This report presents state-of-the-art information for implementing cost effective and environmentally sound solutions to the nationwide problem of septic tank sludge (septage) treatment and disposal. Current hauler practices, septage characterization, and regulatory control are presented. Design concepts of full scale and pilot installations are presented for land disposal schemes, for separate septage treatment processes in areas with sufficient septage volumes to support such a facility, and for septage disposal at sewage treatment plants (STP). Actual system costs and environmental and socio-economic acceptability for many actual and proposed treatment schemes are detailed to assist in the selection of the best treatment scheme for a particular locale at the least possible cost. A significant bibliography is presented which embodies most of the pertinent U.S. references on the subject.

"Wastewater Research Division, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory." "Rezek, Henry, Meisenheimer, and Gende, Inc. Aug. 1980. Includes bibliographical references. "Contract number 68-03-2231."