Re: [Winona] FW: waste planning

Wed, 03 May 2006 08:15:30 -0700 

[Winona Online Democracy]





    Keith and all,


    50% to 80% sounds 
alarming.  Keith, do you have any documents or reports you could direct me 
to that state these numbers, and the details surrounding them?  I guess I 
could more easily imagine this number in a small group of septics, maybe due to 
improper installation by one contractor in a cluster development or something of 
the like.  I'm under the understanding that septic systems fail largely due 
to improper maintenance, not due to poor design or functionality.  Improper 
maintenance makes just about anything fail prematurely.


    I know each type of system 
has their pros and cons, so can you elaborate on any failure by municipal 
systems.  I believe the city of Winona had a failure a few years back where 
the raw sewage was pumped directly into the Mississippi at a very large volume 
per minute.....I don't know the details, that's why I ask.  I would agree 
that this was probably the only reasonable alternative to flooding the streets, 
homes, and basements of residents with the raw sewage.


    Can you also tell me 
anything you know as to why the city put in a septic system at the Prairie 
Island campground.....and what happens to this system at times of high 
water?  In all sincerity, wouldn't a holding tank be a better choice.  
A holding tank that could be pumped empty just before high water comes.  I 
would assume when the water is high for a few weeks, anything in this septic 
system is flushed into the river.  Again, there's probably things I'm not 
aware of with the situation.


    Thanks for any info, 
Keith.


 


 


    Daren Engler


 



  
----- Original Message ----- 

  
  
  
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 8:56 
  AM

  
Subject: [Winona] FW: waste 
planning

  

[Winona Online Democracy]


  

  


  

  
  

  

  
 

  
 

  

  

  

  

  
From: Keith 
  Nelson 
Sent: Wednesday, May 
  03, 2006 8:34 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: waste 
  planning

  
 

  
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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