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Coal Sta_`f • -<'- • August 6, 1981 <br />d. Subnit all relevant data required by :-0LRD ~to show compliance with the <br />Performance standards of Rule d. <br />In developing the information needed to verify compliance with the Performance <br />Standards, the applicant should consider and address all of the pot ent_'al <br />problems associated with sludge disposal. Sludge characteristics vary according <br />to the properties of the raw waste water entering the treatment plant and, in turn <br />the raw waste water characteristics vary according to the type and amount of <br />industrial, commercial, and domestic waste dischargers to the plant. The type <br />of processing units Nsed at the treatment plant will also have a bearing on the <br />characteristics of the sludge. Depending on the application rates, sludge <br />disposal may affect the environment in many waus. The constituents in the sludge <br />may be toxic to some plants which would inhibit or prohibit their growth. Other <br />plants may be tolerant to these elements, but may accumulate harmful quantities <br />in the leaves and stems. This may pose a problem to animals who utilize these <br />plants. Ground water contamination has also been shown to be a problem if <br />significant amounts of soluble elements are leached from the sludge. Surface <br />water may be contaminated from spills, from the contaminated ground water, from <br />contaminated interflow, or from surface runoff in contact with the sludge. <br />Pathogens, although short-Iived, may pose health concerns. Finally, odors may <br />be present from the decomposition of the sludge. Again, tre presence and <br />significance of these problems will depend in part on the sludge characteristics <br />and the application rate. <br />The applicant should start with a discussion of the reason(s) for the utilization <br />of the sludge. The discussion should be accompanied bu a map showing the locaticn: <br />of the application and a timetable of application on each area. A brief dis- <br />cussion of terrain, soils, overburden, ground water, and vegetation at the site <br />would be appropriate. <br />The applicant should then discuss the source of the sludge and a brief <br />discussion or the industrial, commercial and domestic sources from which the <br />sludge is derived. Based on this discussion, the Di~~ision and operator can decide <br />on the required chemical analusis to be performed on the sludce, with the minimum <br />analysis being the attached list. If the producer of the~sewaee sludge has <br />already analyzed the sludge, the applicant should obtain and submit all data <br />available. The applicant may wish to make a procosal on the required chemical <br />analysis. ~ The proposal should be justified as much as possible. <br />The applicant should address the biological stability of the sludge and whether <br />it meets Department of Health guidelines. This information is needed to assess <br />sludge weight and ~~olume, pathogen content, odor and putrescibilitu. <br />A general discussion is then needed on the method of transportation and method <br />of applicatien and incorporation of the sludge. Transoortatien and application <br />should be tailored to the site to minimize the possibility of pollution or <br />contamination. <br />Based on the results of the chemical analysis, the applicant should propose an <br />application rate in tons/acre/year. This rate should be adjusted to achieve the <br />operator's goals, prevent sur_'ace and ground water pollution, and insure <br />effective revegetaticn and the post-mining land use. The application rate should <br />