This report also examines what alternatives are available to meet the growing constraints on disposal of residuals and what research is needed by POTWs to maintain sound residuals management decision making in the future. However, it is hoped that this report will shed more light on the subject of residuals management and focus attention on research that is needed to help address the growing number of water resources-related questions.
Residuals are solids or semisolid by-products created by the wastewater treatment process.
Municipalities, industries, and septage producers are faced with the task of managing of this material in an economically and environmentally sound manner. This task has become more complex with the passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act and subsequent state and federal regulations that are restricting options for disposal. In addition to these constraints, residuals management is a major cost to wastewater treatment facilities and accounts for approximately 20 to 30 percent of the capital and operating costs. The management of municipal residuals begins with wastewater from industrial pretreatment and domestic sources. Wastewater from these sources is transported to the POTW for treatment.