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Environment
Ontario

SEPT AGE SLUDGE DEWATERING

FEASIBTLITY STUDY

ISBN 0-7729-9036-0

SEPT AGE SLUDGE DEWATERING

FEASIBILrrY STUDY

Repon prepared

CETEC

for the:

North Committee of the

Ontario Ministp.' of the Environment

and the Ontario

Miiiistr\-

of Northern Development and Mines

Repon prepared byBlake F. Dawdy, P.Eng., Northland Engineering Limited (1987)

NOVEMBER

1991

Cette pubhcation technique n'est disponible qu"en anglais.

Copyright:

Queen's printer

This pubhcation

may

with appropriate attribution.

PIBS 1659

for Ontario. 1991

be reproduced fomon-commercial purposes

Acknowledgements
The author of
people

this report

who have

wishes to acknowledge the support and input of a

assisted in the preparation of this report.

Ontario Ministry of the Environment deserves

full credit for

North Bay

number

of

Mr. Phil Joseph, P.Eng., of the

the initiation of this project.

District of the

Ontario Ministry of the

Environment provided key review and sounding board functions.

Mr. Willy Brink of the

Mr. Jim Harmar,

District Officer of the

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Project Engineering Branch, also provided key
review functions. Mr. Ray Banach of the North Bay District Office of the Ontario Ministry
of the Environment provided key information on septage generation rates in the North Bay

Area. Dr.

Bill

Snodgrass, P.Eng., of Beak Consultants provided key input on the technical

content of the report.

Disclaimer
The views and
reflect

ideas expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily

the views and policies of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, nor does

mention

of

trade

recommendation

names

or

commercial

for use by the Ministry.

products

constitute

endorsement

or

Abstract
Dawdy,

B.F.,

Northland Engineering Limited, 1850 Bond

Bay, Ontario,

PIB 8G5, Septage Sludge Dewatering

prepared for the

CETEC committee,

Street, Site

#1, Comp.#l. North

Feasibihty Study a report

,

Ontario Ministry of the Environment,

November, 1990

Over

1.5 million

domestic sewage.

people

in

Ontario depend on septic tanks and

tile

beds for disposal of

Increasing awareness of the impact of septic systems

watercourses and the environment

in general

is

upon

lakes,

promoting more effective management

techniques for these systems and modifications to improve their performance.

Measures

being considered include mandatory pumpout of septic tanks at regular intervals and the
incorporation of chemical precipitation systems, for phosphorus removal, into septic

systems located adjacent to nutrient sensitive lakes or

will

rivers.

double the volumes of septage that must be disposed of

It is

likely that

in this

such measures

province within the next

decade.

Current conventional methods of septage disposal such as discharge to municipal sewer

systems,

disposal

in

significant drawbacks.
in

exfiltration

lagoons

and application

to

agricultural

lands

have

Continued reliance on such methods with the anticipated increase

volumes of septage may

result in serious

environmental problems.

This study provides an overview of existing septage collection and disposal techniques
the North

Bay

area, likely future changes in the

in

volumes and nature of the septage. possible

nutrient removal techniques for domestic septic tank systems, the suitability of innovative

mobile septage sludge dewatering schemes from other jurisdictions for application in the

North Bay area, alternative septage disposal techniques and makes recommendations
future action.

for

Table of Contents
page
1.0

Introduction
1.1 Authorization
1.2

2.0

Background

Mobile Septage Sludge Dewatering

2.1 Concept of Mobile Septage Dewatering
2.2 Description of Mobile Septage Sludge Dewatering Systems
2.2.1 Fossetic

2.3

system

2.2.2

Hamstern

2.2.3

Moos KSA

Comparison of Systems
Impacts of Disposal Options on Comparison
Reduction of Nutrients
2.3.3 Effect on existing systems
2.3.4 Cost Analysis
2.3.1

2.3.2

2.4

2.3.5 Summary of Comparisons

Required System Modifications

2.5 Nutrient

21
22

Removal Systems

25

Septage Volumes
3.2 Nature of Septage
3.3 Current Septage Disposal Practises
3.3.1 Disposal to Municipal Sewer System
3.3.2 Septage Lagoons
3.3.3 Disposal of Septage to Agricultural Lands
3.4 Alternative Septage Disposal Schemes
3.4.1 Dewatering and Stabilization of Sludge for
3.1

Agricultural

4.0 Conclusions

25
28
29
29
31

32
34

Land Disposal

Composting

3.5 Relative Costs of

Septage Treatment

and Recommendations

4.1

Conclusions

4.2

Recommended Programs
4.2.1

4.2.2

Chemical Precipitation
Composting

4.2.3 Selective

Bibliography

Key Addresses

12
14
14
15
16
18

20

3.0 Septage Disposal

3.4.2

$
6
7
7
10

Pumping

for

Phosphorus Removal

34
37
41
42
42
43
43
44
45

List of Tables
page

Table

Cost Analysis of Various

Septage Collection Systems

Table

II

Comparison of Alternative Septage

Table

III

Table IV
Table V
Table
Table
Table
Table

VI
VII
VIII

IX

Collection Systems
Septage Haulage Survey
1989 North Bay Area Haulers
Comparison of Septage and Domestic Sewage
Impact of Septage Disposal
on the North Bay Sewage Treatment Plant
Suitability of Septage for Agricultural Land
Hamstern Sludge Analysis
Contents of Fossetic Compost
Unit Treatment Cost Estimates for Various
Methods of Septage Disposal

16

18

23
25

27
30
32
35
41

List of Figures
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

Typical Septic Tank

Fossetic Selective Pumping System

Hamstern System
MOOS Ksa System

3
9
11
13

1.0 Introduction
1.1

In

Authorization

June of 1989, Northland Engineering (1987) Limited was engaged by the Ontario

Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Northern

examine the

feasibility of introducing various irmovative

Development and Mines

to

mobile septage collection and

disposal systems.

The prime

objective of this assignment was to identify a potential septage

management

system which would minimize adverse environmental impacts from septic tanks and

tile

beds and the disposal of the residuals from these systems.

In support of the prime objective, the following steps

a) the existing septage

management system was

b) the existing septage generation rates

rates

were

identified;

c) alternative

were undertaken:

identified

and changes which could modify these

and

septage collection and disposal systems currently being

successfully operated in other jurisdictions

for application in

Northern Ontario and

were evaluated with

in particular the

most information on the systems has been collected from published

Quebec.

visit

the

their potential

North Bay area.

Because of the extensive research and experience with such systems

possible to

and evaluated;

in

other jurisdictions,

literature.

It

was

also

location of one of these operations at Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts,

Background

1.2

Increasing environmental concern and changes in lifestyles associated with rural living have

focussed attention on rural sewage disposal systems.

The most widespread

and

bed.

tile

alternatives

The

The

and

type of rural sewage disposal system

popularity of these systems

is

due both

is

the conventional septic tank

to their

low

cost, the lack of

their relative effectiveness.

basic treatment processes operating in a septic tank and

tile

bed system are the

settling

of solids and coagulation of greases within the septic tank, the biologic treatment of organic

matter in the liquid

the

in

tile

bed, and the dispersion of the treated liquid to the

subsurface water table

For

effective operation of these systems solids

tank.

If solids

and the

tile

and grease are allowed

bed

and grease must be trapped

to enter the tile bed, the tiles

in the septic

soon become plugged

fails.

Although anaerobic digestion reduces the volume of

solids within the tank, over a period of

time the buildup of grease on the surface and digested solids in the bottom of a septic tank

reaches a volume where they must be removed to ensure continued successful operation of
the system (see Figure
inflows, this typically

1).
is

Depending on the

required every

size of the septic tank,

to 5 years.

and the nature of the

(The lower figure applies

to large

commercial systems.)

Nutrient removal by conventional septic tank and

of solids in the tank and adsorption by

Removal

tile

soil particles

bed systems

down

into a steel storage tank

mounted on

a truck.

tank are removed including the liquid present in the tank

The pumped

material,

known

as septage

is

limited to the settling

gradient of the

of grease and digested solids from a septic tank

vacuum pump

is

is

typically

tile

bed system.

undertaken by a

All the contents of the septic

at the

time of pumping.

then trucked away for disposal at either a

septage lagoon, a municipal sewage treatment plant, or some other approved

site.

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Frequent pumping of septic systems

desireable for a

is

number

of reasons, including:

the prevention of grease and solids from reaching the

tile

the reduction of nutrient levels in the liquid entering the

bed;

tile

bed; and

the effective inspection of system performance.

Because of the

cost

associated with

pumpout

($80-$85),

the

widespread lack of

knowledge of the need, and the lack of regulatory requirements, the septic tanks of many
systems are not

pumped

as frequently as

on Trout Lake,

(ref. 16)

157 of 317 systems five years or older had not been

is

desireable.

In a recent survey of septic systems

pumped

within

the last five years.

In other jurisdictions, a compulsory requirement for septic tank

example

pumped

in

the Province of Quebec,

For

exists.

to

be

out at least every two years while seasonal residences require pumpouts at least

every four years.

It is

reported that compulsory pumpout requirements are not completely

effective in ensuring timely

The

pumpout

permanent residences are required by law

pumpouts or proper disposal of the septage.

principal destinations of

pumped

septage in Ontario are:

Agricultural Land;

Septage exfiltration lagoons; and

Municipal sewage treatment systems;

Disposal of septage

is

a significant and growing problem.

The problems associated with

current methods of disposal include:

the upsetting of plant processes particularly in smaller municipal treatment

plants caused by

its

relatively 5^ro/7g nature;

environmental and aesthetic concerns particularly with regards to degradation

of groundwater associated with septage disposal lagoons; and
-4-

it's

the

liquid nature, odour, pathogenic nature, possible

grit,

grease, and hair contained in

it

heavy metal content, and

which together constitute both a

regulatory and practical problem for land disposal.

This constitutes a classic environmental conundrum in that more frequent pumping

desireable from a

number

is

of environmental perspectives but the disposal of the material

has significant adverse environmental effects.

Septage

is

legally described as

hauled sewage

in

Ontario.

As such

its

collection

are regulated under Part VII of the Environmental Protection Act.

and disposal

Under Regulation

374/81 septage collection and disposal systems are described as Class 7 sewage disposal
systems.

-5-

2.0

Mobile Septage Sludge Dewatering

2.1

Concept of Mobile Septage Dewatering

The idea behind mobile septage dewatering

the septic tank need to be

The

removed

solids content of septage

The

septage in a septic tank.

treated by

tile

beds.

is

is

that only the solids

and greases contained

in

to ensure effective operation of the system.

generally estimated to comprise

liquid portions of the septage

Therefore mobile septage dewatering

2%

of the total volume of

can in principle be properly

is

intended to minimize the

removal of the liquid fraction of septage while maximizing the removal of the solid fraction
of septage.

Obvious benefits of septage dewatering

are:

a reduction in the total volume of waste collected;

an increase

in the

pumped on

number of septic systems

a given trip;

that can be

and

a reduction in the cost of septage pumping.

less

obvious but equally important benefit

is

that

dewatered sludge

and allows consideration of alternative disposal schemes.

is

easier to handle

Mobile Septage Sludge Dewatering

2.2 Description of

Systems
2.2.1 Fossetic
The

system

Fossetic system was developed by Maurice Poulin, P.Eng. of Envirosol Sainte-Agathe-

des-Montes, Quebec

Three different

in the early 1980's. (ref. 7,8,&9)

layers or phases of material occur in a septic tank.

Above

consists of the settled solids.

Finally

bed.
solids

The

is

is

the liquid which

Of

a layer of grease and scum.

need

and grease occupy about 30

Fossetic system

truck

is

layer

to

When

35%

The bottom

layer

discharged to the

tile

these materials only the settled

a tank

is

ready to be pumped, the settled

of the total tank volume.

described aptly as the selective

is

is

be removed during pumpouts to ensure continuing

to

performance of the system.

satisfactory
solids

on the top

and the grease

this layer

pumping

technique.

The pumpout

modified so that a baffle separates the tank into two chambers. The operator uses

a transparent hose to suck the separate fractions of the septage into their respective

chambers.
liquid

Initially the crust

fraction

is

pumped.

determine when the largely

compartment of
of grease and

solid fraction

the truck (see figure 2).

scum has

settled

removed, the liquid portion

The volume

formed by the scum and grease

Because the hose

of septage

is

on the

is

is

being

pumped and

Because the liquid

solids.

is

broken and the largely

transparent, the operator can easily

Once

is

switches to the second

removed, the surface layer

the solids

and grease

fractions are

returned to the septic tank.

removed from

volume of septage contained

in

the system thus comprises only 30-359^ of the total

the

tank unlike

the

lOO'^ volume

removal of the

conventional system.

The modifications required

to

an existing truck consist

of:

a) the installation of a plate in the tank of the truck to

compartments

(a front

form two isolated

compartment of approximately 4000

litres for

temporary storage of liquid and a rear compartment for retaining the

fraction);

-7-

the
solid

b) the installation of piping and valving allowing switching of intake and

discharge between the two compartments; and

c) the installation of

minimum
This system

is

patented

in

Environment Canada, the

a high capacity vacuum

of 500 C.F.M., 600 C.F.M.

Canada and

pump

if

not already installed

recommended

the United States.

).

Because of funding provided by

royalties are quite modest. Existing

for a franchisee to be granted an exclusive license for

arrangements

in

Quebec

are

an area for a royalty fee of $1.00 per

septic tank in the area.

The

costs of retrofitting existing trucks for selective

pumping reported by two independent

franchisees were between $2,000 and $2,500 for the plate and piping with an additional

$7,500 required to retrofit one of the trucks with adequate

purposes the estimated capital cost of a new system

is

vacuum pumps. For comparison

$60,000 plus a suitable truck chassis.

For comparison purposes a new conventional tank and related equipment

costs about

$45,000.

The septage obtained from

create a topsoil additive.

septage disposal options.

selective

More

pumping

details of this

is

being composted with sawmill wastes to

procedure are described in the section on

7.

2.

PUMP

LIQUID

FROM SEPTIC TANK

PUMP SLUDGE FROM SEPTIC TANK

(r

4.

RETURN

LIQUID TO SEPTIC

TANK

rOSSETIC SELECTIVE

PUMPING SYSTEM
FIG. 2

Hamstern

2.2.2

The Hamstern system was developed by Marstrands Vatten-och Avloppstekniska AB,

Marstrand, Sweden in the

The process

consists of

Filtered liquid

late 1970's. (ref. 3,4,5

pumping

of

&10)

the raw septage from a septic tank into a receiving tank.

from the previously pumped

septic tank

is

discharged to the just

pumped

septic tank (see figure 3).

The septage

is

then dosed with lime and transferred to a vacuum/mechanical filtration

dewatering system. The dewatered sludge

the filtered liquid

Dosage

The

is

is

transferred to a sludge cake container, while

transferred to a holding tank for discharge to the next septic tank.

rates with lime are approximately 4 kg of

solids content of the

Ca(OH)2 per

dewatered sludge cake

the original volume of septage

is

is

cubic metre of septage.

estimated at 20%. Only about

removed from the tank

to

10%

of

be trucked away for disposal.

Capital costs of the dewatering unit are not available from the manufacturer but reference
to a previous evaluation indicates a capital cost of

approximately $400,000 plus the cost of

an appropriate truck chassis.

Dewatered sludge
land.

Because the

virtually all

after being stabilized

pH

of the sludge

is

by lime

is

generally disposed of to agricultural

temporarily raised to 12 by the addition of lime

pathogenic bacteria and viruses are destroyed.

10-

^X)

.;..;.V.;6v

^^^
7.

PUMP CONTENTS OF SEPTIC TANK

2.

L/ME

/^AyO

I.

...4.

DEWATER SLUDGE

t^coi-

^
'='/

3.

RETURN

LIQUID TO SEPTIC

TANK

HAM STERN SYSTEM

FIG. 3

Moos KSA

2.2.3

The Moos

Denmark

KSA

The process
tank.

system was developed by Simon

in the early 1980's. (ref.

The

consists of

septic tank as in the

The septage
septage

is

pumping

filtered liquid

is

Moos Maskinfabrik ApS

all

of the septage from a given septic tank into a receiving

from a previously pumped tank

is

discharged to the just

into the dewatering tank

and

through the side walls (see figure

The required dosage

The

solids content of the

volume of

polymer

rate of

is

of solids.

This tank

The supernatant

liquid

is

4).

approximately 150 gjvc? of raw septage.

dewatered cake

is

approximately 15%. Only

13%

of the original

the septage in the septic tank needs to be taken offsite for disposal.

Costs quoted for

this

equipment by the manufacturer were approximately $175,000

Canadian depending on currency exchange

chassis

The polymer conditioned

assists the settling

consists of a side wall drainage system covered by filter fabric.

filtered by gravity

pumped

Hamstern system.

then conditioned with a commercial polymer.

pumped

of Sonderborg,

4,10,&14)

rates.

In addition to this, a suitable truck

would be required.

Dewatered sludge from

this

process

is

generally disposed of on agricultural land either with

or without lime stabilization.

12-

t^va.v.v.^ef.v.vg.v.'.'g.'.v.^.v.v.v.^M

IMi

mop"
1.

PUMP CONTENTS OF SEPTIC TANK

2.

ADD POLYMER TO SEPTAGE

rillggg8giiS8lllill8
I

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3.

FILTER LIQUID

4.

RETURN

FROM SEPTAGE

LIQUID TO SEPTIC

TANK

MOOS KSA SYSTEM

FIG.

2.3

Comparison of Systems

2.3.1

In

Impacts of Disposal Options on Comparison

comparing the

means of

relative merits of these systems

disposal

is critical.

it is

In view of the waste

important to reaUze that the intended

management problems

experienced throughout Ontario, the means of disposal

for selection of a system.

may be

All three systems reduce the total

currently being

the overwhelming criteria

volume of waste

to be treated

offsite.

If

current disposal practises remain the only viable disposal options then there

in

examining either of the Scandinavian systems since the dewatered sludge

is little
is

point

unsuitable

for disposal either at a septage lagoon or a municipal waste water treatment plant.

The

dewatered sludge from the Fossetic system might be suitable for conventional disposal
techniques.

Conversely

if

land application for agricultural purposes

is

the preferred disposal option,

then the Scandinavian systems appear to be the best alternatives.

It is

anticipated, that in

the future, disposal of untreated septage on agricultural land will no longer be permitted

and

in

many

areas of the province disposal at a municipal treatment plant

is

not feasible or

viable.

If

a form of composting with sawmill wastes or other material

option, then the Fossetic system

is

the preferred system.

-14-

is

the preferred disposal

2.3.2

Reduction of Nutrients

Under conventional operations

little

alternatives considered. Paulsrud

Hamstern process may improve

during a period after

nutrient reduction can be anticipated for any of the

and Eikum

(ref. 4)

report that the residual lime from the

the phosphorus removal efficency of the septic tank system

filtrate return.

Measurements made by Brandes

(ref. 6),

indicate that only

4.3% of the phosphorus

input

to a conventional system over a 16 month period was retained in the sludge. This suggests
that even very frequent

modest

One

effect

pumping of conventional

on nutrient

septic tank systems can

proposal, under active consideration in the Trout Lake Pollution Control Planning

Study

(ref.

16),

is

to retrofit existing septic systems with a

Measurements by Brandes

(ref.6),

indicate a range of

chemical precipitation system.

70%

entering a septic tank was precipitated by alum injection. This

times increase in the rate of sludge generation.

elsewhere

If

have only a very

levels.

85%

of

all

phosphorus

same study measured a

2.3

Details of this proposal are described

in this report.

the favourable findings with regard to phosphorus reduction are borne out by further

work, mobile septage dewatering systems

increased

sludge

management

generation due

to

may

play an important role in handling the

adoption of the

technique.

15-

chemical

injection

phosphorus

2.3.3 Effect

on existing systems

In reviewing the potential impact of the dewatering systems

original

on the

concern was that the pumping process might result

septic system, our

in the

resuspension of

previously settled solids and a resulting shock load of suspended solids to the

shock load could significantly shorten the

solids.

Review of

significant

Specific

The

life

for any of the three systems

relative to

tile

by clogging the

bed. This

be a

each system are:

provides a buffer period, during which no effluent discharges to the

is

to

examined.

Fossetic system by reducing the total volume of septage in the septic tank by

volume

with

tiles

was not found

the available information indicated that this

problem

comments

bed's service

tile

During

replenished by inflow.

resuspended solids have an opportunity

tile

30-35%

bed, while this

this buffer period, typically at least

three hours,

Measurements undertaken by Poulin

to settle out.

indicated that after 3 hours the suspended solids concentration of the liquid in the septic

15%

tank was within

mg/1

of the original concentration prior to

originally).

The suspended

solids of the filtrate

range of 200-300 mg/1

(ref.

4&10).

from the

resuspended

solids,

while the tank

Because of the suspended

significant

problem

filtrate

refills to

as

87%
time

little

is

reported to be in the

of the original septage volume

is

where

the level

system

is

available for the settling out of

it

will discharge to the tile bed,

solids level of the returned liquid,

this

should not cause a

for the tile bed.

from the Hamstern system

concentration of 1000 mg/1 (Paulsrud

systems.

MOOS KSA

As much

returned to the septic tank. This means that

The

pumping (230 mg/1 versus 200

The authors

is

&

reported as averaging a suspended solids level

Eikum)

significantly higher than the other

state:

"no negative effect so far has been reported,

shown only a minor increase

after filtrate addition.

"

in

suspended

(ref. 4)

-16-

and

investigations in

solids out

Sweden have

of the septic tank 1-3 days

two

Despite

this

volume

is

statement, there

settling of the

some

potential concern.

Since

90%

of the original septage

is

the potential for a short term impact on the

MOOS KSA

previously

little

tile

is

to the system that has

that surplus medicine

been

just

pumped.

is

Although the

killoff.

While not a

likely occurrence, this

is

is

killing the

passed on to the next

an example of the

filtration

sort of

time of the Hamstern system (approximately 15 minutes) would be

gravity filtration

method would require too long a period

MOOS KSA system because

(in excess of

return of the liquid to the tank from which the septage has been pumped.

The

potential

hypothetical

arise.

sufficiently short to allow return of a given tanks liquid, the

its

The

poured down the drain of one house

digesting bacteria in the septic tank and the contaminated liquid

problem that may

bed.

system and the Hamstern system return the filtered liquid from a

pumped system

house to repeat the

tile

bed.

therefore exists for passing contaminants from one system to another.

scenario

time exists for

resuspended solids before the liquid from the tank discharges to the

Consequently, there

Both the

is

returned to the septic tank with the Hamstern system,

Fossetic process intrinsically treats each system's liquid individually.

-17-

an hour)

of

to allow

2.3.4
The

Cost Analysis

following cost analysis (Table

I)

of the various systems

information available.

Table

Cost Analysis of Various Septage Collection Systems

Unit

m^/day

Capacity

Volume

of tank

Unit Costs

Labour Cost
Chemicals
Fuel, vehicle
Fuel, dewatering
Servicing vehicle

Maintenance
Insurance
Capital Costs
vehicle chassis
dewatering unit
or tank

Depreciation
vehicle

dewatering unit
or tank
Unit Quantities
working days
units per day
disposal trips
disposal mileage

mileage per call

annual mileage

fuel/maint.

chemical cost
labour cost
capital cost

insurance
royalties

Total Cost
Per Unit Cost
units per year

m^

was undertaken using the best

number

of costs such as labour rates, vehicle mileage, actual distance travelled, and

depreciation rates can only be assumed.

hr.,

to

mileage of 38

be

litres

Key assumptions include

a labour rate of S20 per

per 100 km., and a real interest rate of 1%. These estimates appear

fairly realistic as the cost

per unit for a conventional vehicle

is

$79,

compared

to the

$80 currently charged by haulers.

Controversial estimates include the distance of travel for disposal and distance between
calls.

Because of the lack of availabihty of agricultural land

for disposal in

much

of the

watershed, an arbitrarily high disposal mileage has been assigned to the systems relying on
sludge disposal. Disposal to the municipal system
arbitrary mileage.
that the location

It is

assumed

would not be

is

central to this area

that a central composting facility

as central as the

siting constraints.

19-

and has the lowest

would be required and

North Bay municipal system because of

2.3.5

Summary

Table

II

Table

II

of

Comparisons

summarizes the key features of each of these systems.

Comparison of Alternative Septage Collection Systems

ossetic

% Reduction in
Septage Collected
Solids Content
of Sludge

Nutrient

Removal

70.0%

Required System Modifications

2.4

Currently septic tank access hatches are generally buried about 150
surface.

The reasons

safety against unauthorized access;

2)

to prevent odours

3)

for aesthetic reasons.

1)

ground

for this practice are probably threefold.

1)

The disadvantages

mm below the

from escaping from the tank; and

of this practice are:

additional effort

is

required at

pumpout time

to locate

and excavate the

access hatches as well as the need to backfill and restore the ground

cover after pumping; and

2)

new owners may be unsure

of the septic tank location or even unaware of

its

existence.

If

more frequent pumpouts of a

advantageous to

facilitate access.

septic

system are to be undertaken,

The major improvement would be

it

would be

to provide access to

the hatches at grade rather than the typical practise of burying the access hatches.

added advantage of a

much

readily

removable cover

is

An

that septic systems can be inspected in a

easier manner.

Improved

septic tank access

with a locking device.

must conform

The

to

CSA

3.3.1.2 (i.e.

maximum 200

mm

risk of unauthorized entry and potential accidents

opening)
is

to be

minimal.

While some homeowner resistance might be encountered

to a visible access to the tank, the

disruption to lawns from an annual excavation of the access hatches should persuade most
that this

The

is

a desirable change.

cost of such modifications to an existing or a proposed system

approximately $500.
-21-

is

estimated to be

2.5 Nutrient

Removal Systems
lal^efront properties

major concern associated with

The

introduction of phosphorus to the lake.

lakes in Ontario

is

levels lead to a lower

Phosphorus

is

from

indicated

more than

their

soil

this

tile

the

most

High

in the waters.

is

common

for lakes with significant

half of the phosphorus introduced to the lake

beds are not effective treatment techniques for

method on a

occurs from the settling of solids in the

test

Measurements by Brandes

fine particles in the soil

little

is

the adsorption of

from the liquid discharging from the

fine soil particles or a thin layer of

above bedrock, the capacity of the

soil to

(ref. 6)

conventional system.

slows phosphorus from reaching the lake

In sandy or rocky soils with

Even on

it

consequent removal by pumping.

The other process which

lake,

and

Some phosphorus removal

4.7% removal by

phosphorus to

is

septic systems.

phosphorus removal.

and

beds

water quality.

Conventional septic systems and

septic tank

tile

biological activity or trophic status of

relatively rare in natural settings

shoreline development to have

and

septic tanks

determined by the concentration of phosphorus

phosphorus

originating

on

adsorb phosphorus

better sites the ability of soils to adsorb phosphorus

is

is

tile

bed

to the

water saturated

quickly exhausted.

limited and within a matter

of decades no phosphorus retention occurs.

potential solution to this problem

in the

is

the incorporation of chemical precipitation systems

plumbing of residences relying on septic systems for disposal of waste water,

solution was

Brandes,

is

first

investigated by Brandes (ref. 6).

to inject

proportional basis.
solubility solid

aluminum

sulfate

The

this

basic technique, explored by

(alum) into the waste water stream on a flow

The alum chemically bonds with

Aluminum Phosphate.

-22-

the phosphorus to

form the low

The aluminum phosphate

The stochiometric equation

AI2 (SO4

The

pilot

)3

+ 2PO4-3

in the residence

injected at the

settles to the solids in

bottom of

80-85% removal were reported by Brandes.

for this process

as follows:

is

->2A1P04 + 3SO4-2

system installed by Brandes for

similar to that used

and

precipitates out of solution

the septic tank. Consistent results of

on thermostats

and introduce a

same time

his investigations

to sense

fixed

movement on

amount of alum

used a mercury float switch

the flushing handle of the toilet

Since the alum was

into the system.

good mixing occurred within the plumbing

as the waste water,

prior to reaching the septic tank.

Toilet wastes are currently estimated to contribute 0.6 kg/cap/yr to a septic system,

miscellaneous household uses an additional 0.2 kg/cap/yr and automatic dishwater

detergent in houses so equipped an additional 0.6 kg/cap/yr. In view of the multiplicity of
sources of phosphorus discharging to a household's plumbing, a flow sensor installed on the

main discharge pipe appears

to

The proposed system would

chemical dosing

be more suitable as an activating device.

consist of a flow sensor

pump mounted on

a small

drum

on the main drain pipe activating a

of chemical concentrate located in the

basement of the residence.

Brandes reported maximum phosphorus removal

2:1.
16),

Based on a per capita Phosphorus loading

an aluminum

to

phosphorus

in

45.5

litre

.AJum can be

containers of liquid alum containing 29.58 kg of dry alum.

Thus two containers would be

The estimated

ratio of

to the septic system of 1.4 kg/cap/yr (ref.

approximately 18 kg of alum per year per person would be required.

obtained

cost of the

sufficient for a 3

alum on an annual

the flow sensor and chemical feed

One

at

pump

is

person residence per year.

basis

is

75$ per household while the cost of

estimated at S500 per household.

possible scenario for the operation would be for a municipally operated system, where

the containers, with a chemical feed

pump

integral in their lids,

would be replaced on a

regularly scheduled basis, allowing shop serx'icing and inspection of the chemical feed

pump.
-23-

Brandes reported that sludge accumulation was 2.35 times greater with the alum
Consequently there

precipitation system.

is

a need for

more frequent septage pumpouts

with this system as well as a greater volume of septage to be disposed

of.

Other chemicals such as Lime (Calcium Hydroxide), Ferric Chloride and Ferric Sulphite
might also be worthy of exploration.

Potential issues which need to be resolved before a chemical precipitation system

implemented on a large

how

is

scale include:

are the greater volumes of septage to be handled?

(i.e.

are mobile

septage dewatering and related disposal options appropriate?)

what

is

the potential impact of the residual chemicals, such as

sulfates,

on

soils,

aquatic

what precipitating agent

life,

is

terrestrial plant life,

aluminum and

and humans?

most effective and causes the least adverse

environmental affects?

what are the best mechanical and operating arrangements

for such a system?

are there any potential problems with the use of the dewatered septage sludge
as a constituent in compost?

-24-

3.0 Septage Disposal

3.1 Septage

Volumes

Septage volumes and means of disposal within the North Bay District and Parry Sound
Subdistrict of the Ministry of the

The preliminary

Table

Environment have recently been reviewed by

district staff.

findings of this review (ref. 15) are presented in the following table.

III

Septage Haulage Survey

1989 North Bay Area Haulers

Volume of Liquid Hauled and Method

of Disposal

Approximately

50%

of the waste liquid disposed of

assumed

is

to

be the coments of

Holding tank

holding tanks and comprises few special handling or disposal problems.

waste

is

not suitable for septage dewatering.

million gallons or

of the waste liquid (some 2.25

The balance

10,250 cubic metres) comprises septage.

pumped on an annual

proportion of septic tanks are

Assuming

basis, this

that the

same

can be taken to be the

current septage generation rate within the area.

IV systems

Provincially the installed capacity of Class

(ie.

septic tanks

approximately 3.25 times greater than the installed capacity of Class

tile

beds)

VI systems

is

(i.e.

Although holding tanks require approximately 15 to 30 times as many

holding tanks).

pumpouts

and

as septic systems for equal

volumes of sewage treated,

it

is

assumed

that water

conservation measures and their predominant use of holding tanks as seasonal systems

reduce the volumes of septage generated so that

total

volumes of septage generated are

approximately equal.

Within the area serviced by these haulers reside some 21,000 permanent residents who are
not serviced by a municipal sewer system. Typical per capita septage generation rates used
in the

United States

compared

490

to the

vary from 190 to 380

(ref. 1)

litres

litres

per capita of septage per year as

reported for the North Bay Area.

accounted for by the large number of seasonal residents and

The discrepancy

Based on the findings of the Trout Lake Pollution Control Plan

tank

pumpout frequency can be estimated

the future,

pumpout frequency

is

is

likely

visitors to this area.

(ref. 16),

average septic

currently to be about once every five years.

likely to increase either

In

by regulation or because of the

increased environmental consciousness of residents.

The Trout Lake

pumpouts of
undertaken

all

Pollution

Control

Plan

recommends municipally enforced annual

septic systems within the watershed.

in the entire

If

such pumping frequency were

North Bay area, annual septage generation rates

will increase five

fold.

Another

key

recommendation of the Trout

Pollution

Control

Plan

precipitation units to reduce phosphorus in the effluent be retrofitted to

in the

watershed.

This

is

all

is

that

alum

septic systems

anticipated to increase septage sludge generation rates to 2.5

times current rates.

Population

in

the North

Bay Area over the past decade has shown a

-26-

slight

decline.

Although recent economic conditions have

anticipated in the near future.
that

stabilized population,

Taking into account

all

little

of the foregoing,

or no growth
it

is

raw septage volumes generated within the North Bay Area could increase

30,000 and 50,000 cubic metres armually within the next

-27-

five years.

is

anticipated
to

between

3.2

Nature of Septage

As described

earlier,

septage

is

a difficult material to handle.

amounts of pathogenic organisms,

hair.

The

characteristics of

nutrients,

raw undewatered septage are summarized

Table IV

Comparison of Septage and Domestic Sewage

Design

Total Solids
Total Suspended Solids

B.O.D.5
Chemical Oxygen Demand
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen

Ammonium-Nitrate
Total Phosphorus
Alkalinity

Grease

Septage contains significant

oxygen-demanding materials,
in

grit,

grease and

Table IV.

Current Septage Disposal Practises

3.3
The

principal

means

currently

employed

either discharge to the Municipal

for disposal of septage in the

Sewer System

North Bay Area are

North Bay (70%), or

at

to privately

operated septage lagoons (29.5%). Additionally small quantities (0.5%) are disposed of to
agricultural fields, (ref. 15)

While each of these methods have been practiced successfully

without proper

techniques,

facilities,

and

each

controls,

in a

number

of jurisdictions,

method can have

serious

environmental impacts.

Municipal Sewer System

3.3.1 Disposal to
Hauled

sewage

approximately

including

is

to the City

city.

for the

is

to

the

North

Bay

sewer

system

In 1989,

approximately 7,100 cubic metres of septage

sewer system.

Because of climatic conditions,

situations

discharged

located on a trunk sewer servicing approximately 8,000 people

northwest corner of the

was discharged

is

kilometre upstream of the sewage treatment plant at a designated

manhole. This manhole

in the

septage

virtually all

undertaken during the months of

North Bay Sewage Treatment Plant

and 1988 averaged 25,360 cubic metes

discharge on the plant

is

May

for the

(ref.

for

emergency

Average

daily tlows

pumping of septage except

13).

as follows:

-29-

through October.

months of May through October

summary

in

1987

of the impact of septage

Table

Impact of Septage Disposal on the North Bay Sewage Treatment Plant

Parameter

3.3.2

Septage Lagoons

Septage Lagoons,

in the

North Bay area, receive approximately 29.5% or 3100 cubic metres

of septage annually with an additional 3100 cubic metres of holding tank contents.

Many
the

septage lagoons are designed to act as exfiltration ponds with the liquid infiltrating to

soil.

The

therefore,

principal water quality concern associated with the operation of lagoons

the potential impact on groundwater resources and in particular nitrates.

is

practise, nitrates concentration

is

In

the governing criteria in evaluating the impact of septage

lagoons on groundwater.

The

provincial water quality objectives require a

of 10

mg/L

for nitrates.

downstream

maximum

Allowance for background

concentration in groundwater

nitrate concentrations,

and the

rights of

property owners to use the groundwater for disposal, under the Ministry of the

Environment's reasonable use

policy,

mean

that only a portion of this 10

mg/L

is

available

for dilution.

Assuming

that all forms of nitrogen in septage are oxidized to nitrates, approximately typical

potential nitrates concentrations are 700

of nitrates

is

mg/L (measured

as N).

Assuming

the allowable discharge and neglecting the attenuation

and nitrogen uptake by intervening vegetation, a dilution

that 2.5

mg/L

mechanisms of

ratio of 280:1

is

soils

required for the

long term compliance of lagoons.

Using an

infiltration rate of

200 mm/yr of precipitation into the

Bay Area), approximately 1400

dilution of

(1/.2 x 280) square metres of land area

cubic metre of septage.

1400 or 434 hectares of land

the North

Bay

is

soil (typical

On

an annual

basis, therefore,

is

of the North

required for the

approximately 3100

required for current septage generation rates and disposal

area.

Other problems associated with septage lagoons are odours,

-31-

visual aesthetics

and

insects.

x
in

In

summary, although lagoon operations can be controlled

environmental

impacts

relatively inefficient

property

outside

means of septage

in

such a manner as to minimize

exfiltration

limits,

lagoons

are

generally

disposal for reasons including:

the neutralization of land due to contamination;

potential impacts

on groundwater; and

objectionable odours and visual aesthetics.

Disposal of Septage to Agricultural Lands

3.3.3
The

disposal of septage to agricultural lands attempts to utilize the nutrients in septage as a

Septage

fertihzer.

is

characteristics although
is

quite similar to sewage

much lower

in

treatment plant sludge in

of

its

generally applied to fields used for hay and haylage.

Ontario's Guidelines for Sewage Sludge Utilization on Agricultural Lands

been adopted
application.

as the basis for

examining the

Although hauled sewage

is

suitability of

explicitly

exempt

thus can be considered a

septage

Key

is

judged to be a

more

(ref. 2)

have

raw septage for agricultural land

fromi these guidelines, the have

been selected because of the detailed guidelines with respect

a.

many

heavy metals. In the North Bay area, septage sludge

to

heavy metal loadings and

technically conservative approach.

For

this

purpose, raw

fluid anaerobically digested sludge.

rationale behind these guidelines are:

Ammonia

nitrogen application rates should not exceed the potential plant requirements

for nitrogen in order to minimize the potential for nitrate contamination of

groundwater; and

b.

The heavy metals contents

of the soils should not be allowed to exceed

levels in order to prevent the entrance of

As a consequence,

recommended

'

heavy metals into the food chain.

the ratio of ammonia-nitrogen to a heavy metal governs the suitability of

a given septage for application to agricultural land.

-32-

The

following table examines the general suitability of septage using United States

Environmental Protection Agency design values

septage for application to agricultural lands.

Table VI

Suitability of Septage for Agricultural

Land

(ref. 1) for

heavy metals concentrations

in

3.4 Alternative Septage Disposal

Schemes

In the course of this study two laternative septage disposal

a) disposal of

dewatered stabilized sludge

b) composting of septage with

wood

schemes have been considered:

to agricultural lands;

and

waste.

Both of these schemes require special collection techniques

septage handled and to render the septage suitable for disposal.

reduce the volume of

to

The

associated collection

techniques have been discussed previously and are respectively the Hamstern and Simon

Moos

systems for agricultural disposal and the Fossetic system for composting.

The

following sections deal specifically with each system.

3.4.1

Dewatering and Stabilization of Sludge for

Agricultural

Land Disposal

As discussed previously raw septage has undesireable

to

agricultural

These

lands.

characteristics

characteristics for direct application

include

the

potential

heavy

metal

contamination of lands and the potential health hazards to persons from pathogenic
bacteria and viruses.

The Scandinavian systems dewater

lime stabilization to raise the
bacteria and viruses.

The

pH

the septage to minimize handling

problems and use

to approximately 12 in order to eradicate all

resulting sludge can be regarded as a

Anaerobic Sludge.

-34-

pathogenic

Dried and Dewatered

Information on the metals content of the Hamstern sludge along with the appropriate

Ontario criteria are presented

Table VII

in the following table.

Although

Bay area

this
is

product has a number of merits,

its

suitability for application in the

North

questionable for the following reasons:

a) the high capital costs associated with the

b) the limited agricultural activity in the

c) the

equipment;

North Bay area; and

long haulage distances required for agricultural disposal.

In areas of the province with extensive agricultural activity, the high capital cost of the

system could discourage

these

options

should

agricultural land

is

its

be

use.

However, the lack of reasonable alternatives suggests that

re-appraised

if

direct

prohibited.

-36-

application

of untreated

septage

to

3.4.2

Composting

Previous efforts to compost septage have encountered difficulties because of the low solids

2%

content of raw septage, approximately

(ref.l).

The dewatering technique

Fossetic system increases the concentration of solids to 5.5-6.0%

material

The

is

much more amenable

principal bulking material utilized

of approximately 60

cm

of

filter

The

filter is

wood

is

filter

required ratio of wood waste to septage

The

7,8,&9).

This

to composting.

discharge the dewatered septage to a

filters consist

(ref.

utilized in the

waste.

wood waste on
is

The technique

utilized

bed consisting of wood waste and sand.

top of 30

approximately 3 or 4 to

cm
1

of sand material.

is

to

The
The

(ref.7&8).

has an average capacity of 0.04 cubic meters of septage per square meter per day.
saturated after 3 cycles.

sewage suitable

The

leachate from the

for conventional treatment either by a

tile

filter is

a fairly low strength

bed or conventional lagoon

(ref.

7&8).

Once
The

the filter bed

material

is

is

saturated with septage

of aerobic conditions.

The mixing

every 15 days for the

is

is

deposited in piles by a front end loader.

intervals are as follows:

first

three months; and

monthly for the balance of the

The material

it

then periodically turned using the front end loader to ensure maintenance

first

year.

then allowed to mature under an opaque plastic cover for a further period

of two years until

it is

ready for

sale.

-37-

The

resulting

compost

is

an excellent growth media. Because of the high temperatures

reached during the composting (60 C for the

8 to 10 months),

The contents

it

is

claimed that

ten days and 45

pathogenic viruses

of the compost are summarized as follows:

Table VIII

Contents of Fossetic Compost

pH

all

first

(ref. 7)

for the following

and bacteria are eradicated.

The economics of the

Fossetic operation were described as follows for the

summer

of 1985.

(ref. 7)

cost of treatment of septage $8.36 per

m^

revenue from sale of compost $3.36 per

net cost of treatment $5.00 per

One

particularly suitable

m^

of septage collected

m^

of septage collected

of septage collected

and readily available source of wood waste

from the wood products plant operated by MacMillan Bloedel

volume of production of
currently landfilled.

this

waste

Based on a

is

in

is

the digester sludge

Sturgeon

The

Falls.

estimated at 3750 cubic metres per year and

ratio of 3.5:1 of

wood waste

to septage this

is

it

is

sufficient to

compost approximately 1000 cubic metres of septage annually.

Typical

wood waste production

at

the

Field

Lumber Company

estimated at 40,000 cubic metres per year. Although

market a residuum of bark and slashings

is

much

also available for

require mulching before being suitable for composting.

Bay Area, have

which currently constitute a

sufficient

wood waste

period of time.

Field,

Ontario

of this waste has a commercial

composting although they may

Similarily other mills in the

North

is

for

significant

composting

is

abandoned wood waste disposal

environmental concern

in this area.

Generally

available to supply a composting operation for a considerable

Other nuisance vegetative materials such as the decayed plant matter

washing up on the shores of Lake Nipissing could also be suitable composting materials.

Key

technical questions remaining with this process include:

what are the heavy metal concentrations

in the

composted material?

what would be the impact of alum precipitated phosphorus sludge on the

compost?
"

is

suitable waste materials available.

Another potential source of wood waste

sites

in

can municipal sludge be successfully composted given

heavy metal concentrations?

-39-

its

typically higher

The major economic concerns

associated with application of this

scheme

in the

North Bay

area are as follows:

what markets are available

for the

compost? and

what are the costs of existing disposal practises and

how can

they be reflected

in disposal charges?

The

last

question

the North

is

particularly relevant as

Bay Sewage Treatment Plant

no charge

at this

is

levied for discharge of septage to

time despite a considerable load on plant

facilities.

Other questions

to

where

be resolved are:

will the

what are the

site?

(i.e.

composting

site(s)

be located and

costs associated with the setting

labour, equipment,

wood waste

how many

are required?

up and operation of a composting

acquisition, site

maintenance and

monitoring)

how
what

will the

testing

compost be marketed? and;

is

required for the compost to ensure that the levels of pathogens

are acceptable?

Even

if

markets are not readily available for the compost, the relative simplicity and

potential for significantly reduced environmental problems

even

if

the

composted material

is

make

simply landfilled and or disposed

-40-

this
of.

an attractive option

Treatment

3.5 Relative Costs of Septage

Estimates of treatment costs per cubic metre of septage are summarized

in the following

table.

Table IX
Unit Treatment Cost Estimates for Various Methods of Septage Disposal

Method

Unit Cost
per cubic metre of septage

North Bay Sewage Treatment Plant

$4.05 does not include

a fee for landfilling

of sludge

Septage Lagoons

Agricultural

$19.60

Land Disposal

Composting with

sale of

$0.00 assumes no charge bv landowner

compost

$2.40

unit costs have

Composting with

landfilling of

compost

$3.60

unit costs

unit cost for the North

relative overall loading of 7.5

Bay Sewage Treatment Plant

have been modified to

is

based on assuming a

of the total annual loading and a reported operation cost

of $1,054,000 for 1990. This neglects several key costs such as the capital cost of the

and a tipping fee

The

for disposal of the sludge

costs of septage lagoons are based

acquisition, lagoon construction

to

reduced septage volume

reflect

The per

been modified

reduced septage volume

reflect

and

from the plant

at the

municipal

on amortization of the

facility

landfill.

capital costs for land

works such as roads and fences, and engineering

site

costs for site approval as well as an annual operation allowance.

It

is

assumed

that

no charge

is

levied by landowners for disposal

on

agricultural land as

septage has significant fertilization value.

Costs of composting are based on the figures quoted by Fossetic Inc.

allowance for inflation.

charge as

this

capping the

would be a

landfill.

It is

assumed

that

if

30%

&

8) with

an

disposed of at a landfill there would be no

suitable substitute or

Because only

(ref.

supplement

to the final topsoil required for

of the volume of the septic tank need be disposed

of with the Fossetic process unit disposal costs have been adjusted accordingly.
-41-

4.0

Conclusions and Recommendations

4.1

Conclusions

1.

The

existing techniques for septage disposal in the

existing

North Bay area have

significant

and potential problems associated with them.

2.

Existing disposal charges do not necessarily reflect true disposal costs.

3.

The

potential exists for a major increase in the volumes of septage

pumped and

requiring

disposal.

4.

Chemical precipitation of phosphorus

an attractive potential option for reducing

is

nutrient loading to lakes and could potentially double the production of septage.

5.

Septage sludge dewatering has the potential to reduce the volume of septage to be

disposed of and condition

6.

The

Fossetic selective

it

7.

more environmentally sound

disposal techniques.

pumping system enjoys a number of advantages over

systems reviewed including

potential disposal options

for

it

cost, simplicity,

the other

ready adaptation to existing equipment, and the

allows.

Composting of septage sludge with wood waste and other organic material appears

to

be

a particularly attractive solution for final disposal of septage.

8.

Both of the Scandinavian systems examined show some promise

where disposal

9.

to agricultural land

is

likely to

for application in areas

remain the primary septage disposal option.

Despite significant promise, a variety of social and environmental concerns remain to be

resolved

before either a chemical

nutrient

precipitation

composting of septage can prudently be implemented.

-42-

system for septic tanks or

4.2

Recommended Programs

Three

different

programs are recommended

for further consideration:

a) further investigation of chemical precipitation

b) a pilot project to

examine the

phosphorus removal systems;

suitability of local

septage and municipal

sludge for composting; and

c) a

technology transfer assistance program to inform local septage contractors

of the technique and merits of selective

pumping and

to assist in

its

implementation.

4.2.1

Chemical Precipitation

The prime

objective of this investigation

is

for

Phosphorus Removal

to establish

whether chemical precipitation of

a suitable technique for reducing phosphorus loadings from septic tank /

phosphorus

is

bed systems

to surface waters.

Major questions

to

tile

be answered are:

Which

precipitation agent (including

Ferrous Sulphate)

is

most suitable

Alum, Lime. Ferrous Chloride and

for this application

from the perspectives

of effectiveness, cost, handling safety, and potential environmental side

effects?

What

is

the most suitable

method

for introducing the precipitation

agent to a

domestic septic system?

What

are the significant characteristics of the sludge generated by the

precipitation and normal septic tank

suitability for

mechanisms with respect

composting and general use?

-43-

to

its

A possible work program could consist

bench

of:

scale testing of various precipitation agents with

samples of sewage

obtained from functioning residential septic systems to determine the

appropriate dosing for various precipitation agents, effectiveness of the
various precipitation agents and the chemical composition of the sludge and
liquid after precipitation occurs;

a literature review of handling hazards associated with the various agents;

a review and screening of proposed dosing techniques; and

demonstration projects on functioning residential septic systems with a

detailed monitoring program
for control

The required time frame

4.2.2

is

minimum

of 6 systems including 3 systems

recommended).

for such a project

is

estimated at 18 months.

Composting

The primary

objective of this

a safe, economical,
this project

program

is

means of managing

to establish

septage.

whether septage sludge composting

Because much

is

of the potential success of

depends on the marketability of the resulting compost,

it is

felt

that the private

sector rather than a public agency would be the most suitable operator for this project.

Because of the extensive

risk, relatively

long lead time before a financial return might be

expected, the lack of maturity of the technology, and the potential public benefit of this
project,

it is

felt that significant

public assistance could be justified for such an operation.

Such assistance might include provision of technical assistance

approval of the proposed composting

site,

for designing

and obtaining

provision of technical services to collect and

analyze samples and review results, as well as a low interest forgiveable

forgiveable

if

Probably the

the material proves to be unmarketable due to

fairest

way of

its

selecting a private sector operator

publicly a request for proposals for the operation.

-44-

loan

(i.e.

characteristics).

would be

to advertise

4.2.3 Selective
The

Pumping

Fossetic selective

merit

its

pumping process

is

being implemented immediately.

recommended

1)

judged to be a mature enough technology to

To

this

end a technology transfer program

consisting of the following:

a one day seminar for licensed local haulers to introduce the technology

2) assistance in licensing

and royalty arrangements; and

3) capital assistance in truck conversion.

The seminar might

consist of the following agenda:

a) a review of the legal requirements for

sewage haulage and disposal;

b) a description of the Fossetic process (possibly by Maurice Poulin of Fossetic

Fossetic Inc.)
c) the benefits of the Fossetic process;

d) licensing and royalty arrangements;

e) a description of potential funding;
f)

anticipated disposal options.

-45-

and

is

Bibliography
1. United States Environmental Protection Agency, 1984, Handbook Septage Treatment
and Disposal, Municipal Environmental Research Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio

Ontario Ministries of Agriculture and Food, Enviroimient, and Health, 1978, revised
1986, Guidelines for Sewage Sludge Utilization on Agricultural Lands, Toronto, Ontario

2.

Stigebrandt, A., 1984, Treatment and disposal of sewage sludge, Mattssonprodukter

3.

Uddevalla AB, Sweden

Paulsrud,B. and Eikum,A.S., 1987, Septage Management Using Mobile Dewatering
Trucks, Vatten 43, pgs 224-230, Norwegian Water Technology Centre A/S, Oslo, Norway
4.

5.

Stigebrandt, A., Marstrands Vatten

& Avloppstekniska AB, Personal Communications

Brandes, M., 1976, Phosphorus Removal from Human Wastewater by Direct Dosing of
to a Septic Tank, Applied Sciences Section, Pollution Control Branch, Ontario
Ministry of the Environment, Toronto, Ontario

6.

Alum

Poulin, M., 1988, Envirosol: Demonstration d'un systeme de Vidange et de Traitement

des Boues de Fosses Septiques, Sciences et Techniques de L'Eau, Vol. 21, No 3, Aout 1988,
pgs 277-284, Montreal, Quebec
7.

Poulin, M., 1986, Demonstration d'un Systeme de Vidange et de Traitement des Boues
de Fosses Septiques, Fossetic Inc., prepared for the Environmental Protection Service of
Environment Canada, Ste. Agathe-des-Montes, Quebec
8.

9.

Poulin, M., Fossetic, Inc., Personal

Communciations

and Eikum, A.S., 1989, Mobile Septage Dewatering, Scandinavian Trends

Management, Proceedings of International Onsite Symposium, April 1989,
Annapolis, Maryland
10. Paulsrud, B.

in Septage

11. United States Envirormiental Protection Agency, 1980, Design Manual, Onsite
Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems, Municipal Environmental Research
Laboratory, Cincinnati, Ohio
12. Leffel et. al, 1977, United States Environmental Protection Agency, Process Design
Manual, Wastewater Treatment Facilities for Sewered Small Communities, Office of
Technology Transfer, Cincinnati, Ohio

13. Ontario Ministry of the Environment, 1988 & 1989, Reports on the 1987 and 1988
Discharges from Sewage Treatment Plants in Ontario, MISA Municipal Section, Toronto,
Ontario

14.

Nielsen, N.,

Simon Moos Maskinfabrik APS, Personal Communications.

15.

Banach,

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, North Bay District Office, Personal

R.,

Communications
16.

Dawdy,

B., 1990,

Trout Lake Pollution Control Planning Study, Northland Engineering

(1987) Ltd., North Bay, Ontario

17.

Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Manual of Policies, Procedures and Guidelines

Sewage Disposal Systems, May 1982, Toronto, Ontario

for Private

Some Key Addresses

Fossetic System

Fossetic Inc.
C.P. 215,

Ste-Agathe-Des-Monts, P.Q.

J8C3A3
1-819-326-3100
Attention: Mr. Maurice Poulin

Hamstern System
Marstrands Vatten & Avloppstekniska
P.O. Box 55
S-440 30 Marstrand

AB

SWEDEN
Telephone: Oil 46 303 61040 Facsimile: Oil 46 303 60136
Attention: Mr. Ake Stigebrandt

MOOS KSA System

Simon Moos
Maskinfabrik ApS
Kallehave 33, Horup
DK 6400, Sonderborg

DENMARK

Telephone: 04 44 56 80 Facsimile: 04 44 52 08
Attention: Mr. A. Verner Nielsen

Norwegian Water Technology Centre A/S

Norsk Institutt for Vannforskning (Niva)

P.O. Box 33 - Blindern N-0313
Oslo 3, Norway
Attention: Mr. Bjarne Paulsrud