T

TI NO. 06/201
0 11

SEW
WAGE
E TRE
EATM
MENT
T PLA
ANTS

WOORKS DIREC CTORATTE

ENGINNEER-IIN-CHIEF BRA
ANCH
M
MILITA
ARY ENNGINEE ER SER
RVICES
S
MINISTR
RY OF DEFEN
D CE IHQ
Q (ARM
MY)
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TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS
ON
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

WORKS DIRECTORATE
ENGINEER-IN-CHIEF BRANCH
MILITARY ENGINEER SERVICES
INTEGRATED HQ OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
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CONTENTS

1. BASIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS 1

2. POLLUTANTS IN WASTEWATER 2

3. SEWAGE CHARACTERISTICS 2

4. DEGREE OF TREATMENT 4

5. REACTOR DESIGN PRINCIPLES 6

6. CLASSIFICATION OF THE PROCESS 10

7. TERTIARY TREATMENT OF SEWAGE FOR REUSE 25

8. EFFLUENT DISPOSAL AND UTILISATION 26

9. EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT 27

10. OPERATION & MAINTENANCE FOR STP 29

11. INDIAN STANDARDS 33

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SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT

1. OBJECTIVE

The object of sewage treatment is to stabilize the organic matter present in

sewage so as to produce an effluent liquid and a sludge, both of which can be
disposed of into the environment without causing health hazard or nuisance.
The endeavour should be to adopt modern and cost effective technologies and
equipment to achieve value for money and maximum user satisfaction. Therefore,
while planning for the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), effort needs to be made to
adopt such technology which is appropriate and it may be ensured that it seamlessly
integrates with the existing system.

2. BASIC DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

2.1 Essential Parameters

Before proceeding with design of the treatment plant & disposal mechanism, it
is essential to know the following-
a) Quantity of sewage and its origin- Domestic, butchery, hospital, work
shop or industry.
b) Physicochemical characteristics of the raw sewage.
c) Desirable final effluent standards which shall be dependent upon the
conditions under which the effluent is to be discharged e.g., on land, into a water body
etc.

2.2 Degree of Treatment

The degree of treatment shall be decided by regulatory bodies like local
municipality or Pollution Control Board (PCB) which may have laid down standards for
effluent and may have specified the conditions under which the effluent could be
discharged into a natural stream, sea or disposed of on land. Besides, the method of
treatment adopted should not only meet the above requirements of regulatory bodies
but also result in the maximum use of end products.

2.3 Design Period

The treatment plant is normally designed for a 30 year period. It is suggested
that the construction of the STP be organised in phases with an initial design period of
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5 to 10 years. STPs are to be designed for average flow of wastewater per day.
Generally these are designed for present loads with possibility of augmentation for
future increase. Care should be taken to see that the plant is not considerably under
loaded In the initial stages.

2.4 Population Served

Estimates for present and future population or areas Involved In the project
need to be on realistic basis and should be vetted by station authorities.

3. POLLUTANTS IN WASTEWATER

The three chief categories of pollutants in wastewater are the dissolved and
suspended solids and the water-borne organisms. These are tabulated hereunder-

Table 1: Pollutants in Wastewater

DISSOLVED SOLIDS SUSPENDED SOLIDS MICRO-ORGANISMS

Inorganic Biodegradable, Water Biodegradable, Water Biodegradable, Includes various

Compounds Soluble Organic Insoluble Organic Water Insoluble Species of Bacteria
Compounds (BOD) Compounds (COD) Organic including Pathogenic
Such as Starches, Such as Tannin, Compounds Bacteria, Viruses,
Fats, Carbohydrates, Lignin, Cellulose, Resistant Protozoa, Fungi etc.
Proteins, Alcohols, Phenols, Detergents, to Bacterial
Fatty and Amino Petroleum Products, Decomposition
Acids, Aldehydes and Pesticides,
esters Insecticides, Industrial
Chemicals and
Hydrocarbons

4. WASTE WATER FLOW AND SEWAGE CHARACTERISTICS

The quantity of sewage and its characteristics are important considerations.

Detailed analysis of waste being obtained in each specific case is essential for
characterisation of wastewater in order to develop an effective and economical
wastewater management programme. This constitutes the primary data required for
process design which helps in choice of treatment methods, deciding the extent of
treatment, assessing the beneficial uses of wastewater in a planned and controlled
manner. Collection of waste water from other similar location may be taken during
initial stages of planning for this data. The various parameters to be determined are -
a) Sources of Toxic waste water (If any):-
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(i) Hospital Waste Composition/ Vol. of Waste

(ii) Butchery’s Waste -do-
(iii) Industrial Waste -do-
b) Sewage Characteristics for each type- Physical and chemical properties
of raw sewage viz. BOD5 (mg/l) at 20° and suspended solids (mg/l), etc. as given
below are to be forwarded preferably at peak flow & lean flow time, with a repeat test
at an interval of 2 days.
(i) Temperature.
(ii) pH.
(iii) Color & Odour
(iv) Solids-TSS,VSS,NVSS
(v) Nitrate
(vi) Phosphorus
(vii) Chlorides
(viii) BOD5
(ix) COD
(x) Toxic Metals & Compounds
(xi) Greases & Oils, etc

4.1 Characterisation of Wastewater

a) Temperature: This is useful in indicating Oxygen transfer capacity of
aeration equipment and rate of biological activity. Extremely low temp affects
adversely, thus proper design and selection of technology for low temp areas are
required.
b) Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH): This indicates development of
septic conditions.
c) Colour and Odour: With passage of time waste become stale, dark and
emits foul smell.
d) Solids: Sewage contains only 0.1 percent solids, the rest being water.
Still the nuisance caused by the solids cannot be overlooked, as they are highly
putrescible and therefore need propel disposal. The sewage solids may be classified
into suspended and dissolved fractions which may be further subdivided into volatile
and non- volatile solids. Information of the volatile or organic fraction of solid, which is
putrescible, becomes necessary as this contributes to the load on biological treatment
units.

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e) Nitrogen: The principal nitrogenous compounds in domestic sewage are

proteins, amines, amino-acids and urea. Generally domestic sewage contains
sufficient nitrogen to take care of the needs of the biological treatment.
f) Phosphorus: Phosphorus is contributed to domestic sewage from food
residues. The use of increased quantities of synthetic detergents adds substantially to
the phosphorus content. Phosphorus, just as nitrogen, is an essential nutrient for
biological process.
g) Chlorides: Concentration of chlorides in sewage above the normal
chloride content in the water supply is used as an index of the strength of the sewage.
The daily contribution of chlorides averages to about 8 gm per person.
h) Biochemical Oxygen Demand: The Biochemical Oxygen Demand
(BOD) of sewage or of polluted water is the amount of oxygen required for the
biological decomposition of biodegradable organic matter under aerobic conditions.
i) Chemical Oxygen Demand: The Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) test
gives a measure of the oxygen required for chemical Oxidation. This test does not
differentiate between biologically Oxidiable and nonoxidiable material. However, the
ratio of the COD to BOO does not change significantly for a particular waste and hence
this test could be used conveniently for interpreting performance
j) Toxic Metals and Compounds: Some heavy metals and compounds
such as chromium, copper and cyanide, which are toxic, may find their way into
sewage through hospital/ industrial discharges. Determination of these compounds
assumes importance if such waste is to be treated by biological process or disposed
off into a stream or on land.
k) Grease and oils in excessive amounts not only add considerably to the
cost of treatment, but also pose a disposal problem.

5. DEGREE OF TREATMENT

5.1 Choice of Treatment

Analysis, in totality, for collection, disposal, treatment and safe reuse of
wastewater is done before selecting a technology. Due care be taken for climate
conditions while selecting technologies particularly with regard to biological units. For
very small and isolated population, the time tested septic tank with two soak wells may
still be a safe option, provided water table is not too high (<8.0m). Modifications to
septic tank or soak well can be planned if rocky strata are encountered. However this
may not be a preferred option.
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5.2 Effect Of Hospital, Butchery or Workshop Wastes

Wastes from these locations can form an important component of sewage flows
both in volume and composition. It is therefore necessary that detailed data about the
nature of the waste from these sources is estimated. Quantity and character of wastes
based on laboratory analysis and their variations which may affect the sewerage
system or the sewage treatment process, are to be assessed for individual and for the
composite samples. Where water reclamation is to be practiced, due consideration is
to be given to the effect in these waste components on the final effluent. In certain
instances, it is more economical to tackle these wastes at the source itself.
5.3 Other Considerations
Degree of Treatment required shall also depend on
a) Method of Effluent Disposal.
b) Possibilities of Reuse, if any during monsoon, winters and summers with
confirmation of same from users.

5.4 Treatment Parameters

In case of sewage, the degree of treatment is considered in terms of removal of
BOD/COD, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous), coliforms, heavy metals etc. Land
disposal generally has to meet less stringent discharge standards than disposal to
surface waters. Land disposal also has the advantage of obtaining nutrient utilization
for the soil and is, thus, preferred wherever feasible. It is not enough to aim only at
BOD removal and other factors be left to unspecified, incidental removal. The selection
of a treatment process depends on the extent of removal efficiency required for all
important parameters and the need to obviate nuisance conditions.
If treated wastewater is to be disposed off, guidelines of CPCB (mainly
BOD5<30 mg/l) should be followed. Other specifications are as under:
Table 2: Wasterwater Characteristics for Disposal
a) Ph : 6-9
b) TSS : <50 mg/l
c) BOD : <30 mg/l
d) COD : <250 mg/l
e) Residual Chlorine : <1.0 mg/l
f) Coliform : <10³ counts/100 ml

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5.5 Recycle and Reuse

As a matter of policy wastewater should be recycled for non-potable users after
proper treatment unless there are reasons for not doing so. Normally tertiary
treatment has three stages i.e. filtration by dual media sand filter, super chlorination
and finally adsorption by activated carbon column. Following specifications are to be
adhered for treated effluent for non-potable reuse. In case wastewater is to be reused
for cooling towers, softening will be required to avoid scaling of pipes.

Table 3: Treated Wasterwater Characteristics for Reuse

a) pH : 6.5-8.5
b) TSS : <10 mg/lit
c) BOD : <10 mg/lit
d) COD : <150 mg/lit
e) Residual Chlorine : <1.0 mg/lit
f) Colifrom : <100 counts/100 ml (desired nil)

6. EFFLUENT DISPOSAL AND UTILISATION

The sewage after treatment may be disposed either into a water body such as
lake, stream, river, or onto land. It may also be utilised for several purposes such as
agriculture, washing of vehicles, cooling systems, golf courses or boiler feed. If the
sewage effluent is to be discharged into inland surface waters, tolerance limits
prescribed by statutory agencies, IS: 4764 or as mentioned above, should be followed.

7 REACTOR DESIGN PRINCIPLES

7.1 Unit Operations and Processes

Removal of contaminants is brought about by a sequential combination of
various physical, chemical and biological unit processes. The physical unit operations
Include -
a) Pretreatment – removes material that can cause operational problems
through screening, such as settleable solids, floating plastics etc.
b) Primary treatment – removes ~60% of solids and ~35% of BOD.
c) Secondary treatment – removes ~85% of BOD and solids.
d) Tertiary treatment– varies:~ 95+ % of BOD and solids and also Nitrogen
add phosphorus.

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7.2 Process Flow Chart for Domestic Waste

The unit operations and processes employed in domestic wastewater treatment
are as shon in Fig

7.2.1 Screening: This removes large floating, suspended and settleable solids.
7.2.2 Grit Removal: Removal of inorganic suspended solids.

7.2.3 Primary Sedimentation: Removal of organic and inorganic settleable solids

7.2.4 Reactor: Any container in which the chemical or biological reactions occur can
be termed as a reactor. Reactors are basically classified as:
a) Batch Reactors
b) Continuous flow Tank Reactors (CSTR)
c) Plug Flow (PF)
d) Arbitrary Flow Reactors.

7.2.5 Biological Reactor: Biological reactors are reactors in which organic matter,
which serves as substrate or food to micro organisms, is utilized for the growth of
micro organisms. These processes are-
a) Aerobic Biological Suspended Growth Process: Conversion of colloidal,
dissolved and residual suspended organic matter into settleable biofloc and
stable inorganics.
b) Aerobic Biological Attached Growth Process: Conversion of colloidal,
dissolved and residual suspended organic matter into settleable biofloc and
stable inorganics.
c) Anaerobic Biological Growth Process: Conversion of organic matter into
CH4 & CO2 and organic relatively stable organic residue.

8. CLASSIFICATION OF THE PROCESSES

A number of treatment processes are available depending upon method of

disposal, degree of treatment, waste water influent quality (domestic or industrial),
availability of the land etc and requirement of recycling treated waste water. Waste
Water Treatment Methodology commonly adopted for treatment of domestic waste
may be any of the following:

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8.1 Biological Processes

In these processes a mixture of wastewater and microorganisms (biomass) is
agitated and aerated. Certain microbes, mainly bacteria of specific kind, have the
capability to oxidize the dissolved organic matter in the waste water. Microbial growth
is accelerated and controlled in the process. Thus, reduction or removal of organic
matter in waste is brought about by microorganisms by oxidation. After oxidation, the
sludge is separated from wastewater. These, microbial induced processes are further
classified as Aerobic and Anaerobic.
a) Aerobic Processes- In presence of oxygen
b) Anaerobic Processes- In absence of oxygen

8.1.1 Aerobic Processes- The following conventional methodologies are

examples of Aerobic Processes-
a) Activated sludge process (ASP)
b) Trickling filters
c) Facultative aerated lagoons
d) Extended aeration process
e) Wet Lands
f) Oxidation ponds
g) Oxidation ditches
In modern nomenclature the aerobic processes are divided into Aerobic
Suspended and Attached Growth Processes and the Soil Biotechnology.

8.1.1.1 Aerobic Suspended Growth Processes (SGP) The conventional

activated sludge process (ASP) is the best known suspended growth aerobic system
and is the process most commonly used in large, centralized WWTPs though it can
also be used in small plants. Some of the process varients of ASP are-
a) Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR)
b) Extended Aeration
c) Membrane Bioreactors (MBR)

8.1.1.2 Aerobic Attached Growth Processes (AGP) Under the AGP, two
proven and fairly known treatment processes are available as following:
a) Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR) The Moving Bed Biological
Reactor may be known by different names as under, however the process remaining
same with free floating media of different shapes, sizes and materials (generally
plastic).
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(i) Fluidised Bed Reactor (FBR)

(ii) Moving Bed Bio Reactor (MBBR)
(iii) Sequential Batch Reactor (SBR)
b) Fixed Bed Biological Reactor (FBBR) Similarly, the Fixed Bed
Biological Reactor may also be known by different names as under, but the technology
remains same as that of MBBR except that the media is fixed horizontally/ radially or
sloping (normally at 60º) in packed beds of different depths and of different sizes and
materials (generally plastics).
(i) Submerged Aerobic Fixed Film (SAFF)
(ii) Fixed Bed Reactor (FBR)
(iii) Fixed Media Reactor (FMR)
(iv) Fixed Media Biological Reactor(FMBR)
(v) Fixed Bed Biological Reactor(FBBR)
(vi) Bio Tower
(vii) Rotating Biological Contractors (RBC) (Also called Biodisks).

8.1.1.3 Soil Biotechnology or Constructed Wetlands.

8.1.2 Anaerobic Units These can be generally grouped into the following:-
a) Anaerobic ponds/ stabilization ponds
b) Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor followed by lagoons
etc (Suitable for large capacity plants say 20 mld or above).

8.2 Chemical unit processes

a) Chemical neutralization: to control or adjust pH.
b) Chemical coagulation: to remove colloidal particles by chemical
destabilization and flocculation.
c) Chemical precipitation: to enhance the removal of suspended solids,
Phosphorous, heavy metals, and BOD in the specific system conditions.
d) Chemical oxidation: to remove grease, ammonia, BOD, COD, and odour
control.
e) Chemical disinfection: to kill pathogens in influent and treatment
effluents.

8.3 Design of Process Flow Sheets

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8.3.1 The process design involves selection of an appropriate combination of various

unit operations and unit processes to achieve a desired degree of contaminant
removal. The selection of unit operations and processes primarily depends on the
characteristics of raw wastewater and the required levels of contaminants permitted in
the processed effluents.
8.3.2 The main contaminants in domestic wastewater to be removed are
biodegradable organicsThe contaminants are usually measured in terms of BOD5,
suspended solids and pathogens. It is generally the objective of domestic wastewater
treatment plant to produce treated effluents having BOD5, of 30 mg/l or less and
suspended solids of 50 mg/1 or less for disposal into inland water bodies.
8.3.3 The conventional process flow sheet of wastewater treatment plant comprises
the unit operations of screening, grit removal and primary sedimentation followed by
unit process of aerobic biological treatment. The sludges removed by primary and
secondary sedimentation are digested anaerobically followed by drying on sludge
drying beds.
8.3.4 For new central sewage schemes, the sewage load should be worked out and
STP based on any of technologies referred above or a combination of two or more
technologies can be adopted. These modern systems are based on technologies
which requires lower hydraulic retention time; obviate recycling of sludge and
provisioning of sludge digester for a viable population load.
8.3.5 For the quantity of treated waste water that can not be reused, or where re-use
of treated water is NOT required, treatment should only be planned up to the
secondary level. Disinfection, wherever required, can be considered depending upon
location of discharge of treated water.
8.3.6 Higher detention time should be catered for in the design of STP where ambient
temperature is lower than 20°C or alternate design criteria may be adopted.
8.3.7 With the better understanding of microbiology and biochemistry of anaerobic
treatment, It is now feasible to treat domestic wastewater also directly through
anaerobic treatment such as Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactor,
Fluidised-Bed Submerged Media Anaerobic Reactor (FB·SMAR) and Anaerobic Filter
(AF) or Static-Bed SMAR(SB·SMAR) and Anaerobic Rotating Biological Contactor
(ARBC). It is generally reported that BOD removal efficiencies may range from 60-
80%. Consequently post treatment will generally be required to achieve .the prescribed
effluent standards.

8.4 Selection of Treatment System

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Selection of treatment system is not an easy decision to make. It is a tough job

that requires substantial field experience as well as sound technical knowledge of the
various unit operations. It shall depend on availability and topography of land at the
treatment site, availability of mechanical equipment and skilled personnel and various
factors as stated below.
a) Less to No Need for Skilled Supervision
b) Auto Vigilance of MLSS, DO and F/M Ratios
c) Low Power Requirement
d) Low Footprint (Plan) Area
e) High Oxygen Transfer Efficiencies
f) Least Need For Sludge Recycling
g) Less to No Need for Drives or Moving Parts Within Units
h) Less Sludge Production
i) Stainless Steel Construction to Ensure Longevity and Corrosion Safety
j) No Odour Problem
k) Least No. Of Operational Units And Hence Least Staff And O & M
Headaches
l) No Need for Tertiary Units
m) Least Operation Cost
n) Flexibility And Adaptability to High Loads
o) Nitrification (N) And Denitrification (DN) for ensuring Stable, Disposable
Sludge with No Odor and Storable Longitivity.
p) Nutrient and Phosphorus Removal to Safe Guard against Algal Growth
Downstream After Disposal in Receiving Water Bodies etc.

8.5 Some useful tips

a) Reduction of inorganic materials in wastewater is much easier and
cheaper than removal of organic contents.
b) Removal of suspended solids requires lesser time and efforts than that of
colloidal and dissolved solids.

8.6 Comparison and Assessment of Various Treatment Processes

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A comparision of various treatment processes has been given at table-4.

8.7 Assessment of Technologies

The efficiencies of different processes and their combinations over various
parameters are given at table-5.

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Table 4- COMPARISION OF VARIOUS TREATMENT PROCESS

Parameter Moving Bed Bio- Sequencing Batch Reactor Upflow Anaerobic Activated Sludge Rotating Biological
reactor (MBBR - (SBR) Sludge Blanket Process (ASP) - Contactors (RBCs)
FAB) Reactor (UASB) Extended aeration

Type of BOD reduction BOD reduction takes place This is strictly anaerobic BOD reduction takes This is an attached
Process takes place aerobically. Suspended growth process. BOD reduction place aerobically. growth process, much
aerobically. Fixed process. Improvised Activated takes place by converting Suspended growth similar to trickling filters.
film process. Sludge Process organic matter to methane process. The biomass is attached
/ carbon di-oxide and to rotating media.
other gases, through
bacterial systhesis.

Organic matter is The organic matter is brought in Pre-treated sewage is The organic matter is The media is in a form
brought in contact contact with bacteria in passed through a blanket brought in contact with of circular / octagonal
with bacteria suspension. Oxygen (bed) of sludge in an bacteria in suspension. discs, mounted on a
attached to plastic supplementation is normally done upwards direction. Upon Oxygen central shaft. The discs
media, which is in by surface aerators or diffused air contact with the organic supplementation is are submerged in a
suspension. Excess aeration. The biomass is matter, the bacteria normally done by 'VAT' (upto about 45%).
sludge is sloughed separated in same tank. The anaerobically convert the surface aerators or The discs slowly rotate,
off automatically, operation of the process is in two organics to methane and diffused air aeration. thereby submerging in
and separated in main phases & two intermediate other gases. The gas The biomass is the sewage for half the
the clarifier. No phases. The sewage is fed to the bubbles get released from separated in time and then in the air
sludge recycle is 1st compartment & mixed with the sludge bed and rise subsequent clarifier. for remaining time. The
required. activated sludge. After partial upwards. Gas - Solid and Settled biomass is "air time" induces
absorption of organic matter the Liquid separation is recycled to aeration oxygen, allowing
sewage is taken into 2nd achieved in a separator tank to maintain Mixed bacterial biomass to
compartment & continuously placed at the top of the Liquor suspended synthesize the organic
aerated for further absorption of reactor. Additional settling Solids of the desired matter, when the discs
organic matter. Finally the sewage devices may be provided level (usually between are submerged.
is taken into 3rd compartment for outside the reactor. 2,500 to 4,000 mg/l). Sloughing takes similar
sedimentation. The operation is to that in trickling filter
cyclic in nature. Excess sludge system.
has to be wasted form the last
compartment. In the next cycle the
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Parameter Moving Bed Bio- Sequencing Batch Reactor Upflow Anaerobic Activated Sludge Rotating Biological
reactor (MBBR - (SBR) Sludge Blanket Process (ASP) - Contactors (RBCs)
FAB) Reactor (UASB) Extended aeration

operation is same except the

direction is reversed.

Process No sludge volume Need to maintain certain level of Upflow velocity plays a Need to maintain The disc speed must be
variables. index / recycle MLSS, sludge volume index like very crucial role in certain level of MLSS, precisely controlled,
need be checked. activated sludge process. MLSS performance. Also sludge volume index else process efficiency
System is self levels upto 5000 mg/l are possible. variation in inlet BOD / like SBR system. MLSS drops drastically.
sriaustaining. Higher levels hinder settling and COD affects performance. levels upto 5000 mg/l
Excess biomass results in poor performance. Sludge bed height and are possible. Higher
automatically gets sludge concentration are levels hinder settling
wasted off. MLSS very important variables. and results in poor
levels upto 12,000 performance.
mg/l are easily
achieved.

Sensitivity of Sensitivity is low, Moderately sensitive. UASB is also very Moderately sensitive to Highly sensitive to load
process owing to very high sensitive to low flow fluctuations, variations, hydraulic
bacterial temperatures, and organic loading rates loading and power
population. No performance drastically etc. failures.
sensitivity to reduces with lower
temperature. temperatures. Flow
fluctuations can disturn
the sludge blanket,
thereby affecting
performance.

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Parameter Moving Bed Bio- Sequencing Batch Reactor Upflow Anaerobic Activated Sludge Rotating Biological
reactor (MBBR - (SBR) Sludge Blanket Process (ASP) - Contactors (RBCs)
FAB) Reactor (UASB) Extended aeration

Area Very small area Area required is higher than Area required is larger Very large area Very large area is
requirements required as MBBR but less then ASP. than ASP and other required for aeration required since the
compared to SBR, processes. tank as well as for loading rates on the disc
ASP, UASB, RBC secondary clarifiers. are limited by the
surface area available.

Power Power requirement Power required is more than Power requirement is Large power is required Low power than ASP,
requirement is lower than MBR. MBBR or equal to activated sludge lower than most of the for aeration, return higher than UASB.
process. processes. However sludge pumping etc.
UASB alone cannot
produce desired outlet
quality. Additional ASP /
ponds must be provided,
thereby increasing the
power requirement.

Moving parts No moving part in Moving parts in biological process. No moving parts within Depending on the Main moving part is the
biological process. Decanter mechanism is UASB. However aeration system, there central shaft and drive,
mechanically activated and hence downstream ASP has can be moving parts which come under
needs continuous maintenance. typical maintenance such as surface continuous stress
Without decanter, SBR does not requirements. aerators, brush rotors
function at all. Very high level of etc, which need
instrumentation is required. maintenance.

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Parameter Moving Bed Bio- Sequencing Batch Reactor Upflow Anaerobic Activated Sludge Rotating Biological
reactor (MBBR - (SBR) Sludge Blanket Process (ASP) - Contactors (RBCs)
FAB) Reactor (UASB) Extended aeration

Operation & No scum formation The entire plant operation is cyclic Gas hoods need to be Relatively simpler Prone to lot of
Maintenance in the process & in nature & controlled by PLC cleaned every 06 months maintenance of maintenance of shaft /
less moving parts in only. The process requires very or so, to remove scum mechanical equipment drive parts. In few
the system. Hence high level of instrumentation & that accumulates at the such as aerators, cases, media discs
very low sequencing operation. The entire top surface. This is a blowers, pumps etc. have been seen to be
maintenance. instrumentation & control major operation, needing Because of shock buckled under biomass
Therefore the equipment are usually imported. to take the UASB out of loadings, filamentous weight, needing
manpower cost is The entire plant performance service. Maintenance of growth takes place and complete replacement.
low. All the depends on functioning of all the other related equipments makes the sludge
components of the instruments & sequence of in the downstream ASP is particles to float in
system are operation. Needs spares of all the also required. secondary clarifier.
indigenous & are imported instruments in stock for Once formed, it is
readily available. repairing / replacing so that the difficult to remove such
Media for FAB plant is in operation within a short growth, making
never needs period. Availability of spares needs operation more
replacement of to be checked. The decanter operator dependent.
cleaning. Media life mechanism is motorized and
of more than 25 hence high degree of maintenance
years can be is required. Spares must be
guaranteed. imported, Indian spares are not
suitable.

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Parameter Moving Bed Bio- Sequencing Batch Reactor Upflow Anaerobic Activated Sludge Rotating Biological
reactor (MBBR - (SBR) Sludge Blanket Process (ASP) - Contactors (RBCs)
FAB) Reactor (UASB) Extended aeration

Excess The excess sludge Excess sludge must be removed Excess sludge must be Excess sludge must be Not much control
sludge wasting is from with manual intervention. Any removed with manual removed with manual required, since sludge is
control secondary clarifier, higher withdrawal will result in intervention. Any higher intervention. Any higher not recycled back to
which is like any SBR operating at lower efficiency. withdrawal will result in withdrawal will result in aeration system.
other ASP system Hence control of process becomes UASB operating at lower ASP operating at lower Sloughing is automatic
and hence simple. very sensitive and instrument efficiency. efficiency. hence manual
No sludge recycle dependent. intervention is not
hence extent of required.
wastage does not
affect performance.

Power shut Prolonged power At power shut down, all the sludge The downstream ASP At power shut down, all Power failure causes
downs shutdowns does settles down and becomes septic process is severely the sludge settles down serious process
not affect within short span of time. Hence affected during power and becomes septic problems since top half
performance since quick restart is not possible. shut-downs. UASB itself within short span of of the disc remains in
after power cut-off, has little effect. time. Hence quick air, and becomes dry.
media floats at the restart is not possible. The submerged portion
top, keeping the remains in sewage and
micro-organisms, becomes septic, hence
alive quick restart is not
possible.

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Parameter Moving Bed Bio- Sequencing Batch Reactor Upflow Anaerobic Activated Sludge Rotating Biological
reactor (MBBR - (SBR) Sludge Blanket Process (ASP) - Contactors (RBCs)
FAB) Reactor (UASB) Extended aeration

Sludge Sludge is fully Sludge is active hence anaerobic Sludge is active and must Sludge is mostly Sludge is mostly
properties digested hence can (or aerobic) digester is a must, for be further digested digested and does not digested and does not
be dewatered complete destruction of biomass. aerobically. Because of need further treatment, need further treatment,
directly without any This increases plant cost and presence of SRB, sludge similar to MBBR similar to MBBR
further treatment operator attention. can smell very bad (rotten system. Dewatering is system. Dewatering is
egg smell). relatively easier. relatively easier.

Amount of Sludge age is very Sludge age is low hence sludge Excess sludge production Excess sludge Excess sludge
excess high, and hence production is about 0.3 – 0.6 kg / of UASB itself is low, production is low, since production is low, since
sludge sludge production kg BOD destroyed. Which means lower than most of the Mean Cell Residence Mean Cell Residence
is about 0.1 – 0.15 that the amount of excess sludge processes. However Time is high. Time is high.
kg / kg of BOD generated is about 200 to 400% downstream ASP sludge
destroyed, hence higher than MBBR. This calls for production is high.
very small amount large sludge handling system.
of excess sludge is
generated.

Expandability High. Higher loads Very low. Higher loads can not be Very low. Overloading is Low. Usually extended Low. Multiple modules
can be accepted accepted. However, Modular not possible. Parallel units aeration systems are need to be installed.
with extra media construction is possible. must be added to expand not suitable for Expansion within
filling. Modular capacity. expansion. Separate existing system is not
construction is parallel tanks and possible.
possible. clarifiers must be built,
which can be very
expensive.

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Parameter Moving Bed Bio- Sequencing Batch Reactor Upflow Anaerobic Activated Sludge Rotating Biological
reactor (MBBR - (SBR) Sludge Blanket Process (ASP) - Contactors (RBCs)
FAB) Reactor (UASB) Extended aeration

Usage of No further Treated effluent "as-such" can be Treated effluent "as-such" Treated effluent "as- Treated effluent "as-
treated treatment required used for low end purposes such as can not be used for even such" can not be used such" can not be used
effluent for gardening & construction, floor washing etc. low end purposes such as for even low end for even low end
horticulture. For gardening or higher end uses, construction, floor purposes such as purposes such as
chlorination and filtration are a washing etc. Secondary construction, floor construction, floor
must. treatment in form of ASP., washing etc. Tertiary washing etc. Tertiary
followed by tertiary treatment must be treatment must be
treatment must be provided even for low provided even for low
provided even for low end end uses. end uses.
uses.

Treated About 2 - 3 ppm About 10 - 15 ppm chlorine About 10 - 15 ppm About 15 - 20 ppm About 15 - 20 ppm
sewage dis- chlorine required to required to reduce "E-Coli" to less chlorine required to chlorine required to chlorine required to
infection : reduce "E-Coli" to than 1000 MPN / 100 ml. reduce "E-Coli" to less reduce "E-Coli" to less reduce "E-Coli" to less
Chlorine less than 1000 than 1000 MPN / 100 ml, than 1000 MPN / 100 than 1000 MPN / 100
demand MPN / 100 ml. provided there is an ASP ml. ml.
process succeeding
UASB system.

"SIZE-WISE" Suitable for any Suitable for any size, no limitation. Suitable for any size, no Suitable for any size, Suitable only for small
suitability of size, no limitation. Larger sizes demand much higher limitation. Larger sizes no limitation. Larger sizes. Larger sizes
the process space. demand much higher sizes demand much demand much higher
space. higher space. space, and also much
higher maintenance.

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Comparison of SAFF, FAB & SBR

Sr Parameter for Comparison Submerged Aerobic Fluidised Aerobic Sequencing Batch

No Fixed Film (SAFF) Bed (FAB) Reactor (SBR)
1 Space (Sqm/ Avg. DWF MLD) (say) 600 - 800 500 - 700 500 - 600

2 Capital Cost (Rs./ MLD) 65 50 70

3 Material of Construction open units open units stainless steel container

4 Cost of O & M/Annum (Rs.Lakh/ MLD) 10-11 7.5 - 8.5 7.65 - 8.65

a) Chemical 1.5 2.5 0.45

b) Manpower 1.5 1.5 0.7

c) Power 7-8 3.5 - 4.5 6.5 - 7.5

5 Quality of Sludge short life and needs to short life and needs to sludge can be stored for several
be disposed off early be disposed off early months in underground storage
tank

6 Power (units / day) 11000 12000 8000

7 Additions

Secondary Settling Tube Settler Clari Settler nil

PAC (chemical) nil yes nil

8 Fitness of Effluent for Irrigation 1 to 2 dilution water for 1 to 2 dilution water only totally fit without dilution
tolerant and semi for semi tolerant type of
tolerant crops crops

9 Acceptibility by Industries for Reuse nil nil yes

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Table 5- Assessment of Performence of Technologies for Sewage Treatment

Criteria 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Performance in terms of quality of treated sewage

TSS, BOD, and COD
Total / Faecal Coliform Removal
DO in Effluent
Initial/Immediate Oxygen Demand
Nutrient Removal
Performance Reliability
Impact of Effluent Discharge
Impact on Land
Impact on Surface Waters
Impact on Ground Waters

1. WSP (Unlined) 2. WSP (Lined) 3. ASP BIOFOR 4. ASP 5. UASB+ 6. UASB+ ASP
7. TF (Plastic, High 8. TF (Gravel, 9. FAB 10. MBBR 11. SBR 12. SAFF
Rate) Slow Rate)
13. TF (Gravel, 14. ASP + C-F+ 15. UASB + FPU 16. FAL 17. MBR 18. BIOFOR
High Rate)
19. SBR+ C-F+
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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Resource Generation
Manure / Soil
C
Fuel
Electricity
G
Food
Impact of STP
Impacts on
Impacts fon
S
S
Energy
Land
Capital Cost
Recurring Cost
Reinvestment
C
Level of Skill
O&
1. WSP (Unlined) 2. WSP (Lined) 3. ASP BIOFOR 4. ASP 5. UASB+ 6. UASB+ ASP
7. TF (Plastic, High 8. TF (Gravel, Slow 9. FAB 10. MBBR 11. SBR 12. SAFF
Rate) Rate)
13. TF (Gravel, High 14. ASP + C-F+ 15. UASB + FPU 16. FAL 17. MBR 18. BIOFOR
Rate)
19. SBR+ C-F+

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8.6 Oxygen Requirements

Oxygen is required in the aeration process for the oxidation of a part of the influent
organic matter and also for the endogenous respiration of the micro- organisms in the
system. The total oxygen requirements per Kg BOD removed for different aeration
processes are important to work out for each STP depending upon raw sewage report of
waste water. The amount of oxygen required for a particular process will increase within
the range as the F/M value decreases.
8.6.1 Aeration Facilities: The aeration facilities at the plant are designed to provide the
calculated oxygen demand of the waste water against a specific level of dissolved oxygen
(DO) in the waste water. The aeration devices apart from supplying the required oxygen
demand shall also provide adequate mixing or agitation in order that the entire mixed liquor
suspended solids (MLSS) present in the aeration tank will be available for the biological
activity. The recommended dissolved oxygen concentration in the aeration tank is in the
range 1 to 2 mg/l for extended aeration type activated sludge plants and above 2 mg/I
when nitrification is required in the activated sludge plant. Aerators are rated based on the
amount of oxygen they can transfer to tap water under standard conditions of 20°C, 760
mm Hg barometric pressure and zero DO.
8.6.2 Diffused Aeration: Diffused air aeration involves the introduction of compressed air
into the sewage through submerged diffusers or nozzles. Compressed air is released at or
near the bottom of the aeration tank through porous tubes or plates made of aluminum
oxide or silicon oxide grains cemented together in a ceramic matrix. The aerators may be
of the fine bubble or coarse bubble type. Air supplied to diffusers should contain less than
0.02 mg of dust per ml. Diffusers are located 0.3m to 0.6m above tank floor to aid in tank
cleaning and reduce shutdown.
8.6.3 Surface Aerators: Surface aerators were not widely installed in the past but with
recent improvements in their design, they are being increasingly used for large plants in
preference to diffused air aeration systems. Some of their advantages are higher oxygen
transfer capacity, absence of air piping and air filter and simplicity of operation and
maintenance.
8.6.4 Mixing Requirements: The aeration equipment is also required to provide
adequate mixing in the aeration tank to keep the solids in suspension.

8.7 Measuring Devices

Measuring Devices should be installed for indicating flow rates of raw sewage or
primary effluent, return sludge and air to each aeration tank.

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8.8 Secondary Settling

Secondary settling assumes considerable importance in the Activated Sludge
process as the efficient separation of the biological sludge is necessary not only for
ensuring final effluent quality but also for return of adequate sludge to maintain the MLSS
level in the aeration tank. The most important aspect in the operation of an activated
sludge plant is the maintenance of proper F/M which is achieved by increasing or
decreasing the MLSS levels in the aeration tank to suit the influent BODs loads.

8.9 Nitrification
Activated sludge plants are ordinarily designed for the removal of only
carbonaceous BOD. However, there may be incidental nitrification in the process.
Nitrification will consume part of the oxygen supplied to the system and reduce the DO
level in the aeration tank. Nitrification will also lead to subsequent denitrification.

8.10 Maintenance
Due consideration must be given in the design of aeration tanks to the need for
emptying them for maintenance and repair of the aeration equipment. Intermediate walls
should be designed for empty conditions on either side. The method of dewatering should
be considered in the design and provided for during construction.

Effluent parameter should be well within pollution norms laid down by Central
Pollution Control Board/ State Pollution Control Board, whichever is more stringent. In this
connection please refer our policy letters. This may also be referred on web site
www.cpcb.nic.in.

9. TERTIARY TREATMENT OF SEWAGE FOR REUSE

9.1 General
Tertiary treatment is supplementary to primary and secondary treatment for the
purpose of removing the residual organic and inorganic substances and in some cases for
even the refractory and dissolved substances to the degree necessary. Tertiary Treatment
of sewage is increasingly being adopted in India.
Re-use of treated wastewater should invariably be planned while selecting the
overall scheme. Reuse may be restricted to only non potable applications i.e. irrigation,
arboriculture, recreation lake, eco lake, gardening, golf-courses fire fighting, air

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conditioning, water in cooling systems, flushing, car wash or ground water recharge for
augmenting ground water resources.
The tertiary treatment may be considered only to the extent of quantity of water to
be reused and hence designed accordingly to achieve cost economy. All technologies
except Soil Bio-technology (SBT) require tertiary treatment before wastewater is reused. It
consists of filtration, adsorption and chlorination.
Tertiary treatment is quite use-specific and may involve only one item like simple
chlorination of treated sewage or several items depends on end use. It is, therefore, very
important that clear cut specifications of the reusable water are first obtained.
A tertiary treatment plant, therefore, generally, looks like a sewage treatment plant
followed by a typical industrial water treatment plant.

10. EFFLUENT DISPOSAL AND UTILISATION

10.1 General
The effluent from sewage treatment plants may be discharged in receiving waters
such as lakes, streams, rivers, estuaries, oceans or on land. The nature and degree of
treatment given to the sewage depends upon the requirements imposed by the regulatory
authorities. It is necessary to adhere to the standards laid down by the Pollution Control
Boards with regard to the quality of the sewage to be discharged into a body of water,
inland or marine or on land for farming purposes or underground for purposes of recharge
aquifers.

10.2 Disposal into Water Bodies

Treated effluent conforming to prescribed standards may be disposed into a stream

course or into sea or a stagnant body of water. The quality, quantity and use of the
receiving water body into which the effluent is discharged, decides the degree of treatment
required for the sewage. Since the treated waste water may still have a high coliform
density, disinfection or any other treatment methods may be considered for reducing the
coliform density before disposal of water into the water body. Disposal of wastewater in a
river causes organic, chemical and microbial pollution. Organic pollution not only depletes
the oxygen content in the river resulting in killing of fish and marine life but also leads to
heavy algal growth downstream.

10.3 Reclamation of Treated Effluent

Complete reclamation of sewage effluent is not generally adopted. Reclamation is
restricted to meet the needs depending upon the availability and cost of fresh water,
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transportation and treatment costs and the water quality standards and its end uses like
irrigation, arboriculture, recreation lake, eco lake, gardening, Golf-courses fire fighting, air
conditioning water in cooling systems, flushing and car wash, ground water recharge for
augmenting ground water resources. Some of these uses may need tertiary treatment as
discussed

10.4 Artificial Recharge of Aquifers

Artificial recharge of ground water aquifers is one of the valuable source and
methods for combining effluent disposal with water reuse. Replenishment of ground water
sources has been done on a practical scale.

10.5 Disposal on Land (Sewage Farming)

The nutrients in sewage like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium along with the
micronutrients as well as organic matter present in it could be advantageously employed in
sewage farming to add to the fertility and improve the soil quality. Even application of
treated effluent to land has to be done with certain precautions as it is not completely free
from this risk.

11 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES FOR SEWAGE TREATMENT

11.1 General

Activated Sludge Process and Extended Aeration Systems give insignificant return
on capital investment. To overcome these limitations of currently practiced sewage
treatment technologies, researches have been carried out to develop alternative
technologies. Some of these emerging technologies include.
a) Duckweed· Pond Technology
b) Vermiculture Technology
c) Technology utilising raw sewage for forestry
d) Artificial wet Lands / Root Zone Technology

These technologies are based on natural systems of waste management and

treatment. They possess the following distinct advantages-
a) Minimum use of mechanical equipment
b) More Eco - Friendly
c) Capable of generating revenue

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11.2 Duckweed Pond Technology

The wastewater treatment employing duckweed pond system is relatively simple to
construct, operate arid maintain. Duckweed (lemnaceae) is an aquatic plant which can
grow prolifically when temperature ranges between 15 to 30o C, doubling its weight with in
2 - 4 days. It requires basically nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium tor growth. It can be
used as cheap and high quality (high protein) animal feed, valuable protein component of
chicken feed and feed for fish.

11.3 Vermiculture Technology

This technology utilises earthworms for the treatment of domestic wastewater. The
earthworms have been called as natural bioreactors. The earthworms produce both
microorganisms and enzymes that breakdown complex bio-molecules into simple
compounds which are utilised by the micro organisms. It is claimed that aerobic conditions
are maintained by virtue of its hemoglobin with high saturation constant and therefore no
external aeration may be required. The earthworms produce vermicastings with
immobilised microflora and nutrients. Vermicastings have the potential of being used as
biofertilisers.

11.4 Root Zone Technology or Wet land process

This method is useful for smaller stations where availability of land is not a problem
and water table is more than 20m below ground level. In this method, the domestic
wastewater, after the septic tank, is diverted into a lined pond filled with media of coarse
aggregates. The liquid flows through the pores of media in sub surface condition and there
is a growth of plants on top of media, their roots spreading upto the bottom of pond. The
bacterial growth takes place around the roots. Aerobic bacteria grow near the roots due to
presence of oxygen in roots and anaerobic bacteria grow away from roots. Thus the
organic matter in the effluent is trapped and stabilized in the pores by aerobic as well as
anaerobic bacteria.
This method does not require any maintenance for many years. The only precaution
to be taken is that flow should remain sub surface to avoid breeding of mosquitoes. Many
varieties of plants including flowering ones are available for this treatment and one has to
check from local horticulture department for specific local species.
The root zone technology also referred to as artificial constructed wetland system, is
basically a man made wetland where wastewater is kept at or above the soil surface for
enough time during the year to maintain saturated conditions and appropriate vegetation.
The three essential components of the system include the soil, the appropriate vegetation
such as reeds. Cat tails, bulrushes and sedges and the microbial organisms.
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The principal merits of the system include:-

a) No requirement of energy and mechanical equipment for aeration.
b) Self regeneration of reed bed and virtually maintenance free.
c) System can provide natural habitat for fauna.

12. EFFECT OF EXTERNAL TEMPERATURE ON TREATMENT

Biological activity reduces sharply with drop in temperature. As such necessary

modification to the plant design is necessitated in areas experiencing extended periods of
cold weather. On the other hand, the dissolved oxygen (DO) content reduces with increase
in temp. This causes rapid putrification of organic matter and hence necessitates design
modification to speed up the treatment. It may be remembered that the standard plant
design caters for ambient temperature of about 20-25oC at which the microbes thrive.

13. OPERATION & MAINTENANCE FOR STP

Treatment system should be simple as far as possible in operation. The treatment

plant should be operational round the clock to achieve the laid down parameters. STP
should have low capital cost, lower power consumption and low life cycle cost for a period
of 30 years.

The Contract Agreement will include construction, commissioning, operations and

maintenance and defect liability period (DLP). The CEs should invariably enter in to
contract with the executing firms as per criteria laid down in the policy at Appx. However,
while preparing the specification for O&M, proper clause/schedule for the periodical
checking of the plant, oiling, greasing, routine maintenance and consumables for the same
may be included in the scope of the work. Electricity for operation of the STP may be
provisioned to be given by the department. While estimating the project, it may be borne
in mind that the cost for revenue expenditure is debitable to maintenance and operation.

14. CONTRACTS FOR STP

Provision of STP is a specialist work and therefore, proper specification and makes
need to be given to ensure quality. In case any equipment/machinery is NOT
manufactured by plant supplier/OEM then the make/brand of same may be specifically
approved by Chief Engineer. The selected OEMs or their authorized firms should have
good track record along with certified confirmation that effluent pollution norms are being
fully satisfied by these STPs. These may also be independently ascertained. The firm
should fully operationalise the installed plant and be able to undertake operation and
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maintenance of STP with trained staff for a reasonable period of two to three years. In this
connection please refer our letters No.83519/Misc-38/E4(U3) dated 02 Apr 2007, 12 Jun
2008 and 29 Sep 2008. All the provisions of sewerage & sewage treatment manual/IS
codes and method of execution may be incorporated in the CAs.

It is further advised that once the technology for STP is approved, the consultant
should give construction drawings for complete sewerage system including STP. These
drawings should be vetted by IIT/Govt Engineering Colleges where Environmental
Engineering discipline exists at P.G. level. Based on these drawings the CEs can issue
the tender to enlisted contractors and No ‘T’ & ‘Q’ bid will be required. This will generate
better and healthy competition.

14.1 Important Points about Bidders for Specialized Work:

The treatment of wastewater with modern STPs requires application of
environmental, civil, mechanical and electrical engineering and hence it is a specialized
work. Being a specialized work, the tender should always be called in two-bid system (T-
bid followed by Q-bid) so that all technical aspects should be clarified before opening of
the prices. The other desirable qualifications of bidders are listed below which may be
inserted in tenders after proper scrutiny.
a) OEM/ Principal supplier should have designed, supplied, erected,
commissioned, operated & maintained as a Prime Contractor in India at least 3
STPs on Attached Growth Bio Reactor Technology. At least one satisfactory
performance certificate from CPCB/State PCBs/ NEERI, Nagpur should be
submitted by the firm.
b) The bidder should also have undertaking from the original manufacturer that
he will design & supply the equipments in case of lowest bidder.
c) Operation & Maintenance clause for at least 2 to 3 years should be included
in the main tender so that the liability of performance should remain with the
successful bidder & further tender for operation & maintenance should be issued
only to reputed contractors having proper MOU with main manufacturer of such
technology.
d) STP should have low capital cost, low O&M, low power consumption and low
life cycle cost considering a period of 30 years.

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15. CONCLUSION

In view of availability of a large number of technologies, which have inherent

advantages and disadvantages and are affected by various site conditions and
parameters, the zonal chief engineers are advised to decide the technology through a
BOO best suited for the station. It is hoped that above points will help the Zonal CEs in
framing correct tender specifications thus facilitating speedy execution of wastewater
related schemes.

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APPENDIX· 'A'

16. ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

ASP Activated Sludge Process

BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Ips Litre Per Second
BOD 5 Days Biochemical Oxygen Demand
Cl Cast Iron
COD Chemical Oxygen Demand
Mld Million Litres per Day
MLSS Mixed Liquor Suspended Solids
DO Dissolved Oxygen
MLVSS Mixed Liquor Volatile Suspended Solids
F/M Food to Micro Organisms Ratio
HRT Hydraulic Retention Lime
SS Suspended Solids
S.S.T Secondary Sedimentation Tank
SVI Sludge Volume Index
TF Trickling Filter
VS Volatile Solids
VSS Volatile Suspended Solids

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APPENDIX ‘B’

17. LIST OF INDIAN STANDARDS ON SEWERAGE AND SEWAGE TREATMENT

IS 2470 (PT 1)&(PT 2) : Code of practice for installation of septic tanks:
1985 Design criteria and construction (second revision)
Secondary treatment and disposal of septic tank
effluent (second revision)
IS :4733-1972 Methods of Sampling Test Sewage Effluent
IS : 6908-1975 Sewage and Drainage
IS :7022 (PT II)-1979 Glossary of Terms Relating to Water Sewage and
Industrial Effluents PT II
IS:1538-(PT-XXIV)-1982 Press Pipes for Water, Gas and Sewage
IS 5600: 2002 Pumps-sewage and Drainage-Specification
IS 5611 : 1987 Code of practice for waste stabilization ponds
(facultative type) (first revision)
IS : 5600-1970 Specification for Sewage and Drainage Building
Elements
IS : 4764-1973 Tolerance Limits for Sewage Effluents Discharged In
to In land Surface Water
IS 6279 :1971 Equipment for grit removal devices
IS 6280 : 1971 Sewage screens
IS 7232 : 1974 Method for Imhoff cone test
IS 7784: Part 1 & 2: Sec Code of practice for design of cross drainage work :
1 to 5 Part 1 General features
IS 8413 (PT 1) : 1977 Requirements for biological treatment equipment Part
1 Trickling filters
IS 8413 (PT 2) : 1982 Requirements for biological treatment equipment Part
2 Activated Sludge process
IS 9110 : 1979 Hand operated augers for cleaning water closet, pipe
and sewer
IS 9213 : 1979 BOD Bottle
IS 10037 : PT1 to 3 : Requirements for sludge dewatering equipment. Part
1981 1 sludge drying beds-sand, gravel and underdrains

IS 10261 : 1982 Requirement for settling tank (clarifier equipment) for

waste water
IS 10552 : 1983 Buckets to be used in power driven buckets type
sewer cleaning machine

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IS 10595 : 1983 Requirement for power driven bucket-type sewer

cleaning machine
IS 11117 : 1984 Requirement for power driven rodding machine for
sewers
IS 11387 : 1985 Requirement for high pressure jetting machine for
sewer cleaning
IS 11972 : 1987 Code of practice for safety precautions to be taken
when entering a sewerage system
IS 12115: Part 1 to 4 : Specification for Couplings for Disposal of Sewage
1987 water for Inland Vessels- Part 1 : Flange Coupling)

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APPENDIX ‘C’

POLICY LETTERS/ GUIDELINES

Following policy letters/guidelines have been issued for design of sewerage system
and STPs. These can be made part of job order/Tender for obtaining consultancy for
preparation of sewage related schemes:-

Sl. Letter No. Date Subject

No
.
1. 83519/Misc-38/E4(U3) 02 Apr 07 Sewage Disposal Schemes: Mandatory
Requirements
2. 83519/SEWAGE/E4(U3) 05 Feb 07 Sewage Disposal Schemes: Mandatory
Requirements
3. 83519/Misc-36/E4(U3) 12 Jun 08 Recycling and Reuse of Sewage and
Sullage Water
4. 83519/SEWAGE/E4(U3) 18 Sep 08 Monitoring of Effluent from sewage
treatment plant (STPs)
5. 83519/SEWAGE/E4(U3) 29 Sep 08 Sewage Disposal Schemes: Mandatory
Requirements
6. 83519/Misc-38/E4(U3) 30 Oct 09 Guidelines for preparation of DPR/Central
Sewage Schemes: MAP Phase-II
7. 83519/Misc-38/E4(U3)/1 30 Oct 09 Sewage Treatment Plants – Central
Sewage Schemes
8. 83519/Misc-38/E4(U3) 17 Mar 10 Preparation of AEs for Central Sewage
Schemes
9. 83519/Misc-38/E4(U3) 04 Jun 10 Sewage Treatment Plants – Central
sewage schemes & Guidelines for
preparation of DPR/Central Sewage
Schemes: MAP Phase-II
10. 83519/Misc-38/E4(U3) 17 Aug 10 Guidelines for construction of Sewers
11. 83519/Misc-38/E4(U3) 21 Feb 11 Central Sewage Schemes Guidelines for
Consultancy

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APPENDIX ‘D’
SOIL PERCOLATION TEST

1. Percolation tests shall be carried out to design a suitable soil absorption system for
disposal of effluent from septic tanks, in the following manner-.

2. Six or more test holes shall be made spaced uniformly over the proposed
absorption field.
3. A square or circular hole with side width or diameter of 10 cm to 30 cm and vertical
sides shall be dug or bored to the depth of the proposed absorption trench. The
bottom and sides of the holes shall be carefully scratched with a sharp-pointed
instrument to remove any smeared soil surfaces and to provide a natural soil
interface into which water may percolate. The holes shall be filled for a depth of 5
cm with loose material to protect the bottom from scouring and settling.
4. Before the actual readings for percolation tests are taken, it is necessary to ensure
that the soil is given ample opportunity to swell and approach the condition it will be
in during the wettest season of the year. This is done by pouring water in the hole
upto a minimum depth of 30 cm over the gravel and be allowed to soak tor 24
hours. If water remains in the test hole after the overnight swelling period, the depth
of water shall be adjusted to 15 cm over the gravel. Then from a fixed reference
point, the drop in water level shall be noted over a 30 minute period. This drop shall
be used to calculate the percolation rate.
5. If no water remains in the hole at the end of 30 minutes period, water shall be
added to bring the depth of the water in the hole to 15 cm over the gravel. From a
fixed reference point, the drop in water level shall be measured at 30 min. intervals
for 4 hours, refilling to 15 cm level over the gravel as necessary. The drop that
occurs during the final 30 minutes period shall be used to calculate the percolation
rate. The drop during the earlier periods provides information for the possible
modification of the procedure to suit local circumstances.
6. In sandy soils or other porous soils in which the first 15 cm of water seeps away in
less than 30 minutes after overnight swelling period, the time interval between
measurements shall be taken as 10 minutes and the test run for one hour. The drop
that occurs in the final 10 minutes shall be used to calculate the percolation rate,
7. Based on the final drop, the percolation rate, which is the time in minutes required
for water to fall 15cm, shall be calculated.

36