What is required for OSSF surface application?

The requirement for OSSF surface application includes secondary treatment and disinfection, which is crucial for ensuring that any wastewater released from the treatment process is of sufficient quality to protect public health and the environment.

Secondary treatment involves the biological removal of dissolved organic matter, which is vital for reducing the pollutant load in the effluent. Following this, disinfection processes, such as chlorination or ultraviolet light treatment, further ensure that pathogens present in the effluent are inactivated or removed. This step is critical, particularly when the effluent is discharged onto the surface where it could come into contact with people, animals, or water sources.

In contrast, primary treatment focuses on removing solids from wastewater but does not sufficiently treat the effluent for safe surface application. Gravity filtration may help in certain contexts but does not encompass the complete treatment process necessary for surface application. Manual maintenance, while important for OSSF systems, refers to the upkeep of the system rather than the treatment processes needed prior to surface discharge. Hence, the emphasis on both secondary treatment and disinfection reflects the necessity for a comprehensive approach to ensure safety and compliance with health regulations before effluent can be safely released into the environment.