Assessment of on-site sewage disposal systems after severe flooding Steven R. Tidwell, E.I. U.S. Public Health Service APHT3 – Disaster Engineer Presentation June 21, 2011
Presentation Objectives Be able to: Describe the basics of on-site sewer assessments. Explain the alternative development process for Wastewater treatment options for a community. List four issues affecting wastewater treatment in a disaster area.
Disaster Background On July 17, 2010 a slow-moving frontal system crossed Kentucky, spreading severe weather with flooding and heavy rains On July 20, 2010 Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency and issues request for federal assistance. On July 23, 2010 President Barrack Obama approved the national disaster declaration.
Impact on Community Over 25,000 residents on a boil water advisory Over 2,000 residents without water 5 sewer plants down 72 bridges destroyed preventing access to homes Over 200 homes impacted by flood waters 2 deaths directly related to flood
Pike County requests assistance July 21, 2010 Pike County Health Dept. requested technical assistance because they were overwhelmed. Assist with assessments of affected areas Discuss options for the restoration of water and sewage systems July 23, 2010 an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request was sent to Region IV states Mississippi offered to assist
Our Deployment Process An EMAC was sent for interstate aid. State of Mississippi responded - 2 person team It was determined that greater expertise was required OFRD put together our team to assist (they needed professional engineers) The team reported to FEMA daily (no HHS IRCT was in the field) Then to Pike County Health Department to assist
Mission Work with Pike County Department of Public Health to provide technical assistance: Assess on-site sewage disposal systems and potable water accessibility Consider restoration options both long term and short term (Completed Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) to help the community proceed with funding requests)
Pike County, Kentucky
Harless Creek Community
Erosion of property
Homes washed away from site
Septic tank dislodged
Plan of Attack Complete assessments of the sites in Harless Creek (2 days) Use the Health Department Assesssment sheets for future use availability Complete a summary of the assessments Determine the best course of action both short term and long term
On-site Assessments The basics: Area required or availability Topography Soil type Treatment method (possible area reduction) Water table Many on-site systems had been there for many years, and were insufficient before the flood.
Septic System Assessment in Pike County, Kentucky August 11-12, 2010 No. of sites assessed (N=123) CharacteristicNo.(%) Site suitable for on-site system yes34(27.65) no66(53.65) maybe23(18.70) Site application completed yes58(47.20) no65(52.80) Site plan drawn yes121(98.37) no2(1.63) Source of water Well58(47.15) Municipal56(45.53) Both4(3.25) unknown5(4.06)
Short Term Recommendation Temporary solution Access to materials On-site requirements – power, land Construction issues Environmental concerns – treatment level Thoughts.
FAST System - Fixed Activated Sludge Treatment
Long Term Recommendations Land/Space availability Soil types/disposal Possible construction issues (environmental concerns, archeology, real estate) Costs and maintenance capability Service Size: Individual, Cluster, Centralized
Thoughts How to best help the community What is the best use of the limited time deployed What tangibles/deliverables will be there after the deployment Our Team: Completed 120+ on-site sewage treatment assessments Completed PER with short term recommendations and long term alternatives
Acknowledgements Paul Hopkins, Director, Pike County Health Dept Zora May, Environmental Supervisor, Pike County Dwight Minz, Technical consultant, DPH CDR Margo Riggs, PhD, MPH, USPHS, Kentucky DPH CDR Rick Rivers, PE,USPHS, Indian Health Service Phoenix Area LT Matthew Ireland, PE, USPHS, Indian Health Service Beminji Area
Thank you, Questions?