ADVICE NOTE No.

2 SEPTICITY CONTROL Introduction A common problem with pumping stations serving new developments is that it has to be completed and commissioned early on in the development but it can be years before it receives the design flow from full occupancy of the site. This results in low flows entering the wet well and long retention times in the rising main giving the opportunity for sulphide forming bacteria to multiply in the anaerobic conditions. Consequent formation of hydrogen sulphide gas can be lethal in man entry of chambers and/or cause severe nuisance with its characteristic bad egg smell. Any hydrogen sulphide gas formed reacts with moisture to form sulphuric acid which has a corrosive effect on the fabric of the sewer, concrete sections in manholes and mortar joints, and also electrical and metal construction in the pumping stations and STWs. There is also an adverse effect on the treatability of sewage. Design improvements There are a number of ways of reducing septicity which should be considered: (a) Twin rising mains can be laid to provide a low flow/short-term and high flow/long-term option; (b) A lining can be sleeved in the rising main to temporarily reduce its crosssectional area and capacity, until flows adequately increase; (c) Some surface water run-off from the development can be temporarily diverted to the foul system to increase incoming flow on a short-term basis only. Prediction of septicity The rising main must be sized for the ultimate flow conditions from the full development. Wessex Water will carry out septicity modelling of the rising main to determine the extent of the septicity which is predicted to occur. The Developer shall complete the form given in Appendix A and submit it to Wessex Waters Development Team. Wessex Water will advise if chemical (sodium nitrate) dosing to reduce septicity formation is required and the predicted maximum and average sodium nitrate dose rates. The Developer will be expected to bear the costs and provide chemical dosing equipment, to meet Wessex Waters Design Standard for Nitrate Dosing (DSXXX), and also the maintenance/running costs up until the day of vesting. The nitrate dosing unit shall be in operation with connections to Wessex Water telemetry at the commissioning of the pumping station.

APPENDIX A Septicity Modelling Information for Rising Mains Information to be provided by Project Manager/Developer Scheme name/project code Contact details of Project Manager/Developer

Location of rising main discharge: (map of route possible to be attached, if possible) Location of any air valves along route (map of locations to be attached, if possible) Length of rising main (m) Rising main internal diameter (mm) Rising main external diameter (mm) Predicted dry weather flow (DWF) (m3/day) Expected population connecting to SPS at full occupancy Details of initial occupancy rates, dry weather flow (DWF) (m3/day) and rate of increase Population equivalent for other expected flows into the pumping station, eg: industrial/hotel/school/hospital/caravan site (m3/day). Rates as given in Design Standard DS500. Are there any other rising mains in the network upstream of the proposed SPS? If yes please give details. Are there any storm tanks at the SPS? If yes please give details Material rising main will be constructed of and material of gravity or SPS that rising main will be discharging into Comments

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To be completed by Wessex Water Odour Management Co-ordinator Average DWF retention time of rising main (hrs) Predicted average DWF sulphide level using the Pomeroy equation (mgS/l) at 15oC, 600 mg/l COD Distance of nearest sensitive receptor from discharge point (m) Distance of nearest sensitive receptor from air valves (m) Is septicity generated by rising main likely to give the receiving STW treatment issues? Are predicted sulphide levels generated likely to cause increase corrosion to downstream assets? Is nitrate dosing to reduce septicity required? Predicted average modelled nitrate dose (l/d) at 15oC Predicted max modelled nitrate dose (l/s) Is a dosing controller recommended? Comments

Completed form to be sent to: Jim Humphries Chilton Trinity STW Riverside Chilton Trinity Bridgwater Somerset TA6 3JS james.humphries@wessexwater.co.uk

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