What is a waste stabilization pond and how does it work?A waste stabilization pond is an artificial or man-made lagoon or pond into which raw sewage (household waste) is discharged. Treatment of the sewage is accomplished by bacteria and algae working together to break down the organic waste. The heavy solids settle to the bottom where they are decomposed by bacteria. The lighter, suspended material is broken down by bacteria in suspension. In this process, carbon dioxide is given off. Dissolved nutrient materials, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, plusthe carbon dioxide in the presence of light are utilized by algae to make more algal cells. The by-product of this process is oxygen whihc is utilized by the bacteria to repeat the cycle of breaking down the sewage. A pond will have a green color when a flourishing algae population has been established.A properly designed and maintained lagoon, to all appearances, looks like a very pleasant body of water. Why can't I have a septic system?The soil characteristics obtained from the percolation test and soil maps on your parcel of land indicate that a septic system would likely fail soon after installation. The soil would not absorb the sewage effluent discharged from the septic tank into the seepage field. Stabilization ponds or experimental sand mounds are the only known alternative.What is the minimum lot size?The minimum lot size on which a lagoon can be located is three acres.Can I use an existing farm pond?No. A farm pond receives runoff water from nearby fields and silt material eventually fills the pond. Farm ponds are designed for flood control, stock watering, and recreation.What is the life of a waste stabilization pond?From available information, a pond will last indefinately, if properly maintained.Where does all the water go?A lagoon is designed for complete retention. The water evaporates into the air. This is one of the reasons that ponds are constructed cone shaped; so that a large water surface area is provided to facilitate the evapotranspiration as it is termed. The annual potential evapotranspiration in Lancaster County is about 44 inches.What if I have a good percolation rate, but want a stabilization pond?The installation of stabilization ponds where the percolation rate is faster than 45 minutes per 1 inch is discouraged due to problems with sealing the soil.Does the sewage pond have to be made watertight?Yes. All ponds must have the bottom and inside slopes sealed. Depending on the soil characteristics, this is accomplished by compaction or using bentonite (a refined clay), plastic liner (8 mil thickness) or other approved material to seal the soil services.Are signs required?Yes. "No Trespassing - Waste Lagoon" signs shall be posted on all sides of the pond. A minimum sign board size of 1' x 2' is recommended.Are mosquitoes a problem with a sewage lagoon?Mosquitoes will breed in sheltered areas of standing water where there is vegetation to which egg rafts of the female mosquito can be attached. These egg rafts are fragile and will not withstand the action of disturbed water surfaces caused by wind action or normal currents. Keeping the water edge and the pond itself clear of vegetation wil normally give adequate control.Do stabilization ponds have an odor?Odors may occur during the spring warm-up because biological activity is reduced during cold weather. This renovation of activity in the spring may cause an odor for approximately three to five days.What about soaps and detergents?Soaps, detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners or other material which are normally used in the household will have no appreciable adverse effect on the system. Since essential organisms might be adversely affected by large doses of chemicals and disinfectants, moderation should be the rule. Advice from the Health Department should be sought before chemicals from a hobby or home industry are discharghed into the system.What about cigarettes, etc.?Cigarettes, paper towels, sanitary napkins and tampons, newspapers, wrapping paper, disposable diapers, rags and sticks will not readily decompose in the sewage lagoon and are likely to lead to clogging of the sewer line.Should I use a garbage disposal?Garbage grinders can be used in homes served by waste stabilization ponds.What about an aerated septic tank unit?These are systems in which domestic sewage undergoes aeration treatment similar to some municipal wastewater treatment plants. The effluent from these devices is relatively clear and free of odor. Effective removal of disease causing organisms from the effluent of these devices has not been established. These treatment devices have been used in conjunction with stabilization ponds to provide additional oxygen and breakup of organic solids into small particles to aid bacterial action. Used in this manner, lagoons have been called "polishing ponds."What is the difference between sewage coming to the ground surface and an open sewage lagoon?A sewage lagoon wiht its large quantity of water has no attraction for flies as a breeding area. An aerobic lagoon which is properly maintained does not have the odor problem generally associated with the anaerobic septic system effluent that breeches the ground surface.A stabilization pond is fenced, therefore keeping the unsuspecting from coming in contact with the sewerage. The sewerage is also confined and not free to flow or be washed by precipitation. In addition, a properly maintained pond will not have mosquito breeding taking place as pooling of septic effluent does. Why is a fence required?A fence is required because under the law, a sewage lagoon can be considered as an attractive nuisance and liability is on the homeowner. Small children may find the pond area a tempting play area.Dogs and livestock may wade in the pond also. Cattle may damage the effluent pipe or cause erosion of the dikes. What type of fence should be installed?The fence should be a minimum of 4 feet high, woven or welded 14 gauge wire, with a standard main gate that is kept locked. Maximum fence post spacing is 18 feet located on the outside edge of the dike. Chain link fence may be preferred because less maintenance is required and should be installed if a round fence is preferred. The fence is to be completed within ten days after construction approval is received.How much water should the lagoon have in it and why?The maximum water depth is three feet and the minimum is two feet. Following construction of the pond and prior to any sewage discharge, the pond should be filled to the three foot depth.Aquatic weeds, such as cattails, will grow in the shallow water, so an operating depth of two to three feet is necessary to discourage growth. Utilization of sunlight by algae is also more efficient at this depth. Will the pond freeze over?If the pond is in normal use and the water depth is maintained, freezing should not be a problem. If no household sewage is being discharged during severe weather for extended times (winter vacation), the lagoon may freeze. Therefore, it is best to maintain the three foot depth prior to leaving on long trips.What if cattails become a problem?Cattails can be pulled out or a specific herbicide recommended by the County Extension Service can be used.What type of grass should be seeded on the dike?The dike or levee should be seeded with a densely-growing, short-rooted perennial grass such as blue, fescue or brome.Can I plant trees near the lagoon?Trees may stop wind disturbance and shade the lagoon. To prevent this, the pond should be kept free of shrubbery higher than 10 feet within 50 feet, and of trees within 100 feet. See figure 2.What maintenance is required?The following maintenance is required: 1) keep aquatic weeds under control; 2) mow the grass along the water edge; and 3) maintain the two-three foot depth.Is a permit required to install a sewage system?Yes. A permit is required for the installation and construction of ALL individual sewage disposal systems in Lancaster County. The permit fee is $150 and is obtained at the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department.Is it necessary to have the sewage lagoon inspected or approved?Yes. The lagoon must be inspected and approved by the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department prior to being put into use. |