Sewage sludge application data given portion ot wastewater, or more 70,000 wet tons/year are generated accurately, the solid material that by the numerous other waste water remains after wastewater treat- treatment plants across the state, ment. The major objectives of It has been estimated that by sewage treatment is removal of 1985, approximately 38% of the suspended solids and other con- land area of the 12 Northeast states taminents from wastewater so that would be required to accommodate when the effluent leaves the the sludge produced if all sewage treatment plant, it will have sludge were applied to land minimum impact upon the en- There are three general types of vironment. But, as wastewater sludge produced as a result of that treatment processes are improved various stages of treatment to clean the effluent, the “dirtier” (i) Primary sludge consist of the the sludge left behind becomes, solid material that settles out or is Dirty sludges high in pollutants are skimmed off during the first not as desirable for land ap- treatment stage. No further plication as are “clean” sludges. treatment is carried out on this Maryland’s growing population material. Primary sludge is not currently generates ap- recommend for land application, proximately 525,000 wet tons per (2) Secondary or biologically year (20% solids and 80% water) treated sludge consists of the Of this, about 275,000 wet tons are flocculated products of aerated produced at the Blue Plains Waste microbial digestion of raw organic Water Treatment Plant near sludge. Much of the raw soluble Washington, D.C., and 180,000 wet and suspended organic material is tons are produced at Baltimore’s digested by microbial organisms. Back River Plant. The remaining Coliform bacteria are reduced by Editor’s Note: The following article on the “Land Application of Sewage Sludge” was contained in the March issue of “The Agronomist,” publication of the Maryland Extension Service.) In recent years, much publicity and controversy has developed regarding the environmental consequences of what can be done with the vast quantities of sewage sludge which are accumulating at numerous sewage treatment plants across the state. Because so little scientific information is yet available regarding the long-term effect of sludge applications on the environment, sludge can become an emotional issue very easily. And thus, the controversy grows. Disregarding the emotional aspects of the issue, just what is sewage sludge and what do we know about its suitability for land application. Sewage sludge is the solid POLE BUILDINGS CUSTOM BUILT AGRICULTURAL, RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS FOR A VARIETY OF NEEDS: Painted Galvanized Roof & Siding in a wide range of sizes, designs and colors. 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Secondary sludge may be stabilized, by chlorine oxidation, heat treatment, anaerobic or aerobic digestion, or by treatment with lime. The stabilization process reduces of fensive odors and disease organisms process reduces offensive odors and disease organisms. (3) Tertiary sludge, which constitutes a very small portion of all sludges, is subjected to ad ditional physical and chemical treatment such as filtration, chemical precipitation, or further chemical and biological treatment to reduce nutrient concentrations. Because of the final chemical treatment, tertiary sludges may not be appropriate for land ap plication. After the sludge is processed, it can leave the sewage treatment plant either as liquid sludge (1% to 10% solids), semi-solid “cake” (20% to 30% solids), or as a dry sludge with 25% to 80% solids. One further optional process is com posting, Composting is a controlled * / “ Fiberdome Cattle Waterer Get o cool, clean and constant water supply using no energy. 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Sludges in Maryland have been found to contain from less than 1% to more than 10% nitrogen with 2% to 7% common. They may also contain from less than 1% to more than 14%. Phosphorus with 3% to 8% common. Sewage sludges contain very little, if any, potassium. Potassium is not organically bound, as most of the nitrogen and phosphorus, are, thus is removed almost totally in the effluent. FISHER'S PAINTING ■ ALL TYPES OF INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTING ■ SANDBLASTING ■ ROOF COATING ■ RESTORATION & WATER PROOFING ON STONE & BRICK BUILDINGS We Specialize In Farm Buildings, Feed Mills, Wafer Tanks, Etc. With Aerial Equipment If you need good paint, roof coatings, or paint accessories at reasonable prices, stop at our new outlet store. We buy in large quantifies STORE, SHOP AND OFFICE LOCATED IN OLD STONE BARN AT: 4056 A Newport Road Kinzers, PA 17535 (Across From Pequea Valley School) 717-768-3239 (Turn to Page D2B)
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