Disinfection of Septic Effluent Discharged from Aerobic Septic Systems - use of Swimming Pool Chemicals
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- What are the proper disinfectants to use in aerobic septic systems?
- Fines levied for use of swimming pool chemicals in septic systems.
- Septic system and sewage discharge causing coliform hazards to oyster beds.
Disinfection of Septic Effluent Discharged from Aerobic Septic Systems
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Use of proper and approved septic effluent disinfectants is required
for aerobic septic systems. This article, contributed by a company which produces
aerobic septic system disinfectants, explains that while some aerobic septic system operators
may have used ordinary swimming pool chlorine tablets for this purpose,
such use is improper and illegal according to the U.S. EPA.
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to the author. Technical review by industry experts has been performed and is ongoing - reviewers welcomed and are listed at "References."
Readers of this page should also see Aerobic Septic Systems: Calcium Hypochlorite for Disinfections In Onsite Aerobic Waste Treatment Septic Systems.
This document is a chapter of Inspecting, Testing, & Maintaining Residential Septic Systems an online book on septic systems.
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It is a violation of federal law to use swimming pool products
for the "treatment" of septic effluent in aerobic septic systems.
Environmental Protection Agency personnel are targeting the
misapplication of chlorine products for more stringent enforcement.
According to the EPA. spokesman, use of swimming pool chlorine products
in the treatment of wastewater effluent is a violation of Federal
Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act Sections 136a-2g and
136j(a)2g. The FIFRA regulations essentially state anyone who is using
a chlorine product for applications other than those stated on the
product's labeling is potentially subject to a fine and/or imprisonment.
Individual users can be fined $500 or first offenses and $2000 for
subsequent violations. Suppliers, dealers, distributors and
manufacturers are subject to much more severe penalties - up to $25,000
in fines. Prison sentences can vary from 30 days to a maximum of one
year. EPA Regional branch managers have stated their offices intend to
coordinate efforts of both federal and state inspection and enforcement
organizations. On the federal level, these include the local EPA
offices and the U.S. Coast Guard and Minerals Management Service. In
Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia state agencies
involved in the crackdown are the Departments of Agriculture and the
Departments of Environmental Quality.
Coliform bacteria has become a major threat to oyster beds and other
vital seafood resources in Louisiana and to public health in general
throughout the country.
The technology exists to combat the problem but
implementation of its use has been slow in developing DEQ and Department
of Agriculture personnel are working to see that permitted treatment
facilities are working properly and utilizing approved chemicals and
equipment to process their organic waste.
Industrial waste water treatment suppliers can easily protect their
customers and themselves from exposure to enforcement of the EPA
regulations by providing them with chlorine products that are properly
registered and labeled for specific wastewater applications. Equipment
manufacturers can avoid similar headaches by providing their clients
with hardware that conforms to standards established by the state and
federal regulatory agencies.
By careful attention to the laws currently
in place, all involved in correcting the deficiencies of the past can do
so safely and legally.
Contribution via web 6/13/2006, edited by Daniel Friedman 8/23/06
© 2008 - 2006 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in any form, electronic or otherwise is strictly prohibited unless written permission has been obtained.
Original Author:
Maurice Davis,
Product Line Manager
Water Utility Chemicals, Inc.
Aerobic Chlorine Division
PO Box 1057
Caldwell, TX 77836
979-567-7960
maurice@wucinc.com
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