Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Septage, also known as hauled sewage, refers to accumulated sanitary contents removed from a septic tank system or holding tank for off-site processing and treatment. Where municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Ontario are unable to handle the highly concentrated waste generated by septic systems, the pumped septage is hauled and applied to land. The Ontario government is working to stimulate the development of septage treatment capacity through investments in infrastructure, studies of alternative treatment options, and more protective environmental laws. Francis Thomas Contracting Co. Ltd. (Thomas Contracting), a company providing septic system and waste management solutions, operates a septage spreading field in Haliburton, Ontario. They are seeking solutions to pretreat collected septage prior to land application. Most available technologies and treatment systems cannot manage the fluctuating strengths of septage, as its characteristics vary widely from load to load. Thomas Contracting proposes to collaborate with Fleming College's Centre for Advancement of Water and Wastewater Technologies (CAWT) to identify a solution for the on-site pretreatment of septage. The CAWT will conduct a treatability study that will determine the optimal treatment technology and methodology. The results from this applied research will benefit septage haulers across Canada and Ontario, who face pressure from municipalities to develop sustainable disposal solutions.