Sludge Production and Disposal for Small Cold Climate Bio-Treatment Plants

Ultimate disposal of wastewater sludge has long been a problem which to a large degree has been ignored. Haney (1971) stated that: "Until process sludge can be handled with minimum environmental impact, we cannot claim to have a viable wastewater treatment process". The relationship of sludge disposal to total treatment processes is emphasized by the fact that sludge handling and disposal represents up to 50 percent of the total treatment capital and operating costs (Burd, 1968). Processing of wastewater sludge will, no doubt, receive increased attention in the future because of environmental concerns for our air, land and water. The present technology for processing wastewater treatment plant sludge is well established and includes conditioning, dewatering, and disposal. Many of these processes are highly sophisticated and relatively expensive. Most of the more advanced processes are unsuitable for small wastewater treatment facilities in Alaska.The work upon which this report is based was supported in part by funds (Proj. A-033-ALAS) provided by the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Water Resources Research, as authorized under the Water Resources Act of 1964, as amended

Organic and Color Removal from Water Supplies by Synthetic Resinous Adsorbents: Completion Report

The work upon which this report is based was supported by funds (Project A-034-ALAS) provided by the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Water Resources Research, as authorized under the Water Resources Act of 1964, as amended

IWR; no. 37

The body of this report consists of a thesis prepared by Mr. Floyd Damron, a graduate student in the Program of Environmental Health Engineering at the University of Alaska.Discovery of a huge oil field at Prudhoe Bay in the late 1960's resulted in a great deal of industrial activity on the North Slope of arctic Alaska. This flurry of industrial activity was accompanied by environmental concern across the nation. The fact that Alaska was "the last frontier” placed it high on the list for ecological scrutiny

Effects of Thermal Discharge Upon a Subarctic Stream: Completion Report

The work upon which this report is based was supported in part by funds provided by the United States Department of Interior, Office of Water Research and Technology (Project B-020-ALAS), as authorized by the Water Resources Research Act of 1964, Public Law 88-279, as amended; in part by funds provided by the Municipal Utility System of the City of Fairbanks, Alaska; and in part by funds provided by the University of Alaska, Fairbanks

Alaska mining and water quality

The Institute of Water Resources has sought financial assistance for some time in an attempt to initiate research relative to the impact of mining on water quality. Attempts were made as early as 1971 by Dr. Timothy Tilsworth and later by Dr. Donald Cook and Dr. Sage Murphy. These investigators anticipated growth in placer gold mining and the development of natural resources in Alaska during a period of national and environmental concern. The subsequent energy "crisis," the major increase in the price of gold on the world market, and dwindling nonrenewable resource supplies have resulted in large-scale mineral exploration in Alaska. This exploration, coupled with development of the trans-Alaska oil pipeline, has attracted considerable capital for potential investment and development in Alaska. Expected industrial growth has already started and major new projects are "just around the corner." Yet, as of 1976, no major research effort has occurred to determine the extent of or potential for water quality impacts from mining operations in Alaska. Recently a series of interdisciplinary research projects have been completed in Canada; however, the application of Canadian data to Alaskan problems is uncertain. Although, state and federal government agencies have been advised and are aware of this potential problem and lack of baseline data they have not sought out new information or rational solutions. Even now, with deadlines of Public Law 92-500 at hand, some regulatory agencies give the impression of attempting to ignore the situation. Interim limitations are proposed and permits are issued with no discernible rationale or basis. Data have not been obtained relative to the Alaskan mining operations and thus are not available for use in seeking solutions compatible with mining and environmental protection. Numbers appear to have been arbitrarily assigned to permits and water quality standards. When permits are issued, self-monitoring requirements are negligible or nonexistent. Nor have regulatory agencies demonstrated the ability or inclination to monitor mining operations or enforce permits and water quality standards. It was hoped that the project would bring together miners, environmentalists, and regulators in a cooperative effort to identify the problems and seek solutions. The investigators recognized the political sensitivity of the subject matter but proceeded optimistically. Relatively good cooperation, though not total, occurred early in the project. In April 1976, a symposium was held to exchange ideas and determine the state-of-the-art. Although the symposium had good attendance and an exchange of information occurred, the symposium itself was somewhat of a disappointment. With few exceptions, the participants aligned on one side or the other in preconceived fixed positions. Some even chose not to attend and were therefore able to avoid the issues. Little hard data was presented. Optimistically, some of the miners, environmentalists, and regulators are prepared to resolve their differences. This report, hopefully, will be of benefit to them. It is our experience that miners and environmentalists share a love of the land that is uniquely Alaska. We feel that technology is available for application to this problem for those who care about doing the job right in the "last frontier." Whether or not it will be effectively applied to protect Alaska's water resources is a question which remains unanswered.The work upon which this report is based was supported in part by funds provided by the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Water Resources Research Act of 1964, Public Law 88-379, as amended (Project A-055-ALAS)

Envirnonmental Standards for Northern Regions: A Symposium

Symposium was held June 13-14, 1974 in Anchorage, Alaska.The environmental standards for water, air, and land are of prime importance to all members of the northern community. Many of the ecological systems are easily disrupted. Some of the systems are extremely stable. Although the volume of scientific and engineering research on various aspects of the total environment is expanding rapidly it appears that those studying the conditions that exist and those setting the standards for these areas seldom, if ever, communicate. Due to the increased attention being paid to the meaning and impact of regulations, the sponsors of this symposium proposed an opportunity for open discussion of the issues. The program was designed to address the full range of environmental situations. The principal objectives of this symposium were: 1. to review environmental standards and regulations 2. to identify environmental problem areas 3. to examine the adequacy, pertinence, enforcement, and effectiveness of environmental control in the North. While these objectives could not be completely satisfied by this meeting, doors were opened; participants discussed issues brought forth; and progress was made toward a better understanding of needed environmental standards for northern regions.Financial support for this symposium was provided by the University of Alaska - Division of Statewide Services, Program of Environmental Quality Engineering, and the Institute of Water Resources. These organizations are acknowledged for their participation

Carbon Monoxide Exposure and Human Health

The primary objective of this report is to provide detailed information on the health effects of carbon monoxide. With this information, the community can judge for itself what action is deemed necessary to maintain or improve the health of its residents

Cold climate water/wastewater transportation and treatment - a bibliography: completion report

This bibliography contains 1,400 citations, including published and unpublished papers, on cold-climate water and wastewater transportation and treatment systems. Sources listed include state and federal agency files which contain information on systems in Alaskan communities and the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company camps. References to systems in other northern countries are also included. The objectives of this study were to identify causes of the failure of Alaskan water and wastewater treatment and transportation facilities and to seek methods for design improvements. Originally, the investigators contemplated an evaluation of systems performance in remote areas in relation to the original conception, planning, design, and construction. Because of the tremendous amount of literature examined, the evaluation was undertaken in a subsequent study, "Alaska Wastewater Treatment Technology" (A-058-ALAS) by Dr. Ronald A. Johnson.OWRT AGREEMENT NO. 14-31-0001-5002 PROJECT NO. A-047-ALAS The work upon which this completion report is based was supported by funds provided by the U. S. Department of the Interior, Office of Water Research and Technology, as authorized under the Water Resources Research Act of 1964, Public Law 88-379, as amended

IWR; no. 56

The work of Gregory V. Jones is acknowledged as the major source of information for this project report. Mr. Jones was a graduate student in the Program of Environmental Quality Engineering at the time this project was conducted and worked on the project as a graduate research assistant. His work on the project allowed him to complete an M.S. thesis "Characteristics and Ultimate Disposal of Septage."The work upon which this report is based was supported in part by funds (A-039-ALAS) provided by the United States Department of the Interior, Office of Water Resources Research as authorized under the Water Resources Act of 1964, Public Law 88 379, as amended