What is required for a proprietary aerobic treatment plant to be suitable for surface application disposal?

A proprietary aerobic treatment plant is typically designed to treat wastewater effectively before it is disposed of through surface application. For it to be suitable for such disposal methods, it is essential that the system be certified by a professional engineer (PE) or a registered sanitarian (RS). This certification ensures that the plant meets predetermined performance standards and safety regulations necessary for environmental protection and public health.

The involvement of a professional engineer or registered sanitarian signifies that the design and operational parameters of the system have been thoroughly assessed and comply with local, state, or federal regulations. This step is crucial in ensuring that the treated effluent is of sufficient quality to be safely discharged to surface waters or used for land application without negative impacts on the environment or human health.

While maintenance of minimum dissolved oxygen (DO) levels, equal volume considerations, and approvals from local authorities are also important aspects in the overall management and operation of wastewater treatment systems, the requirement for specific certification directly addresses the efficacy and compliance of the aerobic treatment plant for the intended surface application disposal. It underlines the importance of a formal validation process for the technology used in water treatment.