Deep-ocean disposal of sewage sludge off Orange County, California: a research plan
A seven-year research program is recommended to study the environmental and possible health effects of a proposed ocean discharge of sewage sludge via a special pipeline to an unprecedented depth of about 1000 to 1300 feet (300 to 400 meters) off the coast of Orange County in southern California. The research is related to a proposal by the County Sanitation Districts of Orange County (CSDOC) for discharge of its sludge through a small pipeline terminating 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) from the mouth of the Santa Ana River at a depth of 1000 to 1300 feet (300 to 400 m). The pipe (about 18 in. in diameter) would be continuously welded and coated both internally and externally; it could easily be laid from a pipelaying barge. Savings attributable to this option would be nearly $10 million per year, including the annualized cost of capital as well as annual operation, maintenance, research and monitoring costs. The environmental impacts of ocean disposal are expected to be slight, based on what is currently known. No human health impact of risk is anticipated. If the research plan presented herein reveals unacceptable impacts, CSDOC will modify or discontiue its ocean discharge operations. Upon termination of the discharge, any sludge-related changes in biological communities are expected to be reversed within only a few years. CSDOC is currently seeking approval to conduct this experiment through special legislation and/or regulatory actions at both state and federal levels. Specific goals of the research plan are discussed.
- Research Organization:
- California Inst. of Tech., Pasadena (USA). Environmental Quality Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 6530512
- Report Number(s):
- EQL-21; ON: DE83900924
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
MARINE DISPOSAL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
SEWAGE SLUDGE
CALIFORNIA
COASTAL WATERS
DEPTH
HEALTH HAZARDS
RECOMMENDATIONS
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
WASTE DISPOSAL
DIMENSIONS
FEDERAL REGION IX
HAZARDS
MANAGEMENT
NORTH AMERICA
SEWAGE
SLUDGES
SURFACE WATERS
USA
WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTES
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)