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^^Environmental News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SUNDAY, JANUARY 27, 1974
EPA PUBLISHES SURVEY OF FACILITIES USING LAND APPLICATION OF
WASTEWATER
The Environmental Protection Agency announced today the
publication of a nationwide survey of existing facilities
which apply domestic and industrial wastewater effluents
to the land as contrasted to the conventional method of
discharging such effluents to streams or lakes.
The survey was conducted in 197 2 for EPA by the Research
Foundation of the American Public Works Association of Chicago,
Illinois, under a $95,000 contract.
Administrator Russell E. Train said that this study
shows that land application of sewage effluents is practiced
successfully in the United States and in many countries
throughout the world.
Under proper conditions, land application offers a viable
alternative to advanced or tertiary treatment processes, Train
said, and the technique deserves serious consideration by many
communities and industries throughout the United States.
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Some of the other major conclusions of the survey are:
—The primary limiting factor in the development of
large land application systems at distances from wastewater
sources is local public opinion — the objection to becoming
the recipients of somebody else's waste.
—The operation of land application systems can be
accomplished without creating a nuisance or downgrading the
adjacent environment.
—Environmental analysis of the effects of land application
facilities reflects a general improvement of the environment
rather than impairment of the indigenous ecology.
—A variety of beneficial uses are being made of
wastewater effluents.
—Small communities and food processing industries will
probably continue to be the principal users of land treatment
of effluents for the near future.
—Monitoring of land application facilities and effects
has been minimal and mostly inadequate.
—The nature and quantity of receiving waters must be
carefully evaluated prior to diverting effluent to land
systems.
—Land application facilities that have been used for
many years are available for the study of long-term effects of
such use.
Where it is available at a reasonable cost for land
treatment systems, land can play a desirable social role providing
green belts and open areas, and preserving rich farm lands and
cloistered areas, Train said.
The report points to the success of this technique of land
application of wastewater, at facilities both in the United
States and throughout the world, when the facility has been
properly managed and efforts have been made to apply sound
engineering, geological and farming expertise to design,
construction and control procedures.
The report will provide part of the basic information for
EPA as it prepares guidelines for evaluation of this alternative
means of wastewater treatment and utilization.
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The EPA has already given grants to some communities in
the country for land treatment of wastes, for instance
Muskegon, Michigan, and is currently considering a number of
other applications for grants for land treatment systems.
The information in the report should be of value to the
State water pollution control regulatory agencies, local agencies,
municipalities, industries and citizens who are striving to
evaluate the means that can be used to achieve the best
practical technology for the management of wastewaters and
liquid wastes.
Limited copies of the APWA report are available for the
press at the EPA Press Office, EPA Headquarters, 401 M Street,SW.,
Washington, D.C. 20460. Copies for the public are available
from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402
for $6.80. The title and number of the report are: Survey of
Facilities Using Land Application of Wastewater, No. EPA-43 0/9-
73-006.
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