Broz, Bob

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extension.missouri.edu     eq422AGRICULTURELand Application of SeptageSeptage is the material pumped from residential septic tanks and similar treatment works.The standards for biosolids from septage differs from other sludges. This publication addresses state and federal regulations and standards.EPA regulations, under Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations Part 503 (40 CFR 503), establish the minimum national standards for the use and disposal of domestic sludge. The standards include limiting biosolids applications to land, including septage.Biosolids land applicationBiosolids are domestic wastewater sludge that meets standards for use as a fertilizer or soil conditioner. These standards for septage include pathogen reduction, vector requirements and best management practices.Applying biosolids to the land uses the available nitrogen, phosphorus and potash as fertilizer for growing crops. It is an environmentally sound practice sanctioned by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).Reusing biosolids on crops, pastures and timberland reduces pollution of the waters of the state. It eliminates the environmental risks and costs associated with sludge disposal options, benefiting all Missouri citizens.Contract haulerUnder state and federal regulations, the contract hauler is responsible for complying with all sludge regulations for septage pumping, including final disposal. The contract hauler must meet all requirements.Haulers who land apply septage (biosolids) must obtain a state permit. Haulers who transport to another permitted treatment facility are not required to have a permit. Homeowners are not responsible for sludge removed by contract haulers.Compliance datesSince Feb. 19, 1994, contract haulers that apply septage must comply with the new EPA sludge standards. They must register with EPA or apply for state permits. A general permit is available from the DNR.Best management practicesSeptage biosolids that meet the standards for pathogens and vectors are safe to apply when following best management practices.Best management practices include agronomic loading rates, soil conservation practices and other site restrictions.Metals standardsMonitoring and limitations for metals are not required because of the relatively low concentration of metals found in residential septage (Table 1).Revised byBob Broz, Extension Water Quality State Specialist, Division of Food Systems and BioengineeringTable 1. Typical concentrations of pollutants in residential septage. (Domestic Septage Regulatory Guidance, EPA-832-B-92-005, Sep-tember 1993. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.)Pollutant Average concentration of dry weight(milligrams per kilogram)1Arsenic 4Cadmium 4Chromium 14Copper 140Lead 35Mercury 0.15Molybdenum2 Less than 4Nickel 15Selenium 2Zinc 290Nitrogen 2 percentPhosphorus Less than 1 percentTotal solids 3.4 percentpH 6 to 7 pH units1Other units as noted.2Estimate based on relative ratio of data in the 1988 National Sewage Sludge Survey (NSSS), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), October 1989.Septage values are in the lower 10 percent of NSSS data. Unpublished statistical comparison by Missouri Department of Natural Resources using an EPA computer file of the NSSS data base.Archive vrsion-- Se extenion.missoui.edupage 2ALSO FROM MU EXTENSION PUBLICATIONSEQ424 Biosolids Standards for Pathogens and VectorsEQ426 Best Management Practices for Biosolids Land Applicationextension.missouri.edu  |  800-292-0969eq422 New 4/95; Revised 7/17/WebPathogen and vector requirementsResidential septic tanks are designed to retain sludge for one to three years before pumping. This long retention time provides a larger reduction in pathogens and vectors in the tank, as compared to other mechanical-type treatment facilities.Therefore, federal regulations provide a special category for lime stabilization of septage.Lime stabilizationLime stabilization of septage is recommended to meet pathogen and vector requirements for biosolids applied to crops, pastures or timberland. To meet Class B sludge requirements, maintain the septage at 12 pH for at least 30 minutes before land application.Add 50 pounds of hydrated lime to each 1,000 gallons of septage. Use an auxiliary vacuum line to pump the dry lime into the tank truck as the septage is pumped into the tank, and uniformly mix the materials in the tank.Do not add the lime to the septic tank, as this will harm the beneficial bacteria needed in the septic tank.Land application ratesDo not apply more than 30,000 gallons of septage per acre per year. This rate is suitable for all agricultural crops, pastures or timberland in Missouri. Since this is a conservative rate, nitrogen testing of the septage is not required. (Table 1.)Record keepingKeep detailed reports on file for at least five years showing the number of acres, location, ownership and application dates for each land-application field. The records must be available for inspection by the DNR.Annually summarize and submit the records in a calendar year report due Jan. 28. An annual report form (Form S) is provided by the DNR and has been approved for use by the EPA.Similar treatment worksThe EPA defines septage in 40 CFR 503.9 (F). It includes pumping from septic tanks, cesspools, portable toilets, Type III marine sanitation devices and similar treatment works that receive only domestic sewage.Sludge from domestic wastewater treatment facilities serving less than 150 people is considered equivalent to septage by DNR. Therefore, these similar treatment works may follow the requirements for septage in this publication.Resources Missouri Code of State Regulations (CSR), Title 10 — Department of Natural Resources (10 CSR 20 Chapter 8), http://sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/10csr/10csrMissouri Revised Statutes. Clean Water Act, Sections 644.006.1-599, http://moga.mo.gov/mostatutes/chapters/chapText644.htmlNational Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), https://epa.gov/npdes Environmental Protection Agency, A Plain English Guide to the EPA Part 503 Biosolids Rule, https://epa.gov/biosolids/plain-english-guide-epa-part-503-biosolids-ruleThis guide was previously named WQ422 Land Application of Septage. The original authors are Ken Arnold, Chief of Land Application, Missouri Department of Natural Resources; John H. Dunn, Environmental Engineer, United States Environmental Protection Agency Region VII; and Charles D. Fulhage, University of Missouri Department of Agricultural Engineering.

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