NITROGEN CLEAN-UP MYTHS

The war against Nitrogen requires further study before billions of dollars are, again, likely wasted on unnecessary wastewater treatment plants in places like Cape Cod Massachusetts and coastal Towns in Connecticut for the alleged purpose to free the coastal embayments from nitrogen originating from Septic Systems..........   It is alleged that 74% of the nitrogen in Buttermilk Bay comes from Septic Systems (see study by Joe Costa, PhD, Buzzards Bay Organization, 1990's) or 60 -80% as reported in a document, dated May 2000 entitled, "CAPE COD a Community Connected by Water", prepared by the Cape Cod Commission Resources Staff.  These estimates are utmost questionable since they assume that nitrate nitrogen can travel in the subterranean, with little or no reduction, for several miles (and years) before entering the embayments.  The studies also vastly underestimate the impact of nitrogen from lawn fertilizers, atmospheric deposition, run-off from land surfaces, biomass decomposition and bird deposits, etc.  Studies by the US Geological Survey at Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts demonstrates that the eutrophication supporting nitrogen components, such as nitrate nitrogen, are reduced approximately 80 - 90% in 450 feet of  subterranean travel.  For more details from the USGS study CLICK HERE.   The Cape Cod Commission have adopted recommendations from eight years of citizens collecting samples in various water bodies on the Cape.  It is being interpreted that nitrogen in open waters is mainly from Septic Systems with only scant evidence to connect the two, when in fact there is mountainous evidence to the contrary.  It is commendable that citizens are participating in collecting samples, however, the interpretation and application of the data needs thorough peer review and third party scrutiny.   To shed some light on the issue a bucket was placed outdoors (under the Massachusetts skies) for the period July 15 - August 1, 2010 to collect atmospheric deposition.  The following photograph compares spring water in the bottle on the left to nutrients and other compounds (bottle on the right) collected during a period of two weeks. The "Blame the Septics" nitrogen issue will likely backfire and by constructing huge Sewer Treatment Plants, the Cape would be open for explosive growth with the endless possibilities of packing the Cape with new homes, apartment buildings, strip malls, automobile traffic and people with all adverse environmental impact as a consequence.   The addition of nutrients in increased overland stormwater flows will be much greater than any reductions from eliminating septic systems.   The water quality of the Cape Cod Embayments will be greatly reduced and will result in an environmental disaster for Cape Cod.   The biggest shortcoming with some Septic Systems is the short duration until overflow or backups occur.  There are some devices which work extremely well, long term, and could replace some of the sub-standard devices for very little cost and thereby eliminate the primary pollution hazard of Septic Systems (sewage overflowing and draining into open channels and streams).   Stop the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection from destroying Cape Cod and many other areas of the Commonwealth.   The urgency at which the State of Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection is forcing the retirement of improved well functioning Septic Systems is totally irrational.  Massachusetts residents with Septic Systems have been forced to spend vast sums of money on their Septics to comply with the 1995 Title 5 regulations to now be told that the title 5 upgrades were not what they were advertised to be and need to be replaced by Central Wastewater Treatment Plants with additional billions to be paid for by home and business owners.  Estimated, potential,  liens on single family homes, on Cape Cod, are reported to be as high as $ 150,000.00 or as much as the recession-reduced value of some of their homes.   Data from Chesapeake Bay clean-up efforts show that the Septic Systems contribute less than 5 % to the Nitrogen entering Chesapeake Bay, according to published reports.  They expect to reduce this down to approximately 4 % by adding nitrogen removal to existing Septic Systems.  Run-off and inflow from the drainage basin contribute more than 60 %.     It is beyond comprehension that Public Agencies charged with protecting the environment end up forcing home and business owners to accept directives based on questionable assumptions that end up costing billions of dollars, will bankrupt many people and degrade the environment.  If you have any questions regarding the content of this site or other concerns  please contact the webmaster at webmaster@cleanbays.com or call 860 906-4951 For comments or questions please click here