APPENDIX L - CCAMP SEPTAGE AND SLUDGE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 

 December 1987 Page L-2 



planning continues to be a laborious process that requires diligence by 

 all those involved to ensure the approval of acceptable projects that will 

 replace the pits and lagoons. 



It is understandable that septic treatment projects can get bogged 

 down during the facilities planning process. Septage is a highly concen- 

 trated waste, and often the chosen treatment option involves unproven 

 technology that must be carefully evaluated. Also, complex solutions 

 generate controversy at all levels of government, resulting in long de- 

 lays. Staff of DEQE's Municipal Facilities Branch must give continuous 

 attention to priority septage problems as identified by the Regulatory 

 Branch. As DEQE is first and foremost a regulatory agency, the construc- 

 tion of wastewater treatment plants should be driven primarily by major 

 pollution problems especially those under State cleanup orders. Several 

 existing septage lagoons on the Cape are under such orders and require a 

 concerted effort by all state personnel to resolve the problems. Septage 

 enforcement actions should be at the very top of DEQE's list of enforce- 

 ment priorities especially if a drinking water supply is threatened. 



A Residuals Unit was recently created within DEQE's Regulatory Branch 

 to work on issues involving septage, sludge, grease, etc. CCAMP applauds 

 this as recognition of an area that had been basically disregarded by 

 DEQE. This Unit should be given the appropriate resources to deal with 

 residuals issues in a comprehensive way. In particular, the Department 

 must develop, as soon as possible, a sludge management program in conjunc- 

 tion with septage guidelines. 



Local officials on Cape Cod should take more of a leadership role 

 toward developing long-term septage management solutions for their communi- 

 ties. A greater awareness of the septage problem town-wide, and a commit- 

 ment to better management practices- -even if they involve increased costs- 

 must be implemented. Proper regulation of septage haulers, regular septic 

 system maintenance programs, and solutions to peak season pressures, must 

 be initiated. We also encourage each Cape town to develop a fully trained 

 staff to work on Title 5 cases. In addition, an effort toward complement- 

 ing Title 5 with local supplements, especially those that involve setbacks 

 from septic systems, should be continued. 



An intergovernmental management process can succeed if DEQE, CCPEDC, 

 the towns and EPA adopt the following roles. DEQE: strong, visible pres- 

 ence in support of the facilities planning process, and continued consis- 

 tent enforcement pressure to solve existing septage problems; CCPEDC: 

 Provide the needed forum for bringing state and local officials together, 

 and coordinate the facilities planning process to ensure clear conununica- 

 tion. Town: Key officials must establish a leadership role within town 

 and provide a "good faith" effort toward resolving septage 



