The Role of Sewage Treatment Plants - Saving the Environment

Sewage treatment plants function as the disposal site and treatment of wastewater for the sewage collected from households, establishments, industrial, and also agricultural. The gathering and disposal of sewage systems send the wastewater through cities to the treatment plants.

Did You Ever Wonder How A Wastewater Treatment Plant Functions?

The following three paragraphs taken from a PDF document on the EPA site are very interesting and really take an in-depth look at the systems in place throughout the United States for the proper and safe treatment of raw sewage and wastewater from many municipalities in the country.

One of the most common forms of pollution control in the United States is wastewater treatment. The country has a vast system of collection sewers, pumping stations, and treatment plants. Sewers collect the wastewater from homes, businesses, and many industries, and deliver it to plants for treatment. Most treatment plants were built to clean wastewater for discharge into streams or other receiving waters, or for reuse.

Years ago, when sewage was dumped into waterways, a natural process of purification began. First, the sheer volume of clean water in the stream diluted wastes. Bacteria and other small organisms in the water consumed the sewage and other organic matter, turning it into new bacterial cells; carbon dioxide and other products. Today’s higher populations and the greater volume of domestic and industrial wastewater require that communities give nature a helping hand.

The basic function of wastewater treatment is to speed up the natural processes by which water is purified. There are two basic stages in the treatment of wastes, primary and secondary, which are outlined here. In the primary stage, solids are allowed to settle and removed from wastewater. The secondary stage uses biological processes to further purify wastewater. Sometimes, these stages are combined into one operation.

PDF Source here from EPA.

My Educated Opinion 

After reading the previous three blurbs of content delivered by the Environmental Protection Agency, it's clear that without sewage treatment plants and this associated management for solid and liquid waste recycling, we would be in real trouble as far as disease and sickness in this county.

The wastewater is treated in the sewage treatment plants to preserve the natural environment by controlling water pollution and also ensuring that the water is thoroughly clean and free from any contaminants before it's discharged to the environment specific to the bodies of water. Another goal of treating the sewage is to provide protection to public health and to prevent the spread of diseases.

The sewage system could transport the wastewater by gravitational forces to get diverted to the sewage treatment plant. If it is difficult for pipeline excavation because of boulders of rock and there is limited topographic relief, the collection of waste by gravity might not be applicable. In this case, the sewage must be pumped through the pipeline and straight into the sewage treatment plants.

Wastewater and Low-Lying Areas 

For those situated in low lying areas, wastewater might be transported by using a vacuum. The measurements of pipelines could vary from 6 inches in diameter to thirty feet in diameter of concrete-lined tunnels.

The sewage form community can be collected by an effluent sewer system also referred to as STEP system or Septic Tank Effluent Pumping. In every house where it utilized an underground collection tank that separates the solids from the liquids portion.

The liquid portion is pumped through a small diameter pipe that has a size of 1.5 inches to 4 inches heading to the downstream treatment. The pipes could be laid underneath the ground surface along the land's contour because the waste stream is pressurized. The sewage can also be collected by utilizing low-pressure pumps and vacuum systems.

The residents served is considered in the size and design of the sewage collection systems. Another consideration is the commercial and industrial flows, the characteristics of peak flow, and also the wet weather flow. The merged sewer systems are normally built to convey both the sewage and stormwater runoff at the same time in similar pipes.

The characteristics of the watershed are likewise considered in the projected design of the merged sewer systems. Oftentimes, particularly in recent years, the amount of stormwater runoff can no longer be handled by the combined sewer that causes sewer overflows. This leads to water pollution problems in the nearby bodies of water. Onsite wastewater and sewage treatment effluent pumping systems are found on over 40 million homes in the United States. The YouTube video below covers this process in great detail.

Municipal Sewer Lines - Design and Function

The style and design of sewer lines that go to the waste treatment facilities nowadays are separate lines for storm runoff and sewage alone. The storm runoff will move right to the surface water while the sewage systems will be transported to the sewage treatment plants. Many municipal sewer systems these days are constructed with isolated sewer systems.

Even when the design of sewer systems is to have separate lines of which one is entirely created for sewage, the inflow and infiltration of surface water cannot be prevented. This in effect may cause the sanitary sewer to overflow. The inflow, as well as infiltration, is extremely affected by moisture conditions, which is likewise provided a significant thought in the system design.

Thanks for checking out my latest blog post on municipal sewage treatment plants and on-site wastewater collection systems.

Read more here.

To read more about wastewater treatment and septic systems in general, check out this blog post.

The Trouble with Cesspools and Wastewater Management

What is a cesspool?

A cesspool is a shallow system for disposing of sanitary waste. Although structures vary, most cesspools consist of a concrete cylinder with an open bottom or perforated sides. Sanitary waste from toilets, sinks, and washing machines enters the cesspool and percolates out the bottom.

The definition of “large-capacity” may vary from state to state. For example, some states define large-capacity cesspools based on the amount of waste or the volume capacity of the cesspool. Check with your permitting authority for more information. The transformation of cesspools and cesspool design has been very interesting to say the least.

What is a large-capacity cesspool?

The Environmental Protection Agency does not regulate the cesspools of single family homes or those of non-residential facilities that serve fewer than 20 persons per day and dispose of solely sanitary waste. However, these smaller cesspools may be regulated by state and local governmental agencies (e.g., departments of health).

Cesspools of any size that receive waste other than sanitary waste (e.g., from commercial or industrial processes) are industrial wells and are subject to regulations.

Although now illegal, wastewater has often been disposed of in a cesspool or dry well. Construction was similar to a shallow dug well lined with bricks or stone. It was often 6 to 10 feet in diameter and 15 to 20 feet deep. This is why all cesspools now need to be replaced with new septic systems according to your local health department's rules and regulations.

Cesspools and Groundwater Contamination

The depth was less than that of groundwater, thus the name“dry” well. Cesspools are a serious potential source of groundwater contamination and a definite safety hazard.In the past, Kansas law permitted seepage pits following the septic tank for wastewater disposal.

These were holes in the ground filled with stone or other inert material such as broken brick. They were constructed according to state guidelines for size and depth. Construction of seepage pits has been illegal since May 1996, and existing pits must be properly disposed of whenever they are not used or not working.

Read more on this subject at the following website: https://www.epa.gov/uic/large-capacity-cesspools

Grease Trap Cleaning | Procedures and Maintenance

Anyone in the restaurant industry can tell you that almost nothing is worse than grease clogging up pipes or backing up a drain. Unfortunately, not many plumbing businesses can specialize in this particular challenge, meaning that getting the job done, and done right the first time, can be a difficult task at best. That's why it's important to make a smart choice when deciding how to do your grease trap cleaning.

When It's Maybe Already Too Late to Clean or Service Your Trap

Fat and oil buildup in restaurant plumbing systems inevitably lead to grease blockages. If it's especially large, a back-up can shut down an establishment for a full two days, leading to significant loss of profit. Grease trap cleaning is a messy business, as sludge can regularly build up to two inches in thickness or more if left unattended.

Plumbing Issues Caused by Grease and Oil Build Up

If you don’t manage your plumbing properly, you might have a clog that causes grease to back up.
Plumbing issues can happen to any commercial kitchen or restaurant. Older systems end up being integrated instead of your grease trap having a separate line and a backup could impact everything.

If the grease trap starts to back up, your entire restaurant could be filled with a terrible odor and send your customers packing. Make sure your entire plumbing system stays free from blockages. Failure to manage your plumbing could lead to an issue and a loss of customer support.

Additional issues such as a foul odor and disposal difficulties can emerge. The cleaning process is intensive; the grease has to be scraped off the sides, lids, and bottom of the grease trap. When choosing someone to clean, make sure they have all the appropriate gear and requisite knowledge to do the job properly. Locate a reputable and licensed grease trap cleaning service in your local area and ask for job references and proof of insurance.

Emergency Grease Trap Repairs

Of course, grease trap cleaning is one of the many problems a restaurant can face. Leaks, sewer odors, and heating fluctuations can strike suddenly, leaving customers unhappy or even shutting down the whole kitchen. As people in the industry know, all it takes is one bad experience, and a customer may never return. With this in mind, it is important to develop a rapport with a plumbing company that will take care of its clients at the drop of a dime.

How Do You Know When Your Restaurant's Grease Trap Needs to be Cleaned or Pumped Out?

5 Signs Your Restaurant's Grease Trap Needs Cleaning

1) When your restaurant's drainage plumbing system is clogged or slow-moving.
2) When grease is 30% or more the total liquid depth in the trap or tank.
3) When there's a foul smell coming from the kitchen, dishwasher, or sinks.
4) When it's simply been too long since your last grease trap cleaning or inspection.
5) When you find grease in unusual places you never imagined.

The Process of Cleaning Out Grease Traps

Grease trap cleaning is the process of removing grease waste and other food particles from the unit. It is possible to clean grease traps on your own, but it can be a very difficult and messy job. Hiring a professional grease trap cleaning service to clean your grease trap is the best course of action.

While grease can be the nastiest thing to clean, it's important to use the proper chemicals and cleaning products to make sure no food is tainted and that all equipment is in top-notch condition. A professional vacuum and grease solvents can help, depending on the situation. Make sure to ask which solution would work best for your business.

New Grease Trap Installations and Replacements

In the fast-paced world of restaurant ownership, having an efficient plumbing system is the backbone of success. The best option, often, is to invest in plumbing equipment so that you aren't stuck with an unexpected disaster.

Most importantly, installing a grease trap that doesn't allow fast build-up causes peace of mind, along with a garbage disposal that doesn't jam up at inconvenient times. Upgrading to efficient fryers and grease disposal systems can help stop problems before they arise.

At worst, grease can combine with soap during an improper clean-up procedure, which could cause an employee or customer to slip and fall. Grease an cooking oil fires, as well, are notoriously hard to extinguish and can destroy any restaurant, along with its reputation.

Innovative Modern Grease Trap Designs are On the Horizon

Double Baffle Passive Grease Traps

A grease trap for separating waste from wastewater that includes grey water and FOG includes a tank having a bottom and an interior volume. An inlet invert in the tank has a discharge end for discharging wastewater into the tank, and an outlet invert in the tank has a drain end for removing greywater from the tank. 

A first baffle across the interior volume below the discharge of the inlet invert and above the drain end of the outlet invert has a hole allowing greywater to descend through the hole to a path under the first baffle to the drain end of the outlet invert. A second baffle across the interior volume above the discharge of the inlet invert has a hole allowing FOG to float through the hole in the second baffle to collect above the second baffle.

Read more on environmental wastewater management and septic tank pumping here.

The best tip for dealing with grease is not to wait until it is an emergency and to start taking preventative steps as soon as possible.

Read more on grease trap cleaning here.

The Age of Alternative Septic Systems - Possible Cost and Design Benefits

Are you sick and tired of dealing with traditional septic systems? Don't worry, because we have come to provide you with a comprehensive set of information on all new alternatives to septic systems. The uses of septic systems are mainly seen in hunting cabins, cottages, vacation lodges, or in the very sparsely populated rural areas.

Hence, people living in these areas must know about them meticulously. Soil quality, as well as its type, plays a big role in the overall performance of the septic system. Septic systems are quite difficult to maintain in wetter soil. In wetter conditions, the septic technique's ability to treat effluents is shunned to a great extent.

In general, you want sandy soil that is not too coarse, well-drained soil, and naturally undisturbed soils to absorb the effluent. When the soil is too coarse, wastewater passes too quickly to receive sufficient treatment.

A septic system is perfect for treating wastes and is essential for those who are not connected to the municipal or another privately owned system. Proper maintenance of them is essential to maintain healthy conditions for the house as well as the owner of the system.

Therefore, choosing the right septic system for your home is absolutely essential. There are two types of systems; conventional models and their alternates. Soil type and the overall conditions are the key determinants while choosing a septic system. We are giving you in-depth information on the alternatives below.

The most commonly used septic techniques are Gravity and Pressure distribution systems. Gravity is a traditional system that dumps the effluents inside the drain field. The pressure distribution system is also called low-pressure systems.

They are ideal for gravels and in the soil of coarse nature. Other new alternatives to septic systems include Aerobic treatment unit, Mound systems, and Sand filter systems. Aerobic systems are used in areas that require special attention with regard to waste treatment.

Such systems produce cleaner wastewater through the use of oxygen in the treating process. Mound systems are crucial for those areas that have less soil and hence the drain field is a bit elevated. Sand filter systems are also used when little soil is available for treating wastes. It consists of a special soil filtering technique.

Other important new alternatives are Glendon Biofilter, AdvanTex Filter, and Drip Irrigation. Glendon Biofilter consists of a small watertight box that consists of a few layers of sand and gravels. The waste is pumped in through the lower part of the box and then it moves upwards.

Therefore, the top portion consists of treated wastes only. The Advan Tex technique also consists of a watertight box that contains engineered textile materials.

This system is ideal for the treatment of a large amount of effluent water in a comparatively small amount of space. The drip based technique allows the wastewater to be spread over a vast space of the drain field. This system is quite slow, but it provides good results. You can choose any of the aforementioned systems for efficiently processing effluent and enacting onsite wastewater treatment processes.

For more information on (ATUs), read the entire article here.

Check out our main blog on septic system installation and septic repair.

Septic Tank Pumping Procedures and Costs

For millions of people living in rural settings septic tank pumping is a fact of life. With the closest municipal sewage hookup miles away a properly maintained and working septic system is vitally important and getting it pumped out at regular intervals is a part of that maintenance. In this article, we will look at why getting it pumped out regularly is so important, how it is done, and about how much you can expect to pay for this service.

But before we get into all that let's take a quick look at what a septic system is and how it works. In simplest terms, a septic system is an underground sewage treatment system for homes that do not have access to municipal sewer services. It typically is comprised of four parts; the waste pipe from the house, the septic tank, the drain field, and the soil. All these parts need to in working order but the tank itself is the most important part.

Getting the tank pumped out at regular intervals keeps it working properly and prevents clogs that can cause sewage to back up into the house and create disgusting odors. The primary contributor to septic tank clogs is things that are very biodegradable.

This includes cooking grease and oils that get dumped down the drain and paper products other than toilet paper; paper towels, sanitary napkins and tampons, cigarette butts and cotton balls will all eventually degrade but they tend to get stuck in the inner working of the tank and create clogs that worsen over time.

Another reason to get a septic tank pumped regularly is to check it for damage that can compromise its ability to work in an efficient manner. Once it's pumped out it can be visually inspected for cracks and other damage. If any damage is detected it needs to be repaired to prevent future problems.

The pumping process itself is pretty straight forward. A large truck, sometimes referred to as a "Honey Wagon", with a big tank, suction pump, and large hoses will come to the property and park in the general vicinity of the septic tank. The operator will remove the manhole cover from the tank, lower the suction hoses into it and fire up the pumps, sucking the accumulated waste into the holding tank on the truck.

A good pumping service will also provide a thorough inspection of the septic tank once it is pumped clean. They will inspect the tank, valves, and inlet and outlet ports for damage such as cracks or clogs. They will also inspect the ground around the tank for signs of leaks as well. Any problems should be brought to the homeowner so that they can be dealt with to ensure the proper operation of the entire septic system.

The cost to get a septic tank pumped out varies and will depend on where you live along with a few other factors. Normally it will cost between $125 to $250 or more. The easier the job the less it will cost but there are some circumstances that can cause the price to increase.

The first problem many homeowners run into is knowing exactly where their septic tank is buried. This is particularly true for people who have purchased a home with an existing system. If it is buried and its location isn't readily apparent then your septic pumping service can use a plumbing snake with a radio emitter attached to the end.

The snake is fed through one of the cleanouts in the house and out into the tank. A radio receiver is then used to find the end of the snake which gives the location of the tank.

Another problem is a lack of a septic riser over the lid covering the opening into the tank. If the pumping contractor has to dig down to find the lid this can add to the cost of the service. This is also the perfect opportunity to install a riser to avoid this issue for future pump-outs.

The thing to remember when it comes to the cost of pumping a septic tank out; The easier it is to for the pumper truck driver to find and access the tank the lower the overall cost will be. It can be well worth it to address any of these issues the first time you get your tank pumped out as it will keep costs down in the future.

Septic tank pumping is the most important part of maintaining a septic system. A clogged or overfull tank is the primary cause of many septic system problems that can be prevented through regularly scheduled visits by the "Honey Wagon".

Regular pumping is an important part of any maintenance routine that keeps septic tank problems to a minimum. To learn more about septic system problems and how to avoid them please click here.

Article source here.