This outline presents the steps taken to develop and implement an effective in-house wastewater treatment system. A methodical approach will increase the chances that your wastewater treatment system will work as you intended. There is no substitute for testing and evaluation. You should understand how and why the treatment system works.

THE APPROACH

CHARACTERIZE THE WASTE STREAM

- determine the contaminants and their concentrations

- determine the rate of waste generation and waste volumes

DETERMINE YOUR WASTE MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

- especially the sewer discharge regulations

- also the solid waste, hazardous waste disposal, air pollution control & other pertinent regulations

- and budget, shop expertise, space

DEVELOP WASTE MANAGEMENT OPTIONS

- identify applicable treatment technology

- consider changing the process to reduce or eliminate the waste stream and segregating waste streams to reduce volume and/or allow effective treatment

EVALUATE THE ALTERNATIVES

- capital and operating costs vs. benefits

- effectiveness, reliability & flexibility of the system

- disposition of waste treatment residual

- the technical expertise of shop personnel

- quality of technical support from equipment suppliers

- do not rely on hearsay, check it out yourself

- take the time to conduct production and treatability tests

PREPARE THE SYSTEM DESIGN

- select the best alternative based on your shop's needs

- obtain the necessary permits

- provide spill containment structures

- comply with building and fire codes

IMPLEMENT THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM

- prepare operating and maintenance manual, train shop personnel

- install the equipment, startup and evaluate the system, document system performance

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copyright Joseph D. Edwards
Created 12/6/94
Last modified: December 23, 1994