7 Del. Admin. Code § 7103-1.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 3, September 1, 2024

Section 7103-1.0 - Introduction

1.1 The attainment of water quality goals in the face of economic uncertainties, reduced government subsidies, and rising construction costs imposes a heavy responsibility on public officials, industrial personnel, and consulting engineers. It is not enough to provide facilities that will meet effluent and ambient water quality standards; a rigorous search for least-cost solutions to water quality problems is also needed. Project designs should minimize capital and operational costs when compared to other alternatives for the entire life of the project.

1.2 Land treatment of wastewaters, sludges and other residual wastes is a proven and cost-effective alternative to traditional technology over a wide range of circumstances where the necessary land is available at reasonable cost. For effluents and sludges, it is particularly attractive at locations where the design flow of receiving waters is low, waste treatment requirements are high and suitability of landfills is low. The full advantages of land treatment will not be realized, however, unless there is a concerted effort to focus the designs on essential features. Groundwater quality and public health must be protected, but treatment hardware and operational criteria should be based on firm evidence of need. Lined earthen lagoons should be used whenever possible and concrete, steel, and firm-set structures limited except where fully justified. All persons involved in the planning, review, and supervisory processes should take steps to assure that these objectives are realized.

1.3 The general guidelines associated with this document provide a sound technical basis for the design of land treatment systems. These systems encompass new opportunities for wastewater conservation, utilization of sludge, and the support of improved stewardship of land and water resources. Land treatment offers important cost-effective alternatives for wastewater management.

7 Del. Admin. Code § 7103-1.0