| Land application of untreated
septage (domestic wastewater from septic tanks, holding tanks,
and portable toilets) in Ontario is being phased-out by the
Ontario Government over a period of five years. This move was
prompted by concern over pathogens in untreated septage and
their potential to impact source waters. Additional concerns
with septage include odour, vector attraction and the presence
of debris. One method to reduce pathogens is through the alkaline
stabilization process. Debris can be removed through effective
screening of septage prior to land application.
Alkaline stabilization is currently not carried out within Ontario and, therefore,
a study was required to demonstrate this process. The MOE
retained the Ontario Rural Wastewater Centre and XCG Consultants
Ltd, with input from the Ontario Association for Sewage Industry
Services (O.A.S.I.S), to demonstrate and train Ontario septage
haulers on cost effective approaches to alkaline stabilize
and screen septage prior to land application.
The study comprised three phases. Phase 1 dealt with collecting
information on screening and lime stabilization of septage
from U.S. haulers and regulators. Phase 2 consisted of field
trials of screening and lime stabilization of septage in Ontario.
In Phase 3, a course was developed to provide training to
Ontario haulers on screening and lime stabilization. The reports
for Phase 1 and 2 can be downloaded from the following links.
Executive Summary
- Phases 1 & 2
Phase 1 report - XCG Consultants
Ltd.
Phase 2 report - ORWC &
OASIS
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