La. Admin. Code tit. 51 § XII-265

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section XII-265 - Alum Sludge

A. Alum sludge can be discharged to a sanitary sewer. However, initiation of this practice shall depend on obtaining approval from the owner of the sanitary sewerage system as well as from the state health officer before final designs are made.

B. Mechanical concentration may be considered. A pilot study is recommended before the design of a mechanical dewatering installation.

C. Freezing changes the nature of alum sludge so that it can be used for fill. Acid treatment of sludge for alum recovery may be a possible alternative.

D. Lagoons. Lagooning may be used as a method of handling alum sludge. Lagoon size can be calculated using total chemicals used plus a factor for turbidity. Lagoons shall be designed to produce an effluent satisfactory to the LDEQ.

1. Lagoons, in addition, should provide for:

a. a location free from flooding;

b. where necessary, dikes, deflecting gutters or other means of diverting surface water so that it does not flow into the lagoon;

c. a minimum usable depth of 5 feet;

d. adequate freeboard of at least 2 feet;

e. adjustable decanting device;

f. effluent sampling point;

g. adequate safety provisions, and

h. a minimum of two cells, each with appropriate inlet/outlet structures to facilitate independent filling/dewatering operations.

E. Mechanical dewatering may be used as a method of handling alum sludge.

1. The successful use of mechanical dewatering depends on the characteristics of the alum sludge produced, as determined by site specific studies.

2. Mechanical dewatering shall be preceded by sludge concentration and chemical pre- treatment.

F. Alum sludge may be disposed of by land application either alone, or in combination with other wastes where an agronomic value has been determined, and disposal has been approved by the LDEQ if required.

La. Admin. Code tit. 51, § XII-265

Promulgated by the Department of Health, Office of Public Health, LR 44342 (2/1/2018), effective 8/1/2018.

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 40:4.A.(8), 40:4.13.D.(1)(2) and 40:5.A.(2)(3)(5)(6)(7)(17).