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Focused Surface Discharge Related Education Track

(Afternoon of October 26)

Iowa's Surface Discharge Permit Program, Dan Olson, Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Iowa has successfully used surface discharging systems for over 40 years. These systems are primarily buried sand filters but with the development of newer technologies, now include peat filters, textile filters, aerobic treatment units and a few wetlands. The primary need for these systems arises from the heavy clay in southern and southeastern Iowa. These clays are impervious and run to the surface and do not allow the use of soil based systems.

To manage these surface discharging systems, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources implemented a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit program in 1998. Since that time the permit has been renewed three times with various changes each time. Each renewal period has provided an opportunity to improve the permitting process and incorporate any changes that may be required by new regulations.

This presentation will outline the need for surface discharging systems in Iowa and what the Department has done to effectively manage these systems. Statistical information about the number of systems in use and the numbers of systems that have been permitted will be provided. The evolution of the permit will be discussed in relation to the overall management of the program, the onset of new regulations such as anti-degradation and the efforts to focus the program on the systems that pose the greatest threat to water of the state.

The permit requirements will be discussed including the sampling frequencies, parameters, maintenance requirements and other sampling related issues. Some statistical information will be provided about the sampling results overall and how they relate to the type of system being used. The rational for the permit requirements will also be presented. The construction code will be briefly discussed particularly in relation to the systems selection requirements.

Attendees will be able to see how the program has evolved since the original implementation and how those changes have made the program easier to manage. In addition, this presentation will demonstrate how the program protects Iowa’s waterways.

Will an Illinois OWW Code Ever Limit Direct Discharges? Anthony Smithson, A Smithson & Associates

Attempts to limit direct discharges in Illinois have been unsuccessful because the Dept. of Public Health has yet to revise an obsolete code to the satisfaction of USEPA. In dispute is the federal requirement that discharges should be limited to sites where no "technologically or economically alternative is feasible". While most of the debate has focused upon "soil suitability" other potential issues that could make soil-based systems "feasible", such as reducing projected flows and prescribed setbacks, have been ignored altogether. This presentation will examine some simple solutions to satisfying the federal requirements to limit direct discharges to surface water.

Maine's Experience with Replacing Overboard Discharges with Onsite Treatment and Disposal Systems, Russell Martin. Public Health Solutions, PLCC

Prior to the 1970's many Maine coastal and riverfront properties simply discharged their untreated sanitary wastes directly to the Atlantic Ocean or the adjacent river. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection began licensing these discharges in the early 1970's requiring the installation of treatment and disinfection systems. Most systems include a septic tank, aerobic treatment tank or lined sand filter, followed by a erosion type tablet chlorinator. Licenses set volume limits as well as discharge standards for BOD5 , TSS, and bacteria. Recognizing changes in onsite wastewater treatment and dispersing technology the Department has worked to have as many of these overboard discharge systems replaced with onsite systems as practical. Typically at the 5 year license renewal and at real estate transfers a licensed site evaluator is required to determine whether an onsite system is viable to replace the overboard discharge system. Income dependent grant and loan programs are available to assist the property owner, especially if removal of the discharge will open a previously closed area to shellfish harvesting. This paper will describe the various existing regulatory methods utilized and report their results in reducing the number of licensed overboard discharges.