Concept Note

Project Title: Centralized Sewage Treatment Plant in Cawayan, Masbate

Rationale

Cawayan is located at the south-western part of Masbate Island. It is a second-class municipality that
has an annual growth rate of 2.66% and is one of the most populated municipalities in the province.
Agricultural commodities and aquatic marine resources are the major products and are used as the
primary source of income in Cawayan. However, residents living near the bodies of water dispose their
human waste, wastewater and solid waste directly into the sea. This causes the nearby seas being
contaminated and not fit for recreational purposes. These household sewage causes eutrophication,
which there is an increase in chemical elements that serves as food for algae and using up all the oxygen
needed for other organisms in the aquatic life therefore causing fish kills and algae blooms affecting
their primary source of living.

Goals and Objectives

As solution to these problem, centralized sewage treatment plant can be implemented. Sewage
treatment plant (STP) eliminates contaminants from wastewater and household sewage before dumping
them to the sea. The process includes screening where large particles and debris such tissue, sanitary
napkins, bottles are filtered in this process. The mixture is then introduced in an aeration chamber
where the microorganism uses oxygen and organic waste to covert these organic matter to carbon
dioxide, ammonia and other organic residue. After the aeration process, the mixture is sent to a
sedimentation tank where large particles and slurry settle at the bottom of the tank leaving turbid and
untreated water exiting the tank. The wastewater is then introduced in an activated carbon channel
where the distinct smell and color of the wastewater is adsorbed. Finally, the clean wastewater is added
with chlorine solution to kill off any residual bacteria before discharging to the sea.

Expected Result

Not only did the STP can protect our aquamarine life, but it also prevents further widespread risk of
health epidemic in the people of the municipality. In addition, an STP can also help solve the issue in the
insufficient water supply in municipality since the treated water can be used in indirect contact to
people such watering plants, flushing toilet, or for cleaning materials.