The Handling and Disposal of Residuals From the Treatment of Urban Stormwater Runoff From Separate Storm Drainage Systems

Abstract

Given the magnitude of stormwater runoff (from separate storm drainage systems) and its pollutional contribution, the treatment of stormwater would generate residuals in amounts equal to or in excess of the volume of sludge now generated by municipal wastewater treatment. The characteristics of stormwater runoff differ substantially from that of wastewater or combined sewer overflow (CSO) in several important parameters, most notably suspended solids (SS) and organic content. The increased SS content of stormwater runoff results in higher volumes of residuals and increased handling and disposal costs. Similarly, the lower organic and nutrient content of stormwater runoff limits both the effectiveness of conventional biological treatment processes and land application disposal options. Several treatment and handling approaches are discussed and evaluated, including both centralized and satellite options. In addition, the primary and secondary economic (e.g. cost, land requirements) and environmental (e.g. air and water pollution, public health, etc.) impacts of stormwater runoff residuals treatment, handling, and disposal are reviewed.