VI residents urged to properly dispose of waste water
Chief Environmental Health Officer, Mr Lionel E. Michael said the Division has received numerous complaints and through monitoring and inspections in the areas of Belle Vue, Fat Hogs Bay, Hodge’s Creek and East End, the department has concluded that the source of the wastewater discharge is primarily from privately owned septic tanks.
Mr Michael stated that it was observed that on numerous occasions, septic tanks are poorly managed, resulting in intentional and/or unintentional discharge of wastewater into the government streets, roadways and ghuts.
“The discharge of wastewater throughout our communities exposes residents to numerous health risks. It also undermines the integrity of our roads by creating gullies and potholes, which directly impede the flow of traffic and can even result in automobile accidents,” he added.
Wastewater is described as sewage, laundry water and water from the shower or kitchen. Residents who need assistance in wastewater management can telephone the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development aspires to provide a caring and integrated system of health and social services that facilitates human development and quality of life in the [British] Virgin Islands.
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6 Responses to “VI residents urged to properly dispose of waste water”
There is a peach house located near the road before you reach YEP, Owned by Mr. C*****e. He releases his waste water into the street. This was previously sent to VINO, the department of health was contacted. Videos of this being released into the road, where we have to stand and cross. Nothing was done. There is also a health worker who resides in that very same building. They are killing us slowly. We are tired of complaining.
Please let's not forget several areas in South Valley, Virgin Gorda including Morning Glory, in the area of Flow and the one way road pass Scrapie. It is sad to know that some of these offenders even own sewerage trucks. Well Sah...Pure Nastiness.
The size (volume) of a septic tank is based on the number of occupants in a building. On average, each person uses 95 gallons of water per day; the tank must be sized to hold waste entering it for at least 3 days. Waste entering a tank results in solids settling out to the bottom and scum rising to the top. Anaerobic bacteria breaks down the solids (organic matter). As the volume entering the tank increases, water is discharged from the tank into the leaching field where it is acted upon buy aerobic bacteria further purifying the waste. Inorganic substances entering the tank can impact the tank operation.
The solids that are not breakdown by the anaerobic bacteria settles to the bottom and needs to be periodically pumped out. An undersized tank results in solids(less than 3 days) flowing out the tank without being acted upon anaerobic bacteria, clogging the leaching field and causIng an odor. A system without a leaching field has to be pumped pumped out more frequently. The pumped out effluent as noted in the article must be disposed of properly and safely, for the pathogens can posed health risks to people. . The question is where can the effluent be properly discharged. Can it be taken to a treatment plant? Moreover, a properly designed and constructed tank that is effectively sized and the leaching field is properly constructed and sized should result in a functioning sewage system, requiring only periodic pump out. Septic system should not be sited down stream form wells......etc.