Overview
The project will include a pair of identical drip dispersal systems that
will share the same location and wastewater supply. One system
will apply septic tank effluent and the second will apply water that has
been treated to secondary water quality standards. Each system will
consist of a control system (with appropriate filtration), dose tank and
approximately 1000 feet of drip tubing. Before installation, the
emitters will be checked for uniformity, and the soil will be analyzed to
determine the saturated hydraulic conductivity and any redoximorphic
features will be documented. Wastewater will be applied at the design
rate. The major parameters that will be analyzed are BOD, COD, TOC,
nitrogenous compounds, and total Phosphorous.
The major benefit of the research
will be the determination as to whether secondary treatment is needed before
wastewater is applied to the soil by a drip dispersal system. By not
having to invest in advanced treatment technologies, the cost of building
new homes and businesses in economically depressed areas will be reduced.
A secondary benefit is a better understanding of the benefits and problems
of using drip irrigation techniques to apply wastewater to the soil.
The lessons learned during this project will be addressed during training
sessions sponsored by the CDWM.
Project Update
The project is now underway. A site has been selected for the
installation of the two drip dispersal systems. The
Consolidated Utility District is allowing the installation of the two drip
systems in a subdivision located near
Murfreesboro, TN. The subdivision is using a recirculating sand filter and a drip
dispersal field to treat and dispose of its wastewater.
The site has been surveyed and is awaiting a soil survey. The next step
will include installing a weather station at the site and to utilize ground
penetration radar (GPR) technology to conduct an initial survey of the
subsurface.
The CDWM staff is currently in the laboratory
measuring the uniformity of the emitters that will be installed at the site.
Once the project has begun, on a monthly basis, a small segment of
dripperline will be removed and replaced. The emitters will be taken back
to the laboratory and evaluated for any reduction in emission rate.
Project
Pictures
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