Spray Application of Wastewater Effluent in West Dover, Vermont: An Initial Assessment.
Abstract
Runoff from spray application of secondary wastewater effluent on a forested hillside in West Dover, Vermont, was monitored for a six-week summer period (11 July-19 August 1977). Both quantity and quality of applied effluent and site drainage were monitored. On-site groundwater and two adjacent streams were sampled for water quality. Drainage flows were relatively constant during the study period in spite of highly variable inputs to the site. There is evidence that substantial quantities of water may be leaving the spray site by moving through the subsurface fragipan layer. On a mass basis, 95% of the total nitrogen, 96% of the ammonia nitrogen, 92% of the nitrate-nitrogen, 98% of the organic nitrogen, 99% of the total phosphorus, and 79% of the BOD5 were removed by spray application. Heavy precipitation was observed to flush most nutrient forms, especially nitrate-nitrogen, from the spray site. Groundwater on the spray field contained lower concentrations of nutrients than did the applied effluent, but higher concentrations than those found in site drainage. No hazardous nitrate levels were detected in groundwater. No elevations of nutrient concentrations in the Deerfield River or Ellis Brook were detected during the study period. However, there was some evidence of increased chloride concentrations in Ellis Brook. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA068534
Entities
People
- D. W. Meals
- E. A. Cassell
- J. R. Bouzoun