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ADVANCED WASTE TREATMENT FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS
Citation:
Bodwell, R. ADVANCED WASTE TREATMENT FOR HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-78/168.
Description:
Treatment of wastewater from a subdivision in a physical-chemical treatment plant (screening, chemical coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, carbon adsorption, chlorination) was evaluated. The 190 cu m/day (50,000 gal/day) plant was housed in the shell of a standard house on a standard lot in a 127 home subdivision. During the 18 month evaluation period excellent treatment was achieved (99% removal of BOD5, Suspended Solids, and Total Phosphorus). Shock loadings had almost no effect on plant performance because an equilization tank leveled out peaks and because of the ability of the physical-chemical processes to absorb excess loading. Extensive data on temporal characteristics of wastewater from a subdivision were collected during the evaluation. An experimental sludge filter and fluidized bed incinerator were installed to process the sludge but were not extensively used. The former did not function, the latter suffered from repeated mechanical breakdowns. Sludge was periodically hauled to a landfill by a septic-tank-hauler. Acceptance of the presence of a sewage treatment plant in the midst of the subdivision was excellent. No complaints of any type were registered by the homeowners. The system cost was higher than for a conventional plant. The actual construction cost exceeded $300,000 and operational expenses were greater than $0.53 per cubic meter ($2.00 per 1000 gallons). At the measured flow of 206 gal per home per day this represents a cost of $0.40 per home per day. It is anticipated that significant reductions in these costs would result from a redesign based on the experiences gained during the demonstration period.