Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharges: What You Need to Know

Wastewater Treatment Plant Discharges: What You Need to Know

Posted on 27 Sep 2022 by Lise Helluy

If you are a property owner or business owner and have questions about sewage treatment plant discharges, you need to read this blog post. We will discuss the basics of wastewater discharge and what you need to know in order to comply with the law. A wastewater treatment plant discharge can occur either to a watercourse or to the ground. However, there are important differences between these two types of discharge that you need to be aware of. 

If you're like most people, you probably don't think about wastewater treatment plants until there's a problem. And when there is a problem, it's usually because discharge from the plant is flowing into a watercourse In this blog post, we will discuss wastewater treatment plant discharges and what you need to know about them.

1) What is a wastewater treatment plant?

BIOROCK installation : pumped and gravity dischargeA sewage treatment plant (or wastewater treatment plant) is an underground installation where wastewater from households and businesses is treated before it is discharged into the environment. Wastewater includes anything that goes down the drain, such as water from sinks, showers, toilets, and washing machines. It also includes runoff from rain gutters and storm drains.

There are two types of discharge that can occur from a sewage treatment plant: discharge to ground or discharge to surface water. In case you decide to discharge to surface water, depending on the height of the ground and its orientation in relation to the nearest watercourse, you may or may not need a pump: pumped discharge or gravity discharge.

2) What are the differences between a Discharge to Ground and a Discharge to Surface Water?

There are two types of discharge that can occur from a sewage treatment plant: discharge to ground or discharge to surface water. Discharge to the ground occurs when wastewater seeps into the ground and is eventually taken up by plants or evaporates. Discharge to surface water occurs when wastewater flows directly into a stream, river, lake, or ocean.

There are important differences between these two types of discharge that you need to be aware of:

  • Discharge to the ground is more difficult to monitor and control because it is not always visible. Discharge to the ground can contaminate groundwater, which is the water that supplies wells.
  • Discharge to surface water is easier to monitor and control because it is visible, but it can contaminate lakes, rivers, and oceans.

So now that we know the difference between discharge to ground and discharge to surface water, let's talk about in which case you need to use one type of discharge instead of another one.

The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the type of wastewater being treated, the discharge location, and the local regulations. You should always consult with a qualified professional to determine which type of discharge is best for your situation. They will be able to assess your property and make a recommendation based on your specific needs.

3) Are there regulations about it?

Sewage treatment plant discharges can cause serious environmental problems if they are not properly regulated. If you are planning to discharge wastewater from your property, make sure you understand the regulations and obtain the proper permit. This will help protect our water resources and ensure that everyone can enjoy them for years to come.

If you are a business owner, you need to have a sewage treatment plant discharge permit in order to discharge wastewater to the ground or surface water. The permit will specify the type of discharge that is allowed and the conditions that must be met in order for the discharge to occur.

If you are a property owner, you may need a sewage treatment plant discharge permit if you plan to connect your property's sewer system to a municipal sewer system. You will also need a permit if you plan to discharge wastewater from your property directly into a watercourse.

In most cases, it is better to discharge wastewater to the ground because it is more difficult for contaminants to reach groundwater. However, there may be times when discharge to surface water is the better option. For example, if your property is located in an area that is prone to flooding, discharge to surface water may be the only option.

4) BIOROCK, the right solution for both types of discharges

BIOROCK is an innovative wastewater treatment technology that can be used for both discharges to ground and discharges to surface water. BIOROCK systems are highly effective at treating wastewater and preventing pollution. They are also easy to operate and maintain, which makes them a great option for businesses and homeowners. The performance of the wastewater treatment is so high that you can discharge the wastewater into nature without any problem. No potentially hazardous chemicals are disposed into your garden. There will be no consequences for the environment! Contact us today to learn more about BIOROCK and how it can help you meet your discharge needs.

Discover the interview of Pierre and Caroline who chose our MONOBLOCK solution with a discharge to the nearest watercourse.

 

There are important differences between discharge to ground and discharge to surface water that you need to be aware of. You should always consult with a qualified professional to determine which type of discharge is best for your situation. If you are planning to discharge wastewater from your property, make sure you understand the regulations and obtain the proper permit. BIOROCK is an innovative wastewater treatment technology that can be used for both discharges to ground and discharges to surface water. Contact us today to learn more about BIOROCK!

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