These are the conclusions from a 118 page report developed for the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Program.
There will be an estimated 25,930 and 20,821 septic tanks in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck CBPAs, respectively, in 1995. This will result in approximately 432,000 and 347,000 gal/mo of septage that must be hauled and treated in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck CBPAs. If Mathews and Middlesex counties become 100% CBPA, the projected number of septic tanks would increase by 4,342 and 5,004, respectively. This would increase the volume of septage in the Middle Peninsula to 500,000 gal/mo. The impact of seasonal permits on the volume of generated septage is minimal due to the low numbers of seasonally permitted septic tanks.
The number of septic tanks and the volume of septage generated will continue to increase with time through 2010 (our last available population projection date). By 2010 the number of septic tank to 31,235 and 22,748 and the septage generated to 499,000 and 371,000 gallons for the Middle Peninsula and the Northern Neck, respectively.
There is excess septage disposal capacity in the Three Rivers Health District. The two septage disposal facilities in the Middle Peninsula and the four in the Northern Neck meet current and future (through 2010) septage disposal capacity needs. There is a septage disposal capacity surplus of 258,000 and 610,000 gal/month in the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck , respectively, in 1995. By 2010 the disposal surplus capacity will be 191,000 and 263,000 gal/month.
There is not sufficient septage hauling capacity for the Three Rivers Health District to meet the increased hauling demand in 1995. The Middle Peninsula will have a hauling capacity surplus of 32,000 gal/month and this surplus will remain until about 2003. The Northern Neck will have a hauling capacity deficit of 58,000 gal/month in 1995. The hauling capacity deficit can be remedied by the addition of three 1,000 gallon trucks.
A variety of different strategies exist for increasing septage disposal capacity. Supernatant removal can more that double the available volume as well as potentially extend the life the lagoon. Retrofitting a septic tank can allow for measuring depth to solids, resulting in reduction of premature pumping. Other options include: expanding current septage disposal facilities, changing policy to allow for septage disposal in STPs, building septage disposal facilities in counties that do not already have one, and disposing of septage outside of the Three Rivers Health District in facilities such as HRSD.
There are few regulatory or policy obstacles to septage disposal in the Three Rivers Health District. All counties in the district currently accept septage in their treatment facilities except King and Queen, King William, Mathews, Middlesex, and Westmoreland. King and Queen, King William, and Middlesex Counties have no policies against the construction of septage disposal facilities. Mathews County has an ordinance expressly excluding septage disposal. Westmoreland County would have to readdress their County Code.