Information Study
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
On-site Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems
This is an abstract of a 210 page report developed for the Virginia Department of Health.
POTENTIAL FOR CONTAMINATION OF GROUND AND SURFACE WATERS FROM ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
Mark H. Stolt and R. B. Reneau, Jr.
ABSTRACT
On-site wastewater disposal systems (OSWDS) treat wastewater from approximately 30% of the households in Virginia. Over 40,000 new OSWDS permits are applied for each year. Increases in OSWDS of this magnitude is accompanied by increasing potential for ground and surface water pollution. This review is the result of an extensive literature search regarding the cause and effect relationships between OSWDS and ground and surface water pollution. The research objectives were to determine if groundwater pollution from OSWDS is occurring in Virginia, determine the conditions under which degradation is most prevalent, and determine the of groundwater and OSWDS research that should receive priority. Over 500 publications were critically evaluated for scientific soundness in regard to methods and interpretations. Literature and research clearly document that Virginia ground and surface wasters are being polluted from OSWDS. The principal pollutants from OSWDS are N, bacteria, and viruses. The extent to which Virginia groundwaters are being polluted by these contaminants is currently unknown. Research is needed to document the extent of groundwater pollution attributable to OSWDS in Virginia. Groundwaters have the greatest potential for pollution if OSWDS occur in high density, or are placed in soils with high water tables and/or coarse textures. Areas within the state that are the most susceptible to pollution should be recognized. The maximum density of OSWDS these recharge basins can safely support in terms of groundwater pollution should be evaluated. Standards for separation distances between OSWDS and high water tables should be established based on sound scientific research. Alternative systems should be developed and evaluated to reduce nitrate levels before leaving an OSWDS.
URL http://fbox.vt.edu:10021/cals/cses/reneau/stolt.html
Last Updated: 5/26/98
Created by Katie Corbin