment plant operation and maintenance, in con-
junction with improved plant performance. New inexpensive yet very powerful
microprocessors and minicomputers will also be examined. These units are
capable of taking over all of the process control operations at a modest sized
1-5 mgd treatment plant. The concept of local process control by micropro-
cessors reporting to a supervisory control minicomputer at a large treatment
plant will also be explored. Finally, areawide management of a network of
plants will be tested. The latter will include flow routing and sewer storage
of storm flows.
4.5.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
The plant operations and design program is responsive to several groups. The
most recent needs formally submitted to the plant operations and design pro-
gram by these groups are summarized below.
a. Design information series for professional society impact - OWPO(H)
b. Develop design guidelines for new and improved processes - OWPO(M)
c. Update design information of guidelines - OWPO(M)
4-49
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d. Atypical wastewater treatment - OWPO(L)
e Formation of technical assistance group for POTWs- OWPO(L)
f. Toxics formation in POTWs due to design processes, e.g., super
chlorination - OWRS(H)
g. Methods to reduce energy consumption at POTWs - Region I(H)
h. Methods to improve operational efficiency - Region I(H)
i. Methods to identify design deficiencies - Region I(H)
j. Development of computer models of biological wastewater treatment
processes - Region I(H)
k. Refresher courses for operators - Region IV(H)
1. Evaluate types of clarifiers - Region IV(H)
m. Guidelines to select specific unit processes - Region IV(H)
n. More specific POTW design criteria - Region IV(M)
o. Guidelines to justify AWT treatment processes - Region V(H)
p. Continuation of technology transfer - Region V(H)
q. Reliability of sand, multi-media and other final filters - Region
V(H)
r. Demonstration of automation of small POTWs - Region VII(H)
s. Design parameters for optimum clarifier performance - Region VIII(H)
t. Improved supernatant quality in anaerobic digestion - Region VIII(H)
u. Reliability of NH3 - N reduction in cold climes - Region VIII(H)
In addition to the above list of needs, the program has developed a comprehen-
sive set of research needs based on the results of the 3-1/2 year National
Survey. Listed in Table 4.4b is a priority ranking of 70 factors that were
shown to limit POTW compliance.
Elimination or reduction of the impact of the major factors listed in Table
4.4b were considered priority needs in the development of the plant operation
and design strategy and the formulation of the sub-program area goals.
The research program/problem area matrix (Table 4.4c) describes eight program
areas of the plant operations and design program and the specific needs that
each area and area project satisfies. The milestone matrix (Table 4.4a)
indicates major program outputs for FY80 through 85.
4-50
-------
Several groups indicated high priority needs related to improved design infor-
mation for municipal wastewater treatment processes. The plant operations and
design program is addressing these needs through research to improve treatment
process operation and design. These results as well as relevant research
results from other sources are being assembled into a usable format that will
be disseminated through the Design Information Series. Design Information
Series (DIS) documents are designed to supplement the existing body of infor-
mation used for the design of POTWs. These information documents, prepared in
conjunction with OWPO, ASCE and WPCF, will be based on the latest results from
EPA-sponsored and other full-scale research studies. They will contain full-
scale performance data and other state-of-the-art technical information and
will provide, in a condensed format, a synopsis of both the methods and
scientific basis for the rational design of municipal treatment works unit
processes, systems and system components. Improved guidance and design infor-
mation will be disseminated for both conventional and newer technologies
through the publication of four to six documents per year for the next five
years. The documents will undergo an intensive two-step peer review process
to insure the highest possible technical quality before final publication.
The overall development of the information documents is under the direction of
an executive committee including membership from EPA, ASCE and WPCF. The
first five documents, to be finished in 1981, cover the subjects of hydraulic
peaking, rotating biological contactor design, land application, effects of
sidestreams on biological treatment plants and aeration devices.
Needs have been identified relative to the performance of various unit pro-
cesses. Research is proceeding and new efforts are planned that will improve
the hydraulics and performance of secondary clarifiers. Design deficiencies
limiting performance have been identified and potential correction procedures
developed. Control of sidestreams, including those from anaerobic digesters,
have been investigated from both a design and operational viewpoint.
Research will continue on the development of methods and procedures for
improved systems reliability. Completed studies have investigated the
inherent stability/reliability of biological processes and the reliability of
4-51
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conventional mechanical components. Future efforts will include investiga-
tions of the reliability of various physical tertiary treatment processes com-
paring improved reliability with increased costs. Overall eliability guide-
lines will be developed that will allow the engineer to consider reliability
concepts in his designs.
With the Agency stressing use of innovative technologies, the plant operations
and design program perceives a need to evaluate the O&M of these non-
conventional technologies. The program has observed a close inter-
relationship between process design and process operability. Inabilities to
operate the process can be related to design deficiencies. In the development
of new technologies, operability may not be considered until after the tech-
nology is in use. By this time, design deficiencies limiting operability and
reliability may be prevalent throughout the installation. Evaluations per-
formed earlier in the development of the process could identify such deficien-
cies and eliminate them.
With the continuing compliance problem in municipal wastewater treatment
facilities, the program perceives a need to continue to assess selected
problem areas related to municipal facility compliance. This will assist in
the solution of problems and in the assessment of needs for further research.
The major research requirements identified in the latest compilation of Agency
needs which are addressed by the automation and instrumentation (A/I) activity
are: the general requirement to improve plant operation, maintenance and
reliability; the development of computer-based process control strategies; and
the application of automation technology to small treatment plants. In addi-
tion, Table 4.4b presents some specific factors limiting plant performance
which are now and will in the future be addressed by automation research.
The A/I activity consists of four areas: instrument development; process con-
trol strategy development; system automation; and technology transfer. The
activities in these areas respond both in broad-based and specific ways to the
needs referred to above. The instrumentation work is broad-based in that it
will ensure the availability of good quality instruments for all types of
4-52
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monitoring, especially that associated with process control efforts. The work
on control stategies is more specifically focused, concentrating first on con-
ventional sludge handling and later on novel biological treatment processes.
A number of needs specified by the Program and Regional Offices are not
addressed by the current research plan. The gathering of information on
toxics formation in POTWs as a result of design processes is not currently
planned. In addition, Region V's request for guidelines to justify advanced
waste treatment processes is not met by any scheduled projects. Other unad-
dressed needs include a study on the reliability of sand, multi-media and
other final filters (Region V), work on improving supernatant quality in
anaerobic digestion and an assessment of the reliability of NH3-N reduction in
cold climes (Region VIII).
4-53
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.4a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Plant Operations and Design
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Problem Assessment Studies Related to POTW
Compliance Problems
a. National O&M cause and effect survey
b. Assessment of sludge handling problems
c. Evaluation of on-site training programs
d. Evaluation of peak flows at POTWs
e. Evaluation of RBC operation and
performance
2. O&M Evaluations of Non-Conventional
Technologies
a. O&M of land treatment systems
b. Evaluation of bio-fouling fine bubble
dif fusers
c. O&M of ozone disinfection systems
d. O&M considerations of emerging
technologies
3. Improved Plant Operations and Design
a. POTW design deficiencies
b. Improved secondary clarifier performance
c. Impact of flow variations on secondary
clarifier
d. Evaluation of improved inlet design
e. Evaluation of in-channel clarifier
f. Impact of sldestreams on POTW performance
g. Computerized data base
h. Improved O&M of land treatment systems
FY80
O|D F A J|A
A
FY81
0 D F A j|A
A
A
A
A
A
A
FY82
OD F A J 7
A
A
FY83
OJD F A J A
A
FY84
O D F A J A
FY85
O D F A J A
0 D
# Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.4a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Plant Operations and Design
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. CCP protocol
j. CCP demonstration
k. Develop approach for evaluating water
quality management strategies
1. Evaluation of methods for evaluating
standards & monitoring for water quality
management
A. Design Information Series (DIS)
a. DIS #1 Impact of peak flows on primary
b. DIS 112 impact of peak flows on suspended
growth
c. DIS #3 impact of peak flows on attached
growth
d. DIS H RBC
e. Other DIS documents
5. Improved Systems Reliability
a. Reliability of biological systems
including toxics
b. Reliability of mechanical components
c. Reliability guidelines
d. Application of fail-safe design to POTWs
6. Cost of Operation, Maintenance and Management
a. Development of O&M cost data collection
procedures
b. Collection of historical O&M cost data
c. Methods for reduction of O&M costs
FY80
O D F A|j A
A
A
FY81
O|D F|A|J|A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
FY82
o D F|A J|A
A
A
FY83
O D F A J A
A A
A
A
FY84
O DJF A J A
A
A
FY85
o D F|A|J|A
A
0 D
+ Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.4a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Plant Operations and Design
R&D OBJECTIVE
7. Utilities Management
a. Develop of model management systems
(MARS)
b. Demonstration of centralized management
(CCWDA)
c. Evaluation of remote monitoring
d. Circuit rider optimization model
8. Information Dissemination and Technical
Assistance
a. National conference on compliance
problems
b. Provide technical assistance on request
basis to 10% of program resources
9. Automation and Instrumentation -
Certification and Development
a. Specification for flowmeters
b. Specifications for dissolved oxygen
meters
c. Specifications for chlorine analyzers
d. Specifications for organic analyzers
e. Specifications for suspended solids
f. *Specif ications for N&P measurement
g. Start-up of certification laboratory
h. *Toxanalyzer specifications
i. Other specific pollutants
FY80
o D|F|A j A
FY81
0 D F A J A
A
A
A
A
A
FY82
0 D F A J A
A
A
A
A
FY83
0 D F A| J A
i
A
A
A
FY84
0 D F A J A
A
A
FY85
O D F A J A
A
A
0 D
A
# Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.4a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Plant Operations and Design
R&D OBJECTIVE
10. Automation and Instrumentation -
Technology Transfer
a. Preparation of technology transfer
symposium
b. Presentation of technology transfer
symposium
c. *Preparation of operator training course
d. Energy savings design manual
e. *Conputer system selection and use manual
f. Preparation second generation technology
transfer manual
11. Automation and Instrumentation -
Process Control
a. Control strategy anaerobic digestion
b. Control strategy vacuum filtration
c. Control strategy incineration
d. Control strategy centrifuge
e. Control strategy conventional activated
sludge
f. Control strategy filter press
g. Control strategy expanded bed biological
contactor
h. Control strategy RBC units
i. *Control strategy novel biological
treatment
j. *Control strategy sludge treatment
system
FY80
O D F A
J
A
FY81
0 D F AJJ A
A
A
A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
A
A
A
FY83
O D F A J A
A
A
A
FY84
0 D F A J A
A
A
A
FY85
O D F A J A
A
A
O D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
± Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.4a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Plant Operations and Design
R&D OBJECTIVE
k. Optimization procedure series of
treatment processes
12. Automation and Instrumentation -
System Automation
a. Computer assisted O&M (man in loop)
b. Remote monitoring of T.P. by alarms
c. *Marketing study of use of new computer
concepts
d. Pilot plant use of microprocessor control
for activated sludge plant
e. *Demonstration of use of microprocessor
control for activated sludge plant
f. Demonstrate use of remote sensors for
enforcement, and treatment plant
protection
g. *Demonstrate use of "smart computer to
run simple treatment plant"
h. Start demostration of areawide management
FY80
0 D F A J A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
A
FY82
0 D F|A J A
A
A
FY83
0 D F A J A
A
A
FY84
OOF A|J|A
A
FY85
0 D F A J A
A
A
0 D
% Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
Table 4.4b
COLLECTIVE RANKING OF FACTORS
LIMITING PLANT PERFORMANCE
LIMITING FACTOR
Factor
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
Area
0
0
D
0
0
D
D
D
0
D
D
D
0
D
0
D
A
D
A
D
A
M
D
D
0
M
D
D
M
M
A
A
A
M
D
A
A
D
M
D
0
D
A
D
M
Description
Operator Application of Concepts & Testing
to Process Control
Process Control Testing
Infiltration/Inflow
Sewage Treatment Understanding
Technical Guidance
Sludge Wasting & Return Capability
Secondary Process Controllability
Secondary Process Flexibility
O&M Manual Inadequacy
Aerator
Sludge Treatment
Industrial Loading
Staff Training
Secondary Clarifier
Performance Monitoring
Ultimate Sludge Disposal
Plant Administration, Familiarity with Needs
Disinfection
Plant Staff - Number
Plant Hydraulic Loading
Plant Staff - Plant Coverage
Spare Parts Inventory
Laboratory Space & Equipment
Return Process Stream
Equipment Malfunction
Lack of Preventive Maintenance Program
Alternative Power Source
Organic Loading
General Housekeeping
Maintenance Scheduling & Recording
Administration Policies
Plant Staff Productivity
Insufficient Funding
Manpower
Preliminary Unit Design
Staff Motivation
Working Conditions
Alarm Systems
Critical Parts Procurement
Flow Proportioning to Units
Staff Aptitude
Inoperability Due to Weather
Staff Supervision
Primary Units
Equipment Age
NO. OF TIMES
FACTOR WAS
Ranked #1
24
0
9
9
7
9
3
3
0
6
3
4
0
3
0
1
2
1
2
0
0
0
0
1
2
1
0
7
0
0
2
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1-
0
Noted
39
67
56
50
47
43
55
37
40
27
36
27
31
26
31
30
21
20
22
18
26
23
30
18
17
20
24
13
17
19
15
17
16
14
20
19
18
19
14
12
13
12
13
9
14
O = Operation; D = Design; A = Administration; M = Maintenance
4-59
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Table 4.4b
COLLECTIVE RANKING OF FACTORS
LIMITING PLANT PERFORMANCE
LIMITING FACTOR
Factor
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
Area
0
A
D
D
M
M
D
0
D
D
D
0
0
M
D
A
D
A
0
D
D
D
D
A
D
Description
O&M Manual - Use by Operators
Salary
Lack of Standby Units for Key Equipment
Lack of Unit By-Pass
Technical Guidance — Emergencies
Availability of Preventive Maintenance Ref .
Flow Backup
Staff - Level of Education
Toxic Loading
Submerged Weirs
Plant Location
Staff Level or Certification
Staff - Insufficient Time on Job
Staff Expertise - Emergencies
Seasonal Variation Loading
Unnecessary Expenditures
Process Automation for Control
Personnel Turnover
Shift Staff Adequacy
Unit Accessibility
Process Accessibility for Sampling
Process Automation for Monitoring
Equipment Accessibility for Maintenance
Bond Indebtedness
AWT Units
NO. OF TIMES
FACTOR WAS
Ranked #1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Noted
12
12
9
12
10
10
7
9
8
6
6
8
7
9
7
7
6
4
3
3
4
2
2
0
0
O = Operation; D = Design; A = Administration; M = Maintenance
4-60
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Table 4.4c
NATIONAL SURVEY, EPA PROGRAM AND OTHER
IDENTIFIED NEEDS ADDRESSED BY POD PROGRAM
PLANT OPERATIONS AND DESIGN
RESEARCH PROGRAM AREA
1. PROBLEM ASSESSMENT STUDIES RELATED TO POTW
COMPLIANCE PROBLEMS
a. National O&M Cause and Effect Survey
b. Assessment of Sludge Handling Problems
c. Evaluation of On-Site Training Programs
d. Evaluation of Peak Flows at POTWs
e. Evaluation of RBC Operation and Performance
2. O&M EVALUATIONS OF NON-CONVENTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES
a. O&M of Land Treatment Systems
b. Evaluation of Bio-Fouling Fine Bubble
Diffusers
c. O&M of Ozone Disinfection Systems
d. O&M Considerations of Emerging Technologies
3. IMPROVED PLANT OPERATION AND DESIGN
a. POTW Design Deficiencies
b. Improved Secondary Clarifier Performance
c. Impact of .Flow Variations on Secondary
Clarifier
d. Evaluation of Improved Inlet Design
e. Evaluation of In-Channel Clarifier
f. Impact of Sidestreams on POTW Performance
g. Computerized Data Base
h. Improved O&M of Land Treatment Systems
i. CCP Protocol
j. CCP Demonstration
k. Develop Approach for Evaluating Water Quality
• Management Strategies
1. Evaluation of Methods for Evaluating Standards
& Monitoring for Water Quality Management
National Survey
Problem Area In*
A
•
•
•
•
•
•
D
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
O
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
M
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Operating
Program
Needs
•
•
•
•
•
•
Regional
Office
Needs
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Other
Identified
Needs"
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
Conduct field studies to identify and quantify
administration, design, operational, and
maintenance problems with POTWs.
Conduct detailed investigations of operation,
maintenance, and management factors that affect the
overall performance of non-conventional and emerging
technologies. Objectives are to identify principle
O&M factors affecting performance before they
become problem areas.
Objectives are to identify all major design and
operational deficiencies of new and existing plants,
and develop improved design, operational, and
management techniques to improve overall plant
performance on both a single plant and basin-wide
or state-wide basis.
A —Administration Needs
D —Design Needs
O—Operation Needs
M—Maintenance Needs
•Indicates research program, addresses one or more specific
needs identified by National Survey or EPA program offices.
"Includes needs input from State, ORD staff and other sources.
-------
Table 4.4c
NATIONAL SURVEY, EPA PROGRAM AND OTHER
IDENTIFIED NEEDS ADDRESSED BY POD PROGRAM
PLANT OPERATIONS AND DESIGN
RESEARCH PROGRAM AREA
it. DESIGN INFORMATION SERIES (DIS)
a. DIS #1 Impact of Peak Flows on Primary
b. DIS #2 Impact of Peak Flows on Suspended
Growth
c. DIS #3 Impact of Peak Flows on Attached
Growth
d. DIS #4 RBC
e. Other DIS Documents
5. IMPROVED SYSTEMS RELIABILITY
a. Reliability of. Biological Systems Including
Toxics
b. Reliability of Mechanical Components
c. Reliability Guidelines
d. Application of Fail-Safe Design to POTWs
6. COST OF OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT
a. Development of O&M Cost Data Collection
Procedures
b. Collection of Historical O&M Cost Data
c. Methods for Reduction of O&M Costs
7. UTILITIES MANAGEMENT
a. Development of Model Management Systems (MAMS)
b. Demonstration of Centralized Management
(CCWDA)
c. Evaluation of Remote Monitoring
d. Circuit Rider Optimization Model
8. INFORMATION DISSEMINATION AND TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE
a. National Conference on Compliance Problems
National Survey
Problem Area In*
A
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
D
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
0
•
•
•
M
•
•
•
Operating
Program
Needs
•
•
•
•
•
•
Regional
Office
Needs
•
•
•
•
Other
Identified
Needs"
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
OBJECTIVES AND GOALS
The DIS is a newly established set of publications
that represent the best available state of the art
design information for the most commonly used
municipal treatment technologies. The documents
summarize critical design/performance relationships
as documented by pilot and full-scale experience.
DIS will be prepared by EPA, undergo peer review,
and be jointly published by EPA/ASCE/WPCF.
This program includes investigation and documenta-
tion of the physical, chemical, and biological
reliability of unit processes and mechanical com-
ponents, as well as defining the total system
reliability as a function of component design and
capital cost, influent variations, and operation.
Area objectives are to develop improved O&M cost
data for existing wastewater treatment plants and
collector sewers and to develop and demonstrate
Improved cost accounting and management approaches.
Develop and demonstrate improved utilities' manage-
ment techniques including use of computers and
microprocessors for collection of data from remote
facilities, use of centralized management and
fiscal management techniques.
Disseminate program results of high Impact and
interest to EPA, states, consultants, local govern-
ments and other interested parties. Provide
technical assistance to EPA Regional Offices and
Headquarters. Provide policy and program guidance
to EPA Headquarters offices.
A —Administration Needs
D—Design Needs
O —Operation Needs
M—Maintenance Needs
* Indicates research program, addresses one or more specific
needs identified by National Survey or EPA program offices.
"Includes needs input from State, ORD staff and other sources.
-------
4.6 LAND APPLICATION OF WASTEWATER AND AQUACULTURE RESEARCH
4.6.1 Research Program Description and Objectives of Land Application of
Wastewater
The overall objective of research in the area of land application is to fully
develop design and operating parameters for the three types of systems, slow
rate (irrigation), rapid infiltration and overland flow. To achieve this
goal, projects are directed to understanding mechanisms involved in the
natural processes, studies of treatment effectiveness for various pollutants
and environmental effects related to groundwater, soil, vegetation and other
media and ecosystems. Close coordination and cooperation are maintained with
HERL to evaluate potential health effects related to land application of muni-
cipal wastewater.
The five major objectives of this area of research are:
0 Development of reliable design and operating criteria for nationwide
application of the three land treatment processes (slow rate, rapid
infiltration and overland flow)
• Clarification of fundamental mechanisms involved in plant-soil-water
relationships so that more efficient operation can be achieved
• Development of operating and management practices to minimize or pre-
vent any adverse effects of system operations
• Transfer and dissemination of information to regulatory agencies,
municipalities, engineers and other potential users
t Cooperative liaison with ongoing research in health effects, land
application of sludge and groundwater quality
4.6.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
Several major accomplishments were achieved during the past year. Some were
the culmination of long-term projects, while others were outputs resulting
from specific requests of relatively short duration. The following are the
most significant:
• Studies of ten existing systems, including both slow rate and rapid
infiltration, have been completed. These systems were located to
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represent a variety of climatic conditions and operating practices.
Effects on soils, groundwater, crops and surface waters were evalu-
ated. Reports have been published for all ten studies. (EPA 600/2-
79-144, Dickenson, N.D.; EPA 600/2-78-084, Hollister, CA; EPA 600/2-
79-145, Milton, WI; EPA 600/2-79-047, Rosell, NM; EPA 600/2-79-
171a,b, Tooele, VT; EPA 600/2-79-072, Vineland, NO; EPA 600/2-79-068,
Lake George, NY; EPA 600/2-78-131a,b, San Angelo, TX; EPA 600/2-80-
061, Mesa, AZ; EPA 600/2-80-080, Camarillo, CA). The results of
these various studies indicate that the environmental effects ranged.
from minimal to nonexistent. No serious problems were identified.
Limited studies by other groups have added to our current knowledge
and generally indicated the same results.
• Significant information has been developed regarding the fate and
transport of various compounds. Results of the studies of ten exist-
ing systems, referenced above, indicate that the soil had a very
large capacity for retaining most metals and for preventing their
migration to groundwater. The transport of neutral organic compounds
to groundwater has also been studied and a model has been developed
and verified for their behavior in land application systems.
(C. Enfield, submitted to the Water Resources Bulletin.) This inter-
active computerized model is being used by OPTS to evaluate the
relative hazard to groundwater contamination by chemical (pesticide)
application to the land. The model is being frequently used on the
Office of Pesticide Program's chemical registration and recall pro-
cess.
• Models have been developed for predicting the movement and retention
of nitrogen and phosphorus. To describe pollutant transport, knowl-
edge of water flow is required. A numerical simulation model has
been developed and verified with laboratory and field data under
transient conditions for both water and chemical transport. The
model has the advantage over previous models in stability and
accuracy of the projection. The solution is obtained in one step
rather than the more conventional approach separating the saturated
and unsaturated flow aspects. The model addresses drainage require-
ments for slow-rate and rapid-infiltration wastewater treatment
sytems which are currently needed by design engineers.
Several papers describing these modeling efforts have been submitted for pub-
lication:
• Enfield, Carl, "Methods of Approximating Transport of Organic Pollu-
tants to Groundwater," submitted to Water Resources Bulletin.
• Enfield, Carl, and John Wilson, "Transport and Fate of Selected
Organic Pollutants in a Sandy Soil," submitted to Journal of Envi-
ronmental Quality.
• Enfield, Carl, "Comparison of a 1-Dimensional, Steady State
Hydraulic Model with a 2-Dimensional Transient Hydraulic Model for
Aldicarb Transport through Soil," Proceedings, Groundwater Quality
International Symposium, Amsterdam.
4-64
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A "Summary of Long-Term Rapid Infiltration System Studies" (EPA 600/2-80-165)
condensed and made the results of studies of four operating rapid infiltration
systems readily available. A major contribution of this report was the pre-
sentation of a new design rationale for rapid infiltration systems based on
water quality requirements.
The first National Seminar on Overland Flow Technology for Municipal Waste-
water, sponsored by EPA, presented the current state-of-the-art for design and
operation of overland flow systems. Due to the growing interest in the use of
overland flow systems and the meager published information for their design,
this seminar was very timely and beneficial. Proceedings are being published.
4.6.3 Current Research Plan
The research plan for land application of wastewater, represented by Table
4.5a, is relatively unchanged from the 1980 strategy. Several milestones have
been completed, as indicated, and some future milestones have been extended.
Milestone completion dates which have been extended include the Lubbock demon-
stration project, assessment of long-term effects from six slow-rate systems
and development of the nitrogen management model. No new sub-objectives have
been added; however, some have been expanded and additional milestones added.
In order to respond to increased Agency emphasis on the use of natural treat-
ment systems, the Municipal Wastewater Research Committee recommends the adop-
tion of a new initiative in the area of land application of wastewater and
aquaculture. The new research effort would focus on the development of
natural systems for wastewater treatment including land application, the use
of wetlands and aquaculture. Cost of the effort is expected to be about $1
million per year beginning in 1982 with three additional positions.
The Committee also recommends that the Land Treatment Task Force at RSKERL be
continued after September 30, 1981, and serve on a national basis rather than
serving only Regions VI and VII. If continued and expanded, the Task Force
responsibilities should encompass all natural systems including land treat-
ment, aquaculture and wetlands.
4-65
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4.6.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
Research needs of the operating programs, as presented by the Program and the
Regional Offices, fall into four categories: an understanding of the fate and
transport of pollutants, particularly nitrate, sodium, heavy metals and
organics, through soils; the development and refinement of design and operat-
ing criteria for all types of land treatment systems, especially overland flow
in northern climates; the establishment of the long-term environmental effects
of land treatment systems; and the development of preapplication treatment
criteria, including the need for disinfection. Two Program Offices and four
Regional Offices have requested research in the area of land application of
wastewater. Additionally, there are many needs in the area of land applica-
tion of sludge. A list of 19 needs grouped into four categories is shown
below:
Fate and Transport of Pollutants through-Soils
a. Ecological studies of land application - OWPO(M)
b. Water reuse after land treatment: pathogen and other constraints -
OWPO(L)
c. Groundwater impacts of toxics - OWRS(H)
d. Fate of nitrates, sodium and trace metals - Region I(H)
e. Lateral and vertical transport of pollutants - Region I(H)
f. Safe distances from water supplies - Region I(H)
g. Nutrient retention in fast percolation lake soils - Region I(M)
h. Effect of wastewater injection on groundwater - Region II(M)
Design and Operating Criteria
1. Update design, performances and long-term effects information -
OWPO(M)
j. Determine slope/residence time for overland flow - OWPO(M)
k. Evapotranspiration systems: design criteria and costs - Region I(H)
1. Design data from overland flow in northern climates - Region V(H)
m. Safe land application practices for the western U.S. - Region VIII(H)
n. Effect of rainfall on pathogens - OWPO(L)
4-66
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Long Term Environmental Effects
o. Finalize and publish state-of-the-art health assessment and undertake
followup studies - OWPO(H)
p. Health risks due to food chain transfer of toxics or pathogens -
OWPO(L)
q. Sampling methods at aquifer interfaces - Region I(H)
Preapplication Treatment Criteria
r. Pathogen die-off rates jn holding ponds - OWPO(M)
s. Pretreatment and disinfection guides for land application - Region
VIII(H)
Much has been learned about the design and operating requirements of the three
types of land application systems. Criteria for slow rate systems are well
established, but will require refinement as experience is accumulated. The
design of rapid infiltration systems is fairly well developed but management
practices need to be devised to maximize the treatment capability of the soil
while protecting the groundwater. Design criteria for overland flow systems
in southern climates are generally reliable, but information on specific oper-
ating conditions and effectivness of treatment of certain pollutants is lack-
ing. There is a high degree of interest within the construction grants
program for utilizing overland flow. Thus far, the use of the overland flow
process is confined to the milder southern tier of states. This past year,
the first EPA project to develop the overland flow process in severe northern
climates was initiated.
Work is well under way to develop a management system for protecting ground-
water from nitrate buildup under land application systems. A study of the
behavior of organics was initiated last year and a model, being used currently
by the OPP, has been developed and verified for selected organics.
Considering available resources, the Committee believes that the present
effort in the area of fate and transport is adequate and is addressing many of
4-67
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the needs. Additional resources however would allow a desirable acceleration
of the effort relative to studies of toxics and organics.
New projects related to the development and refinement of design and operating
criteria are restricted to the overland flow process. With existing and pro-
jected resources, funds are not available for demonstration projects or addi-
tional evaluation studies. Therefore, this information will have to come from
other sources and the few existing projects that have not yet been completed.
Limited work has been done regarding preapplication treatment requirements for
land treatment. The ten existing systems studies referred to above repre-
sented systems using different preapplication treatment processes. The
effects of the preapplication treatment, however, were given limited analysis.
Results of several studies on various preapplication treatments for overland
flow systems show that in general, treatment efficiency decreased with higher
degrees of pretreatment. Primary treatment appears to be the optimum. Pre-
application treatment by lagoon results in low suspended solids removal.
Overland flow is evidently not too effective in removing suspended solids in
the form of algae. No work has been done on requirements or effects of dis-
infection prior to land application.
Because of limited resources, very limited data will be produced relative to
preapplication treatment criteria. Under current plans, existing and future
projects will provide some data but without funds to initiate projects specif-
ically for this purpose, development in this area will be extremely slow.
Studies of disinfection requirements are not currently planned.
Because of limited resources, no additional new work is planned to evaluate
long-term environmental effects of preapplication treatment.
The growing interest in land application systems and their funding through the
construction grants program is a clear indication that research in this area
should keep pace with the operating program's needs. Current and projected
funding levels for land application research are inadequate. There is little
4-68
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prospect of significant new starts in this research area without substantial
increases in the base budget or the funding of new initiatives.
Several needs (f, g, h, k, n, q and r) are not being addressed specifically by
this land application research group, while others (n and r) are being
addressed to some degree by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Vicksburg, MS
or Hanover, NH.
4-69
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.5a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Land Application of Wastewater
R&D OBJECTIVE
LAND TREATMENT
1. Land treatment task force report
a. Interim progress report
b. Final evaluation report
2. Summary report on existing slow-rate systems
3. Lubbock demonstration of slow-rate
irrigation
a. Complete construction
b. Research reports
c. Final project report
it. Summary report rapid infiltration systems
5. Overland flow design and operating criteria
a. Effects of pretreatment
b. Effect of retention time on treatment
performance
c. Performance when receiving lagoon
effluent
d. Final criteria including northern
climates
6. Rapid infiltration design and operating
criteria
a. Revised design criteria
b. Design criteria for environmentally
controlled systems
7. Develop design and operation criteria of
slow rate systems
FY80
0 D F A J A
A
ft
A
A
FY81
0 D F A J A
A
A &
A
A.
A
A
FY82
0 0 F A J A
_& A
A
FY83
0 DJF A J A
—A
FY84
O D F A J A
A
i
i
FY85
O DJF A J A
/^
i
i
0 D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.5a
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Land Application of Wastewater
R&D OBJECTIVE
a. Evaluate crop selection for nitrogen
uptake
8. Develop model for P-soil reactions and
kinetics
a. Calcareous soils
b. Acid soils
9. Nitrogen management model for rapid
infiltration
a. Interim report
b. Final model
10. Soil transport and transformation of toxic
substances
a. Reports on toxic substance/soil
interaction
b. Predictive models
11. Case studies of ten land treatment systems
12. Land treatment design manual
FY80
O D F A]J A
A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
A
A A
FY82
O D FJA J A
A
A
A
FY83
O D F A J A
i
i
A
A
FY84
O D F A J A
t
\
(\
A
FY85
o D|F A j A
O|D
A
A
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
4.6.5 Research Program Description and Objectives of Aquaculture
The 1972 Water Pollution Control Act (PL 92-500) and the 1977 amendments
clearly give impetus to the development and use of aquaculture treatment of
municipal wastewater. Due to treatment effectiveness and the potential for
cost and energy savings, aquacultural processes are being considered as
favored alternatives to conventional wastewater treatment facilities by at
least 40 municipalities in the United States.
Because of the growing interest in using aquaculture processes for wastewater
treatment and management, wastewater aquaculture is a viable research area
having large potential for application. Wastewater aquaculture is very broad
in scope, involving a variety of organisms, both freshwater and marine envi-
ronments, organized treatment processes and wastewater recycling by inputs
into natural aquatic habitats. The technology is in its infancy and there-
fore, in order to develop processes for wastewater treatment or reuse, it is
necessary to evaluate a variety of parameters to establish reliable design and
operating criteria.
Two factors must be considered in assessing the value of these processes: the
role of aquaculture in the overall management of municipal wastewater; and
progress toward developing design criteria for operational systems.
A recent engineering assessment of aquacultural wastewater treatment concludes
that aquatic plant systems using water hyacinth and wetlands systems have a
potential for pollutant removal that can equal or may exceed that of mechani-
cal treatment systems. It is expected that developed aquacultural processes
will be preceded by conventional secondary treatment with current emphasis
being nutrient removal and polishing treated effluents. In some instances,
consideration is being given to treatment of conventional primary effluents.
Additional research is needed for development of new aquacultural processes to
treat municipal wastewater as well as for refinement of existing processes.
As new processes are developed, pretreatment requirements will need to be
established in order to effectively position the aquacultural component within
the overall treatment or management system.
4-72
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Aquaculture research is directed toward the development of natural systems for
the treatment and management of wastewaters. Aquatic organisms or habitats of
interest include natural and man-made wetlands, vascular plants, invertebrates
finfish, shell fish and various combinations thereof. Emphasis has been
placed on development of these biological/ecological systems as polishing
units following primary or secondary treatment, for use in upgrading lagoons
and, in some cases, as complete treatment systems. The research approach is
two fold: exploratory research to identify promising systems; and develop-
mental research for those systems having the most potential for early utiliza-
tion and payoff. Consideration is given to economic factors, potential
resource recovery and reuse, potential for valuable product production and
possible energy conservation.
4.6.6 Recent Research Accomplishments
The aquaculture research program is in its infancy and budgeted resources have
been relatively small. Nevertheless, several significant accomplishments have
been achieved. The most noteworthy are the following:
• Experiments involving silver carp and bighead carp (exotic filter
feeding finfish) have been highly successful. Results indicate that
aquaculture has good potential for application in the treatment of
municipal wastewater. At present, several communities are consider-
ing application of this type of process as an innovative technology
system under the construction grants program. Under experimental
conditions, an annual fish production rate of 6,000 pounds per acre
was achieved. During FY80, health effects studies were initiated to
determine the feasibility of a variety of uses for the large amounts
of fish produced. These studies are being conducted cooperatively
with HERL and are concentrating on enteroviruses and pathogenic
bacteria.
t Preliminary evaluation of a water hyacinth system receiving conven-
tional primary treated municipal wastewater indicates that 80 to 90
percent removals of BODg and total suspended solids were achieved at
a hydraulic loading rate of 1 mgd per 14 acres.
• EPA co-sponsored a seminar on Aquaculture Systems for Wastewater
Treatment at Davis, CA. An engineering assessment prepared as a
result of the seminar concluded that aquatic plant processes as well
as wetlands processes have good potential for municipal wastewater
treatment applications. Proceedings of the seminar and the engineer-
ing assessment have been published (EPA 400/9-80-006).
4-73
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4.6.7 Current Research Plan
The research plan for wastewater aquaculture is presented in Table 4.5b.
Several limitations of the present plan, due largely to resource constraints,
can be noted. Among these are the fact that little data will be obtained on
removal of priority pollutants by aquaculture treatment nor will macrophytes
other than water hyacinths be extensively investigated. Finally, it appears
that research will concentrate on artificial wetlands as opposed to natural
wetlands. It is anticipated that the maturing of the research effort will
allow its extension into these key areas. The aquaculture research effort
would be broadened significantly by the natural systems' initiative described
earlier in this section.
4.6.8 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
Few research requirements directed explicitly at wastewater aquaculture were
listed in Chapter III although it should be noted that most of the general
land treatment requirements also apply to aquaculture systems as well. The
shortage of expressed research needs is understandable inasmuch as the concept
of wastewater aquaculture is of very recent origin.
The specific aquaculture needs listed relate to long-term environmental
effects, and the development of design and operating criteria for various
natural systems including wetlands, water hyacinths and polyculture systems.
Studies of long-term environmental effects cannot be approached by studying
existing systems as was done in land application studies, for there are no
existing systems with long operating histories. Data on these effects must be
accumulated over time as new systems are put into operation and mature. By
using modeling techniques, it is possible that predictions of future effects
can be made. This possibility will be investigated as systems for study
become available.
Practically all of th.e current efforts in the program are directed to develop-
ing design and operating criteria for various aquatic systems. Projects are
4-74
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active in the development of water hyacinth systems, wetlands processes and
finflate systems. Preliminary results from some projects, as indicated above,
look very promising. None of the projects, however, have, been completed.
Projects for developing design and operating data for the most promising
systems will be given high priority.
4-75
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.5b
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Aquaculture and Wetlands
R&D OBJECTIVE
AQUACULTURE AND WETLANDS
1. Evaluate use of fish species in wastewater
treatment
a. Assessment of indigenous species
b. Assessment of exotic species
2. Evaluate water hyacinths for treating
primary and secondary effluent
a. Preliminary design criteria
b. Evaluation of environmental control units
c. Evaluation of hyacinth harvesting and
utilization
d. Full-scale demonstration (9/86)
3. Evaluate artificial and natural wetlands
a. Annual interim reports
b. Wetland assessments
4. Evaluation of other higher plants
a. Report on nutrient film technique
b. Report on exploratory studies of
several aquatic species
c. Interim reports on process development
d. Establish preliminary design criteria
(9/86)
5. Technology transfer
FY80
o D|F A j A
i
FY81
O D F A J A
k
A /
A
i
FY82
O D F A J A
L
t
1
k I
A
FY83
O D F A[J A
k
i /
A
FY84
O D F A J A
(\
k
A
FY85
LO D F A J A
4
A
A
0 D
k
^
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
4.7 URBAN RUNOFF RESEARCH
4.7.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
The control of urban stormwater runoff and combined sewer overflows (CSO) is
an important element for the attainment of the goals of water quality legisla-
tion. Sections 201 and 212 of the Water Pollution Control Act for example,
placed remedial facilities for control of pollution from combined sewer over-
flows and urban stormwater runoff on an equal footing with sewage treatment
works in the authorization of grants for, and definitions of, treatment works.
Section 211 of the Clean Water Act Amendments, however, disallows any grants
through FY82 for treatment works specifically for the control of pollutant
discharges from separate storm sewer systems. Also, construction grant fund-
ing policy emphasizes the secondary treatment of dry weather flows more than
combined sewer overflows. Nevertheless, urban wet weather discharges continue
to be important to R&D planning because of the strong national need. The 1978
Needs Survey indicated needs for CSO control at $26 billion; tentative figures
from the 1980 Needs Survey show a sizeable increase over that figure. How-
ever, the R&D funds for stormwater runoff have steadily declined in recent
years due to higher Agency priorities and the overall reduction of research
funds.
In response to legislation and Agency needs, the urban runoff research effort
presently has three major objectives:
• Pollution Problem Assessment. Part of this objective is to charac-
terize urban wet weather discharges and to develop correlations
between effects found in receiving waters, type of receiving water
and quantity of discharges. A recently added concern is the consid-
eration of toxics. The development of management and user assistance
tools such as residuals handling methods; guidelines and user manuals
for wet weather measuring and sampling; statistical methods for
quality and quantity predictions; and cost-effectiveness determina-
tions are also included in this objective.
• CSO Pollution Management. The principal activity under this objec-
tive has been the development of cost effective technology for CSO
pollution control. Approaches have included storage/sedimentation,
dual use (wet/dry weather) facilities and high rate single use facil-
ities. Emphasis is presently in dual use technology which can
sustain short periods of high flow. Efforts related to control of
4-77
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infiltration and inflow (I/I) into sanitary sewers is included under
this objective. Because of the magnitude of this problem and high
Agency priority, a substantial part of program resources is presently
devoted to I/I control.
t Stormwater Pollution Control. Although construction grants are not
presently given for control of discharges from storm sewers, there is
still Agency concern over stormwater pollution control. Work in this
area is directed toward the development and evaluation of best man-
agement practices (BMP's) and other remedial measures including the
use of wetlands from runoff control. The results support the Nation-
wide Urban Runoff Program (NURP) and the Clean Lakes Program.
4.7.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
For the past several years, an increased emphasis has been placed on pollution
problem assessment. A number of receiving water impact studies were conducted
in an attempt to determine more clearly what detrimental effects can result
from urban runoff discharges.
Most of the information on receiving water impacts has been summarized in
"Urban Stormwater and Combined Sewer Overflow Impact on Receiving Water
Bodies: Proceedings of National Conference" (EPA-600/9-80-056). Studies of
dissolved oxygen (DO) and sediment/benthic effects dominated recent problem
assessment activities. A study in Milwaukee (EPA-600/2-79-155) identified
sediment oxygen demand from CSO contaminated sediments as the principle mecha-
nism for DO depletion, particularly during disturbed hydraulic conditions.
This same mechanism is now considered to be operative in many locations where
water velocities are usually low and are only increased significantly during
storms. An analysis of continuous water quality monitoring sites in and down-
stream of urban areas suggests that direct DO depletion due to urban wet
weather sources is not as severe as previously thought (EPA-600/2-79-156). In
urban wet weather discharges, pathogens (indicator organisms) can often be
shown to interfere with recreational use of receiving waters. It is likely
that this impact is more widespread than realized because of the failure of
many communities to measure indicator organism levels after storms. The two
DO studies mentioned above, indicate an important departure from traditional
DO considerations, relating to urban wet weather sources, sediment transport,
deposition and oxygen demand, particularly for CSO which have high volatile
4-78
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settleable solids. Biological and sediment/benthic effects were investigated
for separate stormwater systems in Coyote Creek (EPA-600/2-80-111). Both
studies showed a decline in the quality of receiving water, but the decline
was difficult to interpret clearly with respect to the decline in beneficial
use of the waters. A model for determining the movement of CSO sediments has
been developed (EPA-600/2-80-126) and a users guide (EPA-600/8-80-048) was
developed for evaluating the impact and abatement of CSO on receiving waters
based on studies of Onondaga Lake.
Much information on CSO control methods and studies is available in convenient
form in the documents "Urban Stormwater Management and Technology, An Assess-
ment" (EPA-670/2-74-040) and "Urban Stormwater Management and Technology,
Update and User's Guide" (EPA-600/8-77-014). A recent significant accomp-
lishment was the demonstration of the effectiveness of sewer flushing of dry
weather deposits (EPA-600/2-79-133 and EPA-600/2-80-118). Sewer flushing was
shown to be effective for reducing solids and associated contaminants and, if
combined with in-line storage, to reduce the cost of CSO control facilities.
However, the perception that sewer flushing technology is not fully proven
will be held by the engineering community until full-scale prototype systems
are demonstrated.
The most significant recent accomplishment, with regard to pollution from
separate storm sewers, was the completion of an evaluation of street cleaning
under real world conditions in San Jose (EPA-600/2-79-161). This study has
become the prototype for the various NURP projects that are evaluating street
cleaning under other climatic, geographic and urban conditions. In San Jose,
a tenfold cost increase over typical street cleaning would be necessary for
substantial improvements in urban runoff water quality. With intensive street
cleaning (once per day), total solids and heavy metal yields were reduced up
to 50 percent; organics and nutrient yields reduction, however, was less than
10 percent. These results clearly caution against assigning any significance
to street cleaning for urban runoff pollution control. In a Boston study of
runoff pollutant removal via catch basins (report in preparation), COD, BOD
and solids reduction was quite effective if these units were cleaned fre-
quently. The first phase of a study of the use of porous pavement and similar
4-79
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alternatives for runoff control in Austin, Texas has been completed (EPA-
600/2-80-135). Existing design, instructional and operational data on existing
porous pavement areas were summarized.
A general summary of the research accomplishments for FY80 in the area of
Urban Runoff is given below:
• Final Reports
-New Materials (Concrete Pipe Impregnation)
-Porous Pavement (Design & Operational Criteria)
-Case Histories
-Receiving Water Impacts (University of Central Florida Proceedings;
Sutron; Atlanta; University of Florida; Lake Washington)
-CSO Treatment Technology (Screening/Flotation)
-BMP Evaluations (Woodlands, TX; Street Cleaning; Sewer Flushing)
-Biological Effects of Urban Runoff (Coyote Creek)
-Planning Model for Urban Runoff Control (QQS; Stormwater Management
Rec Water Level III)
-Stormwater Runoff Management for New Residential Developments
-Methodology for Evaluation Impact/Abatement of CSO's
• Pollution Problem Assessment
-Toxicity Data Gathering (in conjunction with Region II & OWRS)
• CSO/Stormwater Pollution Control
-Infiltration/Inflow (Coordination with OWPO)
• Technical Assistance and Technology Transfer (Approximately 1 man-
year)
-Consultation to Federal, State, Local Governments and Quasi-
government agencies
-Public Information Request
-Consultation to Foreign Governments
-In-House Seminars
-Stormwater Management Model (SWMM)
-Higher Education
-Planning/Design/SOTA/Assessment/Manuals/Extramural Publications
-Extramural Journal and Magazine Publications
4.7.3 Current Research Plan
Pollution problem assessment. Ongoing problem assessment projects include
development of matrices of causes and effects -leading to logical control
requirements and characterization of toxics. Ongoing and planned areas of
study are shown in Table 4.6. Substantial increase in support or toxics
evaluation occurred in FY81 through cooperative funding with OWRS. Detailed
4-80
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evaluation of the oxygen demand rate of CSO sediments also began in FY81. The
sediment oxygen demand work will receive additional support in FY82.
Needs relating to both problem assessment and the effectiveness of combined
sewer control approaches could be met by obtaining data from full-scale
plants. This would provide more dependable information than could be obtained
in any other way. A survey of possible sites has been undertaken and evalua-
tion of an appropriate facility is planned for FY82. Support of this type of
project is seen as a continuing function of the program for several years.
CSO pollution management. Recently, emphasis on research for CSO control
technology has been placed on the evaluation of methods having the potential
for dual use application. These studies are being conducted in conjunction
with the process development program. Existing studies involve ultraviolet
disinfection, magnetic separation and fluidized bed reactors. Resource
requirements for I/I control will limit additional studies, but some provision
will be made to evaluate promising new dual use technology, e.g., anaerobic
treatment or inlake storage, which improves the cost effectiveness for storing
and treating CSO at existing plants. Results will become available from the
feasibility evaluation of Insituform, a new technology for I/I control.
Development of an improved I/I evaluation methodology and an improved method
for rehabilitating service laterals, begun in FY81, will continue in FY82.
Additional technical studies and consideration of institutional problems are
expected to follow but will not begin until preliminary results become avail-
able from ongoing work. As indicated under research for pollution problem
assessment above, initiation of a study of a full-scale CSO facility is
planned for FY82. A CSO design manual is also planned for FY82.
Stormwater pollution control. Projects dealing with a number of BMPs, includ-
ing porous pavement and wetlands, are ongoing. No new studies of Stormwater
control measures at Lake Eola in Florida are planned for FY82. The evaluation
would take advantage of remedial measures constructed by the Clean Lakes Pro-
gram. To be of maximum value, the compendium of BMPs shown in Table 4.6 item
4-81
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3.d., should include results from projects funded by the NURP program. Fund-
ing reductions will extend beyond the FY82 completion date for this
compendium.
Since separate storm sewer discharges are generally viewed as less polluting
than CSO, and are being investigated extensively by NURP, research priorities
must logically favor CSO control. Within the current resource levels, only
very limited support of stormwater-related work appears possible in the fore-
seeable future.
4.7.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
In the area of urban runoff, a total of 35 research requirements have been
stated by the Program and Regional Offices; about two-thirds of these are not
duplicative. Organized under several separable categories, these needs and
the related research activities are described below.
Pollution problem assessment. Three Program Offices and four Regional Offices
have expressed needs dealing with pollution sources, impacts and the special
nature of storm events:
a. Data analysis and tools for wet weather problems - OWE (H)
b. Areawide evaluation of urban complexes for runoff problems and solu-
tion; short- and long-term impacts of runoff - OWRS (H), OWPO (M),
Region II (M)
c. Cooperative effort to quantify and compare pollutant sources and
impacts - OWRS (H), OWE (H)
d. Effect of toxics in urban runoff on stream biology - OWRS (H)
e. Data collection on storm events - Region IV (H), Region VII (L)
f. Effect of atmospheric deposition - OWRS (H)
g. Data for wet weather flow criteria and standards - OWRS (H), Region I
(H)
h. Effect of runoff on water quality - OWRS (L)
The initial series of impact projects recently completed (Table 4.6) have
provided useful information and pointed out the need for certain additional
studies. To date, results on various aspects of dissolved oxygen and pathogen
4-82
-------
Impacts have been obtained. An ongoing evaluation of DO effects on the Scioto
River, a project to develop matrices of receiving waters and types of impacts,
and a small inhouse effort to define criteria for the degree of CSO control
constitute the last effort in the foreseeable future dealing with the general
area of problem assessment. A significant cooperative effort with OWRS,
funded in FY81, along with limited earlier work, is expected to provide data
for the characterization of toxics in urban runoff. A project to be funded in
FY81 and FY82 will respond to the need for data on sediment oxygen demand and
whether sediment oxygen demand is of sufficient magnitude to limit the attain-
ment of water quality goals with or without CSO controls.
Atmospheric deposition has been considered only as it relates to street sweep-
ing. A few NURP projects do include collection of wet and dry fallout. Other
needs (a and g) are not being addressed by the projects discussed above or
listed in Table 4.6; these fall under the auspices of the Water Quality Com-
mittee.
CSO pollution management. Because of the confusion that arises with the use
of the term urban runoff, it is difficult, in some cases, to determine whether
specific needs relate to CSO or stormwater. In the category of combined sewer
overflows, three Program Offices and Region I have expressed needs dealing
with hardware-oriented and management-oriented control technologies, along
with their impacts on water quality and economics. These needs include:
a. CSO controls, evaluations, and methods of evaluating their impact -
OWPO (H, M)
b. Design manual on available CSO control - OWPO (H)
c. Verification of approach and results for CSOs in 40-city study
- OWE (M)
d. Evaluate effectiveness of conventional controls - OWRS (H)
e. Demonstrate sewer flushing on large sewers - Region I (H)
f. Demonstrate microscreening with high-rate disinfection - Region I (H)
g. Innovative ways to optimize the size and operations of CSO facili-
ties; cost effective CSO controls - Region I (H), OWE (M)
h. Technical support on 201 CSO projects - Region I (M)
i. I/I evaluation, remediation and technology transfer - OWPO (H, M),
Region X (H)
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In addition to the stormwater management users' guides and reports on sewer
flushing, screening and disinfection, manuals on swirl technology and storage/
settling are being completed. Evaluations of several other technologies are
listed in Table 4.6 It appears, however, that a single volume CSO technology
design manual would be useful. Preparation of a concise design manual will be
given high priority for funding in FY82.
The program has maintained a continuing low to moderate effort in the area of
I/I control and has produced a number of user-oriented reports. Discussion
with OWPO during FY80 led to the outlining of an expanded I/I program. Begin-
ning in FY81, a significantly increased effort was begun to find ways of over-
coming I/I problems, especially those from service laterals. A project was
also started to develop a better methodology for use by municipalities in
estimating the cost of remediation. These projects will require up to one-
half of the total FY82 program resources for completion. Although transfer of
I/I technology would be of some value now, desired developments would greatly
increase the usefulness in about two years.
Toxic materials in a small number of CSO samples have been characterized and
more will be included in the previously mentioned cooperative toxics project
with OWRS. Some data on removal of toxics from CSOs entering existing biolog-
ical treatment plants will be obtained from a 25-city survey being conducted
under the toxics program. In addition, there will be results from the 40-city
survey being conducted by OWRS for CSO sampling occurring during periods of
rain. Assuming no significant hydraulic loading increase over design condi-
tions, CSO removals should be essentially the same as those for dry weather
conditions. Extrapolating from results observed during treatment for dry
weather flows, it is very unlikely that the operation of biological treatment
processes would be affected to a significant degree by CSO. Some heavy metals
removal data are available for most CSO control technologies. No specific
additional toxic studies to determine removals for other than biological CSO
control methods are being considered because of budget limitations.
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With regard to regional technical assistance, the program has always attempted
to fulfill all requests; the staff will continue to provide this technical
assistance, as time permits.
The needs not specifically met by the CSO research program include c, e and f
in the above list.
Stormwater pollution control and other needs. Wet weather criteria, Best
Management Practices (BMP), toxic impacts and material balances are needs
stated for this category:
a. Develop separate storm sewer wet weather pathogen criteria - OWPO
(H), OWRS (H), Region V (H)
b. BMPs: assessment criteria, economic impacts, effectiveness - OWE
(H), OWRS (M)
c. Re-examine wet weather criteria for salmonella - OWPO/NURP (H)
d. Toxic exposure/response curves for time variant systems
- OWPO/NURP (H)
e. Data for material balances of toxic and other compounds - OWRS (H),
OPTS (H)
Program resource limitations and current agency priorities prevent extensive
new work on stormwater pollution control. Completed and ongoing projects pro-
vide performance and cost data on a range of BMPs including street sweeping,
use of catch basins for pollutant removal, wetlands, porous pavement, flow
attenuation and upstream storage. No new toxic related work is planned,
although some stormwaters previously have been characterized for metals.
Although no program effort is planned with regard to indicator organisms, HERL
has completed a very lengthy evaluation of the relationship of indicator
organisms in ocean waters to the incidence of disease at beaches (EPA-600/1-
80-031). Specific pollution sources were not evaluated, only the mixture
resulting in the ocean from these sources. Recognizing this limitation, the
HERL results still constitute the best available information. Similar inform-
ation is presently being gathered for freshwater beaches.
Some of the Agency needs are not specifically related to the above categories.
Several mention storm data collection, but give no detail. One deals with
4-85
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health risk assessment. None of these are being addressed and will not be
addressed because of a lack of resources. There is an existing rainfall-
runoff data base that might be helpful to those needing stormwater data (EPA-
600/8-79-004).
Specific needs not addressed include c and d in the above list. These two
needs are related to the Water Quality Research Committee activities.
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.6
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Urban Runoff
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Pollution Problem Assessment
a. Studies of sediment impacts and benthic
effects including sediment oxygen demand
b. Symposium on receiving water impacts from i
urban stormwater
c. Nationwide assessment of receiving water i
Impacts
d. Matrices of causes and effects of urban
runoff
e. Movement and effects of CSO sediments in
receiving waters
f. Impacts of full-scale facilities
g. CSO control requirements based on water
quality impacts
h. Assessment of toxic effect of urban runoff
2. CSO Pollution Management
a. Planning and design principles for urban
runoff control facilities
b. Storage/sedimentation design manual
c. Stormwater evaluation methodology and
flow monitoring manual
d. Assessment of ultraviolet disinfection
e. Demonstration of high gradient magnetic
separation
f. Demonstration of fluidized bed reactors
g. Demonstration of new dual use technology
h. Evaluate new I /I control technology
FY80
O D F A J
A
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A
A
A
(\
FY81
0 D F A J A
A A
A
FY82
C) D F A J A
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FY83
O D F A J A
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FY84
O D F A J A
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FY85
^> D F A J A
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* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
± Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
—- Estimated Project Period
Table 4.6
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Urban Runoff
R&D OBJECTIVE
i. Develop standardized methodology to
evaluate I/I problems
j. Develop improved methods for service
lateral rehabilitation
k. Great Lakes Program cooperative projects
(various outputs)
1. CSO design manual
3. Stormwater Pollution Control
a. Evaluation of eutrophic lake restoration
b. Compendium of urban wetland utilization
c. Document on secondary considerations in
urban runoff pollution abatement
d. Compendium of BMPs for urban runoff
pollution control
e. Demonstration of swirl, helical bend and
teacup concentrator/regulators
f. Needs survey support (various outputs)
g. Section 208 (NURP) support (various
outputs)
FY80
O D F A J
A
A.
FY81
O D F A J A
&
A
A
£An^^
FY82
iO D F A J A
A
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FY83
0 D F A J A
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A.
FY84
6 D F A| J A
A
FY85
0 D F A J A
ofo
+ Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
4.8 ENERGY RESEARCH
4.8.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
The Clean Water Act of 1977 (PL 95-217) requires EPA to emphasize energy con-
servation and recovery in the treatment of municipal wastes. Section 201 of
the Act encourages the adoption of waste treatment management methods, pro-
cesses and techniques that reduce total energy requirements. It also
encourages facilities to use waste heat and thermal discharges. Section 202
provides financial incentives to municipalities receiving construction grant
funds to use treatment processes and techniques which use energy conservation.
These financial incentives are provided to municipalities which adopt tech-
nologies that achieve a 20 percent net primary energy reduction over conven-
tional alternatives. Financial incentives are also provided to municipalities
which design and construct facilities to help achieve the national goal of
increased energy recovery, conservation, reuse, and recycling.
The energy conservation research program was developed by the Wastewater
Research Division and serves as a useful planning guide for initiating energy-
related research, however, there are no current funds budgeted for a separate
energy research program. Most of the accomplishments and energy-related
activities were carried out as integrated study components of ongoing research
programs such as innovative and alternative technology, sludge management and
improved plant operations. This program could serve as the focal point for
several Agency-wide efforts. It could also provide technical assistance to
other research laboratories and to the Regional and Program Offices and could
assist and undertake joint projects of mutual interest with other Federal
agencies. A Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. Department of
Energy's Office of Conservation and Solar Energy and EPA's Office of Water and
Waste Management has been proposed for a cooperative effort in the areas of
energy conservation and resource recovery in municipal wastewater treatment.
Unfortunately, funds are no longer available for this joint effort.
The national energy requirements in the year 2000 have been estimated to
4-89
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exceed 100 x 10*5 Btu/year. Although the fraction of national demand attribu-
ted to municipal wastewater treatment is rather small (0.3%), efforts are
being made to realize energy savings in this sector because, locally, such
savings will be significant. Perhaps two-thirds of energy use for municipal
treatment could be eliminated via conservation efforts. Such savings would
exceed the total energy requirements for a city of one-half million.
The overall program objective is directed towards energy savings derived
through more efficient design and operation of municipal wastewater treatment
facilities. It is not directed at energy production from non-municipal waste-
water sources (i.e., anaerobic digestion of agricultural biomass).
The near-term objectives are to identify, optimize and encourage the accep-
tance and implementation of low or no-cost energy processes and systems for
mainstream wastewater and sludge treatment and disposal.
The long-term objectives are to develop, demonstrate and encourage the imple-
mentation of new technologies, modifications of existing processes, and the
integration of innovative concepts into municipal wastewater collection and
treatment systems, including the use of alternative energy sources.
4.8.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
As FY80 was the first year in which an energy conservation research and devel-
opment program was implemented for municipal wastewater, accomplishments and
outputs reflect the division's long-standing interest in the area. These
accomplishments have been documented in other program areas, notably the pro-
grams involving Innovative and Alternative Technology, Plant Operation and
Design and Municipal Sludge Management.
Most of the past information related to engineering assessments and field
evaluations on plant operations has been conducted to establish baseline
energy performance data by the Plant Operation and Design and Municipal Sludge
Management Programs. Emphasis in these studies is directed towards evalua-
tions of energy efficiencies in conventional unit process systems for waste-
4-90
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water treatment and sludge handling and disposal operations. For example, a
summary of the energy consumption characteristics in treatment facilities was
reported in August 1978 - "Total Energy Consumption in Municipal Wastewater
Treatment," (EPA 600/2-78-149). This comprehensive study provides a baseline
to gauge the areas where improved efficiencies in operations and equipment
should be directed. Another important study, "Computer-Aided Synthesis of
Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Disposal Systems" (EPA 600/2-79-158), December
1979, allows the design engineer to rapidly select, through interactive
modeling techniques, equipment and treatment systems as a function of opera-
tional energy requirements. Focus has also been placed on developing informa-
tion documents to assist planners, designers and managers in making energy
comparisons and to provide guidance in the identification and quantification
of energy recovery and reuse opportunities. An output of this area is repre-
sented by the March 1978 report entitled, "Energy Conservation in Municipal
Wastewater Treatment" (EPA 430/9-77-011). Outputs also include a series of
technology assessment manuals that provide energy information for a wide range
of state-of-the-art processes including solar applications, vertical tube
chemical reactor and anaerobic treatment.
Other research accomplishments specific to plant operation and design and to
municipal sludge management are described in previous sections.
4.8.3 Current Research Plan
ORD energy conservation research activities and planned outputs are categor-
ized by three general objectives: to identify and develop energy-effective
mainstream processes and systems; to develop and optimize energy conservation
and generation in municipal sludge treatment and disposal systems; and to
evaluate, develop and optimize the use of alternative energy sources for
wastewater collection and treatment systems. The scope of activities includes
on-site engineering and systems analysis, pilot plant development, and con-
struction and operation of full-scale waste treatment facilit-
ies. As this R&D program serves as the Agency's focal point for energy con-
servation activities, it will overlap or provide plan implementation input for
other organizational divisions with joint participation, including other
4-91
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agencies, state and local governments and industry.
To meet near-term objectives, current activities in the energy conservation
R&D program (Table 4.7) include the following:
0 Design, construction and field evaluation of a vertical tube reactor
system for municipal sludge treatment
• Engineering and field evaluation studies to review and analyze energy
conservation measures in wastewater treatment technologies with a
focus on recommendations to improve energy-effective design
• Engineering and cost-analysis studies to identify and assess electric
power generation opportunities at municipal wastewater treatment
facilities
4.8.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
In the area of energy conservation, a total of eight research requirements
have been identified by the Program and Regional Offices. Of this total,
about five are non-duplicative. Organized under several separable categories,
these needs are discussed below.
Energy conservation (EC) requirements. Energy conservation requirements focus
on the need to identify effective operating procedures and equipment that
reduce energy consumption in mainstream processing. The requirements listed
are:
a. Methods to reduce energy consumption at POTWs - Region I(H)
b. Energy reduction techniques for high energy components of treatment -
OWPO(H)
c. Energy conservation, recovery and production studies - OWPO(H),
Region VIII(H)
d. Natural systems for energy use reduction - OWPO(M)
Energy production (EP) requirements. Because sludge represents a source of
organic material which can provide a net energy gain at treatment facilities,
production studies focusing on sludge are required by the Program and Regional
Offices. The requirements are:
a. Evaluation of the potential for energy production, recovery and use-
4-92
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Region VIII(H), OWPO(H)
b. Thermal conversion, digestion, and methane recovery/cleanup from
sludge and hardware development - OWPO(M)
Energy-related innovative (El) application. Because energy recovery, whether
from sludge or waste heat, will require advancements in the state-of-the-art,
certain requirements focus on these innovative developments. These include:
a. Beneficial reuse/recycle of sludge and wastewater for biomass
production - OWPO(H)
b. Methane recovery from sludge through hardware development for thermal
conversion and anaerobic digestion - OWPO(M)
Table 4.7 presents the energy conservation R&D objectives and outputs. All of
these objectives are expected to meet the needs discussed above.
Some of the previously described accomplishments have provided baseline data
for energy requirements of selected wastewater treatment processes and sludge
disposal. Similar information for both conventional processes and newer
technologies has been published in the Innovative and Alternative Technology
Assessment Manual. This work partially satisfies some of the objectives for
EC requirements a, b, c and EP requirement a above. Some of the energy-
related for sludge (EP, requirement a) are concerned with the process only,
and are considered in the Municipal Sludge Management Program. EC requirement
a, is concerned with the overall energy efficiency of POTWs. This concern
will be addressed in the plant operation and design program by a study of POTW
energy conservation. The results of this study will be reported in a manual
as part of the Design Information Series.
Because there is a continuing need in all areas for information on recent
technological advances in wastewater treatment, four 40-60 page draft reports
have been completed. The documents contain the status of development, a
detailed technical evaluation, cost and energy benefits, technology limit-
ations and an assessment of the potential national impact. The four completed
assessments are solar applications in wastewater treatment, Vertical Tube
Chemical Reactor (VTCR), fine bubble diffusers and anaerobic treatment of
4-93
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wastewater. Additional technology reports are to be initiated in the near
future and will include alternative energy sources and all on-site energy
generation prospects including heat pumps and windmills, deep shaft, anaerobic
digestion of combined wastes, aquaculture and wetlands. Future research needs
which include energy conservation and recovery systems, will be updated
annually.
In order to satisfy stated needs of the Program and Regional Offices, the
following integrated studies will be performed in conjunction with ongoing
research programs:
• Engineering and field evaluation studies of the energy conservation
effectiveness of wastewater treatment technologies and equipment and
recommendations to improve the design of systems and equipment
• Evaluation of total building and treatment systems energy require-
ments and the identification and qualification of all energy recovery
and reuse opportunities
• Engineering and cost analysis of electric power generation from all
sources in wastewater collection and treatment systems including
residuals management
• Field evaluation and process performance monitoring of the vertical
tube reactor system for the treatment of municipal sludge
• Evaluation of conventional and new sludge treatment and disposal
technologies with respect to energy effectiveness, and the identifi-
cation of potential high risk, second generation energy reducing con-
cepts and equipment
4-94
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LEGEND:
^ Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.7
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Energy
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Conduct energy conservation analysis studies
to Identify and develop most energy effective
mainstream processing
a. Complete energy conservation and recovery
sensitivity analysis
b. Begin engineering and field studies to
demonstrate 3 most energy effective
technologies
c. Finish all work and disseminate results
2. Conduct studies to identify, develop and
optimize energy conservation and generation
for municipal sludge treatment and disposal
processes
a. Award grant to design and construct
major energy conservation facility
b. Complete energy conservation project
c. Identify additional energy conservation
recovery projects
3. Conduct studies to identify, develop and
optimize the use of alternative energy
sources for wastewater treatment and
collection. Includes solar, heat pumps.
hydro biogas and on-site electric generation
a. Complete on-site electric power generation
survey report
b. Complete on-site alternative energy
generation summary report
FY80
OJD F A J A
A
FY81
O D FJA J A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
FY83
O D F A J A
A
A
A
FY84
O D F A J|A
A
A
FY85
,O D F A J A
A
O D
A
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
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4.9 SMALL WASTEWATER FLOWS RESEARCH
4.9.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
The research efforts for small wastewater flows (SWF) have historically dealt
with evaluation of alternative wastewater technologies, concentrating on on-
site treatment and disposal, alternative wastewater collection systems and
septic tank pumpings (septage) treatment and disposal. In order to maintain
advances made in each of these areas, it became evident within the past few
years that significant efforts were necessary in related areas such as manage-
ment arrangements, improved technology impact, implementation programs and
other complementary areas. The outputs of the program have been geared to the
needs of Federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, consulting engineers,
planners and private sector individuals dealing with these technologies.
In light of the above, the present program can be divided into the following
categories:
\
0 Implementation of SWF technology
• Treatment technology evaluation
0 Appropriate 21st Century technology development
0 Non-residential and specialized rural wastewater system development
The level of activity in each of these categories has varied over the past few
years. As noted above, the technology evaluation work has been equalled or
surpassed by the implementation efforts, as measured by resources expended.
The 21st Century and specialized wastewater work has been modest.
4.9.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
During FY80, major accomplishments included the publication of the OWPO/-
MERL/CERI Onsite Systems Design Manual and six other final reports on the
topics of septage management, alternative on-site systems evaluation, sources
of toxic compounds in household wastewater and comprehensive facility planning
for small communities. Additional accomplishments included major technical
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assistance efforts, initiation of the Cincinnati Center for^Small Community
Wastewater Systems Studies, and the takeover of responsibility for the EPA
Small Wastewater Flows Clearinghouse.
The above accomplishments and other program activities have provided further
insight into future program direction. Clearly, the justification for 21st
Century technology development has been weakened through the rather negative
findings of nearly completed research and lack of support from program client
communities. Conversely, the need to provide additional efforts toward SWF
technology implementaton goals has been clearly noted, both through the enor-
mous demand for the Onsite Manual and by other more direct inputs from client
communities. The type of effort demanded appears to be one balanced between
direct implementation efforts and indirectly through alternative technology
information production.
4.9.3 Current Research Plan
In order to implement the SWF research program necessary to satisfy the needs
submitted by OSW, OWPO and.the Regional Offices, it has become necessary to
develop arrangements to maximize the limited resources available to the pro-
gram. The three arrangements developed to accomplish this are the SWF Clear-
inghouse, the Cincinnati Center, and a Level of Effort (LOE) contract. The
Clearinghouse provides literature searching and communications with the user
community and assumes some of the technical assistance burden. The Cincinnati
Center will provide a more directly controlled study of viable alternative
technologies and a showcase of alternative systems in one area. Both entities
will directly affect environmental engineering education by incorporating
small flow technology into their associated universities' curricula. The LOE
contract will permit the performance of the necessary research studies to
i
satisfy the needs of the Agency and the user community which would otherwise
be delayed by several years due to the limitations on resources and
flexibility.
The SWF research-program planned outputs are described in Table 4.8.
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In order to answer the specific OWPO research requirements pertaining to
evaluation of data obtainable from existing 201 projects, there are certain
factors which must be considered. In the base program outlined above, the
approach is designed to deal with technologies, e.g., SD6 sewers, large SASs,
pressure distribution systems, etc., with collection of easily obtainable
information from 201 projects which have incorporated them for each technology
studied. Although this approach will accomplish the goals of OWPO more
slowly, it takes advantage of the fact that little data would be available
from ongoing 201 projects at this time. As these projects are completed,
field evaluation teams can evaluate them to determine detailed information on
design, construction and O&M or management aspects of the technologies. Since
insufficient resources are available in the base SWF Program to accomplish
these in-depth studies, a new initiative which requires $1,000,000 and one
additional staff position starting in FY83 is proposed. Such an effort would
maximize the data obtainable from the current 201 projects in time for incor-
poration into the Advanced Collection Handbook and the updated Onsite Systems
Manual.
In order to satisfy the research requirements for improved design and manage-
ment approaches for onsite and small community wastewater systems, a second
initiative is proposed which would anticipate and seek to obviate major O&M
problems with these systems through the use of remote sensing, satellite plant
circuit-riding concepts, design improvements to minimize labor costs and a
variety of other techniques uniquely applicable to decentralized operations.
This effort would be carried out in cooperation with the Plant Operation and
Design staff in Cincinnati and would seek to identify the most critical O&M
problems, analyze their functional roles with respect to design and operation,
and develop and test alternative systems and components which might minimize
or eliminate these problems. In order to accomplish this, an above-baseline
initiative of $400 to 500 K for two years and one additional staff position
would be required.
4.9.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
The following is a list of research needs expressed by the Program and
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Regional Offices in the area of small wastewater flows:
a. Characterize contaminants in septic tank pumpings and effect of
disposal practices - OSW(M)
b. Provide increased technical assistance - OWPO(H)
c. Evaluate projects using current design information - OWPO(H)
d. Complete septage manual - OWPO(H), Region I(H), Region II(H)
e. Compile state-of-the-art summary of large subsurface drainfields -
OWPO(M)
f. Improve cost, design, performance and reliability information -
OWPO(M)
g. Develop facility maintenance and impact monitoring methods - OWPO(M)
h. Evaluate low-pressure subsurface soil distribution and small sub-
surface aerobic systems - OWPO(L)
i. Compare costs of gravity sewers vs. alternative systems - OWPO(L)
j. Develop methods to predict life of leaching fields - Region I(H)
k. Develop control options for acid-lime side-streams from septage
pretreatment - Region I(H)
1. Evaluate lagoon, septic tank seepage for coastal soils - Region IV(H)
m. Determine effects on wetland water quality - Region IV(M)
n. Determine cost-effectiveness and benefits of BMPs - Region V(H)
o. Determine efficacy of dual septic tanks in series - Region V(M)
p. Effects on wetland productivity; other options - Region VI(M)
q. Develop alternative control technologies - Region VII(H)
r. Develop data on small-scale treatment technology - Region IX(H)
These research requirements reflect the discussion under accomplishments,
i.e., the major demands are for technology evaluation and implementation
efforts by the SWF research program. In subdividing these categories, a more
illustrative pattern can be determined.
Facility planning. Research requirements on this topic, which include site
characterization, physical data assembly, and cost-effective analyses, were
provided by OWPO and Regions I, V, and IX. A FY80 research report (EPA 600/8-
80-030) and draft Environmental Impact Statments from Region V indicate that,
although present methodologies are useful, the cost of a thorough facility
plan could be prohibitive to a small community. Consequently, several field
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and modelling techniques show potential for reducing the cost and improving
the equity of problem determination. A definitive study of these techniques
and a review and analysis of total (capital and O&M) costs began in FY81 and
will provide the necessary information to partially satisfy the above research
requirements. More complete satisfaction will result when projects addressing
technology evaluation and management issues have been completed and analyzed
(approximately FY84 at present funding levels). Complete satisfaction within
this time will require a special initiative, as discussed previously.
Management. Research requirements on this topic, which include management
arrangements, septage/residuals handling and O&M requirements, were provided
by OWPO and Region I. The Septage Handbook will partially satisfy these needs
which were primarily directed toward more useful information on this subject.
Additionally, the completion of the ongoing User's Guide on Management of SAWS
(Small and alternative wastewater systems) and the OWPO and other 208 manage-
ment initiatives will provide a sound basis for evaluation of actual manage-
ment needs in FY83. Resulting management research requirements are antici-
pated to be satisfied by the special initiative referenced above and another
dealing with O&M of SAWS, both of which have been described previously.
Health and environmental impacts. Research requirements on this topic were
submitted by OSW and Region IV. Completion of ongoing studies on pollutant
transport through soils below absorption beds will-provide partial satis-
faction to those needs with regard to nutrients and toxic organics. Health
impacts have been initially addressed for certain onsite alternatives and will
be pursued, pending the result of the upcoming conference on microbial health
risks. These projects should satisfy the above requirements by early FY85.
All work is being conducted in cooperation with RSKERL and HERL.
Technology implementation documents. Research requirements for specific
program output documents have been provided by OWPO and Regions I and II. In
order to provide useful outputs SWF has cooperated with OWPO and CERI. The
most recent result has been the Onsite Manual. Present efforts are directed
toward the Septage Handbook and a User's Guide for Management of SAWS. In
FY82, an Advanced Collection Systems Handbook will be initiated, to be
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followed by a revision of the Onsite Manual. These outputs should satisfy the
expressed research needs, although the specific OWPO requirements for an
Onsite Alternatives Manual will be incorporated into the revised Onsite Manual
due to limited resource availability. The SWF Clearinghouse will be a useful
entity in communicating with the user community and fostering interest in the
program products.
Technical assistance. OWPO was the only office to submit a research require-
ment for technical assistance (TA). Since this area has heretofore drained
significant manpower from the SWF staff, appropriate cutbacks in TA are antic-
ipated. Therefore, TA will be limited to 75 person-days per year with
priority given to OWPO requests.
Treatment technology evaluation. Under the major topic of technology evalu-
ation, subtopics include a variety of onsite and centralized collection and
treatment system study areas. However, since the majority of the submitted
research requirements were generally addressed to the development of perform-
ance, design, cost and reliability of alternative and conventional rural
wastewater systems, this major research topic will not be subdivided in the
same manner as technology implementation.
Research requirements promoting the continued evaluation of alternative tech-
nologies, both onsite and community-wide, were submitted by OWPO and Regions V
and VII. A series of field studies spanning FY81-83 and data gathered by the
Cincinnati Center for Small Community Wastewater Systems Research will provide
needed data to partially satisfy these requirements. Available data from
these and other sources will be incorporated into the updated Onsite Manual in
FY85 and the Advanced Collection Systems Handbook in FY84.
Specific research requirements were submitted for the following topics:
• Evaluation of pressure distribution systems (OWPO)
• Evaluation of large soil absorption systems (OWPO)
• Evaluation of dual septic tanks in series (OWPO)
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A field study project initiated in FY81 will satisfy the pressure distribution
system requirement by obtaining and analyzing data from North Carolina
(Carlisle system), Wisconsin (SSWMP system) and other locations. Similarly, a
FY81 project will gather analytical data on large SASs from Washington,
Wisconsin and New England.
Needs expressed by the Regional Offices which are not met by the current
research plan are 1, m, o and p in the above list of requirements.
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LEGEND:
^ Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.8
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Small Wastewater Flows
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Implementation of SF technology
a. Improved facility planning
b. Optimum management strategies
c. Health and other environmental impacts
d. Technology transfer documents
e. Technical assistance, up to 75 md of staff
time
2. On-site technology evaluations
a. Land insufficiencies
b. Groundwater vulnerability
c. Severe water and climate with above also
3. Collection and treatment technology
evaluations '
a. Low-cost collection systems
4. Appropriate technology for 21st century
5. Non-residential and specialized rural wastes
a. Commercial establishments
FY80
O|D F A j A
A
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FY81
o D|F A J|A
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FY82
O D FJA J A
4
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FY83
O D F A J A
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FY84
O D F A| J A
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FY85
O D F A J A
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* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
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4.10 INNOVATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
4.10.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
Enactment of the Clean Water Act (CWA) of 1977 provided major reorientation in
EPA Programs to meet national water quality goals by the increased use of
innovative and alternative (I/A) technologies. The I/A technology provisions
of the CWA clearly establish intent to encourage the development and implemen-
tation of I/A technologies for the treatment of the nation's municipal waste-
waters while advancing the state-of-the-art in wastewater treatment technology
across a broad front. Taken together, Sections 201, 202 and 205 encourage the
use of technologies which reclaim and reuse water, recycle wastewater constit-
uents productively, conserve or recover energy, reduce capital and operating
costs, improve operational reliability, improve toxics management, improve
environmental benefits or provide for improved potential for joint municipal/
industrial treatment. Special financial incentives are provided to munici-
palities to adopt use of I/A technologies including 10% grant increases 15%
cost effectiveness preferences, fund reserves for grant increases, and 100%
modification grants for failed facilities. Finally, Section 105(j) authorizes
post-construction performance evaluations of I/A technology.
To carry out the mandates of the CWA, a high visibility I/A Technology Program
was established at MERL. The I/A Technology program is a seven man-year
effort and is divided into four areas of activity: the Technical Support
Group (TSG); Information Dissemination; the I/A Technology Program; and the
I/A Research Program.
The Technical Support Group reviews I/A facility plans and I/A designs submit-
ted by the EPA regional offices, provides technical assistance to the regions
and states, operates the I/A Clearinghouse, keeps track of progress of the I/A
Program, evaluates results and provides policy review support to Washington.
Information dissemination includes activities such as preparation of manuals,
articles, brochures, flyers and other similar documents intended to reach a
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wide range of audiences and conducting technical seminars and workshops for
consultants, grantees and federal/state officials.
The Agency has initiated an Active I/A Technology Program in order to
encourage greater use of I/A technologies and to generate more I/A projects.
Efforts included in this area are intended to identify recently developed
emerging I/A technologies and assist local communities and their consulting
engineers with assessment and analysis of emerging technologies that may be
applicable to their specific wastewater treatment control or management prob-
lems.
The I/A Research Program is a relatively new initiative including study of
technologies which have high potential for cost and energy savings and other
benefits. In order to avoid duplication of efforts, the I/A Research Program
is conducted in partnership with other Wastewater Research Division entities:
the Process Development Branch, Small Flows Program, and Energy Program in the
Systems and Engineering Evaluation branch. As such, the I/A Program is a
vital element of R&D, acting as a focal point or bridge between pure research
and development activities and implementation of technology in the field. One
purpose of the I/A Research Program is to identify and evaluate wastewater
treatment technologies which show promise for reducing capital and operating
costs and energy requirements. Evaluations include conduct of preliminary
research engineering assessments of the potential of these promising tech-
nologies and of their stage of development. Feedback is provided to those
responsible for process development and includes an identification of those
technologies which have high potential for achieving cost and energy savings
applicable to the Construction Grants Program. For a limited number of
selected high potential technologies, the I/A Research Program provides the
necessary funds to conduct research and demonstration studies in coordination
with other programs in order to accelerate the design and development of
emerging technologies.
Another purpose of the I/A Research Program is to ensure that these and
related technologies are implemented as soon as possible through the Construc-
tion Grants Program.
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In addition to the current I/A Technology Program, a new initiative has been
conceptualized and will be initiated in FY82 to perform post-construction
evaluations of I/A projects.
4.10.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
During FY80, the I/A program conducted over 100 technical reviews, developed
over 20 active I/A projects completed four assessments on emerging technolo-
gies, and produced several manuals, brochures and workshops. I/A Clearing-
house Reports have been published quarterly since June 1979. The status of
the I/A program described in these quarterly reports indicates that, in FY79
and FY80, 550 I/A projects have been funded. In addition, several presenta-
tions were made during the past year. "An Overview of EPA's I/A Technology
Program" was presented at the 7th U.S./Japan Conference on Sewage Treatment
Technology. "Progress in EPA's I/A Technology Program" was presented at the
7th National Conference on Individual On-Site Wastewater Systems and a presen-
tation entitled "Innovative Municipal Energy Alternatives" was given to the
Rocky Mountain sections of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the
Water Pollution Control Federation (WPCF). The final version of the "I/A
Technology Assessment Manual" was also published.
The Technical Support Group reviews covered 34 states and included risk/
benefit analyses, costs and energy savings for the following technologies:
• VTR Chemical Oxidation
• Anaerobic Treatment
• Low Head Hydroelectric Power Generation
• Windmill Power Generation
t Improved Aeration Devices
• Dual Series Aerobic/Anaerobic Sludge Digestion
• Sequencing Batch Reactors
• Use of Small Individual and On-site Systems
• Ultraviolet Disinfection
t Aquaculture
• Land Treatment Systems
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• Mechanical Composting
• Active/Passive Solar
Several draft reports dealing with emerging technology assessment have been
completed and include solar applications vertical tube reactors and anaerobic
treatment of wastewater. The active I/A Program provided assistance to 23
projects in seven Regions. Projects using particularly promising technologies
are located in Montrose, Colorado and Hanover, New Hampshire.
4.10.3 Current Research Plan
The schedule of outputs planned for the I/A Technology Program is presented in
Table 4.9; the Technical Support Group activities are listed under Tasks 2,
5a, b, and e. The resources presently allocated to this effort are sufficient
to meet the key outputs listed. Also in Table 4.9: Information Dissemination
is covered by Tasks 1, 4a, b, c, and d: the Active I/A Technology Program
includes Tasks 4a, 5c, and d; and the I/A Research Program has outputs under
Tasks 3a and 3b. Resource needs for these areas are discussed in the follow-
ing section.
4.10.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
Two Program Offices and three regions have stated a total of 13 requirements:
a. Expand Active I/A effort for long-range improvements in technology
efforts - OWPO (H)
b. Expand technology program transfer and conduct national symposia -
OWPO (H), Region V (H)
c. Performance of I/A technologies on toxics (concentration and effects
- OWRS (H)
d. Procedures for post-construction evaluations of energy savings -
Region I (H)
e. Criteria for justifying 100% replacement - Region I (H)
f. Support I/A Clearinghouse - Region I (H)
g. Cost, performance and reliability data for I/A technologies - Region
V (H)
h. Demonstration of vertical tube reactor - Region VIII (H)
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i. Demonstration of wet oxidation of sludge - Region VIII (H)
J. Identify and support promising technologies - OWPO (M)
k. Emerging technology assessments - OWPO (M)
1. Regional and state project reviews - OWPO (M)
m. Detailed evaluations of selected I/A systems - OWPO (M)
All of the above requirements, except c and i, are being addressed directly by
the research plan. Requirement c is addressed indirectly as part of Tasks 3a
and 6 (Table 4.9)
In order to meet research requirement a, expansion of the Active I/A Program,
an increase in resource commitment to R&D objective 5 (Table 4.9) is required.
However, one limit to further success of the current Active I/A Program is a
lack of adequate travel funds. In addition, a prerequisite of the current
Active I/A Program was full-time regional EPA I/A coordinator support.
Requirements d and m are addressed by outputs 6a and 6d (Table 4.9) and
outline a need to perform detailed post-construction evaluations of completed
I/A projects which are in operation and which can be accomplished through
Section 105(j) of the Clean Water Act and/or an independent ORD initiative.
Section 105(j) addresses 100% grants to I/A grantees for evaluation of opera-
tion, training of personnel not employed by the grantee and information dis-
semination. Strict interpretation of 105(j) would require initiation of a
small-scale grants program sponsored by ORD and coordinated with OWPO. How-
ever, 105(j) is ambiguous in several areas: I/A grantees may not desire
grants to perform detailed evaluations of operations unless a problem already
existed; EPA interest in training is during start-up and not during operation;
training during start-up is already an eligible item under the Construction
Grants Program; and, I/A grantees may not desire grants for information on
successful I/A projects.
In order to pursue post-construction evaluations on the basis of 105(j),
ambiguities need to be resolved. The best way to accomplish this is through a
legislative initiative. An appropriation would also be required. Pursuit of
I/A technology post-construction evaluations as part of an independent ORD
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initiative has several potential advantages. These include the ability to
study selected projects in addition to those funded through the Construction
Grants Program and the freedom to initiate action to perform evaluations
rather than react to grant applications from I/A grantees. This new indepen-
dent ORD initiative would require a new resource commitment. Preliminary
estimated resources for'this program are as follows: 1982, $2M, 2 positions;
1983, $4M, 4 positions; and 1984, $8M, 6 positions. Emerging technology
assessments currently under development include the following technologies:
deepshaft treatment, anaerobic digestion of combined wastes, aquaculture and
wetlands. Future assessments are planned in the areas of:
t Co-Incineration
• Co-Pyrolysis
• Co-Starved Air Combustion
• Toxics Control Technology
• Carver Greenfield and Related Processes
• Sequencing Batch Reactors
• Thermophilic (Air + 02) Sludge Digestion
• Mechanical Composting
• Energy Conservation and Recovery Systems
• Biological Nutrient Removal Processes
Requirement j (Identify and support promising technologies) is broad-based in
nature and will be met by continuation of the I/A Research Program and the I/A
Clearinghouse. However, in order to continue partial funding of projects
initiated in FY81 and to fund new efforts in FY82, a significant increase in
extramural funds will be necessary.
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.9
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Innovative/Alternative Technology
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. I/A assessment manual
2. Operate I/A clearinghouse. Prepare 4
quarterly reports per year
3. Conduct I /A research to accelerate develop-
ment of high potential technology
a. For FY81 develop (award grant) a minimum
of 3 long-term I /A research project in
the area(s) of wastewater treatment,
sludge management, toxics management
b. Identify second generation innovative
projects to be funded in FY82 and 83
4. Conduct of I/A information dissemination
program to educate and effect exchange
between federal, state, local officials,
consultants, equipment manufacturers, public
interest groups
a. For FY81 develop a series of at least 4
emerging technology assessments
b. Develop a series of quasi technical
articles for public officials
c. Develop seminars, workshops as
appropriate
d. Make presentations at conferences/
professional meetings in at least
5 states
5. Provide technical/administrative assistance
to regions, states, Washington
a. For FY81 review all I/A applications as
requested by regions within 15 working
days
b. Provide technical assistance as requested.
Provide detailed planning, design,
construction
FY80
O D F A J
A
A
A
FY81
O D F A J A
A
^
A
t
t
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
A
A
FY83
0 DJF A J A
A
A A
i_i £A
FY84
O D F A J A
A
FY85
o|p F A j A
A
O D
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.9
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Innovative/Alternative Technology
R&D OBJECTIVE
c. Assistance on at least 15 identified
active I/A projects
d. Identify a minimum of 3 high visibility
active I/A projects
e. Provide OWPO, OWPS, OSW assistance in
legislative initiatives, regulations
policy guidance, technical assistance.
Identify innovative wastewater treatment
toxics and sludge management options
6. Post construction evaluations
a. For FY81 develop plan, schedule and
estimated budget
b. Develop a protocol for individual plant
evaluations
c. Develop and describe test case study in
FY82
d. Implement full program FY83
FY80
O DJ F A J A
FY81
O|D F|A J|A
A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A
FY83
O D F A J A
A
.FY84
0 D F A J A
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[o D F A J A
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$ Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
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4.11 HEALTH EFFECTS RESEARCH
4.11.1 Research Program Description and Objectives
ORD's health effects research responds to requirements of the Clean Water Act
calling for the safe treatment, disposal and possible reuse of municipal
wastewater and sludge and for the development of a health effects data base
for setting water quality standards and effluent guidelines.
The health effects research program offers support to the Program Offices in
three areas: wastewater and sludge management, reuse and recycling of waste-
water and urban runoff. The major objectives of the program are:
t To determine the health implications of existing and innovative tech-
nology for the treatment and disposal of wastewater and sludge
t To develop a health effects data base to be used to formulate cri-
teria for the safe reuse of wastewater for industrial, agricultural,
and potentially potable purposes, and to assess the possible health
impacts associated with reuse of renovated wastewater
• To determine the potential impact of combined sewer overflows and
stormwater discharges on human health
4.11.2 Recent Research Accomplishments
Within the past two years a number of reports and papers relevant to the
health effects of municipal wastewater treatment and reuse have been published
and/or presented. Topics covered include wastewater aerosols, land treatment,
land application of sludge, composting and renovated water. A list of these
reports and papers is included at the end of this chapter.
4.11.3 Current Research Plan
The major program outputs planned for FY80-85 are shown in Table 4.10. Beyond
these planned research efforts, four new research initiatives are suggested:
health effects of the high-rate and application of sludge; health aspects of
on-site wastewater treatment systems; health effects associated with waste-
water aquaculture; and health significance of urban runoff.
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Health effects of the high-rate land application of sludge* The disposal or
use of municipal wastewater sludges through landfilling, land reclamation or
high-rate application to agricultural land poses a potential threat to the
underlying groundwater. This initiative will evaluate that threat with
respect to pathogens (especially viruses), toxic organics and trace elements,
and develop management methods to ensure goundwater protection. (FY83 funds -
$300 K, 0 Positions)
Health aspects of on-site wastewater treatment systems* A considerable por-
tion of the rural and suburban American population is served by on-site waste-
water treatment systems, septic tanks with drain fields being of particular
importance. This initiative will significantly increase resources to address
the risk to public health posed by enteric pathogens contaminating the immedi-
ate area, surface water and groundwater. (FY83 funds - $300 K, 1 Position)
Health effects associated with wastewater aquaculture. The use of pretreated
wastewater in commercial aquaculture is being considered as a means of using
contained nutrients and decreasing pollutant discharges. This initiative will
significantly increase resources to address the problem of ensuring that the
products of wastewater aquaculture, i.e., fish and animal feed, do not create
public health problems. (FYR3 funds - $200 K, 0 Positions)
Health significance of urban runoff. Research efforts in the urban runoff
area aim at relating the degree of treatment of point and non-point source
discharges to health effects. Evaluation of the need for higher degrees of
wastewater treatment to obtain reduced toxic organics or a virus-free effluent
to prevent negative health effects in recreational waters of drinking water
supplies is a focus, as is the development of better indicators of microbio-
logical treatment efficiency. (FY83 funds - $500 K, 1 Position)
4.11.4 ORD Response to Agency Research Requirements
The majority of the needs expressed by Program and Regional Offices relate to
the areas of land treatment, land application of sludge and urban runoff. All
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needs expressed are grouped by the major objectives of the wastewater health
effects research program.
Land treatment of municipal wastewater. Epidemiological studies at land
treatment sites in Texas and Israel are ongoing. The appraisal of the health
effects of land treatment is near completion and will be revised as new infor-
mation is available. Research on the fate of enteric pathogens during pre-
application treatment, particularly in wastewater stabilization ponds (holding
ponds, lagoons), has begun and will be expanded in the future. The fate of
pathogens, especially viruses and parasites, in the soil matrix under various
environmental conditions and the consequent entry into groundwater and the
food chain continues to be studied. Since the health response of any parti-
cular dose of virus depends upon the minimum infective dose, research in this
area continues. Research needs in this category include:
a. Finalize state-of-the-art health assessment for land application and
start follow-up study - OWPO (H)
b. Pathogen die-off rates in land application holding ponds - OWPO (L)
c. Pathogen and other constraints to water reuse after land treatment -
OWPO (L)
d. Health risks due to food chain transfer of pathogen or toxics during
land treatment - OWPO (L)
e. Pretreatment and disinfection guides for land application - Region
VIII (H)
Wastewater aquaculture. Although no specific research requirements were
expressed in this area, the technical development of aquaculture systems is a
medium-priority research area. The use of pretreated wastewater in commercial
aquaculture is being considered as a means of using contained nutrients and
decreasing pollutant discharges. The potential health hazards related to the
practice and to the use of aquaculture products must be appraised.
Small wastewater flows. The technological development of on-site treatment
systems is a medium-priority research area. Since a considerable portion of
the rural and suburban American population is served by on-site wastewater
treatment systems, particularly septic tanks with drain fields, the health
effects resulting from these small systems will be evaluated in the future.
4-114
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One high priority research need identified by Region IX is the requirement for
treatment data on small-scale technology.
''•it-
Land application of sludge. All the research requirements are addressed in
the ongoing or planned sludge research program. Areas in this program
include:
0 Measurement and evaluation of the pathogen and chemical contamination
hazards associated with land application of sludge
• Support studies on possible transmission of contaminants, including
cadmium, microbiological agents and persistant organics, through the
food chain
t Epidemiological studies on populations with exposure to sludge
Research needs in the area of land application of sludge include:
a. Fate and effects of toxics in CSOs and recycled wastewater and
sludges - OWPO (H)
b. Pathogen die-off and risks in land application of sludge - OWPO (L)
c. Health risks due to food chain transfer of pathogens or toxics during
land treatment - OWPO (L)
d. Pathogens in sludge: land application and disease correlation,
studies of areas where sludge is applied to land - OSW (H)
e. PCB's in sludge: uptake by root crops, accumulation in livestock and
milk-fat - OSW (H)
f. Lead in sludge: plant uptake studies, accumulation in soils - OSW
(H)
g. Plant uptake of organics and trace metals (other than PCB, Cd, Pb) -
OSW (M)
h. Epidemiological studies in sludge land application areas - OSW (M)
i. Compare current methods for dietary Cd exposure evaluation - OSW (M)
j. Effect of disposal practices - OSW (M)
k. Cd uptake by leafy plants, peanuts and fruits - OSW (L)
1. Fate of toxics from land-applied sludge - OPTS (M)
m. Environmentally acceptable sludge land spreading and landfilling
methods - Region I (H)
n. Acceptability of landspreading and thermal destruction of urban area
sludges - Region II (H)
4-115
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o. Health implications of land treatment of wastewater sludges - Region
' IV (H)
p. Fate of viruses and pathogens in sewage sludge application - Region
VII (H)
Other Sludge Treatment, Disposal and Utilization Practices. Sludge management
is a high-priority research area. Most of the health effects research on
sl.udge management is in land application, but other forms of sludge manage-
ment, i.e., composting, drying and incineration, have considerable potential
utility, particularly in urban areas. The health effects of these practices
will be evaluated. A research need identified by Region II is:
• Acceptability of landspreading and thermal destruction of urban area
sludges - Region II (H)
Reuse of municipal wastewater. ORD activities in the area of reuse and recy-
cling of wastewater relate to a perceived future requirement to make the most
efficient use of water resources and treatment capacity. This is to be accom-
plished by developing a data base for use in establishing criteria for the
safe reuse of wastewater for industrial, agricultural and possibly potable
purposes. Along with support data for criteria development are research
activities in the areas of:
0 Potential carcinogenic, organic constituents in effluents from
advanced waste treatment systems
• Effects of treatment systems on the nature and toxicity of organic
substances
0 Toxicity testing procedures which may be applied to reuse situations
0 Health risks of viruses occurring in the effluents
0 Potential human health effects of groundwater aquifers recharged with
treated effluents
0 Health implications of non-potable reuse
Urban runoff and wastewater treatment. In the urban runoff area, there is a
need to better understand and relate the treatment of point and non-point
source discharges to health effects. Evaluation of the need for advanced
wastewater treatment to obtain a relatively safe effluent to prevent adverse
4-116
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health effects in recreational waters is necessary, as well as better indica-
tors of microbiological treatment efficiency. Research needs are:
a. Fate and effects of toxics in CSOs and recycled wastewater and
sludges - OWPO (H)
b. Separate sewer wet weather discharge pathogen criteria - OWPO (M)
c. Urban runoff impacts and problem assessment - OWPO (M)
d. Effects of toxics in urban runoff-effect on biological integrity of
stream - OWRS (H)
e. Data for wet weather flow criteria and standards-impact on POTW's and
CSO's - OWRS (H)
f. Data for toxics material balances in urban runoff - OWRS (L)
g. Data for toxics material balances - OPTS (H)
h. Wet weather flow criteria assessment - Region V (H)
4-117
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HEALTH EFFECTS RESEARCH REPORTS AND PAPERS
Wastewater Aerosols
Majeti, V.A., and C.S. Clark, "Potential Health Effects from Viable
Emissions and Toxins Associated with Wastewater Treatment Plants and
Land Application Sites." EPA-600/1-81-006, 1980.
Pahren, H.R., "Wastewater Aerosols Dnd disease." 53rd Annual Con-
ference Water Pollution Control Federation, Las Vegas, 28 September-
October 1980.
Pahren, H.R., and W. Jakubowski, ed., "Wastewater Aerosols and
Disease." EPA-600/9-80-028, 1980.
Pahren, H.R., and W. Jakubowski, "Health Aspects of Wastewater
Aerosols." Proceedings, Tenth International Conference, Inter-
national Association on Water Pollution Research, Toronto, 23-27 June
1980.
Carnow, B., et al., "Health Effects of Aerosols Emitted from an
Activated Sludge Plant." EPA-600/1-79-019. (Skokie, Illinois),
1979.
Johnson, D.E., et al. "Environmental Monitoring of a Wastewater
Treatment Plant." EPA-600/1-79-027. (Tigard, Oregon), 1979.
Land Treatment
Johnson, D.E., et al., "The Evaluation of Microbiological Aerosols
Associated with the Application of Wastewater to Land." EPA-600/1-
80-015, 1980.
Kowal, N.E. and H.R. Pahren. Health Effects Associated with Waste-
water Treatment and Disposal." Journal Water Pollution Control Fed.
52:1312-1325, 1980.
Kowal, N.E., et al., "Microbiological Health Effects Associated with
the use of Municipal Wastewater for Irrigation." International Con-
ference on Cooperative Research Needs for the Renovation and Reuse of
Municipal Wastewater in Agriculture, Mexico City, 15-19 December
1980.
Sagik, B.P., "Human Enteric Virus Survival in Soil Following Irriga-
tion with Sewage Plant Effluents." EPA-600/1-80-004, 1980.
Clark, C.S., et al., "Evaluation of the Health Risks Associated with
the Treatment and Disposal of Municipal Wastewater and Sludge." EPA-
600/1-81-030, 1980.
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Land Application of Sludge
Pahren, H.R., et al., "Health Risks Associated with Land Application
of Municipal Sludge." Journal Water Pollution Control Federation,
51:2588-2601, 1979.
Bitton, G., et al. ed., "Sludge - Health Risks of Land Application."
Ann Arbor Science Pub., Ann Arbor, Mich.,1980.
Yeager, J.6., "Risk to Animal Health from Pathogens in Municipal
Sludge." In: "Sludge - Health Risks of Land Application" (6. Bitton
et al., ed.), 173-199. Ann Arbor Science Pub., Ann Arbor, Mich.,
1980.
Little, M.D., "Agents of Health Significance: Parasites." Ibid.,
47-58.
Edds, 6.T., et al., "Health Effects of Sewage Sludge for Plant Pro-
duction or Direct Feeding to Cattle, Swine, Poultry or Animal Tissue
to Mice." Ibid., 311-323. 1980.
Harding, H.J., et al., "Aerosols Generated by Liquid Sludge Applica-
tion to Land." EPA-600/1-81-028, 1980.
Majeti, V.A., and C.S. Clark, "Potential Health Effects from Persis-
tant Organics in Wastewater and Sludges Used for Land Application."
EPA-600/1-80-025, 1980.
Kello, D., et al., "On the Role of Metallothionein in Cadmium Absorp-
tion by Rat Jejum in Situ." Toxicology 14:199-208, 1979.
Kowal, N.E., et al., "Normal Levels of Cadmium in Diet, Urine, Blood,
and Tissues of Inhabitants of the United States." Journal Toxicology
Environ. Health 5:995-1014, 1979.
Foulkes, E.C. 1980., "Some Determinants of Intestinal Cadmium Trans-
port in the Rat." J. Environ. Path. Toxicol. 3:471-481, 1980.
Kowal, N.E., "Normal levels of Urinary Cadmium and Beta?-Micro-
globulin in the United States." Third International Cadmium Con-
ference, Miami, 3-5 February 1981.
Edds, G.T., and J.M. Davidson, "Sewage Sludge Viral and Pathogenic
Agents in Soil-PIant-Animal Systems." EPA-600/1-81-026, 1981.
Beaudouin, J., et al., "Effects of Sewage Sludge Diets Fed Swine on
Nutrient, Digestibility, Reproduction, Growth and Minerals in
Tissues." J. Animal Science 50:572-580, 1980.
Bertrand, J.E., et al., "Effects of Dried Digested Sludge and Corn
Grown on Soil Treated with Liquid Digested Sludge on Performance,
Carcass Quality, and Tissue Residues in Beef Steers." J. Animal
Science 50:35-40, 1980.
Bitton, G., et al., "On the Value of Soil Columns for Assessing the
Transport Pattern of Viruses Through Soils: A Critical Outlook."
Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 12:449-457, 1979.
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Bitton, G.,et al., "Virus Detection in Soils: a Comparison of Four
Recovery Methods." Can. Journal Microbiology 25:874-880, 1979.
Damron, B.L., et al., "Feeding Corn Fertilized with Municipal Sludge
to Broiler Chicks and Laying Hens." Poultry Science 59:1561, 1980.
Johnson, W.L., and B.L. Damron, "Performance of White Leghorn Hens
Fed Various Levels of Municipal Sludge or Selected Minerals."
Poultry Science 59:1565, 1980.
Osuna, 0., et al., "Feeding Trials of Dried Urban Sludge and the
Equivalent Cadmium Level in Swine." Proc. 8th Natl. Conf. on Munici-
pal Sludge Management, 201-213, 1979.
Composting
Clark C.S., et al., "Occupational Hazards Associated with Sludge
Handling." In: "Sludge - Health Risks of Land Application" (G.
Bitton et al., ed.), 215-244. Ann Arbor Science Pub., Ann Arbor,
Mich., 1980.
Clark, C.S., et al., "Evaluation of the Health Risks Associated with
the Treatment and Disposal of Municipal Wastewater and Sludge." EPA-
600/1-81-030, 1981.
Renovated Water
Chappell, W.R., et al., "Health Effects of Consumption of Renovated
Water: Chemistry and Cytotoxicity." EPA-600/1-79-014, 1979.
Reynolds, T.D., and S.J. Hawkins, "Water Treatment Project: Observa-
tions on the Use of GAC in Practice." EPA-600/1-80-023, 1980.
Chappell, W.R., et al., "The Effect of Ozonation of Organics in
Wastewater." EPA-600/1-81-005, 1981.
Neal, M.W., et al., "Assessment of Mutagenic Potential of Mixtures of
Organic Substances in Renovated Water." EPA-600/1-81-016, 1981.
McCarty, P.L., et al., "Mutagenic Activity and Chemical Characteriza-
tion for the Palo Alto Wastewater Reclamation and Groundwater Injec-
tion Facility." EPA-600/1-81-029, 1981.
Saxena, J., and D.J. Schwartz, "Mutagens in Wastewater Renovated by
Advanced Wastewater Treatment." Bull. Env. Contam. Toxicol.
22:319, 1979.
Wolf, H.W., et al., "Pyrogenic Activity of Carbon-Filtered Waters."
EPA-600/1-79-009, 1979.
Jorgensen, J.., et al., "Comparison of Limulus Assay, Standard Plate
Count and Total Coliform Count for Microbiological Assessment of
Renovated Wastewater." Appl. Env. Microbiol. 37:928, 1979.
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Pahren, H.R., and R.G. Melton, "Mutagenic Activity and Trace Organics
in Concentrates from Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant Effluent."
In: "Water Reuse Symposium, AWWA Research Foundation," Denver,
Colorado, 1979.
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LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.10
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Health Effects
R&D OBJECTIVE
1. Land Treatment of Municipal Wastewater
a. Appraisal of irrigation of agricultural
land using treated wastewater.
b. Fate of enteric pathogens during pre-
application treatment of wastewater and
sludge on land.
c. Fate of enteric pathogens in the soil
matrix under various environmental
conditions, especially parasites and
viruses.
d. Minimum infectious dose of viruses.
2. Wastewater Aquaculture
a. Potential health effects of aquaculture
and natural wastewater treatment systems.
3. Small Wastewater Flows
a. Health effects resulting from small
wastewater treatment systems.
4. Land Application of Sludge
a. Appraisal of land application of
municipal sludge.
b. Pathogen hazard to farm families.
c. Sludge effects via animal pathways.
d. Potential of animals grazing on waste-
water or sludge amended lands to transmit
human disease, especially viral disease.
e. Effects of environmental conditions on
the fates of enteric pathogens at the
soil surface, especially parasites and
viruses.
FY80
0 D FJA
*
J
A
FY81
0 D F A J A
A
A
^
A
A
FY82
0 D F A J A
A
A
A
A
A
FY83
O D F A J A
\
A
A
A
i
FY84
O D F A J A
A A
A
A
A
A
FY85
0 D F A J A
A
A
A
A
0 D
A
A
^
A
A
(\
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
A Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.10
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Health Effects
R&D OBJECTIVE
f. Fate and health effects of organic com-
pounds in the human food— chain from sludge-
amended soils.
g. Levels of cadmium-exposure indicators in
the U.S.
h. Dietary cadmium uptake and toxicity.
i. In conjunction with other agencies.
determine the levels of metals in the
soils and plants of food growing areas.
5. Other Sludge Treatment, Disposal, and
Utilization Practices
a. Composting processes.
6. Reuse of Municipal Uastewater
a. Technology for microblal measurements of
aerosols.
b. Provide a data base and potential health
effects on microbial aerosols from cool-
ing towers utilizing municipal wastewater.
c. Develop a. data base to be used in writing
criteria for the reuse of wastewater.
d. Data base on virus spectrum in AWT plants.
e. Evaluation of organics in wastewater
processed for reuse.
f. Develop bioassay methods for evaluation
of health risks of wastewater processed
for reuse.
g. Conduct a pilot toxicological verification
study for making decisions on the poten-
tial risks of consuming renovated water.
FY80
O D] F A J A
A
FY81
o D F|A|J A
A
A
A
FY82
O D F A J A
A
A A
ft
A
FY83
O DJF A J A
A
A
A
A
FY84
o D F|A|J|A
A
A
A,
A
FY85
o|p F A j A
A
A
o|o
A,
f\
h
A
* Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
LEGEND:
± Completed Project Outputs
A Proposed Project Outputs
— Estimated Project Period
Table 4.10
SCHEDULE OF R&D OUTPUTS
Health Effects
R&D OBJECTIVE
h. Evaluate the potential of the endotoxin
assay as a rapid quantitative microbio-
logical procedure to monitor the efficacy
of renovated water treatment processes
for potable use.
7. Urban Runoff and Wastewater Treatment
a. Epidemiologlcal studies relating illness
to degree of treatment.
b. Assessment of toxic and carcinogenic
potential of urban runoff and combined
sewer overflows.
c. Develop a health data base supporting
the development of microbial treatment
criteria for stormwaters.
d. Improved indicator of treatment
efficiencies and/or potential health
studies.
FY80
O D F A J A
FY81
O D F A J A
FY82
O D F A J A
FY83
o D[F A J A
FY84
0 D F|A J A
A
FY85
o D|F A J|A
A
OJD
A
A
A
+ Projects that could be completed with funding above FY81 level.
-------
4.12 EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
4.12.1 Program Objectives
To achieve a reasonable balance between the immediate needs of the Agency and
the general advancement of science through long-term activities, approximately
15 percent of the resources in the extramural research program have been set
aside for long-term exploratory research. The objective of the grant program
is to supplement ORD activities by stimulating scientific and technical
research fundamental to pollution control advances. Specific program guidance
will be given by the Research Committee for the solicitation of grant
proposals on an annual basis.
Another supplement to the ORD program is the recent establishment of a number
of innovative research centers at competitively selected universities. One of
these centers is the Advanced Control Technology Research Center at the Uni-
versity of Illinois at Urbana. This program should provide a better link
between basic and applied research within the Municipal Wastewater Research
Program
4.12.2 Current and Proposed Exploratory Research Projects
The following subjects have been identified as having program interest for
FY82:
• Assessment of the significance of bacterial regrowth in secondary
effluent following disinfection with chlorine, ozone or ultraviolet
light and the identification of the organism responsible for the
regrowth
• Development of microorganisms with high phosphorus uptake capabili-
ties by means of manipulating bacterial recombinant deoxyribonucleic
acid (DMA)
• Development of an anerobic biodegradation test for organic compounds
to screen for treatability of priority pollutants
• Development of means for measuring limits to composting through an
evaluation of fundamental sludge constituents to aid in establishing
valid design parameters
4-125
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• Soil metal interaction - determine the interaction of, and the equi-
librium state between, soil properties and the soluble/insoluble
phases of metals
0 Bioavailablity of cadmium - determine, through a fundamental study of
cadmium chemistry and interactions with soils and crops, how to limit
crop uptake of cadmium
• Development of an indicator-surrogate to simplify monitoring for the
presence of toxic compounds
• Investigation of sorption and concentration of toxic organic com-
pounds by municipal sludge
0 Exploring the possibilities of genetically engineering microorganisms
to increase their capacities to absorb nitrated and chlorinated
organic compounes which have shown resistance to biodegradation
• Determining organic pollutants adsorption isotherms
• Developing a rapid screening test for determining the biograd-
ability of priority pollutants in various soil types.
Current and continuing efforts at the Advanced Environment Control Technology
Research Center are focused on the development of an understanding of the
chemical, physical, and biological factors which limit the ability to apply
control technologies. Current studies involve:
t Removal of trace quantities of organic matter from water by either
biological or chemical means
• Analysis of the thermodynamic behavior of the supercritical extrac-
tion process
• Studies of the kinetics associated with the detoxification of fossil
fuel combustion products
• Examination of surface properties and charge on the collection effi-
ciency of aerosols
• Assessment of the research needs associated with physical and biolog-
ical separation technology, chemical detoxification and thermal
destruction of contaminants, transformation of sludge-borne heavy
metals in soil, and genetic engineering as applied to environmental
control
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4.13 TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
4.13.1 Objectives
The ultimate goal of the Municipal Watewater Research Program is to develop
and provide up-to-date information on improved and new treatment processes and
systems for the user community. For this reason, an essential part of the
success of any research program is the effective transfer of information to
the widest possible user audience.
Although this requirement is evident throughout the entire Municipal Waste-
water Research Program, it is currently targeted as high priority in two Pro-
gram research areas — small wastewater flows and innovative and alternative
technology. Technology transfer and information dissemination will also be
greatly expanded in the areas of sludge management and plant operations and
design.
A comprehensive list of planned technical information outputs is presented in
Appendix B.
4.13.2 Small Wastewater Flows
This research area is designed to be responsive to the needs of the Regions,
states and municipalities with state-of-the-art design and operating informa-
tion. The bulk of this activity will be accomplished by two centers special-
izing in small wastewater flows information.
The first of these centers is the Small Wastewater Flows Clearinghouse at West
Virginia University. The Clearinghouse provides the user community with
literature searching services. It also disseminates and exchanges information
and assumes the burden of technical assistance to those requesting such infor-
mation.
The second of these centers is the Cincinnati Center for Small Community
Wastewater Systems Research at the University of Cincinnati. The main purpose
4-127
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of the Cincinnati Center is to provide for field studies of viable alternative
small wastewater flows technologies and to provide full documentation of the
most successful alternative systems. The Center will also provide technical
information and assistance to the Regions, states and municipalities.
4.13.3 Innovative and Alternative Technology
The objective of technology transfer in this research area is to address
critical data gaps. Specifically, its aim is to accelerate the transfer of
information on new cost-effective municipal treatment technology through the
post-construction evaluation of I/A projects.
This is accomplished through EPA's I/A Technical Support Group which reviews
facility plans and designs submitted by EPA Regional Offices; provides techni-
cal assistance to the states, Regions, municipalities, consultants and equip-
ment manufacturers; operates the I/A Clearinghouse; tracks program progress
and evaluates results; and provides policy review support to the Agency.
More specific planned technology transfer activities include the publication
of manuals, new technology assessments, post-construction evaluations and
other similar documents intended to reach the widest possible segment of the
user community. In addition, a number of technical seminars and workshops are
planned for I/A information transfer with consultants and Federal, state and
municipal officials.
4-128
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APPENDIX A
RESEARCH OR RELATED ACTIVITIES OF THE EPA OPERATING
PROGRAMS, REGIONS AND OTHER FEDERAL AGENCIES
Several of the EPA offices outside of ORD conduct activities that are not con-
sidered to be research but do provide new problem-solving information. The
National Urban Runoff Program (NURP), operated out of the Office of Water Pro-
gram Operations (OWPO), is collecting data on urban non-point pollution in 25
cities throughout the nation. The objective of the study is to characterize
the sources, pathways and amounts of priority pollutants entering receiving
waters via runoff at various defined urban sites. The amount and significance
of atmospheric deposition of priority pollutants is also being assessed from
wet and dry weather monitoring data. Additionally, OWRS is conducting a Com-
bined Sewer Toxic Study which will include sampling of combined sewers systems
for priority pollutants during wet weather conditions.
OWPO and Region V are involved in some innovative approaches in the area of
Small Wastewater Flows. New facility planning and management techniques are
being tried in the field, including:
• OWPO
Co-sponsor National Sanitation Foundation Conference on Onsite
Wastewater Systems
Field testing of management arrangements
Generic facility plan for small communities
Production of Onsite Wastewater Systems Management Guidance
208 programs on management district development for onsite systems
and financing arrangements for management programs
• Region V
208 studies to develop and implement onsite and septage management
programs at several locations
201 projects incorporating new facility planning techniques of
aerial photography, leachate detection, etc.
EIS projects assessing new facility planning techniques
108 projects on water conservation effect on SASs, soil mapping
through soil potential techniques and demonstration of several
alternate onsite systems
A-l
-------
Other Federal agencies also conduct research and related activities in the
area of municipal wastewater control. These are described briefly below.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
Major groups concerned with wastewater research are:
Army
a Civil Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL), Champaign, IL
t Corps of Engineers (COE) Water Pollution Abatement Program (WPA)
Office, Huntsville, AL
• The COE Cold Regions Research Laboratory in New Hampshire
• The COE Waterways Experiment Station in Vicksburg, MS
• Army Medical Research Group, Fort Dietrich, MD
• Army Hazardous Material Laboratory, Aberdeen, MD
Navy
• Navy Engineering Research Laboratory (NERL), Pt. Hueneme, CA
Air Force
• Air Force Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Tyndall AFB, FL
The above-named entities within DOD are interested in EPA's wastewater
research strategy, and expressed interest in reviewing the draft document. In
general, they look to EPA for much of their basic information in providing
guidance to their "clients," e.g., the military operating offices and individ-
ual bases. Their goals are as follows:
a Bring all military installations in conformance with Federal, state,
and local environmental regulations, both existing and proposed.
• Characterize and quantify wastewater emissions from military activi-
ties with emphasis on wastes unique to the military, e.g., shell cas-
ing cleaning, jet engine testing, etc.
A-2
-------
• Conduct research into the analysis, monitoring, treatability,
recycle/reuse, etc. of military wastewaters, again with emphasis on
wastes unique to the military.
t Provide guidance to base personnel, design engineers, regulatory
agencies, etc., in the implementation of cost-effective wastewater
treatment and sludge management. Guidance is in the form of manuals,
directives, plan review, etc.
In summary, the military has a limited wastewater research budget. They
attempt to make maximum use of published EPA research information in the
implementation of their wastewater planning. Their perceived research needs
are as follows:
• Identification and quantification of toxic/hazardous constituents in
military wastewaters. At present, except for the Aberdeen group, DOD
has little information about the presence of priority pollutants in
wastewaters.
• Treatability of military wastewaters to remove priority pollutants in
the most cost-effective manner from both domestic and industrial
sources. They are also interested in unit treatment processes,
treatment systems, and land treatment alternatives. Work carried out
under the purview of the Industrial Wastewater R&D Strategy would
also be of interest here.
t Management of residuals, e.g., sludge from wastewater treatment.
• Development of inexpensive analysis and monitoring methods for criti-
cal constituents in military wastewaters. DOD hopes that EPA
research will identify surrogate chemicals so that DOD will not be
faced with monitoring a wide spectrum of organic and inorganic pollu-
tants.
• Because most of its bases are located on the coast, the Navy is par-
ticularly interested in marine discharge of priority pollutants,
regarding a need for control when the receiving water is not potable.
• Because most of their bases contain large land areas, the Army and
Air Force are particularly interested in land treatment of wastes
containing priority pollutants. Areas of major interest include the
impact of landspreading, rapid infiltration or overland flow in miti-
gating potential adverse environmental effects.
• Wastewater recycle/reuse for both non-potable and potable purposes.
A-3
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HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD)
HUD is interested in EPA research which will ease the development of new hous-
ing through solution of wastewater management problems. HUD's perceived
research needs are as follows:
• Small flows management with emphasis on rapid information transfer of
new technology developments to the local level where builders and
regulatory agencies operate. Specific areas include:
- Design of on-site systems, e.g., septic tanks, individual home
biological units, etc., including use of such units for clusters of
dwelling units.
- Management programs for maintenance of on-site systems, e.g.,
public septic tank maintenance districts, etc.
- In-house water conservation and water reuse, tied into building
code modifications and, where possible, energy conservation.
• Increased acceptance and reliability of alternate collection systems,
e.g., pressure sewer and vacuum sewer systems.
t Elimination, of inadequacies in POTW's which result in building
moratoriums. HUD is interested in research which leads to increased
capacity and reliability of existing POTW's, e.g., flow equalization,
upstream retention, chemical treatment enhancement and improved O&M.
HUD is also interested in means for speeding up new POTW construction
through streamlining of the construction grant, permit, review, etc.,
process.
U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY (USGS)
USGS's primary interest in EPA wastewater research is in tying together EPA
and USGS activities pertinent to systematizing the interrelationships between
stream flows, water quality and wastewater discharges. USGS perceives no need
for EPA research per se to satisfy its own objectives, but sees itself as pro-
viding important input to EPA research efforts in such areas as:
0 Development of wasteload allocations in receiving waters
• Eventual development of a surface water data management system which
ties together all wastewater discharges (by location, quantity, and
quality), receiving water identification by a nationally indexed sys-
tem for each reach of river, stream, etc., surface water flow and
A-4
-------
quality of each reach, and effect of present and proposed discharges
upon each surface waste's reach
• A similar system for non-point source data management
Research of the character indicated above does not directly influence the
nature of R&D discussed in this document. Rather, these research areas fall
under the purview of the Water Quality Research Committee.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (USDA)
USDA is interested in research into wastewater and sludge land treatment as it
may affect food crops and/or livestock which are affected presently or may be
affected in the future by contact with the waste-amended soil. It perceives
the following research needs in municipal wastewater:
t Long-term effects upon soil which receives municipal wastewater or
sludges, in terms of suitability for various crops, productivity and
physical and chemical changes. USDA is also interested in mitigating
management practices.
• Uptake, by various edible crops, of toxics harmful to human health
t Bio-concentration of toxics in livestock which feed upon crops grown
in soil amended with wastewater or sludge
t Potential health effects upon agricultural workers from bacteria,
viruses, parasites, etc.
• Changes in irrigation and fertilization practices necessary when
using wastewater or sludges vs. use of freshwater and commercial
fertilizers
EPA has several cooperative efforts with USDA in non-point source control,
e.g., USDA's controlled watersheds and small watersheds programs. In addi-
tion, EPA is conducting cooperative investigations with USDA in the pesticide .
area and in a study of metals in soils and food crops in the U.S. Finally,
USDA is beginning an internal aquaculture program which will complement
related EPA programs. USDA also cooperated with EPA and the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers in preparing and distributing the "Process Design Manual for Land
Treatment of Municipal Wastewater."
A-5
-------
U.S. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA)
The EPA coordinates its research efforts in several areas with FDA, including
shellfish pollution studies and studies of crop uptake of pollutants from
wastewater or sludge-amended soils. FDA is also conducting similar uptake
studies on lands treated with commercial fertilizers. Perceived research
needs by FDA include:
• Continued investigation of plant uptake of wastewater and/or sludge
contaminants
• Investigation of livestock bio-concentration of these contaminants
(particularly in liver, kidney and other vital organs) when fed
fodder grown in wastewater or sludge-amended soils
• Continued investigation of shellfish contamination from municipal
wastewater
While not noted as a need by FDA, consideration might be given to transfer of
information in the priority pollutant area. Many canned and preserved foods
and beverages contain water added in processing. As EPA learns more about the
prevalence, toxicity, etc., of these pollutants in water supplies, this infor-
mation should be used by FDA. As in the case of the USDA, FDA research
requirements are more properly the responsibility of the Water Quality
Research Committee.
THE COUNCIL ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (CEQ)
In the past, CEQ has placed major emphasis on control of toxic pollutants,
preservation of water resources and pollution control.in balance with economic
costs. The Council's interest in EPA's water pollution program has focused
around the Construction Grants Program and, in particular, on the implementa-
tion of the Innovative and Alternative (I&A) Technology effort initiated by
EPA. The Council has had a high level of interest in the construction grants
program and in implementing the "Innovative and Alternative" technology sec-
tions of the Clean Water Act. However, the current reorganization of CEQ
leaves doubt about its future activities.
A-6
-------
DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR/OFFICE OF WATER RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY (DOI/OWRT)
OWRT conducts a broad-based water resources research program focusing primar-
ily on the following topics:
• Water Reuse. Emphasis here is on industrial reuse and irrigation
using recycled wastewater. Potable reuse is not considered a major
end use for renovated wastewater due to high costs and the potential
risks to public health.
• Water Conservation. Potential for water conservation is large and
several projects are under way to demonstrate its applicability.
• Water Problems of Urban Areas. While no organized stormwater control
program has been established, several university research programs
funded by OWRT are addressing the problem in specific locales.
• Saline Water Conversion Technology. Reverse osmosis, electrodialysis
and other advanced processes are under development. Funds for five
desalting demonstrations have been authorized (but not appropriated).
OWRT also provides support for California's Water Factory 21.
OWRT is currently participating with both EPA and DOE in a project to clean up
textile dyeing wastes for reuse, and also rents a mobile treatment unit to EPA
for use at industrial sites. OWRT and EPA jointly sponsored a wastewater
reuse seminar in the spring of 1979. In addition, ORD regularly assists OWRT
in the annual review of grant applications submitted in the wastewater reuse
area, thus facilitating technical interchanges between the two organizations
and insuring that duplication of research efforts is avoided.
A-7
-------
APPENDIX B
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
TECHNICAL INFORMATION OUTPUTS
FOR THE
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH COMMITTEE
B-l
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
CD
ro
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Longest
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Thomas
H OWPO
Thomas
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Journal Article
HERL-Ci
Journal Article
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Journal Article
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Mechanism of Intestinal Cadmium Absorption in Rats // 2/81
(Kowal)
Normal Levels of urinary Cadmium & Beta^-Microglobulin 3/81
in the U.S. # (Kowal) * d-81-092
Influence of pH and Electrolyte Composition on the 7/81
Adsorption of Poliovirus by Soils and Minerals //(Akin) J-81-252
Health Risks of Human Exposure to Wastewater // 12/80
(Jakubowski - 210) 1-81-002
Health Risks Associated with Wastewater Sprinkler 1/81
Irrigation // (Pahren)
Aerosols Generated by Liquid Sludge Application to 3/81
Land # (Kowal -229) 1-81-028
Virus Removal During Groundwater Recharge: Effects of 6/81
Infiltration Rate on Adsorption of Poliovirus to Soil
# (Akin -207) J-81-208
Reovirus in Water Pollution Testing // (Akin) 6/81
Viruses in Water and Reclaimed Wastewater // (Akin) 6/81
Development of Improved Microbial Aerosol Measurement 2/81
Methodology # (Jakubowski)
Study of Microbial Aerosols Emitted from a Water 4/81
Reclammation Plant // (Jakubowski)
Assessment of Health Risks from Microorganisms in Sludge 12/80
Applied to Land // (Kowal)
Assessment of Cadmium Exposure and Toxicity Risk in an 9/81
American Vegetarian Population // (Kowal)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
DO
I
CO
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Longest
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Longest
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Journal Article
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Unpublished Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Research Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Tech Conf & Proc.
HERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O. Date
Evaluate Contaminant Uptake in Aquaculture Systems // 8/81
(Kowal)
Health Effects Associated with Wastewater Treatment 6/81
and Disposal # (Kowal) 3-81-175
Survival of Ascaris Eggs in Sludge Applied to Soils // 7/81
(Schaefer)
Potential Health Effects from Viable Emissions and 8/80
Toxins Associated with Wastewater Treatment Plants
and Land Application Sites it (H. Pahren - 236)
Health Effects of Sewage Aerosols. Additional Serolog- 12/80
ical Surveys and Search for Legionella Pneumophila in
Sewage // (W. Jakubowski - 292) 1-81-032
Determination of Health Risks Associated with Processing 12/80
and Land Application of Sludge // (Pahren)
Comparison of Extraction Methods and Storage Conditions 11/80
Enumerating Viruses in Municipal Sewage Sludge //(Pahren) 0-80-049
Model of Virus Treatability in Soils During Land 2/81
Application of Wastewater // (Akin)
Appraisal of Health Aspects of Land Applicationof 2/81
Wastewater // (Kowal)
Sewage Sludge Viral and Pathogenic Agents in Soil- 2/81
Plant-Animal Systems // (H. Pahren - 289) 1-81-026
Virus Soil Interaction // (Akin) 7/81
Symposium on Disease Risks of Exposure to Wastewater 10/80
and Wastewater Aerosols // (Pahren/Jakubowski - 183)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
00
H OWPO
Longest
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
Bastian
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H
OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
Tech Transfer Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Project Report
HERL-Ci
Speech
HERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Design Manual
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Problem Oriented
Report
MERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O.
Evaluation of the Potential Microbiological Exposure
from Wastewater Aerosols from Spray Irrigation //(Pahren)
Development of Methodology for Determining Risk Assess-
ment when Sludge is Applied to Land # (Kowal -219)
Sewage Sludge Pathogen Transport Model Project //
(Kowal - 224)
The Occurrence of Human Enteroviruses in a Long Island
Groundwater Aquif ier Recharged with Tertiary Wastewater
Effluents // (Akin -207)
Identify and Quantify Factors Affecting POTW System,
Subsystem and Process Reliability Including Impact of
Toxics // (3. Bender)
Improved Clarifier Performance and Reliability Through
Demonstrated Improvement in Hydraulic Efficiency //
(3. Bender)
Improved Performance of Rectangular Secondary Clarifiers
Through Improvements in Hydraulic Efficiency //(3. Bender)
Manual of Septic Tank Practice # (R. Bowker)
Investigation of Settling Rates for Air- and Oxygen-
Activated Sludges // (R. Brenner)
Evaluation of Single-Stage, Covered Reactor Oxygen
Activated Sludge System // (R. Brenner)
Feasibility Study of Open Tank Oxygen-Activated Sludge
Wastewater Treatment // (R. Brenner - D-l/15)
Development of Design Criteria and Preparation of
Comprehensive "Grass Roots" Cost Est. for Biological
Processes // (R. Brenner)
Date
1/81
2/81
11/80
l-81-049a/b
6/81
d-81-188
2/81
10/80
10/80
8/80
1-80-012
11/80
11/80
6/81
2-81-095
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO/A. Hais
Reg 7/Harrington
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Problem Oriented Rpt
MERL-Ci
Problem-Oriented
Report
MERL-Ci
Problem Oriented
Report
MERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O. Date
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Vertical 1/81
Tube Reactor // (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Fine Bubble 1/81
Diffusers // (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Anaerobic 1/81
Processes // (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Solar 1/81
Applications // (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Deep 1/81
Shaft // (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Overland 1/81
Flow # (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Anaerobic 1/81
Digestion of Combined Wastes It (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Aquaculture 1/81
// (R. Bowker)
Emerging Technology Assessment Reports - Wetlands 1/81
Treatment // (R. Bowker)
Evaluation of Activated Bio-Filtration System it 2/81
(R. Brenner)
Survey, Documentation and Analysis of Existing European 12/80
and United States Plant Operating and Performance Data
on Fine-Bubble Aeration # (R. Brenner)
Determination of Oxygen Transfer Capabilities Under 5/81
Standardized Test Conditions of New Generation Submerged
Air Aeration Equipment # (R. Brenner/Kugelman)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
CO
CT>
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPS/Athayde
OWPO/Longest
H OWPO
H OWPO/Walker
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
K. Dearth
H OWPO
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO/Hais
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Summary
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Design Manual
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O. Date
Assessment'of Control Strategies for Selected Unit 12/80
Operations by Evaluation of Field Data & Computer
Simulation # (M. Cummins)
Soil Temperature and Sewage Sludge Effects on Plant and 4/81
Soil Properties # (G. Dotson)- 2-81-069
Nationwide Assessment of Receiving Water Impacts 1/81
from Urban Stormwater Pollution // (J. English) 2-81-025
Demonstrate Within Vessel Composting of Sewage 9/80
Sludge # (A. Eralp)
Analysis and Assessment of Incinerated Sludge // 8/81
(A. Eralp)
Lime Stripper for Toxic Metals Removal Prior to 5/81
Biological Treatment // (S. Hannah)
Lime Stripper for Toxic Metals Removal Prior to 5/81
Biological Treatment it (S. Hannah)
Vacuum Sewer Technology/Septage Mgmt it (J. Kreissl) 9/81
Pressure Sewer Technology // (J. Kreissl) 12/80
Technical Assistance for Upgrading Unacceptable Facility 12/80
Plans for Three Small Communities // (3. Kreissl)
Parallel Evaluation of Air- and Oxygen-Activated 10/80
Sludge // (I. Kugelman - 731)
Process Design Manual for Wastewater Stabilization 9/81
Ponds // (E. Barth)
Feasibility Evaluation of Intermittent Slow-Sand Filter 1/81
Trench System for Treating Raw Wastewater // (R. Lewis)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
CO
H OWPO
Hurd
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO/Waiker
H OWPO/Bastian
H OWPO/Bastian
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO/Bastian
H OWPO/
Longest
User's Guide
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O. Date
Community-Wide Management of Onsite Wastewater Systems 7/81
Study, Including Analysis of Existing Systems and
Development of Guidelines for Optimum System -
(3. Kreissl)
Evaluate Private Sector Expertise for Conducting CCP 11/80
Approach Improving Performance of POTWs # (F. Evans)
Survey and Performance Analysis of POTWs Operated 5/81
by Contractural Agreement // (J. Bender - CIO)
High Level Ozone Disinfection of Municipal Wastewater 3/81
Effluents // (E. Opatken - 823) 2-81-040
Field Study of Factors Determining Metals Uptake by 2/81
Crops Grown on Sludge Treated Soils // (3. Ryan)
Demonstration of Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic 11/80
Digestion with Air // (B. Salotto)
Demonstration of Autothermal Thermophilic Aerobic 10/80
Digestion with Air // (B. Salotto)
Evaluation and Optimization of Anaerobic Digestion of 5/81
Municipal Sludge // (B. Salotto)
Investigation of Effectiveness of Lime Treatment on 6/81
Viability of Parasites in Sludge Combined with Survey of
Parasite Viability in Raw <5c Treated Sludges // (G. Stern)
Determine Effect of Grazing Sludge Treated Pastures, & 8/81
Direct Sludge Ingestion by Cattle // (G. Stern)
Helminth and Heavy Metals Transmission from 1/81
Anaerobically Digested Sewage Sludge // (G. Stern) 2-81-024
Demonstrate Periodic Flushing for First Flush Abatement 5/81
as Low-Cost CSO Pollution Control # (R.Turkeltaub)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
00
I
00
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
A. Hais
H Region 3
H OWPO
A. Hais
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO/Walker
H OWPO
H OWPO/Hais
Problem-Oriented
Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Research Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Journal Articles
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Research Report
MERL-Ci
Research Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Reduction of Toxicity Emission Rates from Municipal 5/81
Treatment Plants by Optimization of Chlorination
Process // (A. Venosa)
Ultraviolet Disinfection of Filtered and Unfiltered 1/81
Secondary Effluent // (A. Venosa)
Ultraviolet Disinfection of Secondary Sewage //(A.Venosa) 1/81
Effect of Sulfur Dioxide Dechlorination on Receiving 12/80
Stream // (A. Venosa)
Develop Cost Effective Ozone Contactor for Optimum
Utilization & Disinfection // (A. Venosa)
Plant-Scale Study of Combined Incineration of Sewage 12/80
Sludge with Coal & Solid Waste # (H. Wall)
Study of Modifications Required to Convert Multiple 12/80
Hearth Incinerator to Pyrolytic Operation // (H. Wall)
Determination of Economics of Solvent Drying of Sludge 3/81
& Evaluation of Fertilizer Value of Dried Product //
(H. Wall)
Application of Packed Bed Gas Producers to Production 10/80
of Combustible Gases from Municipal Wastewater
Sludges # (H. Wall)
Determination of Incinerator Discharges by RTP Revised 10/80
Sampling & Analysis Procedure // (H. Wall)
Volatile Organics in Aeration Gases at Municipal 3/81
Treatment Plants // (H. Warner)
Rotating Disk Evaporation # (R. Bowker) 1/81
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
H Region 1
H
H
H OWPO/Longest
Athayde/NURP
H OWPO/Longest
Athayde/NURP
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Dearth
H Region 1
H OWPO/Hais
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Users Manual
MERL-Ci
Users Manual
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Titie/P.O. Date
Demonstration of Composting of Septage // (R. Bowker) 1/81
Interim Treatment Plant Demonstration it (3. Kreissl) 1/81
Fate of Semivolatile Priority Pollutants in a Wastewater 4/81*
Treatment Plant // (R. Williams - 827) 2-81-056
Develop and Apply a New Cost Effective Methodology for 3/81
Determining the magnitude and Characteristics of Urban
Runoff Loads from Areas with Combined Sewer Systems by
Statistical Analysis // (D. Ammon - 111168)
Develop Users Manual for WWF Sampling/Monitor Based on 9/81
Critical Sensitivities and Analyze the Sensitivity... #
(D. Ammon- 209156)
3oint Dry/Wet Weather Treatment of Municipal Wastewater 3/81
at Clatskanie, Oregon // (D. Ammon - 310152) 2-81-061
Integrated Control of Combined Sewer Regulators Using 3/81
Weather Radar /; (D. Ammon - 908)
Evaluation of Cost/Benefit for Various Phosphorus 11/80
Residuals in Municipal Effluents // (E. Barth)
2001 Study # (R. Bowker - 33) 1/81
Upgrading Facility Plans // (R. Bowker - 38) 1/81
Septage Digestion # (3. Kreissl - 03) 7/81
Assessment of Composting Toilets and Graywater 5/81
Systems # (S. Hathaway - 30)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWPO/Athayde
NURP/Reg 5/Elson
H OWPO/Hais
^ H OWPO/Hais
o
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO
H
H
H
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
User Group Pub
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Published Paper
MERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O. Date
Hydrogen Peroxide Study // (3. Hidman - 42) 10/81
Evaluation of Small Diameter Gravity Sewers // (3. 10/81
Heidman - 44)
Monitoring and Evaluating of 5.5 mgd Cedar Creek Waste- 9/81
water Reclammation-Recharge Facilities # (J. English-19)
Evaluation of the Characteristics and Treatabiiity of 9/81
Urban Runoff Residuals // (3. English - 421230)
Evaluation of BMP in Urban Stormwater in Connection 8/81
with EPA's NURP // (3. English - 425000)
Soil System Design and Restoration // (3. Kreissl - 16) 5/81
I/A Program - Eight Articles for Publication in Various 6/81
3ournals promoting I/A program // (G. Lubin)
Progress in EPA's Technology Program // (R. Bowker) 9/80
Impact of Innovative & Alternative Technology in the 11/80
United States in the 80's # (3. Smith - 905) d-81-100
Model Protocol for Comprehensive Evaluation of POTW
Performance and Operation // (F. Evans - D8)
Urban Stormwater Management and Pollution Abatement 1/81
Alternatives # (R. Traver - 876)
Stormwater/Combined Sewage Pollution Abatement Alter- 1/81
natives It (R. Traver - 877)
Urban Stormwater Management and Pollution Abatement 12/80
Alternatives # (R. Traver - 876)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
DO
I
H
H OPTS/Conroy
H OWPO & OWPS
H OWPO & OWPS
Athayde/Longest/
Nurp
H OWPO/Potter
H OWPO/Potter
H OWPO/Walker
H OWPO/Walker
H OWPO & OWPS
Athayde/Nurp
H OWPO/OWPS
OWRS/O'Farrell
H OWPO, EGD
Published Paper
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Users Guide
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
User Group (ACS)
MERL-Ci
User's Guide
MERL-Ci
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Storm water/Combined Sewage Pollution Abatement
Alternatives // (R. Traver - 877)
Toxic Chemicals in Household Wastewater, Septic Tank
Effluents and Residuals and Soils Absorbing the Latter it
(3. Kreissl -
Storm and Combined Sewer Storage Treatmentfor
Theory Compared to Computer Simulation # (R. Field)
Update Comprehensive Planning Methods for Urban Storm-
water Management Incorporating Recent SOTA Improvements
and Provide Maintenance/Dissemination Service //(D.Ammon)
Optimization of Operation of a System of Small Treatment
Plants // (3. Bender - D3)
Economic Analysis of Operational and Management Modes
for Groups of Small Wastewater Treatment Plants //
(R. Eilers - D5)
Evaluation of Fixation Incineration Sludge // (A.
Eralp - C24 )
Planning of a Symposium on Thermal Conversion of Solid
Wastes, Residues, and Energy Crops # (A. Eralp - B22)
Demonstrate/Disseminate the SWIRL Concentrator
Principle # (R. Field)
Collection & Analysis of Storm water/CSO and Sediment
Samples for Priority Pollutants // (R. Turkeltaub)
Survey Treatment Plants which have Suitable Data on
Toxic Metals Content of Influent, Effluent, Sludge &
Information on Industrial Contributions of Metals &
Organics // (S. Hannah)
12/80
6/81
7/81
2-81-125
6/81
3/81
7/81
6/81
8/81
6/81
3/81
1/81
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
00
I
ro
H OWPO, EGD
H OWPS/Athayde
OWPO/M. Tiemens
H OWPS/WPD
D. Athayde
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Potter
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Hais
H
R. Christensen
H OWPO
H OWPO
H OWP/Bastian
H OWPS/OWPO
OWE/OPTS
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Technical Conf & Proc
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
User Group Pubs
MERL-Ci
User Group Pubs
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Unpublished Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O. Date
National Survey of Treatment Plants for Selected Toxic 3/81
Metals and Organics // (S. Hannah)
Conference on Urban Stormwater and CSO Impact on 11/80
Receiving Water Bodies # (R. Turkeltaub) 9-80-056
Evaluation of Secondary Impacts of Urban Runoff 7/81
Pollution Control // (D. Weisman)
O&M Practices and Problems of Land Treatment 7/81
Processes // (3. Bender)
Impact of Plant Recycle Streams and Return Flows on 4/81
POTWs Failure to Meet NPDES Requirements // (3. McCarthy)
Identification and Correction of Typical Design Defi- 3/81
ciencies in Municipal Wastewater Treatment Facilities //
(3. McCarthy)
Demonstrate Improved Performance at Selected Biological 9/80
Treatment Plants // (F. Evans)
Demonstration for Control & Treatment of Combined Sewer 1/81
Overflows in City of Saginaw # (R. Traver)
Behavior of Priority Pollutants in Conventional Water 12/80
Pollution Control Systems // (I. Kugelman)
Evaluation of Ozonation System for Wastewater 1/81
Disinfection // (E. Opatken)
Production of Non-Food-Chain Crops with Sewage Sludge // 1/81
(G. Stern - 709) 2-80-199
Reduction of Pollutants in Municipal Sewage Sludge to 1/81
Levels Consistent with Land Disposal // (S. Hannah-AE-05)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
H OWPS/OWPO
H OWP/Bastian
H OWP/Bastian
H OWP/Bastian
H OPS/Niehus
H OWPO/Longest
H OWPO/Longest
Athayde/NURP
H OPS/Niehus
H OWPO
H OWPO
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Users Guide
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Literature Study of Biodegradability of Chemical Sub- 3/81
stance in Water // (S. Hannah - AE-09)
Determine Beneficial and Detrimental Effects of Long- 8/81
Term Use of Digested Sewage Sludge on Crop Land //
(G. Dotson - CO 5)
Demonstrate feasibility of Renovating Impoverished Land 5/81
with Sewage Sludge // (G. Dotson - C 15)
Determine Safe Beneficial Loading Rates for Various 9/81
Sludge-Soil-Crop Combinations Following Many Years of
Sludge Use // (G. Dotson - C28)
Estimating and Ranking Socioeconomic Effects of Alter- 6/81
native Water Quality Management Strategies // (F. Evans -
C 13) 5-81-001
Document Real Time Data from CSO in an Urban Lake and 1/81
Develop a Control Methodology for CSO Control Based on
Impact # (R. Field - 205166)
Support Engineering Services for Evaluation of the SWIRL 8/81
Regulator/Concentrator Facility, City of Lancaster,
Pennsylvania it (R. Field - 317000)
Improved Methods of Defining Ambient Water Quality 6/81
Standards // (3. Heidman - C 14)
Reactivation of Granular Carbon in an Infrared Furnace // 6/81
(I. Kugelman - BE22)
Removal of Toxic Compounds Including Priority Pollutants 6/81
from Secondary Effluent by Activated Carbon // (I.
Kugelman - BE24)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
H Region 8/
Herrington
H Region 8/
Herrington
H OWPO
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Hais
Reg 7/Harrington
H OWPO/Potter
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Walker
Design Info Series
MERL-Ci
Design Info Series
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Design Info Series
MERL-Ci
Problem Oriented Rpt
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
User Group (USDA)
MERL-Ci
Project Title/P.O. Date
Design Guidelines - Impact of Peak Flows on Conven- 3/81
tional Wastewater Treatment Processes // (3. Bender-B6)
Document Operation and Performance of Rotating Biologi- 3/81
cal Contactors (RBC) for Municipal Waste Treatment and
Issue Interim RBC Design Guidelines it (3. Bender - B7)
Area wide Storm water Pollution Analysis with the Macro- 3/81
scopic Planning (MAC) Model. Vol I. Documentation and
Applications; Vol II. User's Manual // (D. Ammon -207299)
Develop and Update a Computer Cost and Performance Data 1/81
Base for Biological Wastewater Treatment Processes //
(3. Bender - B9)
Evaluation and Documentation of Mechanical Reliability 3/81
of Conventional Plant Components // (3. Bender - C2)
Development of Methodology and Guidelines for Systems 6/81
Reliability Analysis // (3. Bender - C7)
Development of a Proposed Consensus Standard for Testing 3/81
and Evaluating Oxygen Transfer Equipment // (R. Brenner -
D-2/13)
Evaluate and Demonstrate Effectiveness of Central 1/81
Management of O&M Programs (Phase I) // (M. Cummins - D4)
Characterization of Nonvolatile Organics in Wastewater 1/81
Effluents Disinfected with chlorine, Ozone, and Ultra-
Violet Light # (C. Mashni - A/15)
Develop a Feasible Method fo Composting Raw Sewage 12/80
Sludge with Other Carbonaceous Materials and Demonstrate
the Engineering and Economic Feasibility (USDA has
published) # (3. Ryan - CIO)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
CO
H OWPO/Walker
H OWPO/Walker
H OWPO/Walker
H OWPO
H OWPO/Bastian
H OWPO/Bastian
H OSW
H Reg 5
Christensen
H OWPO/Longest
H OWPO/Longest
Athayde/NURP
H OWPO/Hais
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
3ournal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Research Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Research Report
MERL-Ci
Develop Techniques for Separation and Characterization 4/81
of the Organic Fraction of Metals in Sludge Amended
Soils // (3. Ryan - C20)
Develop Techniques for Separation and Characterization 4/81
of the Inorganic Fraction of Metals in Sludge and Sludge
Amended Soils # (J. Ryan - C21)
The Effect of pH and Phosphorous on Uptake and 6/81
Phytotoxicity of Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd to Plants Grown
in Soil // (3. Ryan - C49)
Engineering Assessment of Hot-Acid Treatment of 4/81
Municipal Sludge for Heavy Metals Removal //
(B. Salotto - A 55) 2-81-075
Pilot Scale Anaerobic Filter Treatment of Heat- 6/81
Treatment Liquor // (B. Salotto - A 33) 2-81-114
Pilot Scale Anaerobic Filter Treatment of Heat- 4/81
Treatment Liquor // (B. Salotto - A 33)
Density Levels of Pathogenic Organisms in Municipal 6/81
Wastewater Sludge # (G. Stern - 8 -A/54)
Best Management Practices Implementation for CSO 1/81
Control // (R. Traver - 408159)
Assessment of Sewer Sealant for Infiltration/Inflow 1/81
Control // (R. Traver - 414174)
Evaluate Urban Runoff Mutagenicity // (R. Turkeltaub - 5/81
110211)
Demonstrate/Evaluate the "Insituform" Approach for Sewer 5/81
Infiltration/Inflow Control // (R. Turkeltaub - 416170)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
H OWPO
H OWPO/Hais
H OWPO/Bastian
H Reg 5/Christensen
Reg 2/Moriarty
H OWPO/Athayde/
NURP
H OWPO/Longest
Athayde/NURP
H OWPO/Athayde
NURP
H
H
H
H
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Demonstrate/Evaluate/Compare "Instituform" with Other 5/8i
Sewer Rehabilitation Techniques // (R. Turkeltaub -
4 20170)
Indigenous Virus Inactivation at Selected EPA Ozone and 12/80
Ultraviolet Light Projects // (A. Venosa - A/17) 2-81-088*
Assessment of Contemporary Sludge Management Tech- 9/81
nology... # (R. Villiers •• A/54)
Combined Sewer Overflow Abatement Program, Rochester 1/81
NY (Vol 1, Abatement Analysis) # (D. Weisman - 405131)
Disposal of Sludge from CSO Treatment // (D. Weisman - 1/81
409209)
Water Quality and Biological Effects of Urban Runoff 4/81
on Coyote Creek // (D. Weisman - 410223)
Treatment of Stormewater by a Marsh/Flood Basin // 5/81
(D. Weisman - 412226)
Economic/Financial Analysis of Urban Water Quality 11/80
Management Problems (M 817) # (R. Field - )
Engineering and Economic Assessment of Autoheated 1/81
Thermophilic Aerobic Digestion with Air Aeration //
(R. Villiers - 68-03-2803)
Control Strategies for Automation of Conventional 6/81
Biological Treatment Plants and Associated Solids
Handling System // (I. Kugelman - El)
Control Strategies for Automation of Conventional 6/81
Biological Treatment Plants and Associated Solids
Handling System // (I. Kugelman - El)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Titie/P.O.
Date
H
H
H
H
H
D3
i H
H
H
H
H
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
ORD Brief
MERL-Ci
Users Guide
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Automatic Control Systems for a P/C Biological Waste- 3/81
water Treatment Plant // (I. Kugelman - E5)
Investigation of Phase Isolation Wherein Lagoons 10/80
Effluents are Temporarily Isolated in Holding Ponds
for 10-20 Days... # (R. Lewis - D-2/06)
Demonstrate and Develop Guidelines for Sediment and 3/81
Erosion Control Techniques for Highway Construction
Sites in Southeast Piedmont Soils // (R. Field)
Effects of Sewage Sludge on the Cadmium and Zinc Content 11/80
of Crops (This was done by the Council for Agri. Sci.
& Technol.) //' (3. Ryan - ) 8-81-003
Heavy Metal Bioavailability in Sludge-Am ended Soils // 5/81
(3. Ryan - 804614)
Feasibility Study of Establishing Instrument Certifica- 6/81
tion Laboratory for Instruments to be Used in POTW's //
(W. Schuk - E 7)
Numerical Simulation of Aerated Sludge Composting # 11/80
(R. Smith - 788) 2-80-191
Numerical Simulation of Aerated Sludge Composting // 11/80
(R. Smith - 788) 3-80-168
Evaluate the Effectiveness of Treating CSO in a Very 1/81
Deep Detention Basin Having Aerobic and Anaerobic
Treatment with Chlorine/Chlorine Dioxide Disinfection //
(R. Traver - 202176)
Develop a Decision Optimization Methodology which will 9/80
be Applicable to In-Plant Residuals Management to
Minimize Cost and Energy Consumption for Sludge
Treatment Alternatives // (L. Rossman - B1A)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
H
H
H
H
H
H
CD
I
oo H
H
H
H
H
H ORD/Ehreth
H
Speech
MERL-Ci
User's Guide
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Proceedings
MERL-Ci
Problem Oriented Rpt
MERL-Ci
Journal Article/Book
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
User's Guide
MERL-Ci
Behavior of Selected Organic Compounds in Wastewater 8/80
Collection and Treatment Systems // (A. Petrasek, Jr.) S-80-014
Methodology for Evaluating the Impact and Abatement of 8/80
Combined Sewer Overflows; A Case Study of Onondago Lake,
New York # (R. Field) 8-80-048
First National Symposium/Workshop on Rotating Biological
Contractor Technology (Volume I) // (E. Opatken) 9-80-0463
First National Symposium/Workshop on Rotating Biological
Contractor Technology (Volume II) // (E. Opatken) 9-80-046b
Economic/Financial Analysis of Urban Water Quality
Management Problems // (D. Ammon) 2-80-187
Proceedings for the 7th United States/Japan Conference
on Sewage Treatment Technology // (J. Convery) 9-80-047
Proceedings for the 7th United States/Japan Conference 3/81*
on Sewage Treatment Technology // (J. Convery) 8-81-006
Toxics in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater // (D. 10/80*
Bishop) J-80-116
GC/MS Methodology for Priority Organics in Municipal
Wastewater Treatment # (D. Bishop) 2-80-196
Urban Storm water Management and Pollution Abatement
Alternatives // (R. Traver - 876) d-81-004
Storm water/Combined Sewage Pollution Abatement
Alternatives // (R. Traver - 877) d-81-007
A Feasibility Analysis // (G. Dotson) 4/81
Specifications and Testing Protocol for Automatic On- 10/80
Line Measuring Instruments for Use in POTW's # (W.Schuk)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
H EGD/OWE
H OWPO/Bastian
H OWPO/Bastian
H OWPO
H OWPO
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
H
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Journal Article
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Speech
MERL-Ci
Biodegradation and Carbon Adsorption of Carcinogenic 1/81
and Hazardous Organic Compounds // (R. Dobbs - 810) 2-81-032
—Engineering Assessment of Vermi Composting Municipal 3/81
Wastewater Sludges // (R. Villiers - 733)
—Lime Stabilization and Ultimate Disposal of Municipal 4/81
Wastewater Sludges # (R. Villiers - 932) 2-81-076
Full Scale Demonstration of Waste Sludge Incinerator 3/81
Fuel Reduction // (H. Wall - B 20)
Technical, Environmental and Economic Co-Disposal 6/81
System, Research Evaluation # (H. Wall - B 13)
A Case History for Implementing Land Spreading of 9/81
Lagooned Sewage Sludge on Farmlands # (G. Stern - C 52)
A Technical and Economic Analysis of Dedicated Land 9/81
Disposal # (G. Stern - C 61)
An Economic Analyses for Reclaiming Strip Mine Land 9/81
Using Sewage Sludge as Compared to Commercial Methods #
(G. Stern - C 62)
Toxic Pollutant Classification and Removal by Counter- 12/81
current Centrif ugation // (C. Fronk-Leist)
Trace Organic Removal from Activated Carbon Treated 1/81
Municipal Wastewater Effluents // (S. Hannah - 18)
EXEC/OP Reference Manual, Version 1.2 // (L. Rossman)
2-80-182
Proceedings: Wastewater Alternatives for Small
Communities # (S. Hathaway - 855) 9-80-062
Toxics in Municipal and Industrial Wastewater // 11/80
(D. Bishop)
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
Project Title/P.O.
Date
H
H
H
H
H
H
so
1 H
ro
O
H
H
H
H
H
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
MERL-Ci
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Journal Article
RSKERL-Ada
Seminar/Report
RSKERL-Ada
Workshop/Report
RSKERL-Ada
Integrated Control of Combined Sewer Regulations Using
Weather Radar // (D. Ammon - 908)
Field Evaluation of a SWIRL Degritter at Tamworth, New
South Wales, Australia // (H. Wilder - 31*000)
Nitrogen & Phosphorus Reactions in OF of Wastewater #
(B. Bledsoe)
Infiltration Land Treatment of Stabilization Pond
Effluent // (C. Enfield)
Advanced Biological Teatment of Municipal Wastewater
Through Aquaculture # (W. Duffer)
Determine Kinetics of Phosphorus Mineralization in
Soils Under Oxidizing Conditions # (C. Enfield)
Reclammation of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils //
(W. Dufer)
Soil & Crop Management Systems for Treatment, Utiliza-
tion & Disposal of Municipal Wastewaters & Sludges //
(L. Leach)
Soil Filtration of Sewage Effluent of a Rural Area #
(L. Leach)
Methods for Approximating Transport of Organic Pollu-
tants to Groundwater (submitted for publication) //
(C. Enfield)
Overland Flow Seminar (to be conducted through EPA/
TT) It (C. Harlin)
Conference/Workshop on Selection & Management of
Vegetation for Land Application Systems to Treat
Municipal Wastewater in North Central U.S. // (C. Harlin)
3/81*
2-81-041
3/81
2-81-063
5/81
12/80
7/81
12/80
12/80
3/81
5/81
-------
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
H
H
H
H
H
H
00
ro H
H-»
H
H
H
H
H
H
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Journal Article
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Journal Article
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report
RSKERL-Ada
Journal Article
RSKERL-Ada
Journal Article
RSKERL-Ada
Project Title/P.O. Date
Rationale for Rapid Infiltration Design (in summary of 9/80
long-term Rapid Infiltration Studies) // (C. Enfield)
Field Testing of Overland Flow for Maximum Nutrient 5/81
Removal Management # (B. Bledsoe)
Evaluation of Four High Rate Infiltration Systems # 6/80
(L. Leach)
South Carolina Overland Flow Project // (B. Bledsoe) 6/81
Effects of travel Time on Treatment Performance // 8/81
Overland Flow - (B. Bledsoe)
Overland Flow Treatment of Lagoon Effluent // 10/81
(B. Bledsoe)
An Evaluation of Filter Feeding Fishes for Removing 9/81
Excessive Nutrients from Wastewater // (W. Duffer)
Wastewater Treatment with Plants in Nutrient Film // 9/81
(W. Duffer)
Design Criteria for Wetland Wastewater Treatment if 10/81
(W. Duffer)
Optimization of Nitrogen Control in Rapid Infiltration 9/81
Land Treatment Systems // (L. Leach)
Treatment of Primary Effluent by Rapid Infiltration // 2/81
(L. Leach - 8101)
Four-Step Numerical Scheme for Finite Element Analysis 12/80
of a Saturated-Unsaturated Soil System // (C. Enfield)
Transport of Phosphorus Ions Through Soils Under Two 5/81
Dimensional Transient Flow Conditions // (C. Enfield)
-------
DO
I
ro
ro
Research Committee Product Type/Lab
H
H
H
Journal Article
RSKERL-Ada
Symposium/Article
RSKERL-Ada
Project Report/PS
EMSL-LV
Project Title/P.O. Date
Mathematical Prediction of Toxicant Transport Through 2/81
Soil # (C. Enf ield)
Comparison of One and Two Dimensional Models for Organ-
-------
APPENDIX C
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH COMMITTEE
AND SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS
Research Committee Members
James Basilico, Co-Chairman
David Kleffman
Doug Lipka
Dick Thomas, Co-Chairman
Denis Athayde
Jim Bachmaier
Rod Frederick
Alan Hais
Margie Pitts
Jeffrey Miller
Steve Natch
John Gustafson
John Convery
Curtis Harlan
Daniel O'Brien
Richard Caspe
Steve Poloncsik
Office of Research and Development
Office of Water and Waste Management
Office of Enforcement
Office of Toxic Substances
Office of the Administrator
MERL-Cincinnati
RSKERL - Ada, OK
Region I
Region II
Region V
C-l
-------
Residuals, Toxics and Urban Runoff Subcommittee
David Kleffman
Bala Krishnan
Rod Frederick, Chairman
Dennis Athayde
Bob Bastian
Jim Spatarella
Steve Nacht
Jim Bachmaier
Carl Ferrentino
Carl Brunner
Robert Bunch
Herb Pahren
William Dunlap
Steve Poloncsik
Office of Research and Development
Office of Water and Waste Management
Office of Toxic Substances
Office of Solid Waste
n
MERL-Cincinnati
n
HERL-Cincinnati
RSKERL-Ada, OK
Region V
C-2
-------
Innovative Technology and Process Development Subcommittee
Tom Pheiffer Office of Research and Development
Bob Bastian Office of Water and Waste Management
Keith Dearth
Pete Eagan "
Lam Lim "
Dick Thomas "
Jim Wheeler "
Dave Rogers Office of Enforcement
John Thillman Office of Planning and Evaluation
John Convery, Chairman MERL-Cincinnati
Ed Barth
Jim Kreissl
John Smith "
Curtis Marian RSKERL-Ada, OK
Steve Poloncsik Region V
C-3
-------
APPENDIX D
HEADQUARTERS AND LABORATORY STAFF CONTACTS FOR
MUNICIPAL WASTEWATER RESEARCH PROGRAM OUTPUTS
HEADQUARTERS
Office of Environmental Engineering & Technology
Waste Management Division, Acting Director
Land Treatment, Small Wastewater Flows
and Process Development
Municipal Sludge, Plant Operations and
Design and Toxic Pollutants Control
Innovative/Alternative Technology
and Urban Runoff
Health Effects
Jim .Basilico
Ray Thacker
Bala Krishnan
Tom Pheiffer
Tom Gleason
202-426-4567
-4567
-4567
-4567
-4567
Office of Health Research
Control Technology Health Effects
Dave Kleffman 202-426-2317
MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY - CINCINNATI. OH
Wastewater Research Division, Director John Convery 513-684-7601
Municipal Sludge Management
Agricultural Utilization
Anaerobic Digestion
Composting
Dewatering
Incineration and Pyrolysis
Land Spreading
Stabilization
Joe Farrell
Jim Ryan
Vince Salotto
Atal Eralp
Bud Villiers
Howard Wall
Ken Dotson
Jerry Stern
-7645
-7653
-7667
-7663
-7664
-7659
-7661
-7654
D-l
-------
Toxic Pollutants Control
Carbon Adsorption
Metals Control
Physical/Chemical Treatment
New Process Development
New Biological Processes
Disinfection
Specific Pollutants
Reuse/Conservati on
Plant Operations and Design
Urban Runoff (Edison, NJ)
Small Wastewater Flows
Clearinghouse
Innovative & Alternative Technology
Clearinghouse
Health Effects
Other MERL Areas
Energy
Instrumentation & Automation
Testing & Evaluation Facility
Center for Environmental
Research Information - CERI
Jesse Cohen
Dick Dobbs
Sid Hannah
Jesse Cohen
Bob Bunch
Dick Brenner
Al Venosa
Ed Barth
John English
John Smith
-7671
-7649
-7651
-7671
-7655
-7657
-7668
-7641
-7613
-7611
Richard Field 201-321-6674
Jim Kreissl 513-684-7614
John Smith
Gary Lubin
Herb Pahren
Frank Evans
Irv Kugelman
Al Petrasek
-7611
-7630
-7217
-7610
-2621
-2628
Denis Lussier 513-684-7394
ROBERT S. KERR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY-ADA, OK
Land Application of Wastewater
Overland Flow
Rapid Infiltration
Slow Rate Irrigation
Aquaculture Treatment Systems
Curtis Harlin 405-332-8800 (CML)
743-2212 (FTS)
Bill Duffer
-2243 (FTS)
D-2
i ua GOVERNMENT PWNTIN1 -757-009/8024
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