Being in Compliance for Septage Receiving
Septage receiving is covered by strict guidelines set forth by the EPA.
It allows haulers to utilize EPA land disposal standards or one of the many currently operating sewage treatment plants.
Septage reviving has been known to be a challenge for efficient plant performance.
According to an article in Waterworld Magazine, “Septage receiving systems provide municipalities a means to manage the wastes being generated within their jurisdictions. This provides protection for their own systems as well as the environment. With systems provided, waste can be tracked from the original generator, allowing only permit-approved materials to be dumped."
Septage Receiving Equipment
Plants are equipped with various types of septage reviving equipment. At the very least, the plant will have a valve, controller, and screening device.
Other plants with more involved systems may have things such as a solids conditioning grinder, flow measurement device, ph meters, and more.
Some plants find that a grinder combined with a particular control system is a better method for keeping track of hauler loads.
Records
Many plants are installing data collection control systems. In order to comply with EPA requirements, the sources and volumes of Septage need to be recorded; some plants can keep accurate records by giving their haulers a magnetic card.
While a magnetic card is designed to identify the hauler, there are inherent limitations and disadvantages to using magnetic cards and many better alternatives.
Once the hauler’s identity is confirmed, the hauler’s load can then be released, measured, and analyzed.
The totalized gallons discharged and the date and time will be recorded. The entire transaction is recorded in a database for billing, analysis, and accountability purposes.
Weather Protection
One of the concerns involved with septage receiving is addressing weather issues. Efforts need to be made to insure the system being utilized does not freeze during cold weather.
It is vital to have weather-proofing that can maintain all lines and tanks above freezing.
In places where heat is a concern, controllers can be put in a protected area so they are not in direct contact with the sun.
If you would like to know more about septage receiving, Flowpoint can help. Contact us today and learn more.
Other posts by Jay Morrison
Jay Morrison
I have been in the bulk water dispensing station controls and septage receiving station controls world for over 20 years. Together with the team at Flowpoint, we have helped over 700 communities in North America implement our turn-key solutions, cloud-based software, and controls to help them better manage their bulk water dispensing and septage receiving processes.