David Casaletto, Executive Director, Ozarks Water Watch

When I changed careers and started in the water quality business almost thirteen years ago, I could not imagine being introduced as "an expert on sewage" or "the wastewater guru". I have had a couple of other introductions that I will just have to leave up to your imagination. And I guess through the years, I have concentrated on the pollution problems that failing septic systems and small wastewater treatment plants bring to our lakes, rivers and streams.

Raw sewage from a failed septic system

One thing I have learned is that the problem of wastewater treatment is not unique to the Upper White River Basin watershed. While our problems are more severe due to our steep slopes, lack of soil and karst conditions, failing septic systems plague us state and nationwide. It is estimated that upwards of 70% of septic systems over 15 years old are in some state of failure.

Rusted out metal septic tank

In 2002 and during my time with Table Rock Lake Water Quality, I was the Project Manager for the Table Rock Lake Onsite (Septic) Demonstration Project. We set out to find new methods, technology and regulations to help solve the pollution coming from failing septic systems. At that time, even a new system could fail in just a few years as our current system designs did not overcome our site limitations.

Advanced treatment utilizing foam cubes

I am happy to report that we did find a better way. Advanced treatment that utilizes aeration or fixed film media followed by drip irrigation is now the accepted method to deal with our tough site conditions around Table Rock Lake and throughout the state. I will add that while this treatment system does a great job of treating wastewater, the installation cost to the property owner is substantially greater. And an advanced system does require ongoing annual maintenance to insure it continues to operate properly. These are costs we have to pay to protect our waters if we desire to live in a location that does not have central sewer or where site conditions do not allow for a conventional septic system. Funding to help property owners repair or replace failing systems is a whole other issue and an important one that will be discussed in a future newsletter.

Drip field being installed

But while this may solve the problem with the new septic systems being installed, the question of how to start down the road to repair or replace the thousands of existing failing systems still remained. After the lake was built, thousands of septic systems were installed that consisted of a small metal septic tank and a few feet of lateral line that in many cases just sat on solid rock and was then covered with a little soil. Fast forward to today and those tanks are rusted out and the lateral fields are in failure with raw sewage running over the top of the ground in many cases.

In 2009 a new ordinance was proposed by the Stone County Health Department that would require a thorough inspection of the septic system at the time the ownership of the property changed hands. If the system was found to be failing, it would have to be repaired or replaced. Over the next two years the details of this ordinance was hammered out and it went into effect in 2011.

Advanced systems MUST be maintained!

As with every rule, regulation and law, there is a period of learning and tweaking, but I will say the ordinance seems to be not only a success but a model of how this could work statewide. And that is my whole point, this type of regulation needs to be enacted statewide. One of the 2013 Branson / Lakes Area Legislative priorities is: We support a legislative priority for the inspection of septic systems at the time of the property ownership transfer with the requirement of repair or replacement for systems that fail the inspection (similar in scope to the Stone County Health Department's ordinance).

Limited space in this news letter does not allow me to go into full detail of this ordinance but I encourage you to follow the links I have provided to learn more. A failing septic system ANYWHERE in our state is just as bad as one at the lake and when a property sells it is the perfect time to fix it as there are usually funds available. I encourage everyone to talk with your elected officials and support this type of regulation and legislation. I would welcome any inquires on the ordinance or on wastewater treatment in general.

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From Streets to Streams: Urban Sediment in Wisconsin can be Toxic

USGS News Room

2/11/2013

Sediment that gets washed away from urban areas can be toxic to aquatic life, according to a recent study by the U. S. Geological Survey. High levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were found in the majority of sand and silt samples collected in Milwaukee and Madison, Wisc. Coal-tar-based sealcoat-the black, shiny substance sprayed or painted on many parking lots, driveways, and playgrounds- was determined to be the major source. PAHs are an environmental health concern because several are probable human carcinogens and they are toxic to fish and other aquatic life.

Scientists measured concentrations of select metals and PAHs in the particles that make up urban sediment from 2009 through 2011. Metals were found at high, but not toxic, levels, with the major source likely from automobiles. These findings may help environmental managers make informed decisions on how to best to mitigate pollution from urban stormwater. The full USGS report is available online.

"This study demonstrates the power of USGS science to determine not only what components of the sediment load in urban streams are harmful, but also what is the likely source of those worrisome sediments," said USGS Director Marcia McNutt. "Armed with this information, anyone who cares about maintaining a healthy environment for people and wildlife can take action to keep harmful sources from contributing to urban waterways."

To read more, Click HERE.

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