8 WASTEWATER COLLECTION, TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL

8.1 THE APPROACH

The issue of wastewater collection and disposal is crucial and should be adequately
addressed to ensure that the wastewater produced by the occupiers of the
morcellement and the users and operators of the commercial complex does not create
pollution of any surface or groundwater resources. This important issue is fully
addressed in this section.

8.2 SOURCE AND NATURE OF WASTEWATER

The wastewater produced by the households of the residential components of the

morcellement will emanate from:

 Kitchens
 Sanitary appliances
These wastewaters are basically domestic wastewaters which are easily biodegradable.

Wastewater produced by the supermarket and shops of the commercial complexes will
also essentially be of the biodegradable type, albeit in bigger quantities, accounting for
domestic toilets and food processing activities with occasional washing.

8.3 ESTIMATION OF VOLUME OF WASTEWATER

It is estimated that at full development and occupancy, the residential component of

the morcellement will produce a daily wastewater flow of the order of 233m3/day as
substantiated below:

(a) Number of Households: 277

(b) Unit daily water consumption: 1m3/day
(c) Estimated daily wastewater produced: 800litres/day i.e. 0.8m3 i.e. 80% of water
consumption
(d) Hence daily domestic wastewater production emanating from the residential
components of the morcellement totals to 222m3/day
(e) For the commercial activities, the volume of wastewater generated has been
computed as follows:

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  15No shops/offices at 80% of estimated daily consumption of 200litres per
shop/office per day………………………………..……………………………………….…2.5m3
 Supermarket at 80% of estimated daily consumption of 10m3/day ……..8m3
Hence the gross total wastewater production of the entire morcellement will be of the
order of 233m3 per day.

8.4 WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL SYSTEM

The issue of wastewater treatment and disposal for a development of this size is of
critical importance. Since the region is devoid of any existing sewer network,
alternative methods of wastewater treatment and disposal need to be investigated.

Prior to the determination of a domestic waste effluent treatment method, it is

imperative to assess the existing soil absorption characteristics prior to the design of
any system. The soil characteristics, which normally need to be addressed are:

 The topography
 The soil type
 The permeability
Each of those components is discussed below:

8.4.1 Topography

As explained at sub-section 3.8.2, the site is fairly gently sloping. The highest site
contour is 109 AMSL, sloping to 89 AMSL towards the south-western tip of the site as
can be observed from the Site/Topographical Plan enclosed at Annex 1B at the end of
Section 1.

The average natural gradient of the site is 1: 32 i.e. it possesses a natural slope of 3.2%
towards from the west in the eastern direction.

8.4.2 Soil Type

The Land Complex in which the site is generally classified as Northern and Western
Intermediate Lava Plains and Slopes. The soil can be described as Low Humic Latosols
with deep to moderately deep dark reddish brown or brown silty clay on clay, friable
throughout solumn, having no to few large, rounded boulders and stones.

Seven trial pits of depth varying between 3.0metres and 4.5metres were dug and
inspected when the sewage disposal system of the first initial morcellement was
designed. The logging revealed the following – which moreover is still valid:

 The same stratum was observed on all the walls of the trial pit.

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  The topsoil is made up of reddish brownish soil of average thickness 600mm. It
is underlain by a stratum of weathered and striated vesicular basalts of average
thickness 2000-2500mm
 The boulders observed have an average diameter of 800mm-1000mm and were
observed at an average depth of 2500mm below ground level
 Water table was encountered in 3No trial pits i.e. trial pits No 4, 5 and 6 which
were closer to the River Belle Eau and the feeder (please refer to Percolation
Test Report of Annex 8B at the end of Section 8)
 Water was encountered at a minimum depth of 1800mm below ground level
 No water table was observed in the four remaining trial pits i.e. trial pits No 1,
2, 3 and 7

8.4.3 Permeability

Test for permeability as per BS 1377 – “Soil Tests for Civil Engineering Purposes” was
carried out on the site in 2009 when the first morcellement had to be developed. The
tests were conducted in trial pits of depth varying between 3.0metres and 4.5metres
to simulate real-life conditions when effluent from the septic tanks will be disposed of.

6No trials pits were dug on site for the purpose of:

(i) Determining the depth of the water table

(ii) Carrying out the percolation tests to ascertain the permeability of the site
The locations of such trial pits on both portions were indicated as TP1, TP2, TP3, TP4,
TP5 and TP 6 on the Morcellement Layout Plan enclosed at Annex 8A at the end of the
report.

The overall dimensions of the trial pits are given in Table 8-1 below:

Table 8-1: Dimensions of Trial Pits

Trial Pit No Length(m) Width(m) Depth(m)

1 2.80 1.90 4.00
2 2.35 1.35 4.00
3 4.70 3.90 4.50
4 1.70 1.50 3.50
5 3.80 2.50 3.20
6 2.03 0.90 3.00

8.4.4 Percolation Test Results

The detailed results of the percolation test as well as other technical particulars in
regard to soil type, soil profile, the method of waste water collection and disposal are
outlined in the Percolation Test Engineering Report enclosed at Annex 8B at the end of
Section 8.

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 The main findings of the percolation test which were then recorded are listed below,
namely:

(i) The minimum percolation rate computed from the observations on the project
site is 72mm/hr.
(ii) The absorption characteristics of the soil of the project site are satisfactory for
the utilisation of a septic tank/absorption pit system or alternatively a septic
tank/leaching trench arrangement
(iii) The water table on the site appears to exist close to the River Belle Eau and the
nearby feeder, as should be moreover have been expected
(iv) Within plots where the water table is of the order of 1.8metres (i.e. plots
bordering the River Belle Eau and Feeder Belle Eau), a septic tank and leaching
trench arrangement should be adopted for the collection, treatment and
disposal of wastewater for the households

8.5 DISPOSAL SYSTEM

Based on the above, it is believed that since the site is not located within existing and
planned sewage networks, the best way to dispose of wastewater would be through
individual septic tank and absorption pit or leaching trench arrangement.

8.6 SUITABILITY AND FUNCTIONS OF SEPTIC TANK

The functions of a septic tank can be categorised in 4 stages:

(a) Removal of solids

(b) Biological treatment
(c) Sludge and scum stage
(d) Further treatment

8.6.1 Removal of Solids

Removal is required to prevent clogging of the soil media into which the septic tank
effluent is earmarked to be discharged

As sewage flows from a dwelling and enters the septic tank, its rate of flow is reduced
so that larger solids sink to the bottom or rise to the surface. These solids are retained
in the tank, and the clarified effluent is discharged.

8.6.2 Biological Treatment

Solids and liquid in the tank are subjected to decomposition by anaerobic bacterial and
natural processes. The decomposition or treatment of sewage under anaerobic
conditions is termed as “septic”, hence the name of the tank. Sewage which has been
subjected to such treatment undergoes a certain amount of purification which allows
the effluent to be discharged in a receiving medium.
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8.6.3 Sludge and Scum Storage

Sludge is an accumulation of solids at the bottom of the tank while scum is a partially
submerged layer of floating solids formed at the surface of the fluid in the tank. Sludge
and scum will also be digested and converted into smaller volume.

If adequately designed, constructed, maintained and operated, septic tanks are very
effective in accomplishing their purpose.

8.6.4 Further Treatment

Further treatment of the effluent, including the removal of pathogens is effected by

percolation through the soil. Disease producing bacteria will, in time, die-out in the
unfavourable environment afforded in the soil. In addition, bacteria are also removed
by certain physical forces during filtration. This combination factor results in the
eventual purification of the sewage effluent.

8.7 SEPTIC TANK

The design and dimensioning of the septic tank have been based on the following
design criteria and calculations are given below:

8.7.1 Design Criteria

 Average daily flow = 200 l/capita/day

 Number of persons per plots = 5
 Amount of water to be discharged in septic tanks = 90 % (allowing for eventual
infiltration)

8.7.2 Calculations

 Daily average flow per capita (0.2 m3 x 90 %) = 0.18 m3

 Daily house flow (0.18 x 5) = 0.9 m3 i.e. 900 litres/day
 Providing a retention time of 2 days,
 Minimum volume of tank (0.9 x 2) = 1.8 m3
 Allowing 30 % for sludge (30 % x 1.8) = 0.54 m3
  Volume of tank (1.8 + 0.54) = 2.34 m3 say 2.5 m3

8.7.3 Dimensions of Septic Tank

In view of the foregoing, the effective internal dimensions of the proposed septic tank
will be:

 Length: 2.0 metres

 Width: 1.3 metres
 Depth: 1.3 metres – with a free-board of about 150mm

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 A typical septic tank/absorption pit design has been enclosed at Annex 8C at the end of
Section 8.

The minimum volume for a septic tank allowed by the Wastewater Management
Authority is 3m3, ensuring de-sludging of the tank to be carried out at a period of 4
years. The promoter will ensure that buyers comply with this requirement, by the
inclusion of this mandatory requirement in their deeds of sale.

8.8 ABSORPTION PIT

On the basis of an application rate of 18 L/m2/day, the dimensions of the proposed

absorption pit would be as follows:

 Length: 3.0 metres

 Width: 3.0 metres
 Depth: 2.5 metres
There is need to prevent ingress of rain/storm water in the absorption pit system lest
same should be overloaded. Accordingly, the absorption pit would be surrounded by
an up-stand peripheral blockwork of at least 200 mm above ground level.

8.8.1 Siting of Absorption Systems

The detailed design together with all the relevant specifications of the individual septic
tank and absorption pit arrangement will be submitted for clearance to the
Wastewater Management Authority at the detailed design stage. The said design will
make due allowance for all the relevant/prescribed norms and standards so as to be to
the full satisfaction of the WMA.

The septic tank will be located on the lower level side of the residential dwelling which
will be erected on each lot in order to retain the raw sewage out of contact with air
until anaerobic bacteria break the solids into gases escaping through vents and
produce an effluent liquid which is subsequently purified by oxidation. Manholes, as
appropriate, would be installed at the end of each line at all changes in grade, size or
alignment and at all intersections.

The proposed absorption systems shall be not less than 4 metres from each other. In
addition, these would be sited at least 2 metres from any plot boundary and 1 metre
away from any structure.

8.9 LEACHING TRENCH

As recommended in the Percolation Test Report (enclosed at Annex 8B at the end of

Section 8), an on-site sewage disposal comprising of septic tank and leaching trench

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 arrangement will be adopted for individual plots where a relatively shallow water table
prevails (i.e. at 1.8metres below ground level as indicated in the Percolation Test
Report). These plots will be mostly those bordering the River Belle Eau and the Feeder
of the Belle Eau River.

For those plots where absorption pit will not be suitable, in its place, a leaching trench
is recommended (and will be statutorily inserted in the Deed of Sale) since it induces
lateral dispersion of the septic tank effluent. On the basis of an application rate of
18L/m2/day, a leaching area of 50m2 is required to cater for the leaching of 900litres
per day.

Adopting a width of 600mm and a depth of 600mm for the leaching trench, the
leaching area becomes 1.8m2 per metre; hence, a leaching trench of the order of
28metres would be sufficient. Such a leaching trench can easily be accommodated
between the housing building and the boundary wall on either one, two or three sides
of the property, with the necessary change -of-direction manholes.

Note: This preliminary design approach ensures that the statutorily-recommended soil
thickness of 1.2m exists between the leaching trench formation level and water table.
Hence the design is safe.

A typical leaching trench detail is shown in the drawing enclosed at Annex 8D at the
end of Section 8.

8.10 TREATMENT OF OTHER WASTEWATERS

Wastewaters emanating from kitchen sinks will be discharged into a grease trap before
being channelled into the proposed septic tanks. Wastewaters being generated by
wash basins and showers would be conveyed directly to septic tanks through a
network of manholes and gullies, as appropriate. In addition, wastewaters from
bathtub and/or washing machines will be discharged into the septic tanks as such
waters do not have appreciable organic and nutrient loads.

8.11 STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

After the obtention of the EIA Licence, the new promoter, Morcellement Martello Ltd,
will carry out the detailed design of all the required sewage infrastructure in
conjunction with the WMA.

The relevant drawings of the typical septic tank, typical absorption pit and typical
leaching trench, showing clearance distances from boundaries will be submitted to the
WMA for approval.

Such drawings will thereafter be included in the individual deeds of sale as a condition
for compliance by the eventual purchaser.

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8.12 COMPLIANCE WITH PPG

8.12.1 Septic Tank

The PPG enumerates parameters and suggested good practice for septic tanks, as given
in Table 8-2 below.

Alongside the PPG requirements, an additional column has been added to indicate the
“Actual Practice” which will be incorporated in the project design.

Table 8-2: Design Parameters for Septic Tank and Actual Practice

Parameter Good Practice Actual Practice

 Flow rate dwelling 200 litres per 200 litres per occupant
occupant per day per day
 Required effluent retention 24hrs minimum 48 hours
time in tank
 Minimum tank capacity 3m3 3m3
regardless of above
required retention times
 Minimum effluent (liquid) 1 metre 1.15 metres
depth in tank
 Closest distance to HWM of 30 metres 30metres from existing
any water course, lake, watercourse
reservoir, etc. Note: This requirement
will be stipulated in the
deeds of sale
 Maximum distance from 15 metres 15 metres
closest points of access for
emptying tanker
 Minimum number of 2 for minimum sized 2 compartments
compartments tank, 3 for tanks
above 3m2
 Minimum diameter of vent 75mm 75mm
pipe

8.12.2 Absorption Pit

The PPG enumerates parameters and suggested good practice for absorption pits, as
given in Table 8-3 below.

Alongside the PPG requirements, an additional column has been added to indicate the
“Actual Practice” which will be incorporated in the project design.

Table 8-3: Design Parameters for Absorption Pit and Actual Practice

Parameters Good Practice Actual Practice

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  Effluent flow rate As for design of septic 200litres/occupant/day
tank
 Invert level of pipe between Minimum of 600mm and Minimum of 600mm
the septic tank and the maximum of 10mm and maximum of
absorption pit below ground level 10mm below ground
level
 Stone/gravel size in the pit Minimum 20mm- Minimum 20mm-
maximum 150mm maximum 150mm
 Closest distance of the 1.2metres 1.2metres
formation of the pit to the
ground water level
 Closest distance of the 1.2metres >1.2metres
formation of the pit to
impervious layer or rock
formation
 Closest distance to the HWM 30metres 30metres from existing
of any water course, lake watercourse
reservoir, etc Note: This requirement
will be stipulated in the
deeds of sale
 Closest distance of any 2metres 2metres
structure, building or boundary
 Minimum distance between Twice the diameter of Minimum 6metres
absorption pits, either on the the largest pit, or twice
same or adjacent properties the average of the length
and width of the largest
pit if rectangular

8.12.3 Effluent Infiltration Rate

Effluent infiltration (application) rate (used to calculate the total surface area of the
sides and base of the pit in contact with the natural ground) is based on the
relationship between the soil permeability and infiltration rates as shown in Table 8-4
below.

Table 8-4: Soil Permeability and Infiltration Rate

 Permeability of soil
500>k>50 50>k>20 30>k>20 20>k>20 10>k>6
K (mm/hr)

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 Very
 Soil permeability High Good Average Poor
Low
 Infiltration Rate
50 30 25 20 10
l/m2/d

Based on the PPG design guidance for on-plot sewage disposal system, the minimum
permeability of the soil being 72mm/hr, the soil permeability can be considered to be
relatively high and the infiltration rate to be of the order of 50L/m2/d.

8.13 ON SITE DISPOSAL SYSTEM FOR COMMERCIAL PLOTS

The on-site sewage disposal system for the commercial plots within the morcellement
will be designed in the same way as explained in the preceeding sub-sections, based on
actual volumes as will be determined during the detailed design of the project. The
owner/promoter of the commercial plots shall be based to submit all the sewage
disposal system to the Black River District Council when applying for the Building and
Land Use Permit.

Such design will be submitted to the WMA by the developer of the commercial units in
due course for their approval before implementation of the works according to the
phasing of the project.

8.14 STATUS OF WMA APPROVALS

8.14.1 Conditions of Previous EIA Licence

The previous EIA conditions which appear to be still valid and applicable to the
morcellement project being the subject of this EIA are listed below:

 Condition 12 of the previous EIA licence stipulates that “All the wastewaters
from the residential and commercial lots shall be disposed of via individual
septic tank and leaching field. The septic tank shall have a minimum capacity of
3m3, be watertight and shall be accessible at all times for inspection. The area
of the leaching field shall be at least 20m2. No construction, parking or
cultivation of trees, with the exception of grass shall be allowed on the leaching
field. The septic tank and the leaching field shall be located as per the planning
guidelines set out by the Ministry of Housing and Lands. The closest distance of
the septic tank to any structure, building or boundary shall be 2m and that of
the leaching field to be 1m, as per Design Guidance from the Ministry of
Housing and Lands. The minimum distance from the formation level of the
leaching field to the maximum level of water table should be at least 1.2m.
Every three years, or if need to be a higher frequency, the septic tank shall be
desludged by a registered wastewater carrier and carted away to WMA
approved site. Onsite wastewater disposal structure shall be located at least
30m from Belle Eau River and its feeder.”
 The EIA Licence further stipulates that the above condition be inserted in the
Deed of Sale

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 It is confirmed that the new promoter will be abiding by the above conditions.

8.14.2 Conditions of the Previous Letter of Intent

The previous conditions of the Letter of Intent (copy of which is enclosed at Annex 2J
at the end of Section 2) set out the conditions the Wastewater Management Authority
which have been reproduced given below:

For all Residential Lots:

(i) Individual septic tank and leaching field should be used for the disposal of
domestic wastewater
(ii) The septic tank should be of a minimum of 3m 3, be water tight and should be
accessible at all time for inspection
(iii) The leaching field should have a minimum plan area of 20m 2
(iv) The closest distance of the septic tank to any structure, building or boundary
shall be 2m and that of the leaching field to be 1m, as per the Design Guidance
from the Ministry of Housing and Lands
(v) Every three years, or if need be to a higher frequency, the septic tanks shall be
desludged by a registered wastewater carrier and carted away to WMA site
(vi) Onsite disposal systems should be located at least 30m from Belle Eau River
For Commercial Lots

Since at present the exact details of the development for commercial lots are not
known, clearance of the WMA should be sought at the level of Land Use and Building
Permit Stage

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