What is a STP?
STPs filter and treat sewage, converting it to cleaner 'effluent', which can be returned to the nature in a saferand more environmentally friendly state. They aid in the restoration of groundwater balance, the control of diseases, and the prevention of environmental degradation and contamination.
The treated water in housing societies can be utilized for non-potable applications, such as gardening, car washing, building, irrigation, and toilet flushing.
Cleaner water would reduce fatalities from water-borne diseases, there would be a less negative environmental impact from water pollution, and no house would have to pay for water tankers because, there would be an excess of groundwater on macro-scales and reusable water at community levels.
To gain such benefits, the proper maintenance of sewage treatment plants is a must.
How to perform routine checks on a sewage treatment plant?
1: During daily rounds, the system pressure should be checked and should be within limitations.
2: The air lift return should be verified to ensure that the system is operational. The flow through the clear plastic pipe provided on the installation is frequently used to check this. A transparent sludge can be seen going back to the aeration chamber through the tubes.
3: As a result of the recycling of settling tank sludge and new sewage, the sludge content in the aeration tank grows over time. This sludge or suspended solid particle content is measured in milligrams per liter.
It is checked by placing a sample in a conical flask provided by the manufacturer, and pouring it up to the 1000ml mark. The sample is then allowed to settle before the sludge content is measured.
4: If the sewage treatment facility is equipped with a UV disinfecting system rather than a chlorination system, the UV lamp must be changed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
5: Check the high and low level limit switches for automatic cut-in and cut-out of the discharge, to over-board pump.
6: Ensure that the stand-by sewage discharge pump is set to auto during sewage treatment plant operation.
How to maintain a sewage treatment plant?
1: Low-cost STPs require frequent emptying and monitoring, but even a decent one requires dislodgement and service at least once a year. It should be quickly replaced with water after de-sludging, to balance the internal and external pressures.
2: Always make sure that rainwater should never be allowed to enter the STP. It has the potential to wash out microorganisms and induce flooding.
3: On a regular basis, the society, not the manufacturer's service staff, should empty primary tanks and soakaways.
4: During maintenance visits, the following components should be checked:
- Unobstructed, powerful, and effective blower and ventilation
- If necessary, mechanical components are replaced
- Inspection of air filters and inspection of pipes
- Diffuser bubble inspection
- Colour and odour of biomass
- Quality of final effluent
- Repairing damage in all chambers
- Integrity of the lid seal
- Diaphragm and valve box replacement
Is it required by law to service your sewage treatment system?
STPs must get a CFO (Consent for Operation) from the state pollution control boards, which must be renewed every five years. According to the state pollution control board, a sewage treatment plant "must be erected and operated in compliance with the manufacturer's guidelines." We recommend an annual service and emptying. As a result, you must do this in order to follow the general binding requirements.
Furthermore, the general binding requirements indicate that servicing and maintenance must be performed by a qualified individual.