Abstract
Western Duchesne County is experiencing development for recreational and second-home subdivisions, especially in the drainages of the Strawberry and Duchesne Rivers. Many lots, and sometimes entire subdivisions, cannot be developed because shallow depth to rock makes them unsuitable for conventional soil absorption systems. This study evaluates the feasibility to dispose of limited quantities of domestic wastewater in rock and to establish appropriate criteria for site evaluation. The study area is in the northwestern Uinta Basin, a topo graphic and structural depression in northeastern Utah. The two most wide-spread rock units are the Green River and Duchesne River Formations, and they have the greatest poten tial for disposal of domestic wastewater. The study shows that the main factors influencing disposal of domestic wastewater in shallow rock are rock type, degree of rock fracturing and bedding, and depth to ground water. The sandstone/ limestone facies of the Green River Formation and the Duchesne River Formation are potentially suitable for wastewater disposal. Percolation rates in these geologic units fall within the state and local regulations for soil absorption systems. All other geologic units were unacceptable for absorp tion systems in rock due to rapid or slow percolation rates and the potential to contaminate ground water.
Published Version
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