Some Considerations in Underground Wastewater Disposal

Abstract

The number of deepwells for wastewater disposal is increasing throughout the country. Recognizing the need for better knowledge of this practice, and of its physical and public policy consequences, the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation COMMISSION (ORSANCO) has issued a monograph, “Perspective on the Regulation of Underground Injection of Wastewaters.” The following article is composed of three excerpts from it: the letter of submission covering the report, written by Robert K. Horton, Executive Director and Chief Engineer of ORSANCO; the first section of the two‐section report, written by Edward J. Cleary, consultant to, and former executive director of, ORSANCO; and the synopsis of findings for the second section, the full text of which was written by Don L. Warner, formerly with the Ohio River Basin Office of the Federal Water Quality Administration, now Associate Professor of Geological Engineering at the University of Missouri. Complete copies of the report are available from ORSANCO, 414 Walnut St., Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.

OUTLOOKS FOR THE FUTURE OF DEEP WELL DISPOSAL1

“…Virtually all types of industrial wastes are now being discharged underground (Cleary and Warner, 1970). They include alkalies, acids, chromates, nitrates, phosphates, sulfites, radioactive wastes, and a variety of organic materials such as alcohols, ketones, phenols, cyanides, and chlorinated hydrocarbons.…”

“…There are more than 40,000 deep wells now being utilized for this purpose. (Cleary and Warner, 1970) Deep well injection of industrial wastes has increased considerably in recent years. However, there are two very distinct schools of thought as to whether this practice will continue to increase.…”

An Investigation into the Efficacy of Septic Tank Systems in Removing Organics in a Subtropical Climate

“…Maintaining high hygienic standards in sanitation systems is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases [21], [22]. Subsurface sewage disposal systems pose the primary risk of groundwater contamination and are most concerning in densely developed suburban areas and locations with minimal soil covering bedrock [96]- [99]. Proper sewage and wastewater disposal is vital to safeguard public health, prevent nuisances, and protect the environment [100], [101].…”

An Investigation into the Efficacy of Septic Tank Systems in Removing Organics in a Subtropical Climate

“…Maintaining high hygienic standards in sanitation systems is crucial to prevent the spread of diseases [21,22]. Subsurface sewage disposal systems pose the primary risk of groundwater contamination and are most concerning in densely developed suburban areas and locations with minimal soil covering bedrock [96][97][98][99]. Proper sewage and wastewater disposal is vital to safeguard public health, prevent nuisances, and protect the environment [100,101].…”