What’s the Stink About Sewage?

1. What’s the Stink About Sewage? Tammy Klemens & Darla Topp, Kent State University Stark Campus, North Canton, Ohio, USA

2. Septic Systems and Sewage Treatment Plants in Stark County and Their Effect on the Environment.

3. ? ? ? ? Questions ? ? ? ? Main question • In Stark County, Ohio, is the environment better protected through the use of septic systems or wastewater treatment plants? Sub-questions • What are the conditions of our local sewage infrastructure? • Are repairs being made if the infrastructure is failing? • Are there any diseases or illnesses attributed to our wastewater treatment systems? • If there are problems with local treatment plants, what actions have the local government institutions made to correct the problem? • Are the septic systems in Stark County in compliance with state health regulations and what agency is responsible for overseeing the septic systems?

4. Canton Water Reclamation Plant

7. Massillon Water Treatment Plant

11. What are the conditions of our local sewage infrastructure and are repairs being made? • In Stark, Wayne, Summit, Portage and Medina counties, there are four watersheds. The Nimishillen Watershed covers 188 square miles and is almost entirely in Stark County (UTRRW, 2009). • A watershed is a drainage basin that collects all runoff water in the area, including some discharged from rivers and creeks. This water is used for drinking, recreation and agriculture (SHRPR). • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility discharges processed effluent into the Nimishillen Creek, which flows into the Nimishillen Watershed (COC, 2009). • Sewage infrastructure in the United States could be 200 years old and many of the older pipelines and treatment plants are failing or are not up to code. • How old is our infrastructure and are our treatment plants functioning properly?

13. Findings & Discussion • There are 3 sewage treatment plants in Stark County. They are located in Canton South, Louisville, and Massillon. We looked at the Canton South plant which treats the largest amount of waste. • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility, located in Canton South, is the regional facility that treats wastewater from North Canton, East Canton and the Stark County Metropolitan Sewage Collection System. This system includes several townships and cities (Mills, 2009). • According to Supervisor, Tracy Mills, in the 1970s, the Canton Water Reclamation Facility was built using grant monies and is still in good shape (Mills, 2009). • This facility has received regular updates over the years and modifications are still being made to improve efficiency and productivity (Mills, 2009). • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility is a tertiary treatment facility able to process 39 mgd and a peak flow of 69 mgd (COC, 2009). • The plant filtration process consists of mechanical screening, raw wastewater pumping, grit removal, preaeration, primary clarification, activated sludge secondary treatment, secondary clarification, effluent filtration, effluent disinfection, and dechlorination.

14. Effluent is treated and released via gravity into the Nimishillen Creek. The effluent then flows into the Nimishillen Watershed (COC, 2009). • Solids handling consists of gravity thickening of primary and secondary sludge, dewatering by belt filter presses, and multiple hearth incineration (COC, 2009). • Gravity thickening is the process of compacting the sludge, or solid waste through the use of gravity and the removal of water. It is done before the sludge goes through the filter presses (Mathai, 2006). • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility has not had a bypass since 2003 (Paulus, 2009). A bypass occurs when a large volume of sewage and storm water exceed the processing capacities of the treatment plant and some of the water is released without being treated. • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility has received either a silver or gold award from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) going back to 1999. They have received the highest award, the Gold Peak Performance Award, for the last three years (COC, 2009).

15. Canton Water Reclamation Facility’s 2007 Peak Performance Award.

16. Findings & Discussion • Tom Chufar is the supervisor of the North Canton Sewage Department. North Canton is a “satellite center” of the Canton Water Reclamation Facility and sends its wastewater through a gravity sewage system (Chufar, 2009). The pipes are installed with a uniform gradient to send the sewage to the plant via gravity (SCS). • The North Canton City sewer lines are in good to very good condition (Chufar, 2009). • North Canton is very proactive and has a program in place to replace pipes before they become damaged (Chufar, 2009). • Sewage and wastewater flow through separate lines and these lines are cleaned every 2 years instead of every 5 years as mandated by the Ohio EPA (Chufar, 2009). (North Canton Ohio, 2007)

17. Are there any diseases or illnesses attributed to our wastewater treatment systems?

18. Findings & Discussion • The Nimishillen Watershed received a rating of 5 out of 10, for a very mediocre rating from the Ohio EPA (Wang, July 2008). • In 2007, the Nimishillen Watershed showed high levels of E. coli and fecal coliform. E. coli can infect humans (Duer, September 2007). • Out of 33 sites checked on the Nimishillen Watershed, 19 were not adequately supporting plants and animals ( Wang, 2008). • Untreated or improperly treated wastewater can affect the health of animals and humans. All you have to do is come into contact with contaminated water to become ill. Resurfacing, raw sewage seeping above ground from septic tanks, can make children and pets ill if they are playing in the area (Paulus, 2009). • No specific examples of illness could be attributed to any one location or stream (Paulus, 2009). Most people will get diarrheal symptoms and do not consult a doctor. The illnesses are often attributed to the flu or a cold, so are underreported.

19. If there are problems with treatment plants, what actions have the local government institutions made to correct the problem? (Abayon, 2007)

20. Findings & Discussion • Every 5 years, a permit given to the water treatment plants in Ohio must be renewed. This can only be done if the plant is in compliance with current standards (OSU Ext). • The Ohio EPA tested the Nimishillen Watershed and discovered high levels of phosphorus, which can harm plants and animals (Mills, 2009). • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility’s permit expires in one year. There are now more stringent regulations on phosphorus with a limit that the plant can discharge. The canton facility is not currently in compliance, so major changes will take place this year to correct this problem (Mills, 2009). • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility received many complaints in 2006 about a foul odor emanating from the plant. A consulting company, CDM, was hired to analyze the issue and provide recommendations. Of the $12.5 million dollars worth of plant improvements, $24,000 worth were completed (Balint, 2006). • Some of the changes included: covering grated areas with steel plates, reinforcing existing plates, capping unused, but connected hoses and duct work modifications (Balint, 2006). • A survey done following the completion of the improvements showed a reduction in odor emanating from the plant (Balint, 2006).

21. Findings & Discussion If the Canton Water Reclamation Facility finds upon inspection that an industry is discharging levels of toxic chemicals that are above specifications, a penalty will be assessed. The penalties range from $100-1000. Repeat offenders can be fined as much as $5000 per event and taken to court (COC).

22. Are the septic systems in Stark County in compliance with state health regulations and what agency oversees them ?

23. Findings & Discussion • There are 40,000-45,000 septic systems in Stark County. 1 in 4, or 17-18% are failing (Paulus, 2009). • These failing systems discharge raw sewage directly into storm sewers, ditches, grassy areas, creeks, lakes, ponds and rivers (Moore, 2009). • The Stark County Health Department is responsible for the oversight of septic systems. Private residences with septic systems are not required to have regular testing; however, businesses with septic systems must be inspected every three years (Moore, 2009). • A septic system “fails” an inspection when there is resurfacing, illegal discharge, or when sewage backs up into the residence (Moore, 2009). • Most people will hide a failing system and not have it replaced due to the high cost of replacement. It costs $4500-20,000 to fix or install a new system (Moore, 2009). • There is a nuisance hotline that citizens can call and report failing systems. An inspector will be sent out to inspect the property and determine if repairs are needed (Moore, 2009).

24. Findings & Discussion • If the property fails the inspection, they MUST repair or replace the system following the specific orders of the Stark County Health Department (Moore, 2009). • If they do not have the money to do this, they can apply for a low interest loan from the Regional Planning Commission, a “buy down” interest rate from the Ohio EPA or a grant from the USDA for residences in rural areas (Paulus, 2009). • If the homeowner fails to qualify for any of the above programs and a year has passed, a judge may order the house vacated until the system is repaired or replaced (Paulus, 2009). • When any home is sold in Stark County, an inspection of the septic system is required in order for the sale to take place (Young, 2008). If the home fails the inspection, the repair/replacement must take place before the sale can go through. • When a large area has been identified as having several failing systems, Deborah Moore of the Stark County Health Department develops a proposal for a public sewer to be connected to the homes (Moore, 2009).

25. Findings & Discussion • All septic systems in the area are inspected and graded as passing or failing, then a proposal is written to be presented to the health department supervisors. Upon approval, grant funding for the project is sought. At the same time, a resident in the affected area must circulate a petition and get the approval and signatures of all residents in the area. If all signatures are not obtained, the project is dropped (Moore, 2009). • Once the sewer lines are installed, all homeowners are REQUIRED to hookup. Residents are not required to hook up to water lines (Moore, 2009). There is a charge/foot of property frontage with the average hookup cost being $4000. • When septic systems are functioning properly, they are an efficient and reliable filtration system for wastewater (Paulus, 2009). This is due to the water filtering down through so many ground layers before it reaches the water table and can be recirculated (Paulus, 2009). • According to the Ohio EPA, 67% of the septic systems on the Nimishillen Watershed are failing and contaminating the water. The systems are currently being tested and homeowners and businesses with faulty systems are required to fix them (Wang, 2008).

26. Summary • The sewer lines in North Canton and surrounding areas are in good condition and not in need of immediate repair. • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility is performing above expectations according to the standards set by the NACWA. The facility completes the tertiary phase of treatment and has not had to bypass since 2003. This means that a minimum amount of pollution is being discharged back into our environment. • It is possible to contract diseases from contaminated, improperly treated sewage; however, no specific examples were given from the Stark County Health Department. • The Nimishillen Watershed has high levels of E. coli and fecal coliform. • The Canton Water Reclamation Facility must comply with the new regulations on phosphorus in order to renew its permit next year. • An issue with odor was addressed and corrected at the Canton Water Reclamation Facility in 2006. • Penalties and fines can be assessed to businesses not in compliance with waste disposal regulations.

27. Summary • The septic systems in Stark County are numerous, many are failing and polluting our environment. These failing systems also put our citizens at risk for health concerns. • The Stark County Health Department is responsible for the oversight of septic systems; however, their ability to enforce regulations is impeded by the unwillingness of the citizens to report and correct faulty systems. • When a septic system fails an inspection, the owner is required to fix it or replace it or could be ordered off of the premises. • When areas in the county are identified as having numerous failing septic systems, the health department works diligently to connect the homes to public sewer lines. • Any homes with a septic system must be inspected by the health department before the sale of the home can go through. • When a septic system is failing and discharges untreated waste into the environment, plants, animals, and humans can be affected. Water sources can be polluted, habitats destroyed and diseases unleashed on the community. This is a big problem in the Nimishillen Watershed with 67% of the septic systems failing.

28. Recommendations • Educate yourself on how well your local sewage treatment plant is operating. • If the plant is not in compliance, be an activist. Call your local elected officials, write editorials to local newspapers or call the superintendent of the facility for answers. • Don’t pollute water used outside of treatment systems. Don’t excessively use pesticides, chemicals to clean cars, dump used oil, clean paint brushes outside, repair leaks in your vehicles and clean up pet waste immediately (North Canton Ohio). • If you have a septic system, properly maintain it. If it fails, repair or replace it. • Report any failing systems to the proper authorities. • If you live in an area with multiple failing systems, circulate a petition to connect to the public sewer lines.

29. In Stark County, Ohio, is the environment better protected through the use of septic systems or wastewater treatment plants? Currently, Stark County’s wastewater is treated by a top of line treatment center, which removes a considerable amount of pollutants before being discharged back into the environment. There is a problem. Not all pollutants are being removed and due to the high volume of discharge from the facility, many toxic chemicals are being pumped into the Nimishillen Watershed. Septic systems do a better job of filtering waste, but only when they are up-to-date and functioning properly. 1 in 4 systems are failing and discharging pollutants directly into open areas, lakes and rivers. These systems have added significantly to the pollution problem in the Nimishillen Watershed. Ideally, our wastewater treatment plant would continue to function at the highest standards and all failing septic systems would be repaired or replaced . These homes would not be connected to public lines because they filter the wastewater more effectively.

30. Methods • Researching local septic systems and sewage treatment plants gave us many resource options from which to choose. • Most information came directly from phone conversations or interviews with professionals in the field. They have the most reliable, up-to-date information to be found. • Tom Chufar works at the North Canton Sewage Department and Tracy Mills works at the Canton Water Reclamation Facility. • Deborah Moore works for the Stark County Health Department. Her duties include inspecting septic systems, monitoring and approving the repairs and installation of new systems and developing proposals for community improvement through the installation of sewers to areas in need. • Todd Paulus is the Unit Manager at the Stark County Health Department and he oversees all of the employees in the Environmental Health Division and ensures that all federal, state and local laws are being followed. • The Stark County Health Department and the Canton Repository’s websites were chosen since they would have the most relevant local information. • No books or magazine articles were found that contained any local information for our topic.

31. References • Mills, T., Canton Water Reclamation Facility Superintendent, April 21, 2009. • Chufar, T., North Canton Sewer Department Supervisor, April 16, 2009. • Mathai (2206), Sarasota County Sewers (SCS), http://sewers.scgov.net/PCS/Gravity_sewer_system.aspx, accessed May 3, 2009. • Paulus, T., Environmental Health Unit Manager, April 29, 2009. • The City of Canton (COC), Water Reclamation Facility Info, http://www.cantonohio.gov/wrf/?pg=217, accessed May 4, 2009. • Turovskiy, I. S. & Mathai, P. K. (2006). Wastewater Sludge Processing. Wiley & Sons, http://books.google.com/books?id=DwMWvTki7h8C&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_summary_r&cad=0#PPP1,M1, accessed May 4, 2009. • Upper Tuscarawas River Region Watersheds (UTRRW), (2009), http://www.uptuscwatershed.org/index.html, accessed May 5, 2009. • Salmonid Habitat Restoration Planning Resource (SHRPR), http://csc-s-maps-q.csc.noaa.gov/salmonid/html/water/back.htm, accessed May 5, 2009.

32. References • Abayon, N. (2009), Is Water Pollution Making You Infertile, Wellsphere, http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_8ZhGYdd4xZA/SYRgkJXKwEI/AAAAAAAAAXI/VVl12g7YZCc/s320/creek%2Bgrate.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.wellsphere.com/wellpage/sewage-treatment&usg=__QIO-Bi19K6k4Nx8d6YSqODqc8Zw=&h=320&w=249&sz=27&hl=en&start=334&um=1&tbnid=ZyVhRnaWLlVfoM:&tbnh=118&tbnw=92&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsewage%2Bproblems%2Bpictures%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D320%26um%3D1accessed May 6, 2009. • Ohio State University Extension (OSU Ext.), http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0768.html, accessed May 6, 2009. • Moore, D., Septic Systems Inspector, April 29, 2009. • Wang, R. (2008, July 2). Ohio EPA rep calls watershed mediocre. The Repository. • Duer, B. (2007, September 11). Blueprint to clean watershed approved. The Repository. • Young, K. (2008, May 14). Selling your home? Stark County now requires septic inspection. The Repository • North Canton Ohio, http://www.northcantonohio.com/content/nc-storm-water.htm, accessed May 6, 2009.