RE: [Winona] FW: waste planning

[Keith Nelson]

[Winona Online Democracy]

Daren,             I agree completely with your statement that proper maintenance is the key to keeping the individual septics working correctly.  The report in the attached link states 39% are failing or an immediate threat. I’ve read an EPA or MPCA report that shows a higher number.  I’ll look for that later. http://www.pca.state.mn.us/publications/reports/lrwq-wwists-1sy04.pdf Apparently at least 39% of people are not doing proper maintenance.  This issue, as many, is politically difficult to address.  The City of Winona requires that sewer systems with in the city be inspected every three years.  If not working correctly, the system must either be brought into MPCA compliance or hook up to the municipal system.  The septic system at Prairie Island was installed for the shower/restroom building at the campground.  It is maintained correctly to keep it functioning properly.  In the six years I’ve been in town, and to the best of my recollection, the only wastewater bypass we have had was in the high floodwaters of 2001.  At that time, with the permission of the MPCA, we asked Froedert Malting to dump their process water, which is only high in starch, directly into the river.  That took some of the pressure off the overloaded sewer pipes and lift stations.  This waste water does not pose any health hazard and was incredibly diluted with the enormous volume of flows in the river at that time.  All government agencies were in agreement with this action. Take the time to read the MPCA report.  It’s kind of long, but it is a significant problem.  I’d encourage Dwayne  Voegeli to read it as well.   Keith Nelson City of Winona Public Works Department 507 457 8274     From: Daren Engler [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 10:15 AM To: Keith Nelson; winona@mnforum.org Subject: Re: [Winona] FW: waste planning       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 ----- From: Keith Nelson To: winona@mnforum.org 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: winona@mnforum.org 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   _______________________________________________ This message was posted to Winona Online Democracy All messages must be signed by the senders actual name. 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