Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The primary audience is septic professionals including engineers, soil scientists designers, installers, inspectors and service providers. It also reached local, state and national regulators. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?The project allowed one staff member to attend 2015 NOWRA conference and also trained one graduate student. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The two reports have been completed and disseminated. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
UMN has completed the field research evaluating 55 onsite systems and the wastewater from rest stops, weigh scales and truck holding facilities across Minnesota. The findings of this research will assist design and management issues related to similar facilities across Minnesota and the US in the future. The UMN has begun work to on a project to optimize septic tank performance focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and capturing nutrients. This project aims to develop next generation septic systems focusing on nutrient recuperation, bioenergy generation and environmental protection by the implementation of a bio-electrochemical system. This project proposes to plug a microbial electrolysis cell (MEC) into current septic tank systems in order to improve the water quality of septic tanks effluents, to recuperate phosphorus that can be used as fertilizer, to increase the production and collection of biogas for the bioenergy application and to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions. The experimentation to date has been in the lab and move to the field, and the results obtained will be applied to modify current design of the septic tank systems. The project will evaluate the capital and operational costs of the implementation of such a system and assess the potential benefits. The technology developed during this project could be useful to thousands of rural communities, especially those that do not have access to centralized wastewater treatment facilities. UMN published an evaluation of adult foster care and assisted living facilities served with septic systems. Foster homes provide assisted-living services--including nursing and 24/7 care-- for individuals requiring special medical and behavioral needs. Wastewater from these homes and the corresponding effects on conventional onsite sewage treatment systems, likely differs from average residential sources but is not fully understood. Foster homes have reported various issues with their septic system operation and performance, including surface discharge of wastewater and premature system failure. This short-term study evaluated six foster homes and one non-foster system (for comparison). OSTP collected laboratory and field data from April through August 2013. Several issues were observed that likely contribute to decreased septic system performance and operation at the properties. Wastewater characteristics, onsite practices, and septic system attributes varied considerably between sites. Nonetheless, common conclusions can be drawn and remedial actions recommended for improved system performance and stability at all sites. The UMN is also evaluating the maintenance records of a large sanitary district evaluating how use in the homes impacts the need for maintenance using records of sludge and scum accumulation. During the reporting period the UMN trained over 2,000 septic professionals (onsite wastewater system maintainers, service providers, installers, designers, and inspectors) in Minnesota in over 50 training events and also delivered training in SD, ND, IA, WI, IL, at the request of states, counties and professional organizations. UMN developed and implemented new hands-on troubleshooting training focused on advanced technology, collection and cluster systems. UMN staff planned and organized the educational program for 2014 annual conference in partnership with the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association; and continued work on a NIFA-funded project to develop a customized community septic system owner's guide. This tool will assist property owners in understanding how their system works and what is needed for operation. UMN also published a review of online training opportunities available for septic system professionals. The UMN along with its partner has continued work on the development of community septic system owner's guides (CSOG). This USDA grant funded project has developed a wastewater decision-making tool for consumers to help to transform rural wastewater management by developing a customizable CSOGs. The website H2OandM.com is a web-interface that allows an individual to produce an expert-driven and locally-customized manual (electronic or hard-copy) CSOG for any single family to cluster soil-based wastewater treatment system in America. This tool provides users with fundamental information about the operation and management of various wastewater management systems. A consultant, engineer, septic professional, facilitator, or even an educated community member can use this tool to produce a management plan for either a new or existing OWTS. The developer of any given CSOG is able to assemble a professionally designed guide by selecting situation-specific boilerplate language and graphics and inserting customized content to integrate system-specific permit and ordinance requirements. There were 5,393 replacement OWTS installed in 2014 (replaced through various local triggers, such as point of sale, land use permits, building permits, conditional use permits, variances, and complaints). The volume of wastewater generated at these 4,927 systems is estimated at over 369 million gallons per year. The number of estimated compliant systems has increased over the past seven years, from 334,500 systems in 2007 to 424,000 systems in 2014; this represents 29 billion gallons of wastewater treated via compliant OWTS.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Heger, Sara. 2015. Community Septic Systems Owners Guide. National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association Annual Conference Proceedings, Virginia Beach, VA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Wheeler, D and S. Heger. 2015. Risk Assessment of Rest Stops in Minnesota. National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association Annual Conference Proceedings, Virginia Beach, VA.
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Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience: The audience for this project is septic professionals, local and state governement and the general public. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Several staff members attended a national conference to increase their knowledge of septic related issues. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Information related to work at the UMN was included in EPA's Septic Smart Week which targets citizens across the US. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? UMN will be publishing two reports: one on online training and the other regarding an evaluation of adult care facilities served by septic systems. In addition the UMN will continue to develop new training opportunities for septic professionals and continue research activities.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
UMN is conducted research evaluating 55 onsite systems and the wastewater from rest stops, weigh scales and truck holding facilities across Minnesota. The findings of this research will assist similar facilities across Minnesota and the US designing and managing systems in the future. The UMN published a report on an evaluation of 6 adult care facilities. These facilities have a challenging waste stream due to high: flows, cleaning compounds and medicines. A estimation tool was developed for milk house wastewater treatment systems. In addition, UMN is performing field evaluation of a phosphorus removal system on 3 existing mound systems in Minnesota to quantify the potential benefit for phosphorus removal. A new grant was received to optimize septic tank performance focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and capturing nutrients. During the reporting period the UMN trained over 1,500 septic professionals (maintainers, service providers, installers, designers, and inspectors) in Minnesota in over 50 training events and also delivered training in SD, ND, IA, WI, IL, at the request of states, counties and professional organizations. UMN developed and implemented new hands-on OWTS training focused on advanced technology, collection and cluster systems with emphasis on aquifer assessment, nitrogen reduction, and groundwater mounding evaluations for new certifications in Minnesota. UMN staff planned and organized the educational program for 2013 annual conference in partnership with the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association; continued work on a NIFA-funded project to develop a customized community septic system owner’s guide. This tool will assist property owners in understanding how their system works and what is needed for operation. UMN staff also conducted a survey of available online training for septic professionals and published a report documenting the opportunities, challenges and issues moving forward. UMN provided design recommendations for adult care facilities served by OWTS including installing low flow fixtures, educating staff and clients on proper usage, increasing flow estimates and installing advanced treatment when necessary. UMN provided input on product design standards as part of Minnesota Technical Advisory Panel. UMN provided design training to over 250 septic professionals on the proper siting and design of OWTS. UMN – in both Minnesota and Iowa, new septic professionals have gained over 200 new certifications and/or licenses during the reporting time period. There were 4,927 replacements OWTS installed in 2013. Replacement systems represent existing sewage ‘disposal systems’ that are replaced through various local triggers, such as point of sale, land use permits, building permits, conditional use permits, variances, and complaints. The volume of wastewater generated at these 4,927 systems is estimated at over 337 million gallons per year. The number of estimated compliant systems has increased over the past seven years, from 334,500 systems in 2007 to 427,000 systems in 2013; this represents 30 billion gallons of wastewater treated via compliant OWTS.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Heger, S. 2014. Milk house Improvement Estimator Users Guide. University of Minnesota, Water Resource Center. St. Paul, MN
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Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13
Outputs
Target Audience: The target audiance for this project is both septic professiaonals and the general public which both benefit from increased knowledge about septic systems. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? During this time period two graduate students have received education regarding onsite sewage treatment systems. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Yes, the final report summary has been published by the Minnesota Polluction Control Agency and the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Assocation. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will continue to evaluate MnDOT rest stops. We will also be evalating on-line training for sep profesionals. Oversight of a new septic system for research on a University property will also occur.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Six systems serving adult care facilites were evaluated and a report written. Sampling of Minnesota Department of Transportion facities was also conducted.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Adult Foster Care and Assisted Living Onsite Sewage Treatment Systems, University of Minnesota, Onsite Sewage Treatment Program,
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Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12
Outputs
OUTPUTS: The University of Minnesota Onsite Sewage Treatment Program (OSTP) has been involved in various research projects in support of NE 1045. These projects include a wastewater characteristics study with Colorado School of Mines, cesspool/drywell evaluation, watershed scale phosphorus evaluation as well as bench scale creation of high strength wastewater. In 2012 OSTP developed a simple spreadsheet tool to estimate removal of condiments following septic system up-grades. OSTP is also working with small communities across Minnesota to evaluate the current situation and evaluation the full range of options, review system design and management plan, and provide construction inspection over sight. We have also partnered with several counties to provide homeowner and professional education along with support in development of new septic system ordinances with risk based management. OSTP is also involved in numerous education programs in Minnesota and across the US. WE offered EPA Regional Education in North and South Dakota and Wyoming. In 2012 additional professional training provided in Iowa, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Illinois at the request of states, counties and professional organizations. We partnered with Leech Lake Band and delivered customized 4-part training to professionals working on tribal land in Minnesota. The program has developed and implemented new higher level design training focused on advanced technology, collection and cluster systems with emphasis on aquifer assessment, nitrogen reduction, and groundwater mounding evaluations for new certifications in Minnesota. The program also developed and implemented customized one day soils workshops offered across soils regions to meet continuing education requirements of designers and inspectors. OSTP also customized and fully implemented service provider training to meet new certification requirement. PARTICIPANTS: Not relevant to this project. TARGET AUDIENCES: Not relevant to this project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.
Impacts
The OSTP is increasing the base and advanced level understanding of septic system performance, impacts and applications though research activities. Water quality improvement are being achieved and documented through the work with small communities and county programs. The educational activities are increasing the knowledge of septic system professionals across Minnesota and the US.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11
Outputs
OUTPUTS: Conducted over 40 workshops across MN to onsite professionals. Updated manual used at professional workshops. Performed research on high strength waste water and cesspools. Assisted numerous small communities on their waste water treatment challenges. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.
Impacts
The increased knowledge of onsite professionals in Minnesota results in improved water quality in MN.
Publications
- Onsite Sewage Treatment Program. 2011. Manual for Septic System Professionals in Minnesota. University of Minnesota, Water Resource Center. St. Paul, MN.
- Wheeler, D. and S Heger. 2011. Rice County Seepage Pit (Dry Well) Research Summary. University of Minnesota, Water Resource Center. St. Paul, MN.
- Wittwer, J and S. Heger. 2011. Laboratory Manufactured High Strength Waste Study. University of Minnesota, Water Resource Center. St. Paul, MN.
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