Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Outputs Objective 1. Failure rates. Chaired the NSF International Wastewater Technology Joint Committee (WWTJC) to develop national standards for wastewater treatment and disposal systems. The draft national/international trench system hydraulic performance/failure protocol for alternative septic system trench products tested last year (in conjunction with NSF, the state of Idaho and the Massachusetts On-Site Wastewater Test Center) at the Otis Air Force Base resulted in a new draft standard (NSF/ANSI Standard 240) for evaluation of function of gravelless trench media technologies compared to a control (standard gravel-leaden septic system trenches). This test protocol was balloted to determine its acceptability and significant revisions were identified. This revised NSF/ANSI Standard 240 is to be re-balloted in the near future in hopes that the remaining concerns have been addressed. One aspect that the Gravelless Trench Task Group (established by me as Chair of the NSF International Joint Committee for Wastewater Technology) determined while developing this standard is that the field test protocol method tested at the Otis Air Force Base will likely apply only to trench technologies in use less than 5-10 years. They have recommended that a second part of the Standard 240 will need to be developed (after the first part is balloted and approved) addressing alternative trench products that have been in field use for more than 5-10 years. That protocol for the second part of Standard 240 is expected to be the surface hydraulic failure rate technique developed by me and used in my research programs to statistically determine surface hydraulic failure rates and longevity of established (in use for 5-10 years +) alternative trench technologies via tests of 100-300 actual systems (including both the alternative (test) trench product and the control - the standard gravel trench system under the same weather conditions within a one week timeframe. A related second new standard is currently being drafted (by another Task Group I established - Field Performance Task Group) for field performance assessments of advanced pretreatment technologies. This draft standard is being based upon the work done by the NEIWPCC in New England. I have also established another NSF International Task Group on Water Reuse that is developing a series of wastewater, greywater and rainfall/roof waters national standards. This effort is expected to come to fruition in 2009 or 2010. Additionally, a paper was published this year on our additive research and two more papers on the additive research are in progress (in review at the Journal of Environmental Health). Objective 2. Integrated technologies. The Pasqoutank River Watershed Integrated Water Technology (IWT) project workplan continues to move through the EPA review process although progress is slow. The demonstration community (North Meadows subdivision) selected for the project within the Pasqoutank River watershed has been sampled for determining baseline water flow and water quality conditions from nearly 35 shallow monitoring wells and surface water monitoring gage stations. PARTICIPANTS: Dr. Sushama Pradhan was major contributor George Heufelder (Barnstable County Health Director, Cape Cod, Mass) was significant contributor Tom Bruerrsama and Tom Stevens (NSF International) were significant contributors TARGET AUDIENCES: Target audeinces include research scientists, outreach experts, system designers and engineers, soil scientists, setpic system installers and operators, local community decision-makers and elected officials. Training and educational programming was provided to these groups including well over 1000 practicing professionals and other people at specific programs. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: More focus occuring on decentrlaized water/wastewater reuse in the coming year. The EPA project effort will depend soley on the progress that EPA makes in providing funding in a timely manner for startup of the IWT project.
Impacts
A number of publications have resulted from the NSF work. In addition, a peer-reviewed journal article on nutrient contributions from septic systems to North Carolina watersheds including a specific methodology for making these determinations in any watershed was published in the Journal of Hydrologic Engineering in ASCE. Numerous counties and states throughout the country have now adopted the new NSF/ANSI Standard 245 (established last year by my NSF International Joint Committee for Wastewater Technology). Numerous nitrogen reducing advanced treatment technology systems have been tested and certified to the new NSF/ANSI 245 Standard. This results in reductions of groundwater and surface water contamination due to nitrogen coming from residential homes.
Publications
- S. Pradhan, M.T. Hoover and R. Austin. 2008. An Enhanced GIS Procedure as a Screening Tool for Watershed-Scale Assessment of On-site System Nutrient Loading. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, Vol. 13, No. 8.
- S. Pradhan, M.T. Hoover, G.H. Clark, M. Gumpertz, A.G. Wollum, C. Cobb and J. Strock. 2008. The Effects of Bacterial Additives upon Microbial Populations in Septic Tanks. Journal of Environmental Health, Vol. 70, No. 6.
- Sushama Pradhan and Michael T. Hoover. 2008. Septic Tank Biological Additives: The Good, Bad and Ugly. Proceedings of 24th Annual North Carolina On-Site Wastewater Treatment Conference: April 16, 2008. Soil Science Dept., NCSU.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Objective 1. Failure rates. Chaired the NSF International Wastewater Technology Joint Committee (WWTJC) to develop national standards for wastewater treatment and disposal systems. Developed, tested and evaluated (in conjunction with NSF, the state of Idaho and the Massachusetts On-Site Wastewater Test Center at Otis Air Force Base) a new draft performance/failure protocol standard (draft NSF/ANSI Standard 240) for evaluation of function of gravelless trench media technologies compared to a control (standard gravel-laden septic system trenches). The draft field evaluation protocol was developed last year by one of my NSF Task Groups and implemented in 10 large-scale test cells for testing purposes this year at Otis Air Force Base. We statistically analyzed the soil properties for the 10 test cells to assess potential impacts on test protocol results and also assessed the technology performance resulting from the protocol assessment. Also, the test protocol is being revised
as well as a second standard is planned to assess field performance longevity of alternative trench products using long-term failure rates. An additional accomplishment as the NSF WWTJC Chair was development, publication and implementation of a new national standard for residential wastewater treatment systems that reduce nitrogen contamination to ground waters and surface waters (NSF/ANSI Standard 245). Over 18 technology products have now been tested and certified to this national standard and it is beginning to be adopted into county and state rules and codes. A number of publications have resulted from the NSF work. In addition, a peer-reviewed journal article on septic system failure rates is prepared for submittal to Journal of Hydrologic Engineering in ASCE and a second manuscript (planned for journal publication) assessing failure rates of gravelless technologies and effects of design on extent of trench usage by trench media technology type is in development. Objective 2.
Integrated technologies. Started initial work on the Pasqoutank River Watershed Integrated Water Technology (IWT) project. The demonstration community (North Meadows subdivision) selected for the project within the Pasqoutank River watershed was instrumented with water quality monitoring and ground water level/flow instrumentation. Initial water level data and water quality samples have been collected from nearly 35 shallow monitoring wells and surface water monitoring gage stations including background locations. Assessed the distribution of selected biological and chemical contaminants throughout the subdivision during initial sampling and water quality monitoring. Still working to get approval of the EPA funding of the project. Numerous publications from earlier related work have detailed distribution of likely nitrogen contamination from septic systems by watershed throughout the state. In addition we have also assessed modification and utilization of an existing contaminant
tracking model to assess delivery or export of cumulative nitrogen contamination to surface waters within small watersheds.
PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations include NSF International, state of Idaho, Massachusetts Test Center, Otis Air Force Base, Barnstable County Health Department, wastewater product manufacturers, Wake County Department of Environmental Services, NC Agriculture Foundation, Albemarle Regional Health Services Agency, Texas A&M University, USDA Soils and Grasslands Research Center in Temple Texas, NCSU College of Natural Resources, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources and local county health departments, CDC-Atlanta.
TARGET AUDIENCES: Audiences include homeowners and landowners who utilize decentralized wastewater treatment systems, the academic/scientific community, product manaufacturers who develop, test and sell residential wastewater products as wll as health and environmental agencies who regulate wastewater systems.
Impacts
The new NSF/ANSI Standard 245 is being adopted by counties and states into their residential wastewater system codes and rules throughout a number of areas in the country. Eighteen nitrogen reducing advanced treatment technology systems have been tested and certified to the new NSF/ANSI 245 Standard. This results in reductions of groundwater and surface water contamination due to nitrogen originating within residential homes.
Publications
- Heufelder, G., K. Mroczka, S. Pradhan, M. Hoover and T. Stevens. 2007. Development of a Standard for Graveless Trench Products - Results of a Pilot Protocol Series. Proceedings of ASABE National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Wastewater Systems.
- Pradhan, S., M. T. Hoover and R. Austin. 2007. Potential Nitrogen Contributions from On-Site Wastewater Treatment System to North Carolina River Basins and Sub-basins. Technical Bulletin 324. North Carolina Agricultural Research Services, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC. May 2007.
- Pradhan, S. and M.T. Hoover. 2007. Test Cell Properties for the NSF Standard 240 Protocol Assessment at Otis Air Force Base. NSF Office of Water and Wastewater, Ann Arbor, MI.
- Pradhan, S., M. T. Hoover, G. H. Clark, M. Gumpertz, A. G. Wollum, C. Cobb and J. Strock. 2008 (In press). Septic Tank Additive Impacts on Microbial Populations. Journal of Environmental Health; Vol. 70(6).
- Pradhan, S., M. T. Hoover and R. Austin. 2008 (In press). An Enhanced GIS Procedure as a Screening Tool for Watershed-Scale Assessment of On-site System Nutrient Loading. Journal of Hydrologic Engineering, January/February issue.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Objective 1. Failure rates. Data was assessed form the Wake County study of 310 systems and from the final project report to Wake County. After this analysis a paper was drafted and internally reviewed for submittal to a peer-reviewed journal and is now ready to be submitted. Objective 2. Integrated technologies. Finished workplan/project proposal and submitted to EPA for $1.35 million Pasqoutank River Watershed project. Selected demonstration community (North Meadows subdivision) within Pasqoutank River watershed. Designed and developed water quality monitoring and ground water assessment plan with groundwater flow experts. Initiated instrumentation of the monitoring network for assessing groundwater flow at the study site at North Meadows subdivision. Installed 27 shallow monitoring wells to 1) determine groundwater flow dynamics 2) characterize the shallow geologic lithology and related soil conditions within the subdivision and 3) assess current pollution impacts
of on-site wastewater systems on local groundwater. Assessed particle size and grain size distribution of selected soil samples in the laboratory. Collected beginning water level datasets to characterize baseline conditions within the demonstration community's watershed. Established elevation controls for groundwater monitoring network. Coordinated project start-up with Albemarle Regional Health Services agency, Pasquotank County Commissioners, County Water Board and local citizen groups from North Meadows subdivision. Submitted paper to Journal of Journal of Hydrologic Engineering on cumulative impacts of septic systems in small watersheds. Drafted papers on 1) Using SWAT to model small watershed nutrient contributions from on-site wastewater systems, 2) Effect of resolution and data source on DEM outputs for the SWAT model and 3) Technical bulletin on nutrient (nitrogen) loadings from on-site wastewater systems within NC's 17 watersheds and 134 major subwatersheds. Effects of septic
tank additives were assessed. Submitted paper for Journal Environmental Health on microbial effects of septic tank additives. Drafted two additional papers on 1) Effects of septic tank additives on pumping frequencies and solids accumulations and 2) Impacts of additives on septic tank effluent BOD and TSS contributions to drainfields. Contributed to interdisciplinary project that developed a new national testing protocol for assessment of alternative trench products used within septic systems. Collected 50 undisturbed soil core samples and assessed physical properties. Submitted report to NSF International on soil physical properties within artificially created soils used as test cells for assessing alternative on-site wastewater trenches.
Impacts
As a direct result of the research included in Objective 1, the Wake County Commissioners hjave established a new countywide septic system management program and have hired staff to start the program. For Objective 2 a number of on-site wastewater technology manufacturers have indicated their desire to donate technology componenets in the upcoming months to landowners in the North Meadows subdivision to improve replace existing poorly functioning systems and/or improve performance of existing technologies.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
This project just started this year and is in its initial stages. For Objective 1. The effects of siting, design, installation, operation and maintenance on surface hydraulic failure rates of on-site wastewater systems (septic systems) are being assessed and summarized. A number of major studies throughout the United States and Australia have been reviewed and related appropriate data to surface hydraulic performance extracted from those studies for analysis. In addition the author served as the lead scientist in a major combined study (local regulators, state regulators, private industry and university) of the effects of operation and maintenance over a 20-year period on septic system failure rates. Over 300 septic systems were randomly selected from the 30,000 systems installed over the past 20 years in Wake County, North Carolina. All systems were assessed in the spring-time over a four-day timeframe using a methodology developed by the author so as to minimize any
impacts of weather conditions on system function. The wet-season failure rates were 8-10 percent overall. However, surface hydraulic failure rates (sewage surfacing on the ground surface) were significantly different statistically depending upon the operation and maintenance practices instituted and achieved at the 300+ sites. Site maintenance, in particular, had a substantial impact on system performance. Also the degree of system maintenance provided by system operators statistically affected failure rates for more advanced technologies (such as low pressure pipe systems). The project report was finalized, peer reviewed and published. Journal papers are in the process of being drafted. For Objective 2. The impacts of integrated water technology designs and coordinated management strategies are being addressed in the North Meadows subdivision in northeastern North Carolina. Field assessments were conducted of current water management problems in the subdivision in preparation for
installation of integrated water technologies and assessments of their impacts in the future. A major project workplan was drafted in conjunction with local health and state agencies and submitted to the U.S. EPA and the Albemarle Regional Health Services agency. Once EPA completes a technical peer review the project will proceed to the intensive field instrumentation stage.
Impacts
For Objective 1. As a result of the system failure rate study conducted in Wake County we caluculate that approximately 2600-5200 of the 55,000 existing septic systems in Wake County fail hydraulically during typcial wet seasons (eg. springtime). As a reuslt of our reports of study results to the Wake County Commissioners, they have established a new countywide septic system management program and begun to staff that program. The intent is to coordinate the important operation and maintenance attributes of on-site systems so as to enhance function and reduce failure rates. For Objective 2. In addition to the project wrokplan being developed and submitted the authors met numerous times with the Pasquotank County Commissioners and community citizens to explain the project and obtain their input and direction. Radio broadcasts were also used to explain proejct specifics, the importance of septic system maintenance and to obtain relaevant input for the Integrated Water
Technolgy Project Workplan.
Publications
- Lynn, W. E., Hoover, M.T., King, L.D., Nelson, L.A., Harris, S.M., Bristow, S.W., Angoli, P.M., Lowery, W. and Daeke, K.G. 2005. Wake County Field Performance and Operation & Maintenance Survey of Systems Installed 1982-2002. Peer-Reviewed Project Report. Wake County Department of Environmental Services, Raleigh, NC.
- Pradhan, S., Hoover, M.T., Devine, H.A., Arnold, J.G., and Di Luzio, M. 2005. Quantifying Nitrogen Exports from On-site Systems to Surface Waters within Small Watersheds Using the SWAT Model. Proceedings of ASAE Third Conference on Watershed Management to Meet Water Quality Standards and Emerging TMDL's. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI
- Pradhan, S., Hoover, M.T., Austin, R., and Devine, H.A. 2004. Potential Nutrient Loadings from On-Site Systems to Watersheds. Proceedings of ASAE 10th National Symposium on Individual and Small Community Sewage Systems. ASAE, St. Joseph, MI
- Pradhan, S. Hoover, M.T., and Hollowell, R. 2005. Pasquotank River Watershed Project: Integrated Water Technologies (IWT)EPA National Decentralized Water Resources Community Demonstration Project Workplan. Soil Science Department, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina and Albenmarle Regional Health Services, Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Submitted to U.S. EPA.
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