[Winona] waste planning

[Keith Nelson]

[Winona Online Democracy]

The treatment of waste water is highly regulated by both the MPCA and the EPA.  First the treatment process does in fact kill dangerous bacteria both in the liguid effluent and the more solid biosolids.  The biosolids that Mr Kirschmann is talking about is separated organic material that is highly sought after for use as a supplement to farm fields.  Its use significantly reduces the need for certain fertilizers.  Constant testing, as well as testing of the testing procedure, is performed on all phases of the treatment.  The land application of the biosolids is monitored primarily for heavy metals.  Application and accumulation levels are carefully recorded and restricted.  All aspects of the applications sites are taken into account before being approved as an acceptable site by the MPCA and then it is only to willing land owners.   Waste water plant operators are certified through many levels of testing and years of experience, again through the MPCA. The Winona waste water plant has a spotless record with all government agencies.  Plant capacity is being used at only 60% and provides opportunity for continued community growth.   The current technology used at the Winona Wastewater treatment plant is as effective and environmentally friendly method to treat human and industrial waste as anywhere in the country and likely the world.  Legitimate concern should be raised in the use of individual septic treatment systems.  The rural tank and drain field approach is only a step above the individual privy (a big hole in the ground method).  MPCA records state that from 50% to 80% of the septic drain fields are failing and dumping human waste and household chemicals directly into surface and ground waters.  Of course animal feedlots are always a health concern.  Someone legitimately concerned with the environment would address these long before the highly regulated and effective municipal wastewater systems.       Keith Nelson City of Winona Public Works Department 507 457 8274

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