Arkansas and Missouri working toward the same goals

Traditional and alternative onsite waste treatment systems were the hot topic for the KRWP mid-year public meeting. The evening included two featured speakers: David Casaletto of Table Rock Lake Water Quality Inc. in Kimberling City, and Richard Bowen, sanitarian for the Carroll County Health Unit. Both of these men spend their days studying waste treatment on sensitive karst terrain, but the state border necessitates very different approaches.

The estimated annual revenue from tourism in the counties surrounding Table Rock Lake, the largest lake in Missouri, exceeds $900 million. Table Rock Lake Water Quality Inc. was started by the Kimberling City Chamber of Commerce in an effort to protect the recreational value of Table Rock Lake by reducing water pollution. The group decided to focus on area septic systems, which have a combined flow equal to that of a large city. Many of the tanks have failed because of inadequate soils or improperly designed systems and are releasing raw sewage into the lake.

Casaletto drove the point home with a striking map of Stone County covered in red – red denoting land with little or no soil which is highly unsuitable for septic systems. Barry County was a bit more promising, with about 50% of the land suitable for septic systems. Because 20% of waste treatment occurs in the tank and 80% occurs in the soil, adequate soil is extremely important for onsite waste treatment.

TRLWQ has been engaged in a very excited project to demonstrate advanced onsite wastewater treatment technology specifically for the Table Rock Lake region. Some technologies demonstrated to date include: drip irrigation in imported soil, aeration units utilizing substrates such as foam cubes, and cluster systems with wetland or sand filters. These technologies, when used appropriately, all worked to eliminate the movement of untreated effluent off of the landowner’s property. Unlike conventional onsite waste treatment systems, alternative systems must be maintained in order to be successful. The Ozarks Clean Water Company was created to oversee maintenance and operation of installed onsite waste treatment systems in Missouri. For more information visit their website: trlwq

Richard Bowen outlined many of the onsite wastewater regulations in Arkansas, highlighting differences from Missouri law. One big difference is the states’ handling of advanced treatment. If a piece of property will not pass the soil test for a conventional septic system in Missouri, advanced treatment can be used to help pass the test. Arkansas, on the other hand, does not give credit for advanced treatment options. If a piece of property cannot pass the soil test for a conventional septic system, that property cannot be developed. Arkansas has fairly strict onsite waste-treatment standards, which has served to protect both ground and surface waters in the state. There is a permit exemption for homeowners owning at least ten acres with only one residence and one septic system. The system must be at least 200 feet from a property line and 100 feet from a neighbor’s pond. For more information visit healthy arkansas and click on the link for rules and regulations.