Wastewater Treatment

Guidance Manual






















Integrated Coastal Management
Between
Jbeil/Amsheet (Lebanon)
and Latakia (Syria)










INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT GUIDANCE MANUAL
EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Euro-Mediterranean Partnership
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
MINISTRY OF STATE FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
REPUBLIC OF LEBANON
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT
Societ Impianti Depurantori
Industriali S.r.l
1





PREFACE

This Wastewater Treatment Guidance Manual is one of several outputs from the SMAP
006SRY work entitled Integrated Coastal Management Project Between Jbail/Amsheet
(Lebanon) and Latakia (Syria).

Financed by the European Union under the Mediterranean European Development Assistance
(MEDA) Regional Indicative Program Short-term Mediterranean Action Plan (SMAP), the
project has been coordinated by ENVIROTECH LIMITED in Beirut and Damascus, and
supervised by both, the Ministry of Environment, Lebanon and the Ministry of State for
Environmental Affairs, Syria with technical assistance from SIDI/EUROECO of Italy.

The Manual provides a general perspective of the alternative methods for managing and
treating them. It has been designed to assist decision makers in municipalities select the
appropriate treatment option that best fits the quantity and quantity of the wastewater for
which they have responsibility for treatment and disposal. Discussion therefore centres on
those options that are expected to be most appropriate for small and medium municipalities in
Lebanon and Syria, to whom the effective treatment and safe disposal of wastewater is
relatively new.













































2
INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT GUIDANCE MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS


PREFACE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. PRELIMINARY TREATMENT
3. PRIMARY TREATMENT
4. SECONDARY TREATMENT
4.1. STABILISATION PONDS
4.1.1. Anaerobic Ponds
4.1.2. Facultative Ponds
4.1.3. Aerobic or Maturation Ponds
4.2. SUSPENDED GROWTH SYSTEMS
4.2.1. Activated Sludge
4.2.2. Sequential Batch Reactor
4.2.3. Aerated Lagoons
4.3. FIXED FILM SYSTEMS
4.3.1. Conventional Biofilters
4.3.2. Rotating Biological Contactors
4.3.3. Biological Aerated Filters
5. TERTIARY TREATMENT
5.1. DISINFECTION
5.1.1. Chlorine Disinfection
5.1.2. Ultraviolet Disinfection
5.1.3. Ozone Disinfection
6. DISPOSAL AND USE OF TREATED WASTEWATER EFFLUENT
6.1. WASTEWATER RE-USE FOR IRRIGATION
7. TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE
7.1. SLUDGE TREATMENT
7.1.1. Sludge Thickening
7.1.2. Sludge Stabilisation
7.1.3. Dewatering
7.2 SLUDGE DISPOSAL
7.2.1. Application of Sludge to the Land
8. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
9. THE SELECTION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT
9.1. FROM CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION
ANNEX ONE. ENVIRONMENTAL LIMIT VALUES FOR WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
ANNEX TWO. WASTEWATER TESTING LABORATORIES IN LEBANON
ANNEX THREE. TYPICAL TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT OF A NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT.
ANNEX FOUR. DATASHEET FOR THE SELECTION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT

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3
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Typical Preliminary and Primary Treatment Stream
Figure 2. The Environmental Impact Assessment Process


LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Typical Composition of Domestic Wastewater
Table 2. Comparison of Selected Secondary Wastewater Treatment Systems
Table 3. Treatment Requirements for Selected Effluent Destinations
Table 4. Guidelines for the Use of Treated Wastewater in Agriculture
Table 5. Salinity Tolerances of Major Crops
Table 6. Threshold Levels of Selected Trace Elements for Crop Production
Table 7. Comparison of Sludge Stabilisation Methods
Table 8. Sludge Applications for Different Types of Land
Table 9. Recommended Slope Limitations for Sludge Application
Table 10. Monitoring of Sludge Application
Table 11. US Standards for Trace Metals in Sludge Applied to the Land
Table 12. The EIA Process
Table 13. Decision Tree for the Treatment of Raw Wastewater
Table 14. Decision Tree for the Tertiary Treatment of Effluent
Table 15. Decision Tree for the Tertiary Treatment of Sludge
Table 16. Decision Tree for the Re-use of Effluent and Sludge for Agriculture
Page No.
8
27


Page No.

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4
GLOSSARY OF TERMS

AEROBIC Conditions that require the presence of oxygen

ANAEROBIC Conditions that exclude the presence of oxygen

BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand, the amount of oxygen required for
bacteria to decompose organic matter. Standard test conditions include
dark incubation at 20C for 5 days, hence BOD
5

COD
Chemical Oxygen Demand, the amount of oxygen required to
oxidise organic and inorganic compounds. Water with a high
BOD or COD contains organic materials such as algal and plant
residues and is rapidly depleted of oxygen
COLIFORMS A generic name for bacteria present in the intestinal tract of animals and
humans

DIURNAL Variations over a period less than one day.

EFFLUENT Wastewater after the removal of the solids content

ENZYMES Proteins produced by living organisms that catalyse biochemical
reactions

FAECAL
COLIFORMS
A coliform species, the presence of which indicates waste to have
originated from the intestinal tract of animals and humans

FOUL DRAINAGE A term commonly used to describe municipal wastewater or sewage
distinct from storm water drainage

HA Hectare, an area of 10,000m
2



HELMINTH A type of worm found in the intestinal tract of animals and humans

MG/L Milligrams per litre

LANDFILL A site approved and licensed for the disposal of solid waste

OXIDANT A substance that oxidises material with which it comes into contact

OZONE A form oxygen

PATHOGENS A substance causing disease

PRE-TREATMENT The treatment of industrial wastewater within a factory before being
discharged into a public sewer

SLUDGE The solids content of wastewater that settles out during wastewater
treatment and remains after the effluent has been decanted off

TOC Total Organic Carbon, the standard measure of organic carbon in
wastewater

TOXICITY The degree to which a substance is poisonous

TURBIDITY The degree to which a fluid is not clear due to the presence of fine
particles in suspension

VIRUCIDE A substance that kills viruses





5
INTEGRATED COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT
WASTEWATER TREATMENT GUIDANCE MANUAL



1. INTRODUCTION

Wastewater is the flow of used water generated by a community. It is usually characterised by
a dark-grey colour, a musty odour and a variety of solids either in suspension or solution.
There are three principal types of wastewater; Domestic, Industrial and Municipal.

Domestic Wastewater originates mostly from households, public facilities, and
businesses. It includes liquid wastes from kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries, as well as
any other wastes discharged accidentally or intentionally down the drain.
Industrial Wastewater is the reject water from industrial processing and may contain a
wide variety of pollutants depending upon the range of activities undertaken in the
industrial area from which it originates.
Municipal Wastewater consists of a mixture of domestic and industrial wastewater,
and may also include storm water runoff from urban areas.

Wastewater is primarily composed of water (>99%), with relatively small concentrations of
suspended and dissolved organic and inorganic solids. The organic content includes
carbohydrates, lignin, fats, soaps, synthetic detergents and proteins, the products of their
decomposition, and both natural and synthetic organic chemicals from process industries. The
inorganic content includes heavy metals, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, chlorides and toxic
compounds. In domestic wastewater, the organic and inorganic contents are approximately
equality distributed, with more dissolved than in suspension. Typically, 85-90% of the
inorganic content and 55-60% of the organic content are dissolved.

Gases commonly dissolved in wastewater include hydrogen sulphide, methane, ammonia,
oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen. There is also a wide variety of pathogenic micro and
macro organisms including viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths.

Table 1 gives the primary characteristics of a typical domestic wastewater in countries such as
Lebanon and Syria.


TABLE 1. TYPICAL PRIMARY CHARACTERISTICS OF DOMESTIC WASTEWATER
CONSTITUENT CONCENTRATION (mg/l) CONSTITUENT CONCENTRATION (mg/l)
Dissolved solids (TDS) 250-1200 Sulphate (as SO
4
) 50-150
Suspended solids 200-1000 Chloride 30-120
Nitrogen (as N) 30-180 BOD
5
200-800
Phosphorus (as P) 5-30 COD 400-1500
Alkalinity (as CaCO
3
) 100-900 TOC 100-300

Notwithstanding the typical values given in Table 1, the character of wastewater varies with
population density, average per capita discharge to sewers, degree of industrialisation, type
and size of the industrial facility, the degree of wastewater re-use, and any pre-treatment of
6
industrial discharges. Wastewater characteristics also depend upon climate, seasonal variation
in the use of recreational facilities and shorter-term diurnal changes.

Years ago, when all wastewater was discharged into natural watercourses, it was quickly
diluted and the microorganisms in the fresh water naturally consumed the incoming organic
matter. Increasing populations, population densities and the wide variety of modern industrial
compounds that find their way into wastewater have overwhelmed the natural purification
abilities of watercourses and discharges of wastewater now cause widespread environmental
pollution to the detriment of the landscape, flora and fauna, and public health.

Treatment plants are therefore required to clean wastewater before it is discharged into the
environment. This is usually undertaken in four stages: Preliminary, Primary, Secondary and
Tertiary. Treated wastewater, both the cleaned fluid fraction, the effluent, and the settled
solids, the sludge, is a potentially valuable resource if it is safely and appropriately re-used.
The cleaner the effluent and sludge required for final discharge or re-use, the further down the
four stages treatment has to progress.

Wastewater enters the treatment plant via the municipal sewage collection network. Ideally,
this will comprise sealed subsurface pipelines to which all inlets are protected with a S, U
or similar trap of limited diameter, which restricts the size and type of waste that can be
disposed. However, both Lebanon and Syria have suffered a lack of regulation and open
channel foul sewers still exist in places. Storm water is also commonly discharged to foul
drainage networks. Open channels in particular afford the opportunity to dispose of large
items of solid waste. Although recent and future construction provides for the separation of
foul and storm water drainage, new wastewater treatment plants will, for the foreseeable
future, need to cater for large items of incoming debris and a certain amount of storm runoff.
The short duration heavy rainstorms experienced in the region frequently surcharge combined
collection networks and overwhelm treatment works. Whilst it is reasonable to allow for some
storm water contribution to wastewater inflow, it is unreasonable, impractical and
uneconomic to size treatment plants to cope with maximum storm flows. Secondary and
tertiary wastewater treatment will be very expensive if it has to deal with large volumes of
storm water. The capacity of the plant has to be much greater than would otherwise be
necessary and the wastewater is more difficult to treat because biological activity is often less
efficient when the wastewater is highly diluted. Priority in network rehabilitation and new
construction should therefore be given to separating foul and storm flows. When planning
new wastewater treatment plants, it may be necessary to dictate that certain sections of a
community to be served are not connected to the plant until separation has been implemented.


2. PRELIMINARY WASTEWATER TREATMENT

The main purpose of preliminary wastewater treatment is to remove large suspended particles.
As raw sewage enters the treatment plant it passes through a bar rack or other type of screen,
in which the openings are generally of uniform size. This retains larger items such as sticks,
rags and plastics that may otherwise clog or damage the subsequent treatment stream. Bar
racks, commonly called trash racks, are normally used where particles, say 15mm or larger,
are expected. Screens perform more effectively with particles less that 15mm. For the reasons
discussed above, it may be necessary to install both so the incoming sewage first passes the
bar rack and then the screen. To operate effectively, both have to be kept clean. Racks are
normally cleaned by hand, although for large plants, mechanical cleaners are available.
Screens are usually cleaned by a continuous water spray.

The material removed from the rack and/or screen is, subject to local municipal and site-
specific regulations, usually acceptable for disposal in an approved landfill.
7

After the coarse debris has been removed, the wastewater enters a preliminary settlement tank
where grit and fine floating material is taken out. Grit, typically comprising sand, small stones
and food debris such as fragments of bone, broken eggshells and seeds, settles to the bottom
of the tank. Floating debris, including oil and grease, forms a scum on the surface and is
skimmed off, either mechanically or by hand. The removal of grit is particularly important in
treatments plants serving communities with a combined foul and storm water collection
network, where grit, stones and even broken road surfacing is washed in during heavy
rainfall.

3. PRIMARY WASTEWATER TREATMENT

The main purpose of primary treatment is to remove the remaining suspended solids. This is
generally achieved by sedimentation, but since the particles remaining in suspension are now
small in size, they only settle out slowly and a longer retention time is required than for the
removal of grit and coarser particles. An extended retention time is achieved by reducing the
flow rate through the settlement tank and is most easily accomplished by using a larger and
deeper tank.

Also during primary settlement, grease and other floating matter accumulates on the surface
of the wastewater, from where they are skimmed off and taken with the sludge for further
treatment or disposal.

The typical process stream for preliminary and primary treatment is shown in Figure 1.

FIGURE 1. TYPICAL PRELIMINARY & PRIMARY TREATMENT STREAM.





4. SECONDARY WASTEWATER TREATMENT

With the inflow to the treatment works now clear of course debris and most dense suspended
material, the process of removing organic pollutants and reducing pathogens can begin. This
is accomplished by biological processes in which optimum conditions are provided for the
growth of microorganisms that decompose and digest the waste. For communities where the
wastewater predominantly comprises domestic sewage, one of three systems is usually
employed: Waste Stabilization Ponds, Suspended Growth Systems or Fixed Film Systems

4.1. WASTE STABILIZATION PONDS

Waste stabilization ponds comprise a series of Anaerobic, Facultative and Maturation or
Aerobic ponds. Such treatment systems may be constructed singly, with others added in
parallel as the volume of wastewater increased with urban expansion.




Sludge
8
4.1.1. Anaerobic Ponds
Anaerobic ponds are typically 2-5m in depth and their primary function is to reduce BOD
content. Some reduction in pathogens also takes place. They are loaded at a relatively high
rate to ensure dissolved oxygen is absent so the settled solids can undergo anaerobic
decomposition. Retention time is short; 1-2 days for a raw wastewater BOD of 300 mg/l at
15C. Efficient anaerobic ponds typically reduce BOD by 40% at 10C and by 60 % or more
at 20C.

4.1.2. Facultative Ponds
Facultative ponds are typically 1-2m in depth and have the same function as anaerobic ponds.
They are loaded in such a way as to develop two layers within the wastewater body, an
aerobic layer at the surface and an anaerobic layer, which contains the sludge, at depth.
Oxygen, produced by surface aeration and photosynthetic algae, affects the reduction in BOD.

4.1.3. Aerobic or Maturation Ponds
Maturation ponds are typically 1-1.5m in depth and several are often constructed in series.
Their primary function is to reduce pathogens. Some reduction in BOD also occurs. They are
often used where the effluent from facultative ponds is unsuitable for re-use. The
bacteriological quality of the final effluent required governs the size and number of the
maturation ponds. A retention time of several days is usually needed to ensure a substantial
reduction in pathogens is achieved.



4.2. SUSPENDED GROWTH SYSTEMS

Suspended growth systems are one of the most common forms of wastewater treatment for
small communities. There are three principal types: Activated Sludge, Sequential Batch
Reactor and Aerated Lagoons.

4.2.1. Activated Sludge
This process produces an activated mass of microorganisms to stabilise the wastewater
aerobically. Oxygen is supplied to the aeration zone to initiate sludge decomposition and
provide agitation to promote the flocculation of fine particles, which then settles out. Because
the bacteria have short life cycles, some of the settled sludge is recirculated within the process
to maintain the required concentration. Typically about 85% of accumulated sludge is
removed for disposal, with 15% being recirculated. Two types of activated sludge process are
in common use:
Conventional Activated Sludge
In the conventional system, the raw wastewater enters a primary settlement tank where
heavy solids settle out and floating material is trapped at the surface. These materials
are removed as necessary, typically every 4-12 months. A three-hour retention time in
the separation tank typically gives a 25-40% reduction in BOD and a 50-70% reduction
in suspended solids.
The wastewater then enters an aeration tank where oxygen pumped from the bottom
sustains the microorganisms that affect decomposition. After a typical retention time of
4-8 hours, the majority of fine particles have flocculated and begin to settle. The fluid
content then passes into the clarifying tank where after 3-4 hours; the sloped base
guides the flocculated material to settle towards the centre. A skimmer may be used to
remove any remaining surface scum. The treated wastewater is taken off for disposal or
re-use and some of the activated sludge is returned to the aeration tank to maintain
bacteriological activity. The remaining sludge, typically 60-70 %, passes into an aerobic
digester where it is stabilised until suitable for final disposal.
9
Extended Aeration
The primary settlement tank and aeration tank perform in much the same manner as in
the conventional system, except that the extended aeration requires an increased
retention time and a decrease in organic loading. In the digester, the sludge may be
further aerated until it has stabilised and is suitable for final disposal.

A variation of the activated sludge process is a Deep Shaft installation, where the
wastewater treatment stream is arranged vertically, within a shaft typically 50-100m deep and
1-2 m diameter, instead of horizontally along the ground surface. Since treatment is
undertaken below ground, variations in treatment efficiency due to changes in ambient
temperature, rates of loading and, perhaps, flow rate, may be reduced. Because compressed
air at a high pressure is used to aerate and maintain circulation, the transfer of oxygen is more
efficient and BOD, COD and suspended solids removal may be better. Sludge volume is
reduced and subsequent digestion may not be required. A lower land take is required and
hence environmental impact is reduced. However, construction costs are higher that for a
treatment stream at ground level and vary with the physical characteristics of the site.
Construction may also be problematic in areas of hard rock, such as the karstic limestones that
are common in Lebanon, and/or in areas with a high water table. The long-term stability of
deep shaft wastewater treatment may also be subject to instability in areas of seismic risk,
which in Lebanon is high.

4.2.2. Sequential Batch Reactor
Sequential Batch Reactor treatment is similar to the activated sludge system except that
aeration, sedimentation and clarification of a single batch of wastewater is carried out in the
same tank, in five sequential steps.
Raw wastewater is added to residual fluid from the previously processed batch during the
Fill stage. Typically, 25% of a previous batch remains in the tank and the fresh input for the
new batch is 75% of the tank volume. Aeration during the Reaction stage continues until
biodegradation of BOD and nitrogen is achieved, after which the fluid is left to stand so the
microorganisms dying from the lack of nutriens help reduce the volume of sludge as it settles
out. On completion of the Settlement stage, a layer of clear treated effluent is left above a
blanket of sludge. The effluent is carefully decanted off for re-use during the Draw stage, in
a manner that does not disturb the sludge. The final Idle stage of the process allows time for
sludge removal, and for the filling of other reactors where several are constructed in parallel.
Depending on the size of the treatment plant, the volume of each batch, and the nutrient
loading, sludge removal may not be required after every batch is processed, and may only be
necessary every 2-3 months.
Because the process utilises one tank, a second or more reactors, or ponds for the storage of
raw sewage awaiting treatment, are necessary to cope with a continuous inflow of wastewater.

4.2.3. Aerated Lagoons
Aerated lagoons are similar in concept, but generally comprise shallow basins of minimum
depth 1m in which wastewater is treated by contact with the suspended solids. Oxygen is
supplied to promote bacteriological activity and maintain the solids in suspension. A separate
basin or tank is often provided to allow treated effluent to be recirculated through the process
to improve its quality to a standard suitable for re-use.

4.3. FIXED FILM SYSTEMS:
In fixed film systems, raw wastewater is discharged onto a filter medium to which the bacteria
cling until they build up to the extent they fall off. Three types of fixed film systems are in
common use: Conventional Bio-filters, Rotating Biological Contactors and Biological
Aerated Filters

10
4.3.1. Conventional Bio-filters
Also known as trickling filters, the raw wastewater is slowly but continuously discharged onto
naturally well-ventilated medium, most often circular beds of rocks or sheets of corrugated
plastic. Microorganisms attached to the surface of the filter medium degrade the organic
content of the wastewater. As the bacteria build up they become heavy and are swept away by
the incoming wastewater, leaving space for new growth. The wastewater passing the filter is
settled out and the treated effluent and sludge separated.

4.3.2. Rotating Biological Contactors
Rotating Biological Contactors, comprise a series of closely spaced circular disks that are
partly submerged in the wastewater and slowly rotated. Biological growth attaches to the
surface of the disks and rotation allows sufficient oxygen transfer to maintain aerobic
conditions. Again, the bacteria eventually become heavy, fall off, and are settled out.

4.3.3. Biological Aerated Filters
Biological Aerated Filters consists of a submerged inert support media on which bacteria
again grow and degrade the organic content of the wastewater. Aerobic conditions are
maintained by blowing air through the submerged media.
A comparison of technical performance and economics of secondary wastewater treatment
systems most commonly used for small towns and villages where wastewater is primarily
domestic in origin is shown in Table 2.

TABLE 2. COMPARISON OF SELECTED SECONDARY WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS
1

SUSPENDED GROWTH FIXED FILM
CRITERIA
STABILIZATION
PONDS
ACTIVATED
SLUDGE
EXTENDED
AERATION
AERATED
LAGOONS
BIO-FILTERS
TECHNICAL
PERFORMANCE
BOD
Faecal Coliforms
Suspended Solids
Helminth
Viruses
***
***
*
***
***
*

***
*
*
*
*
***


***
***
*
*
***
*

***


ECONOMICS
Construction
Operation
Land Take
Maintenance
Energy
Sludge Removal
***
***

***
***
***


***


*


***


*
*

*


*

*
***
*
*
*
Poor * Fair .*** Good

Some systems rely upon the addition of enzymes to promote chemical action, enhance the
biodegradation of wastewater, and reduce the volume of sludge. Since they also dissolve
grease, fats, starch and protein, and reduce odour, they also improve effluent quality.
However, the cost of enzyme dosing is high and is usually avoided wherever possible.
On completion of secondary wastewater treatment, effluent and sludge remain. The effluent
will still contain organic, inorganic and pathogenic microorganisms that need to be further
treated before it can be discharged into the environment, either for re-use or final disposal,
without risk to public health, fauna, flora or water resources. The sludge, from both primary
and secondary settlement, will still have a high water content and needs to be further treated
prior to use as a soil conditioner or final disposal. Both effluent and sludge will also contain
pollutants from the inflows from industrial areas and highway drainage, and therefore require
further treatment

1
Arthur, J.P. 1983. Notes on the design and operation of waste stabilization ponds in warm climates of
developing countries. World Bank Technical Paper No. 6. World Bank, Washington DC.
11
5. TERTIARY TREATMENT
To improve the quality of secondary treatment effluent, tertiary treatment commonly employs
one of the following procedures:
Rapid Sand Filtration to further reduce suspended solids and turbidity.
Nitrification or Denitrification to remove nitrogen either by converting
ammonia to nitrate (Nitrification) or reducing nitrate and nitrite to nitrogen gas
(Denitrification).
Carbon Adsorption to remove the remaining soluble organics.
Disinfection to reduce the number of waterborne pathogens.

Disinfection is the most commonly used for villages and small towns where wastewater is
primarily domestic and for the purposes of the present Guidance Manual, is the only method
of tertiary treatment discussed further.

5.1. DISINFECTION

Disinfection is the primary method of destroying pathogenic organisms to prevent the spread
of waterborne diseases, but it is important the effluent has been adequately treated for the
disinfectant to be effective. The selection of the most appropriate method of depends on
effluent quality, potential toxic effects, ease of operation and maintenance, and regulations
regarding residual disinfectant for different re-use and final disposal options. The most
common methods of disinfection are chlorination, ultraviolet light radiation, and ozonation.

5.1.1. Chlorine Disinfection
Chlorine may be applied as a gas, as pure chlorine or chlorine dioxide, as an ionised solid, or
in chlorine compounds such as calcium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite (bleach). The
advantages and disadvantages of chlorine disinfection are as follows:

Advantages Disadvantages
Provides a residual disinfectant for subsequent
protection.
Residual chlorine is easy to measure.
Chlorine is readily available at reasonable cost.
Low energy costs.
Applicable for multiple effluent quality problems
such as bacteria, iron, manganese and hydrogen
sulphide.
Can be used to treat large volumes of effluent.
Can be applied in different forms to suit different
effluent qualities.
Operational procedures such as contact time and
dosage are easily managed.
Requires a minimum contact time of thirty minutes.
High turbidity reduces effectiveness.
Chlorine residuals and by-products may be released
into the environment.
Free chlorine is toxic to aquatic life and is suspected to
become carcinogenic if it reacts with organic material.
Toxicity increases with decreasing effluent pH and
increasing temperature.
Health risks to those handling chlorine include
irritation of mucus membranes, respiratory tract, eyes
and skin, and may cause pulmonary oedema and death.
Liquid chlorine reduces body heat and freezes exposed
skin.

5.1.2. Ultraviolet Disinfection
Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection utilises electromagnetic energy from a mercury arc lamp to
irradiate the wastewater effluent and kill the microorganisms. Critical issues in the process
include effluent quality, UV intensity, exposure time, and equipment configuration. The
higher the turbidity and suspended solids content of the wastewater, the lower the adsorption
of the radiation. The optimum wavelength is 250-270nm and the lamps need to be properly
maintained. There needs to be a uniform flow of effluent past the lamp and sufficient radial
mixing to maximise exposure. The advantages and disadvantages of ultraviolet disinfection
are as follows:





12
Advantages Disadvantages
Affective on most viruses, spores, and cysts.
UV equipment is compact and easy to use.
Requires a very short contact time.
Produces no residual disinfectant.
High energy and maintenance costs.
Requires effluent of low turbidity and suspended
solids.

5.1.3. Ozone Disinfection
Ozone is a very strong oxidant and virucide. Because it is unstable and quickly decomposes, it
is generated on site by passing a high voltage current, 6-20kV, between two electrodes
contained within an oxygen-bearing gas. The effectiveness of ozonation depends on the
susceptibility of the target organisms, the contact time, usually 10-30 minutes, and ozone
concentration. It has the ability to achieve higher levels of disinfection than either chlorine or
UV disinfection, but being more expensive is only used where the alternatives are less
effective. The advantages and disadvantages of ozone disinfection are as follows:

Advantages Disadvantages
Effective in destroying viruses and bacteria.
Requires a short contact time, 10-30 minutes.
Provides good odour control
Capital and maintenance costs can be high.
Equipment has to be corrosion-resistant.
Causes irritation and may be toxic.





6. DISPOSAL AND USE OF TREATED WASTEWATER EFFLUENT
For any given wastewater, the selection of a treatment stream depends on the destination of
the treated effluent. The levels of treatment required for the most common destinations are
summarised in Table 3.

TABLE 3.TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR SELECTED EFFLUENT DESTINATIONS
2

DESTINATION
PRELIMINARY
TREATMENT
PRIMARY
TREATMENT
SECONDARY
TREATMENT
TERTIARY
TREATMENT
Irrigation
Produce eaten raw Yes Yes Yes Yes
Other produce Yes Yes Yes No
Public gardens Yes Yes Yes Yes
Groundwater
recharge
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Disposal to a surface
watercourse
Yes Yes Yes No
Disposal to the sea Yes Yes Yes No

Details of the Lebanese and Syrian standards for the quality of wastewater discharged are
given in Annex One.

6.1. WASTEWATER RE-USE FOR IRRIGATION

Irrigation with treated wastewater requires measures to prevent public health, salinity and
toxicity hazards. Effluent of a high biological quality is necessary for the irrigation of certain
crops, particularly vegetables and other produce that may be eaten raw. A lower quality is
acceptable for crops that are processed or where there is no direct exposure to the public. The
most important criteria are those that safeguard the health of farmers, farm workers, produce
handlers and consumers. The primary indicators of health risks are the levels of faecal

2
Ministry of Hydraulic & Electric Resources, , Standard Practice Document SPD9 - Wastewater Treatment,
prepared by Sector Implementation Unit (SIU-1)Water and Wastewater Sector, updated June 2001.

13
coliforms and helminth eggs for which the World Health Organisation has set the guidelines
shown in Table 4.


TABLE 4. GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF TREATED WASTEWATER IN AGRICULTURE
3

A

CATEGORY

INTENDEDRE-USE

GROUPS
AT RISK
INTESTINAL
NEMATODES
b

(arith. mean no.
eggs/l)
c

FAECAL
COLIFORMS
(geom. mean no.
coliforms/100ml)

RECOMMENDED
WASTEWATER
TREATMENT

A
Unrestricted irrigation
Crops likely to be eaten
uncooked.
Spray-irrigated fruits.
Sports fields.
Public parks.
d

Workers
Consumer
s
Public
1 10
3

A series of
stabilization ponds or
other treatment
process designed to
achieve the quality
indicated, or
equivalent treatment
B
Restricted irrigation
Cereal, industrial and
fodder crops.
Some vegetables not
eaten raw, e.g. potatoes
Pasture and trees.
e

Workers 1 No standard
Retention in
stabilization ponds for
8-10 days or other
process to achieve the
equivalent helminth
and faecal coliform
removal
C
Localised irrigation of
crops in category B
without exposure to
workers or the public
Not applicable Not applicable
Pre-treatment as
required by the
irrigation method, but
not less than primary
sedimentation.
a In specific cases, local epidemiological, socio-cultural and environmental factors should be taken into account, and the
guidelines modified accordingly.
b Ascaris and Trichuris species and hookworms.
c During the irrigation period.
d A more stringent guideline (2000 faecal coliforms/100 ml) is appropriate for park lawns to which the public have
unrestricted access.
e In the case of fruit trees, irrigation should cease two weeks before fruit is picked and no fruit should be picked off the
ground. Sprinkler irrigation should be used.


Dissolved salts and toxic ions present in treated effluent arrest plant growth, crop yield and
produce quality. Salt may cause soil salinisation, which lowers fertility. Not all plants respond
equally. There is a wide range in the tolerance of specific crops to salinity and toxicity and
careful selection allows a greater use of wastewater for irrigation, thus preserving fresh water
resources for potable and more critical uses. There is a wealth of information on the tolerance
of specific crop species, but for the purposes of the presence Guidance Manual, an indication
of the salinity tolerances of common crops and the threshold levels of selected trace elements
for crop production are given in Tables 5 and 6 respectively.











3
WHO 1989. Health Guidelines for the Use of Wastewater in Agriculture and Aquaculture.
Technical Report No. 778. Geneva 74 p.


14
TABLE 5. SALINITY TOLERANCES OF MAJOR CROPS
CROP TYPE TOLERANT MODERATELY TOLERANT MODERATELY SENSITIVE SENSITIVE
FIBRE, SEED
AND SUGAR
CROPS
Barley, Cotton,
Sugar Beet
Oats, Rye, Sorghum,
Soybean, Wheat
Broad Bean, Maize, Flax,
Millet, Groundnut, Sugar
Cane, Sunflower
Guayule, Sesame
GRASSES AND
FORAGE CROPS
Bermuda Grass,
Salt Grass
Canary Grass, Fescue,
Rape, Sudan Grassl
Alfalfa, Clover, Orchard
Grass, Vetch

VEGETABLES Asparagus
Artichoke, Beetroot,
Squash
Broccoli, Cabbage,
Cauliflower, Celery, Sweet
Corn, Cucumber, Eggplant,
Lettuce, Pepper, Potato,
Pumpkin, Radish, Spinach,
Tomato, Water Melon
Carrot, Okra, Onion,
Parsnip
FRUIT AND
NUTS
Date Palm
Fig, Olive, Papaya,
Pineapple, Pomegranate
Grape
Almond, Apple, Apricot,
Avocado, Cherry,
Grapefruit, Lemon,
Lime, Mango, Orange,
Peach, Plum,
Strawberry,


TABLE 6. THRESHOLD LEVELS OF SELECTED TRACE ELEMENTS FOR CROP PRODUCTION
4

TRACE
ELEMENT
RMC
1

(mg/l)
COMMENTS
Aluminium 5.0
Causes non-productivity in acid soils (pH <5.5), but alkaline soils (pH
>7.0) will precipitate aluminium and eliminate toxicity.
Arsenic 0.10 Toxicity varies from 12mg/l for Sudan grass to <0.05mg/l for rice.
Beryllium 0.10 Toxicity varies widely from 5mg/l for Kale to 0.5mg/l for bush beans.
Cadmium 0.01
Toxic to beans, beets and turnips at concentrations as low as 0.1mg/l.
Accumulation in plants and soils may be harmful to humans.
Cobalt 0.05
Toxic to tomatoes at 0.1mg/l. Tends to be inactivated by neutral and
alkaline soils.
Chromium 0.10
Not generally recognized as an essential growth element. Conservative
limits are recommended due to the lack of information on its toxicity.
Copper 0.20 Toxic to a range of plants at 0.1-1.0mg/l.
Fluoride 1.0 Generally inactivated by neutral and alkaline soils.
Iron 5.0
Non-toxic to plants in aerated soils, but can contribute to soil
acidification and the loss of essential phosphorus and molybdenum.
Lithium 2.5
Tolerated by most crops up to 5mg/l. Toxic to citrus at low
concentrations (<0.075 mg/l). Acts similarly to boron.
Manganese 0.20 Toxic to a range of crops grown on acid soils.
Molybdenum 0.01
Non-toxic to plants at normal concentrations. Can be toxic to livestock
if forage is grown on soils with high molybdenum.
Nickel 0.20
Toxic to a range of plants at 0.5-1.0mg/l. Reduced toxicity in neutral or
alkaline soils.
Lead 5.0 Inhibit plant growth at very high concentrations.
Selenium 0.02
Toxic at concentrations as low as 0.025mg/l. Essential to animals in
very low concentrations but toxic if forage is grown in soils with high
levels of added Se.
Vanadium 0.1 Toxic to a range of plants at relatively low concentrations.
Zinc 2,0
Toxic to a range of plants at varying concentrations. Reduced toxicity
in soils with pH >6.0 and in fine textured or organic soils.
1
Recommended Maximum Concentration, based on an application rate of 10,000m
3
ha/year. If this is greatly
exceeded, the RMCs are adjusted downward. No adjustment is made for lesser application rates.




4
National Academy of Sciences and National Academy of Engineering. (1972) Water quality criteria. US
Environmental Protection Agency, Washington DC. Report No. EPA-R373-033.593p.
15
7. TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SLUDGE
On completion of primary and secondary treatment, sludge still contains 0.5-8 % of solids that
adversely effect public health and the environment.

7.1. SLUDGE TREATMENT

There are a number of options for sludge treatment, which may be utilised either separately
or, if a high quality end product is required, sequentially. These are primarily thickening,
stabilisation and dewatering. In all options, the fluid content taken out is recirculated back
into the treatment plant.

7.1.1. Sludge Thickening
Thickening is used to separate the water and solid fractions of the sludge before stabilization,
to reduce sludge quantity and stabilisation costs. A variety of procedures are available.
Gravity Thickening: The sludge settles and compacts within a circular tank and the
thickened product is drawn off from the bottom.
Gravity Belt Thickening: After the addition lime, ferric chloride or polymers to
increase the solids content, the sludge is spread onto a permeable moving belt through
which excess fluid drains.
Flotation Thickening: Air is pumped through the storage tank, bringing the solids to
the surface from where they are skimmed off.
Centrifugal Thickening: Rotation of the tank promotes the accumulation of solids on
the walls, from where they are removed.

7.1.2. Sludge Stabilization
Stabilisation minimises health hazards by reducing the number of pathogenic organisms
present, including odour-producing organisms. Again, the selection of stabilising process
depends upon sludge characteristics and its subsequent destination. The options include
anaerobic digestion, aerobic digestion, composting and lime stabilisation.
Anaerobic Digestion
In the absence of oxygen, organic compounds are converted to gas, primarily methane
(65-70%) and carbon dioxide (25-30%), with small amounts of nitrogen, hydrogen and
water vapour. Anaerobic digesters are generally of two types. Low rate digesters are
utilised where the input is less than about 40l/s and the sludge has a solids content
below 10%. High rate digesters are utilised for greater quantities and/or where the solids
content of the sludge may be up to 20-30%. Both types utilise a conical tank, with a gas
take-off at the top and a sludge take-off below a sloping base. In low rate digesters, the
retention time is typically 30-60 days, raw sludge is added intermittently and there is no
mixing other than that resulting from the natural rise of the gases. A secondary heating
source may be used to increase the rate of digestion. In high rate digesters, raw sludge is
added continuously, and both heating and mechanical mixing is routine.
Aerobic Digestion
Aerobic digestion oxidises organic matter into carbon dioxide, water, and ammonia or
nitrates. The process operates at temperatures of 20-30C and air is pumped in to
provide the oxygen to promote biological activity. Aerobic digesters are manufactured
for either batch or continuous operation.
Composting
Composting is the biological degradation of organic matter under aerobic conditions
and is the most common process used to stabilise wastewater sludge to be used for soil
conditioning. The organic matter breaks down to carbon dioxide, water, heat, and
compost. To ensure optimal conditions for biological activity, the carbon and nitrogen
content need to be adjusted so that there is 25-35 parts carbon to 1 part nitrogen by
weight. A lower ratio can give rise to odorous ammonia; a higher ratio will not give
16
optimal conditions, degradation will be slower and temperatures may be inadequate for
pathogen destruction. Sludge is rich nitrogen and must be mixed with a carbon-rich
bulking agent such as wood chips, sawdust, newspapers or hulls. The bulking agent also
increases the porosity of the mixture, improving the availability of oxygen to the centre
of the composting mass. Air can be pumped in, but passive techniques for its
introduction, such a periodic turning of the mass, are more commonly applied.
A variety of different composting systems are available. These include composting
within a closed container into which air is pumped, within a container that is
mechanically turned and mixed, and within a static pile, with air pumped in at the
bottom and the pile covered with previously composted material.
Lime Stabilisation
Lime is added to sludge to increase the pH to 12, at which organic matter is destroyed
or rendered inactive after 2-3 hours. The types of lime most commonly used are
Quicklime and Hydrated Lime. Quicklime is considerably cheaper than Hydrated Lime
but use of the latter requires less labour and equipment as it is already hydrated. This
method of stabilisation is likely to have only limited application in Lebanon. Over 60%
of the country is underlain by limestones, which give rise to naturally lime-rich soils.
The addition of extra lime may therefore hinder plant growth, crop productivity, and
ultimately soil fertility.

The advantages and disadvantages of the principal methods of sludge treatment discussed
above are listed in Table 7.

TABLE 7. COMPARISON OF SLUDGE STABILISATION METHODS
5

PROCESS ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Anaerobic
Digestion
Good destruction of volatile solids and
pathogens.
Use of methane gas can reduce net costs.
Widely applicable.
Product suitable for agricultural use.
Reduces raw sludge volume.
Low energy requirements.
Requires skilled operators.
May give rise to foaming.
Methane production is slow, and may cause
interruption from which recovery is slow.
Scum and grit may be difficult to clean.
May generate odour.
High capital cost.
Potential for mineral deposition.
Aerobic
Digestion
Low initial cost for small plants.
Ease of operational.
Widely applicable.
May not generate odour.
Reduces raw sludge volume.

High energy costs.
Generally lower volatile solids destruction.
Reduces pH and alkalinity
Pathogens may spread through aerosol drift.
Sludge is often difficult to dewater.
Performance adversely effected by cold
temperatures.
Composting
Low initial cost.
High quality end product suitable for
agricultural use.
May be combined with other processes

May require a substantial area of land.
Requires sludge with 40-60% solids.
Requires a carbon bulking agent.
Pathogens may be spread through dust.
High operational cost.
Potential for odour.
Generates leachate.
Lime
Stabilisation

Low capital cost.
Ease of operation.
Good for emergency operations.
End product may be of limited use in agriculture.
Chemical intensive.
Cost is site-specific.
Results in an increase in sludge volume.
The pH drop after treatment may result in odour
and biological re-growth.
Source: Adapted from WPCF (1985)


5
Water Pollution Control Federation (1985), Sludge Stabilization, Manual of Practice FD-9 Facilities
Development, prepared by Task Force on Sludge Stabilization.
17
7.1.3. Dewatering
Dewatering is the physical removal of water from stabilised sludge. To improve the ability of
the sludge to be dewatered it may be pre-treated with chemicals such as ferric chloride, lime,
organic polymers, or by heat treatment, to reduce typical settled sludge moisture content of
90-96% to 50-80%, depending on the nature of the solids. Once pre-conditioned, dewatering
can be undertaken using vacuum filters, centrifuges, belt or plate filter presses, or drying beds.
Vacuum Filtration passes conditioned sludge through porous media mounted on a
rotating horizontal cylindrical drum.
Centrifugal Dewatering is similar to the process used for sludge thickening.
Filter Pressing squeezes water from the sludge under high pressure, using either a
continuous belt press or a plate press.
All three methods achieve the same result, a relatively dry cake of compacted sludge,
which is usually removed mechanically, and excess water, which is recirculated to the
treatment plant.
Sludge Drying Beds are usually large areas of land over which shallow rectangular
holding ponds surfaced with a porous blanket of sand, fine gravel, or artificial drainage
media are laid out, usually with access between each. Typically, 200-300mm of sludge
is placed in each bed and allowed to dry naturally, by both infiltration through the
porous medium into sub-surface collector pipework, and evaporation. Once dry, the
sludge cake is removed and the pond refilled.

7.2. SLUDGE DISPOSAL

After treatment, the sludge generated from the wastewater treatment plant is of a quality
acceptable for final disposal. The most common options for disposal are as follows:
Dumping at sea was once common practice but is now banned in the Mediterranean
Sea under the Barcelona Convention.
Incineration converts the organic matter to carbon dioxide and leaves the inorganic
material as dry ash. Without an external energy input, this is only possible if the solid
fraction of the sludge is at least 30-35%, depending on organic matter content. With
external energy input, the process is capital intensive. Incineration requires considerable
support equipment, such as stack gas scrubbers to prevent air pollution.
Landfilling requires the sludge to be stabilised, with a solids fraction of at least 20% or
as dictated by the regulators and/or operators of individual landfills.
Application to the land as a soil conditioner is a common method of sludge disposal.
Although relatively simple, issues of concern include rates of application, methods of
spreading, environmental impact and health and safety.

In Lebanon and Syria, it is expected that most sludge from municipal treatment plants will be
used for soil conditioning or deposited in approved landfills. The requirements for landfilling
are site specific. For the purposes of the present Guidance Manual, application to the land is
the only method of sludge disposal discussed further.

7.2.1. Application of Sludge to the Land
Both Lebanon and Syria have yet to develop legislation for the application of sewage sludge
to the land, but future requirements are likely to be similar to the existing US regulations
6
.
There is a wealth of data on the tolerance of specific plant species to sludge application. For
present purposes, it is sufficient to summarise the amounts of sludge that may applied to
different types of land and the constraints imposed by topography, geology and other physical
features. It is assumed that the suitability of sludge application to specific plants on specific

6
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and The Federal Part 503 Rule (40 CFR Part 503).
18
sites will be investigated before, for example, a farmer buys sludge to improve his soil or a
landscaper designs a public park intended to take treated sludge.
Rates of Application
An approximate guide to the quantities of sludge that may be satisfactorily applied to the land
is given in Table 8.

TABLE 8. SLUDGE APPLICATIONS FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF LAND
7

RATES OF APPLICATION (tonnes/ha, dry wieght)
TYPE OF LAND FREQUENCY
RANGE AVERAGE
Agricultural 1-2 times each year 2-70 10
Afforested Annually or at 3-5 year intervals 10-220 18
Reclamation Sites One time only 7-450 112

Geographical Constraints
Sludge cannot be safely applied to steep slopes, to areas where it is likely to contaminate
water resources or other particular features of the landscape. The limitations on the
application of sludge imposed by slope is summarised in Table 9.

TABLE 9. RECOMMENDED SLOPE LIMITATIONS SLUDGE APPLICATION
14

SLOPE SUITABILITY
0-3% Ideal, with no concern for runoff or erosion of liquid or dewatered sludge.
3-6% Suitable for the application of liquid and dewatered sludge with some risk of erosion.
6-12%
Liquid sludge must be injected into the soil except in closed drainage basins or areas
with runoff control. Usually suitable for dewatered sludge.
12-15%
Unsuitable for liquid sludge application without effective runoff control. Suitable for
dewatered sludge with immediate incorporation into the soil.
Over 15%
Generally unsuitable for the application of liquid or dewatered sludge. Approval may be
given where the steep slop is short and/or is a minor part of the total application area.

Areas which are inherently unsuitable for sludge application include the following:

Areas adjacent to rivers, streams and lakes, including floodplains, wetlands and marshes, and
other areas where sludge may enter the aquatic environment;
Areas underlain by karst or heavily fractured bedrock, with steep and sharp relief, or with a thin
or rocky soil cover, where leachate may infiltrate to groundwater without natural filtration;
Areas adjacent to Natural Reserves, historical, cultural or archaeological sites, or other protected
lands;
Areas adjacent to the sea and foreshore, where sludge might enter the marine environment;
Areas to which the public have unrestricted access

Rock and soil permeability allows leachate and fine particles to infiltrate into the underlying
geological strata, possibly causing contamination of shallow groundwater. The best sites for
the application of sludge are therefore underlain by low permeability soils and rocks and with
groundwater found at substantial depth. Sludge should not be applied in areas that contribute
recharge to major aquifers.
Climatic Constraints
Seasonal variation in rainfall, temperature, wind and other climatic factors are important
considerations in sludge application. Heavy rainfall may generate leachate and erosion, high
temperatures increase soil salinity, and high winds may lift dried sludge and cause dust.
Agricultural Constraints:
It is necessary to coordinate the timing of sludge applications with planting, grazing or
harvesting. Under European regulations, no grazing is permitted for three weeks after treated
sludge has been applied to grassland and the sludge must be injected into the soil instead of
spread on the surface. Treated sludge can only be applied to cereal crops, turf, but not for 3

7
U.S. EPA (1995), Land Application of Biosolids, Office of Research & Development , National Risk
Management Research Laboratory, Centre for Environmental Research Information, Cincinnati, Ohio.
19
months before harvesting, and fruit trees, but not 10 months before harvesting. Untreated
sewage can only be ploughed in or injected into the soil prior to planting.
For efficient agronomy, the most cost effective application provides the amount of nitrogen
needed by the crop, with little left to pass below the root zone, where it is no longer available
to the plants and may contaminate groundwater. Samples of both the soil and sludge need to
be analysed to define any soil deficiencies and identify the benefits sludge application will
impart. A list of Lebanese laboratories capable of undertaking wastewater, sludge and soil
analyses are given in Appendix 2. The determinations of particular relevance to the
application of treated sludge to the land are nitrate, in which plants take up nitrogen; the
carbon-nitrogen ratio, which indicates the soils potential to mobilise the nitrogen in the
sludge; plant-available potassium and phosphorous, and pH to indicate the accessibility of soil
nutrients and the immobilisation of trace elements.


Monitoring Sludge Application.
The monitoring of sludge application is required to ensure there is no adverse effect upon
health and safety, the environment. The recommended frequency of monitoring chemical and
bacteriological pollutants, vector attraction, and other criteria varies with the intensity of
application, as shown in Table 10.

TABLE 10. MONITORING OF SLUDGE APPLICATION
8

AMOUNT OF SLUDGE APPLIED (tonnes)
PER 365-DAY PERIOD PER DAY
FREQUENCY OF
MONITORING
0-290
290-1,500
1,500-15,000
Over 15,000
0-0.85
0.85-4.5
4.5-45
Over 45
Annually
Quarterly
Every 60 days
Monthly

U.S. regulations for sewage sludge application require both the sludge content and the loading
rate of 10 trace metals, which pose both environmental and health risks, to be monitored. The
limits on these metals are given in Table 11. Sludge with concentrations above the ceiling
levels are prohibited for land application.

TABLE 11. US STANDARDS FOR TRACE METALS IN SLUDGE APPLIED TO THE LAND
9

TRACE
METAL

CEILING
CONCENTRATION
(mg/kg)
a,b


TRACE
METAL

MAXIMUM
ALLOWABLE
CONCENTRATION
(mg/kg)
a,b

Arsenic
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Lead
75
85
3,000
4,300
840
Mercury
Molybdenum
Nickel
Selenium
Zinc
57
75
420
100
7,500
a Dry-weight basis.
b All samples must meet the ceiling concentrations to be eligible for land application.

U.S. standards also requires sludge for land application to have a bacterial quality of less than
1000 faecal coliforms/gm of solids and less than 3 salmonella sp./4 gm of solids. Inadequately
treated sludge is attractive to vectors (insects, rodents and birds) when applied to the land.




8
U.S. EPA (1995), Land Application of Biosolids, Office of Research & Development, National Risk
Management Research Laboratory, Centre for Environmental Research Information, Cincinnati, Ohio.

9
Adapted from Part 503 CFR, reference: U.S. EPA, Land Application of Biosolids, Office of Research &
Development, National Risk Management Research Laboratory, Centre for Environmental Research
Information, Cincinnati, Ohio.

20
8. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
All proposals for new wastewater treatment plants in Lebanon require an Environmental
Impact Assessment (EIA) before they are approved for construction. The EIA is part of the
planning and permitting procedure, used to identify significant environmental impacts that
may accrue from the intended development, and establishes an Environmental Management
Plan (EMP) for mitigating potential negative impacts.

EIAs are used to achieve the following:

Improve the design of a proposal;
Ensure that resources are used efficiently;
Enhance the socio-economic aspects;
Identify measures for managing impacts;
Facilitate informed decision-making;
Provide justification for a proposal;
Compare alternative technologies;
Involve the public in decision-making.

The stages in the Environmental Impact Assessment process are shown in Table 12 and
illustrated in Figure 2. Typical Terms of Reference for the Environmental Impact Assessment
of a typical municipal wastewater treatment plant in Lebanon is given in Annex Three.

TABLE 12. THE EIA PROCESS
COMPONENT DESCRIPTION
SCREENING
An Initial Environmental Assessment (IEE) is submitted by the Municipality to the
Ministry of Environment, who screen it to decide if the project requires a full EIA.
SCOPING
From the likely key impacts identified in the IEE and the Terms of Reference for the
EIA study is prepared.
ASSESSMENT
The EIA study is undertaken by the Municipality, usually through the appointment
of an Environmental Consultant. All potential environmental impacts are identified,
analysed and evaluated.
MITIGATION
Within the EIA study, an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is prepared to
define the measures that will be undertaken to prevent, reduce or compensate for
each potential impact and to minimise environmental damage.
REPORTING
The results of the EIA study are submitted to the Ministry in an internationally
accepted format
REVIEW
The Ministry assess the EIA report and, taking account of the views of Stakeholders,
determine the acceptability of the proposed project with regard to existing policy,
plans and regulations.
DECISION
The Ministry decides if the project should be approved. It has the option to approve
a project subject to design modifications to minimise environmental impact.
MANAGEMENT AND
MONITORING
After the project is approved and construction commences, the implementation of
impact mitigation and other provisions of the EMP are monitored and any necessary
remedial action undertaken. Responsibility for the management of EMP
implementation rests with the Municipality, who will generally appoint the Engineer
supervising construction to fulfil the necessary duties.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Primarily during the early stages of the EIA process, but possible at any stage,
public involvement may be required, This may range from the dissemination of
information about the project, to public involvement in the decision-making process.
21
FIGURE 2. THE EIA PROCESS
10

































10
Ministry of Environment, Lebanon (July 25, 2001 ), Draft EIA decree
22
9. THE SELECTION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT

The selection of a wastewater treatment system is not simple. As has been demonstrated in the
previous chapters, there are many processes to choose from, each with their own technical and
economic advantages and disadvantages. This chapter of the Guidance Manual attempts to
steer the user through the selection process, to ensure all the various considerations are taken
into account.

When the options have been reduced to a shortlist, municipalities without in-house expertise
often find it preferable to retain a specialised Wastewater Treatment consultant to complete
the assessment and recommendations for a particular project. Wastewater equipment suppliers
are also ready to assist a potential purchaser with selection and plant design, but they may be
less than impartial and tend to recommend the equipment of manufacturers they represent.

9.1. FROM CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION

The most important element in any decision-making understands the problem. For wastewater
treatment, this primarily requires knowledge of the population to be served, the character of
the collection network, the quantity and quality of wastewater to be treated, the selection of a
site that will afford both efficient operation and minimal environmental impact, and the
disposal of both the treated effluent and the sludge. Most municipalities have a good
understanding of the areas for which they are responsible and much of this information will
be readily available. It is beneficial to document such information in a logical manner and the
Data Sheet given in Annex Four may be used for this purpose.

The selection of a suitable site for a new wastewater treatment plant is often surprisingly
simple. A municipality with an existing collection network draining by gravity to an existing
outfall will usually prefer to treat the wastewater in the vicinity of the outfall rather than incur
the cost of installing a collection tank and pumping raw sewage to a distant site. Even where
networks are being extended or new ones being built, the preference will be for gravity
drainage to a low point. The search for a suitable site should therefore first investigate the area
below the town or village to be served, at an adequate distance to allow for planned or
foreseen future expansion of the community and its collection network.

With the scope of the project largely determined and a potentially suitable site (or sites) for
the plant identified, the preferred treatment process can be determined. Again, decision-
making is subject to a wide range of variables and different parameters will need to be given
different priorities by different municipalities. The decision trees given in Tables 13-16 may
provide useful guidance, but they cannot cover all eventualities and local conditions and
requirements may deviate the user from following them explicitly.

Prior to making the final decision on the type of treatment process, the disposal of sludge and
effluent must be considered, as this will influence the final choice, particularly of any tertiary
treatment. Small municipalities with only a few hundred cubic metres a day of effluent, and
sludge removal 2 or 3 times a year, might well consider the development of municipal
gardens to provide for the disposal of both, at the same time enhancing the community for the
benefit of both residents and visitors. Play or other areas where the public may come into
direct contact with the ground are best excluded from such developments, or at least closed
for a few days during effluent irrigation and/or sludge application. Highway central
reservations, roundabouts, street trees and municipal flowerbeds are ideas receptors of
appropriately treated effluent during the summer months, but alternative arrangements will
need to be made during the winter when the ground is naturally sodden. Provision for the
disposal of effluent and sludge may also be made with local farmers, perhaps at some
financial advantage to the municipality. It may be assumed that wastewater effluent of a
23
quality suitable for irrigation will also be suitable for discharge into a watercourse during the
winter months, although this will need to be verified during detailed planning. Treated sludge
generated during the winter months can be stored for summer application to the land, but
stock piles will need to be covered to prevent odour and bacterial re-growth.

Once the preferred treatment process and viable effluent/sludge disposal policies have been
formulated, the Environmental Impact Assessment can be prepared. Since this will look in
detail at the wastewater to be treated, the site, the treatment options and the final disposal or
re-use of the sludge and effluent, it is better to undertake this before final design of the project
is put in hand. The EIA study, particularly where the services of an Environmental Consultant
are retained, will uncover aspects not previously considered and assign different priorities to
those that were. The review of the EIA report by the Ministry of Environment, whose
experience is countrywide, may also prove useful to the municipality in its final decision-
making.

Once the EIA has been approved by the Ministry and the final decisions taken, a tender for
the design of the treatment plant and the supervision of construction can be let. In due course,
a contractor is appointed and the plant commissioned to provide the community with a safe
and sustainable solution to their wastewater disposal problems.

In summary, the process for the selection of a treatment plant is as follows:
Data collection.
(See Annex Four)

Select a suitable site or sites for further consideration.
(See Chapter 9 above)

Consider the various options for wastewater treatment with those for disposal and/or re-use.
(See Chapters 2-7 above and Tables 13-17 below)

Undertake, or appoint an Environmental Consultant to undertake, the EIA study.
(See Chapter 8 above and Annex Three)

Appoint a Design and Supervision of Construction Consultant, if not done in-house
(See Chapter 9 above)

Let a tender for the construction of the treatment plant

Monitor contract progress and the implementation of the EMP
(See Chapter 8 above)

Commission the treatment plant

Undertake capacity building and operational monitoring in accordance with the EMP.
(See Chapter 8 above)




















24
TABLE 13. DECISION TREE FOR THE TREATMENT OF RAW WASTEWATER



















































Does the wastewater collection network to the Treatment Plant comprise only buried foul sewer pipelines?
No Yes
Install a bar rack for
Preliminary Treatment
Install screens for
preliminary treatment
Install primary settlement
tank
Are cost
considerations
paramount?
Is the land take for the
treatment plant a primary
concern?
Yes No
Is the available land
generally level?
No
Yes
Are cost
considerations
paramount?
No Yes
Yes No
Consider
using Fixed
Film Systems
for Secondary
Treatment
Consider
using
Activated
Sludge for
Secondary
Treatment
Consider
using Aerated
Lagoons for
Secondary
Treatment
Consider
using Waste
Stabilisation
Ponds for
Secondary
Treatment
25
TABLE 14. DECISION TREE FOR THE TERTIARY TREATMENT OF EFFLUENT



















































Is the cost of treatment
recoverable from the
fees paid by irrigators?
Is the Treated Effluent to be re-used?
No Yes
Discharged to a
regional collector
sewer
Yes
No further
treatment
For potable
water or
shallow
groundwater
recharge
For use as
process
water in
industry
For Irrigation
Additional
treatment is
necessary.
Consult a
wastewater
treatment
Specialist
Additional
treatment
may be
necessary
depending
on the
needs of
the process
Will it be discharged
to the sea or a
watercourse?
No
Is the control
of residual
chlorine a
concern?
Yes No
Utilise UV or
Ozone
Disinfection
Utilise Chlorine
Disinfection
with chlorine
residue control
No Yes
Utilise UV or
Ozone
Disinfection
Utilise Chlorine
Disinfection
with chlorine
residue control
Does the biological
quality of the effluent
meet the required MoE
Standard
Yes No
No further
treatment
26
TABLE 15. DECISION TREE FOR THE TERTIARY TREATMENT OF SLUDGE



















































No
Is the Sludge to be re-used?
Yes
For soil
improvement
Other re-use
Landfill
Incineration
Other
How will it be disposed of?
Discuss with
MoE before
progressing
further plans
Discuss with MoE
before
progressing
further plans
Discuss the
requirements
for sludge
moisture
content with the
incinerator
operator before
deciding on
sludge
treatment
Discuss the
requirements
for sludge
moisture
content with the
landfill operator
before deciding
on sludge
treatment
Is the product to be
sold commercially?
Will it be applied to
lime-rich soils?
Stabilise
sludge by
anaerobic
digestion or
composting
Stabilise sludge
by composting
Yes No
Yes No
Stabilise sludge
with lime
27
TABLE 16. DECISION TREE FOR THE RE-USE OF EFFLUENT AND SLUDGE FOR AGRICULTURE



















































Is the effluent quality suitable for irrigation?
Yes No
Select an improved
treatment process or
alternative method
of disposal
Has the soil been tested, for
at least pH, salinity, nitrogen,
potassium, phosphorus,
sodium and chloride?
No Yes
Collect a soil
sample and
have it
analysed
Consult an Agronomist or Wastewater
irrigation Specialist
28
ANNEXES


ANNEX ONE. ENVIRONMENTAL LIMIT VALUES FOR WASTEWATER DISCHARGE.

LEBANESE STANDARDS
11


PARAMETER THE SEA
SURFACE
WATERCOURSES
3

SEWERAGE
SYSTEMS
pH 6-9 6-9 6-9
Temperature C 35 30 35
BOD mg O
2
/l 25 25 125
COD mg O
2
/l 125 125 500
Total Phosphorus mg/l 10 10 10
Total Nitrogen mg/l
1
30 30 60
Suspended Solids mg/l 60 60 600
AOX 5 5 5
Detergents mg/l 3 3 No ELV
Coliform Bacteria 37C in 100ml
2
2000 2000 No ELV
Salmonellae Absence Absence Absence
Hydrocarbons mg/l 20 20 20
Phenol index mg/l 0.3 0.3 5
Oil and Grease mg/l 30 30 50
Total Organic Carbon mg/l 75 75 750
Ammonia mg/l 10 10 -
Silver mg/l 0.1 0.1 0.1
Aluminum mg/l 10 10 10
Arsenic mg/l 0.1 0.1 0.1
Barium mg/l 2 2 2
Cadmium mg/l 0.2 0.2 0.2
Cobalt mg/l 0.5 0.5 1
Chromium total mg/l 2 2 2
Hexavalent Chromium mg/l 0.2 0.2 0.2
Copper total mg/l 1.5 0.5 1
Iron total mg/l 5 5 5
Mercury total mg/l 0.05 0.05 0.05
Manganese mg/l 1 1 1
Nickel total mg/l 0.5 0.5 2
Lead total mg/l 0.5 0.5 1
Antimony mg/l 0.3 0.3 0.3
Tin total mg/l 2 2 2
Zinc total mg/l 5 5 10
Active Chlorine mg/l 1 1 No ELV
Cyanides mg/l 0.1 0.1 1
Fluoride mg/l 25 25 15
Nitrate mg/l 90 90 No ELV
Phosphate mg/l 5 5 No ELV
Sulphate mg/l 1000 1000 1000
Sulphide mg/l 1 1 1
1
Sum of Kjeldahl-N (organic N + NH
3
), NO
3
-N, NO
2
-N
2
For discharges in the vicinity of bathing waters a more stringent standard amy be necessary.
3
The ELVs are for discharge into a surface water flow of not less than 0.1 l/sec.



11
Decision 8/1, National Standards for Environmental Quality, Ministry of Environment, 30 January 2001.

29
SYRIAN STANDARDS
12


PARAMETER SEAS ON LAND
1
RIVERS
AGRICULTURAL
DRAINAGE
CANALS
Colour No Colour No Colour No Colour No Colour
PH 6-9 6-9 6-9 6-9
Temperature C
10>average
temp of
recipient
5> average temp of recipient
BOD mg/l 60 20 40 60
COD (Dichromate) mg/l 200 30 150 100
Oil and Grease mg/l 15 10 10 10
Total Suspended Solids mg/l 60 30 30 60
Total Dissolved Solids mg/l - 800 1200 1000
Settleable Solids ml/l - - - -
PO
4
mg/l 10 1 15 10
NH
3
-N-(Ammonia) mg/l 10 5 5 0.5
NO
3
-N-(Nitrate) mg/l 50 30 50 40
Total Recoverable Phenol mg/l 0.5 0.01 0.02 0.5
Fluorides mg/l 1 0.5 1.5 0.5
Sulphide-S mg/l 1 1 1 1
Residual Chlorine mg/l - 1 1 -
Surfactants mg/l 2 0.05 0.05 0.5
Dissolved Oxygen mg/l 4 4 4 4
Hydrocarbons mg/l 15 5 5 -5
Floating Matter No Floating Matter
Aluminum mg/l 3 1 1 3
Cadmium mg/l 0.2 0.2 0.2
Arsenic mg/l 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
Barium mg/l 2 - 1 -
Beryllium mg/l 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05
Cadmium mg/l 0.05 0.01 0.05 0.05
Cyanides mg/l 0.15 0.1 0.1 0.05
Chromium mg/l 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5
Chromium VI mg/l 0.5 0.05 0.05 0.05
Nickel mg/l 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.5
Mercury mg/l 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.005
Iron mg/l 2 1 2 2
Antimony mg/l 1 0.3 0.3 0.3
Copper mg/l 1.5 1 1 1
Manganese mg/l 1 0.5 0.5 0.5
Zinc mg/l 2 1 2 2
Lead mg/l 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.5
Silver mg/l 0.1 0.05 0.05 -
Total Value for the Heavy Metals
2

mg/l
2 1 1 2
Total Count of the Colon Group
(total bacterial count per 100 ml)
5000 2500 100 5000
1
: Areas with possibility of infiltration to underground water
2
: Heavy metals include: mercury, lead, cadmium, beryllium, chromium, nickel, zinc, and copper.




12
Decision 3207/1, The Maximum Limits of Pollution Parameters for Discharge in the Water Environment,
Higher Council for Environmental Safety, 13 May 2002.

30
ANNEX TWO. WASTEWATER TESTING LABORATORIES IN LEBANON

The laboratories listed in Table A2-1 are known by the Ministry of Environment to undertake
the analysis of wastewater. The parameters listed in Table A2-2 are the Environmental Limit
Values required under the provisions of Decision 8/1, National Standards for Environmental
Quality, Ministry of Environment, Lebanon, dated 30 January 2001.



TABLE A2-1. ACCREDITED TESTING LABORATORIES
LABORATORY CONTACT TELEPHONE FAX LOCATION
Advanced Construction Technology
Services (ACTS)

Mr. Rabih Faquih 01- 753100 01-737222 Beirut,
Lebanon
Environmental Core Laboratory, American
University of Beirut (AUB)

Ms.Carol Sokhn
Ms.Asma Bazzi
01-3500000
Ext: 4858 or 5204
01-370845 Hamra
Beirut-
Lebanon
Environmental Engineering Research
Center- Department of Civil &
Environmental Engineering
American University of Beirut (AUB)

Dr. Moatasem El
Fadel
01-340460
Ext: 3500/1/2
Hamra,
Beirut,
Lebanon
Industrial Research Institute (IRI)

Mrs. Nadia Khoury 01-364983 01-366509 Ras Beirut,
Lebanon
Laboratoire de Toxicologie,
Hopital St. Joseph

Prof. Abed El Aziz
Geahchan
01-248750/1/2 01-203254
01-248750
Dora,
Lebanon
Lebanese American University (LAU)

Dr. Jean Chatila 09-547254
09-547262
09-944581 Byblos,
Lebanon

Public Health Laboratory,
(Central Laboratory),
Ministry of Health

Dr. Vanda Barakett 01-810491 01-810492 Nsouli Street,
Beirut,
Lebanon
Centre Regional de l Eau et de
lEnvironment (CREEN),
Faculte dIngenierie ESIB,
Universite Saint-Joseph

Dr. Job 01-680513/6 Mansourieh
El Metn,
Lebanon















31
TABLE A2-2. CURRENT CAPABILITY FOR WASTEWATER ANALYSIS
PARAMETER ACTS
CENTRAL
LAB
ECL
AUB
EERC
AUB
IRI
LAB. DE
TOXICOLOGY
LAU
SAINT
JOSEPH
PRICE
GUIDE
PH $5-$10
Temperature - $5-$10
BOD mg O
2
/l - - $20-$35
COD mg O
2
/l - $20-$50
Phosphorus mg P/l - - - $25-$35
Nitrogen mgN/l
1
- $20-$35
Suspended Solids
mg/l
- $10-$20
AOX - - - - - - -
Detergents mg/l - - - - - $25-$35
Coliform Bacteria
37C in 100ml
2

- $10-$30
Salmonellae - $20-$30
Hydrocarbons mg/l - - - -
Phenol index mg/l - - - x $15-$35
Oil and Grease mg/l - - - - $25-$35
Total Organic
Carbon mg/l
- - - $5-$10
Ammonia mg/l $5-$40
Silver mg/l - - - - $20-$75
Aluminum mg/l - $20-$75
Arsenic mg/l - - - - $15-$25
Barium mg/l - - - - - $10-$20
Cadmium mg/l - - - $10-$20
Cobalt mg/l - - - $20-$75
Chromium total mg/l - - $20-$75
Hexavalent
Chromium mg/l
- - x - $25-$35
Copper total mg/l - $20-$50
Iron total mg/l $20-$75
Mercury total mg/l - - - - $15-$25
Manganese mg/l - - $20-$75
Nickel total mg/l - - - $10-$20
Lead total mg/l - - $20-$50
Antimony mg/l - - - - $10-$20
Tin total mg/l - - - - $10-$20
Zinc total mg/l - $20-$75
Active Chlorine mg/l - - $10-$35
Cyanide mg/l - - - - $5-$10
Fluoride mg/l - - $15-$35
Nitrate mg/l - $5-$35
Phosphate mg/l - $5-$35
Sulphate mg/l $5-$35
Sulphide mg/l - - - - $5-$35

Capabilities and prices are subject to change. The Public Health Laboratory only processes
official or governmental institute samples free of charge.
Most laboratories give discounts for large batches of samples or regular testing. Some
laboratories will also undertake sample collection.





32
ANNEX THREE. TYPICAL TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ASSESSMENT OF A NEW WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

1. OBJECTIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

All new wastewater treatment plants in Lebanon require an Environmental Impact Assessment
prepared in accordance with the regulations and procedures of the Ministry of Environment. Future
requirements in Syria may be expected to be similar. It is assumed that municipalities will not have the
expertise and resources to produce undertake the necessary studies and prepare the EIA report in-
house. These typical terms of Reference are therefore given as guidance to the Scope of Works of any
Environmental Consultant contracted to undertake the work.

The main objectives of Environmental Impact Assessement (EIA) are to:

Describe the site-specific environmental impacts;
Describe a detailed site-specific impact mitigation plan, suitable for inclusion in the Technical
Specification of the treatment plant construction contract;
Describe a detailed site-specific Environmental Mitigation Plan (EMP);
Describe the resources needed to implement the EMP.

2. FORMAT FOR THE EIA REPORT

The EIA report should be concise and limited to the discussion of significant environmental issues.
The main text should focus on findings, conclusions and recommended actions, supported by
summaries of the data collected and citations of any references used in its interpretation. Detailed
should be presented as Appendices to the report. Unpublished documents not readily available to
report reviewers should also be included in an Appendix.

The EIA report should be organised with elements similar to the following:

A. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A one-page non-technical outline of the report findings, readily understood by non-experts.

B. INTRODUCTION
This should fully identify the location on the proposed wastewater treatment plant, including
Mohafazat, Caza and cadastral plot number, and site owner and/or operator. A location plan at a scale
of 1:20,000 should be included. Background information should include the requirement for the new
plant and a summary of any pollution caused by present wastewater disposal practices.

C. POLICY, LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE FRAMEWORK
The directly relevant legal framework applicable to the treatment and disposal of wastewater at the
specific project site should be described. A list of directly relevant legislation and a short description
of those most relevant will be sufficient. The objective is to ensure the legal framework is fully
identified so it can be incorporated into the EMP.

D. SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED SUB-PROJECT
An outline description of the community to be served by the new plant, its area, population, and the
number of beneficiaries. A brief description of existing wastewater collection, facilities for
disinfection and disposal, the age and condition of existing pipework, leakage, and the present quantity
and quality of the wastewater. Discuss, with diagrams, the layout of the proposed plant construction,
the treatment process to be used, the primary design parameters, any proposed improvement or
extension to the collection network, and the proposals for the ultimate disposal or re-use of both
treated effluent and sludge

E. SIGNIFICANT BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL DATA
Discussion of the existing environment within the vicinity of the proposed wastewater treatment plant,
to include separate sections on:


Topography, geology, soils landscape, and land utilisation, by reference to a 1:20,000 maps;
Presence of environmental protection zones and other conservations areas, areas of outstanding
natural beauty, archaeological, cultural or touristic sites;
33
Surface drainage channels, perennial and seasonal, and springs; abstractions and discharges, and
water quality;
Ground water aquifers, wells and borehole locations, abstraction rates; use; water quality, ground
water flow, water levels and recharge zones;
Socio-economics, including any employment opportunities generated by the proposed plant.
Public consultation and other consultations undertaken to ensure the meaningful involvement of
Stakeholders.

F. SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Identify the primary issues to be addressed. Separately describe potential positive and negative
impacts, for the latter, separating those that may be temporary, primarily during construction, from any
expected to be permanent. Make reference to any interviews, field observations and sources of
technical information used in determining potential impacts.

G. ANALYSIS OF ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS FOR THE SUB-PROJECT.
Briefly summarise any alternative sites or treatment processes considered during the formulation of
the project and gives reasons why these were rejected. If there are no alternatives, state that no
alternatives were considered.

H. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN
The EMP must include separate sections on environmental mitigation, monitoring and any necessary
capacity building for the execution of the Plan.
The Environmental Mitigation Plan should detail the measures that will be implemented in order to
mitigate the identified negative impacts, and protect against other potential adverse impacts. In
particular, discuss the arrangements for the continued provision wastewater collection and disposal
during periods of disruption, e.g. by over-pumping, and the protection of the environment in the
vicinity and downstream of any points of temporary discharge. Where necessary, contractual clauses
for inclusion in the project bidding and construction documents should be developed.
The Environmental Monitoring Plan will detail of the municipalitys proposals for monitoring of the
project, to include Compliance monitoring during the period of construction,
Environmental Monitoring, e.g. of water level and quality at adjacent sources, and
Post-Construction Environmental Monitoring, e.g. of surface, ground water, and air quality to
ascertain any long-term contamination from the treatment plant.
Capacity strengthening for the implementation of the EMP will identify the additional human and
financial resources necessary and the need for managerial and operator training.

I. APPENDICES
Appendices to the EIA report should include preliminary design drawings, site photographs, records of
inter-agency, public and other consultation meetings, environmental data, a list EIA report preparers,
and copies of unpublished documents cited in the text.

3. STAFFING FOR EIA REPORT PREPARATION AND EMP SUPERVISION

The core team for the preparation of the EIA report and supervision of EMP implementation will
usually comprise 2-4 key staff, their specialities to encompass wastewater treatment, infrastructure
construction, environmental standards and monitoring, hydrology and hydrogeology, and effluent
Disposal. The Consultant should name individuals for specified roles, provide detailed curriculum
vitae for each, and give an assurance they will be made available as specified in his proposal, if he is
awarded the contract.









34
ANNEX FOUR. DATASHEET FOR THE SELECTION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT

The following checklist is provided as a guide to the general background information required for the
selection of an appropriate wastewater treatment process. It also provides much of the information that
will be required by an Environmental Impact Assessment Consultant.

NAME OF PROJECT: _________________________________________________________________
CAZA: ____________________________ MOHAFAZAT ____________________________________
RESPONSIBLE ORGANISATION OR MUNICIPALITY:_____________________________________________
NAME AND TELEPHONE NO. OF PRIMARY CONTACTS: _________________________________________
DOES THE PROJECT INTERFACE WITH OTHER WORKS? YES/NO. IF YES, GIVE DETAILS:
_________________________________________________________________________________

AREA DRAINING TO WWTP (IN HA) _______________________________________________________
TOTAL REGISTERED POPULATION TO BE SERVED _____________________________________________
ALLOWANCE FOR SEASONAL VARIATION (%) ________________________________________________
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES TO BE SERVED ___________________________________________________
OF WHICH : DOMESTIC ___________________________________________________
COMMERCIAL __________________________________________________
INDUSTRIAL __________________________________________________

TOTAL LENGTH OF COLLECTOR NETWORK DRAINING TO WWTP (KM) ______________________________
OF WHICH : SUB-SURFACE SEWER PIPELINES (KM) _______________________________
OPEN CHANNEL FOUL SEWERS (KM). ______________________________
STORM WATER DRAINAGE PIPELINES (KM) _______________________________
OPEN CHANNEL STROM WATER DRAINS (KM) _______________________________

LIST LARGE DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL CONTRIBUTORS (EG. SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, ARMY CAMPS)
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
________________________ ______________________ ________________________

LIST TYPE AND NUMBER OF LARGE INDUSTRIAL CONTRIBUTORS (EG. METAL WORKS, TANNERIES, SLAUGHTER
HOUSES, FOOD PROCESSING WORKS)
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
________________________ ______________________ ________________________

GIVE DETAILS OF ANY PRE-TREATMENT OF WASTEWATER PRIOR TO DISCHARGE TO THE PUBLIC SEWER SYSTEM
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
LIST SMALL INDUSTRIAL UNITS CONTRIBUTING TOXIC OR HAZARDOUS WASTEWATER WITHOUR PRE-TREATMENT.
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
________________________ ______________________ ________________________
________________________ ______________________ ________________________

EXPECTED PER CAPITA CONTRIBUTION (L/H/D) _______(TYPICALLY 120-150 L/H/D)
CALCULATE PLANT CAPACITY: POPULATION ________ X PER CAPITA CONTRIBUTION ______ = _______M
3
/D
ADD FOR STORM WATER._______% = _______M
3
/D
ADD LARGE DOMESTIC/COMMERCIAL CONTRIBUTORS = _______M
3
/D
ADD LARGE INDUSTRIAL CONTRIBUTORS = _______M
3
/D
ADD FOR URBAN EXPANSION OVER 10YEARS = _______M
3
/D
SUB-TOTAL = _______M
3
/D
LESS 10% FOR INFILTRATION FROM SEWER NETWORK = _______M
3
/D
TOTAL PLANT CAPACITY REQUIRED = _______M
3
/D

HOW AND WHERE IS THE WASTEWATER EFFLUENT TO BE DISPOSED? ______________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
HOW AND WHERE IS THE SLUDGE TO BE DISPOSED? __________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
IF SLUDGE IS TO USED FOR SOIL CONDITIONING, GIVE AREA (HA), USE OF LAND, AND TYPES OF CROP:
_________________________________________________________________________________

35
HAS THERE BEEN MEANINGFUL DISCUSSION WITH STAKEHOLDERS? YES/NO. IF YES, GIVE DETAILS:
_________________________________________________________________________________

PREPARE PLANS OF THE SITE AT AN APPROPRIATE SCALE AND OFTHE AREA WITHIN A RADIUS OF 1KM AT A
SCALE OF 1:20,000 CLEARLY SHOWING: EXISTING AND NEW VEHICULAR ACCESS, EXISTING BUILDINGS TO BE
DEMOLISHED, PUBLIC BUILDINGS, PRIVATE HOUSING, SITES OF CULTURAL, ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR TOURISTIC
INTERETS, AREAS OF NATURAL LANDSCAPE, FORESHORE AND OTHER PROTECTED AREAS, WATER SOURCES
SUCH AS SPRINGS AND WELLS AND OTHER SIGNIFICANT FEATURES.

COLLECT A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF EXISTING WASTEWATER FLOW AND HAVE IT ANALYSED AT AN
APPROVED LABORATORY.

RANK IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE THE FOLLOWING CONSIDERATIONS IN TREATMENT PROCESS SELECTION:
CONSISTANTLY HIGH THROUGHPUT, ABILITY TO COPE WITH VARIABLE THROUGHPUTS, LOW VISUAL IMPACT, LOW
ODOUR, OPERATED BY UNSKILLLED LABOUR, WASTEWATER RE-USE AND SLUDGE RE-USE