OCR Text |
Show While total containment systems eliminate pollutant discharges to surface waters, they are not without problems. Seepage from total containment systems can contribute to elevated levels of nutrients and Total Dissolved Solids ( TDS). Generally, this has not been a problem in Utah. Role of the Water Quality Board with Respect to Publicly- Owned Sewage Treatment Works The Water Quality Board and the Division of Water Quality have specific statutory responsibilities with respect to publicly owned sewage treatment facilities. These include: • Review of plans and specifications of sewage conveyance, treatment and disposal facilities prior to construction, and issuance of construction permits. • Issuance of discharge permits, under provisions of the federal Clean Water Act. These permits are based on minimum technology requirements as well as meeting instream water quality standards to protect beneficial uses. The Division of Water Quality also does compliance monitoring, and takes compliance and enforcement action as necessary when discharge permits are violated. Grants and loans to assist in design and construction of sewage works. Under the state and federal financial assistance programs, several functions occur: a. A priority list is revised each year, which lists all communities with potential projects. The ranking is based primarily on need for new or upgraded sewage facilities. b. When a potential project comes within the funding range and the community is ready to proceed, a facility plan ( engineering study) is prepared. This plan covers all aspects of the project including evaluation of various treatment alternatives. The alternatives are evaluated based on numerous criteria including total cost ( capital plus operation), environmental impacts, and public acceptance. c. The community would then come to the Water Quality Board and apply for funding assistance for the selected project. * fc Operator certification. All publicly owned sewer systems and treatment works must be operated by state- certified operators after January 1, 1995. Those operators who are in charge must be certified. Technical assistance in the operation of treatment facilities. The staff also receives monthly operating reports from the facilities, and conducts regular inspections to assure that the facilities are being appropriately operated and maintained. |