APPENDIX L - CCAMP SEPTAGE AND SLUDGE MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS 

 December 1987 Page L-3 



problems; EPA: The regional office should highlight septage management as 

 an area for increased attention, and stress this with DEQE through guid- 

 ance and funding of program grants, particularly 106, 205(g), 205(j) and 

 wellhead protection. 



INSTITUTIONS COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS 

 SEPTAGE MANAGEMENT 



1. DEQE's Division of Water Pollution Control should continue to imple- 

 ment a policy in support of regional septage facilities and increase 

 the visibility of the policy with local communities. Planned regional 

 systems should receive the full attention of the construction grants 

 staff through a "fast track" mechanism that moves the project through 

 the facilities planning process as rapidly as possible. The heart of 

 the "fast track" process should involve staff from the Residuals Unit 

 and staff from the Municipal Facilities Branch working in a complemen- 

 tary fashion to expedite priority projects. Especially important is 

 an active approach that requires working closely with towns and con- 

 sultants and providing input on siting options, suggested treatment 

 technologies and other critical aspects of the process. 



2. Every town on Cape Cod that is not currently involved in planning and 

 implementing a long-range septage disposal solution, should sanction a 

 local task force to commence action. CCPEDC should be responsible for 

 initiating this through the town's Board of Selectmen. An ongoing 

 process should transpire that brings together the town's task force, 

 CCPEDC and appropriate DEQE personnel, all geared toward expediting 

 facilities planning and implementing permanent septage solutions. 

 CCPEDC should promote local citizen participation and awareness of the 

 septage disposal problem (and the issues involved in working toward a 

 solution) by maintaining close contact with local boards, concerned 

 citizens and interest groups. 



3. The Residuals Unit, established within DWPC's Regulatory Branch, 

 should be given the resources necessary to implement an effective 

 program. Of particular importance are (1) efforts toward increased 

 coordination with local governments; (2) coordination and support for 

 the Municipal Facilities Branch during facilities planning; (3) devel- 

 opment of a policy for managing grease and; (4) a full examination of 

 issues involving the composting of septage sludge, especially those 

 issues involving heavy metals, particularly cadmium. 



4. Septage haulers should be licensed by the DEQE on a statewide basis to 

 remediate many of the abuses that are taking place. Unapproved dispos- 

 al locations; disfunction equipment that leaks and emits odors during 

 transport; use of system additives that endanger groundwater; and 

 other issues must be addressed. In the interim, the towns through 

 their Water Quality Committees or Septage Task Forces should initiate 

 meetings with haulers to better comprehend septage problems 



