Treatment of Sanitary Wastes at Interstate Rest Areas, Phase 3 : Interim Report

Abstract

The attached draft Report is an Interim one on the HPR Part II Research Study titled "Treatment of Sanitary Wastes at Interstate Rest Areas". The Report covers the period of participation by JHRP personnel in the design and construction -JHRP participation in these periods was only advisory -and more importantly in the testing and evaluation of the two experimental systems from beginning of operation in late 1975 through December 1977. The Report has been authored by Dr. James E. Etzel, principal investigator on the research.The numerous problems and difficulties together with the potential of both systems -recycled effluent and once-through systems -which have occurred during the two years are reviewed.Solutions to them are of course discussed and the capabilities and advantages of the systems are shown from tests made when the systems were operating satisfactorily.The research has continued since December 1977 and from the experience and evaluation which have resulted, it now appears that with some modificationssome already made and others in progress or planned for an early date -that the systems will be successful and the research objectives achieved. A Proposal to continue the evaluation through December 31, 1979, is currently being processed. This Report is submitted for review and comment and for acceptance as partial fulfillment of the objectives of the Study. Following presentation to the JHRP Board, it will be forwarded for review, comment and similar acceptance by ISHC and FHWA. Two systems were built, one -for southbound traffic on 1-65 -used recycled effluent to flush the toilets. The other did not utilize recycled water. Both systems utilize a waste disposal system based on aerobic principles and all parts of each system are within the rest area building.This Report records the problems and difficulties together with how they were handled from initiation of design of the facilities through construction and two years of operation.17.