Ocean disposal systems for sewage sludge and effluent report of marine board: National research council-national academy of sciences

Abstract

In 1983 the Marine Board, Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems, National Research Council-National Academy of Sciences organized a Committee on Waste Transportation to consider the question of Ocean Disposal Systems for Sewage Sludge and Effluent. A report of the work of the Committee was published by the National Academy Press in 1984. A comprehensive contract study of outfall and barge or ship disposal procedures for sludge solilds was made for Committee use. This helped show that a systems approach is required to find the optimum combination of source control, treatment and ocean disposal facilities for least net environmental effect. The Committee also noted that engineering designs can be based upon required water quality objectives for the water column and benthos; and ocean disposal is an option that should be considered with other alternatives. The Committee found it possible to predict the environmental effects of such marine disposal and criteria were proposed for sludge disposal. A strategy of wide dispersion was recommended since containment was not considered technically feasible. The Committee recommended that monitoring systems be designed and operated so that public confidence in the reliability and environmental safety of ocean disposal of treated sewage effluent and sludge was enhanced. Major research needs were identified.