Wastewater sludge contains many dangerous pathogens that must be properly removed to preserve the water quality. Before wastewater can undergo sludge removal, it must be treated to reduce the sludge volume and stabilize the organic materials. Stabilizing sludge before removal reduces any harsh smells and makes it a safer material for storage and disposal.
There are four types of sludge:
- Drinking water sludge: Byproduct of drinking water treatment facilities and is nonhazardous.
- Fecal sludge: Fecal sludge contains solid wastes, human excreta, urine and any materials found in sanitation systems.
- Sewage sludge: Byproduct of industrial wastewater or sewage treatment processes and contains organic and inorganic matter.
- Industrial wastewater sludge: The byproduct of warehouses and manufacturing operations where industrial wastewater sludge is highly hazardous for humans and the environment due to the high levels of heavy metals and pathogens present.
Removal process usually with a vacuum truck that comes along to essentially pump them out through the top access lid. The best way to ascertain if your septic tank requires desludging is to measure the ‘sludge’ and ‘scum’ layer with a measuring tube. That’s where the professionals come in. This is something your service technician will do at each service. And if your tank is buried, your maintenance provider can also help to locate the system and install access lids at ground level for future maintenance.