[Winona] FW: waste planning

[Keith Nelson]

________________________________

From: Keith Nelson 
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2006 8:34 AM
To: winona at mnforum.org
Subject: waste planning

 

The treatment of waste water is highly regulated by both the MPCA and
the EPA.  First the treatment process does in fact kill dangerous
bacteria both in the liguid effluent and the more solid biosolids.  The
biosolids that Mr Kirschmann is talking about is separated organic
material that is highly sought after for use as a supplement to farm
fields.  Its use significantly reduces the need for certain fertilizers.
Constant testing, as well as testing of the testing procedure, is
performed on all phases of the treatment.  The land application of the
biosolids is monitored primarily for heavy metals.  Application and
accumulation levels are carefully recorded and restricted.  All aspects
of the applications sites are taken into account before being approved
as an acceptable site by the MPCA and then it is only to willing land
owners. 

 

Waste water plant operators are certified through many levels of testing
and years of experience, again through the MPCA.

The Winona waste water plant has a spotless record with all government
agencies.  Plant capacity is being used at only 60% and provides
opportunity for continued community growth.

 

The current technology used at the Winona Wastewater treatment plant is
as effective and environmentally friendly method to treat human and
industrial waste as anywhere in the country and likely the world.
Legitimate concern should be raised in the use of individual septic
treatment systems.  The rural tank and drain field approach is only a
step above the individual privy (a big hole in the ground method).  MPCA
records state that from 50% to 80% of the septic drain fields are
failing and dumping human waste and household chemicals directly into
surface and ground waters.  Of course animal feedlots are always a
health concern.  Someone legitimately concerned with the environment
would address these long before the highly regulated and effective
municipal wastewater systems.

 

 

 

Keith Nelson

City of Winona

Public Works Department

507 457 8274

 

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