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LIQUID WASTE COMPOSTING
Citation:
Patterson, J. AND J. Short. LIQUID WASTE COMPOSTING. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-85/005.
Description:
This research project was conducted at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park to examine the feasibility of adapting and using the sludge composting technique to compost liquid waste collected in the National Parks. This study evaluated the composting of two problematic liquid raw wastes--sanitary toilet pumpings and septic tank pumpings (septage). Effectiveness of the process was characterized by measuring indicator organism destruction, nutrient transformations, heavy metal content, and temperature and oxygen variation. Effective destruction of pathogenic microorganisms was achieved by temperatures in excess of 55 degrees obtained within the composting pile. The system was costly on a unit volume basis, but costs were reasonable when the value of the compost was considered. The process provided thorough waste treatment without costly equipment and specialized construction.