THE PHILIPPINE SUSTAINABLE SANITATION KNOWLEDGE SERIES Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience

Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience

Acknowledgments ...... iv Acronyms and Abbrevia ons ...... v The SuSEA Program ...... vi

I. Background...... 1 II. Program Objec ves ...... 2 III. Study Area ...... 3 IV. Water Quality Assessment ...... 5 V. Pollu on Load Analysis ...... 7 VI. Water Quality Considera ons ...... 11 VII. Program Design ...... 13 VIII. Short-Term Strategies for 2010 Targets ...... 14 IX. Ins tu onal Mechanisms ...... 23

Annexes A. Primer on Developing a Water Pollu on Preven on & Control Program ...... 24 B. Es mated Cost of Establishing a WPPCP ...... 27

Defini on of Terms ...... 28

Water Pollu on Preve on and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience We would like to express profound thanks to the following individuals for their invaluable support and commitment. Dir. Eduardo Janairo, Dr. Yolanda Oliveros, Engr. Joselito Riego De Dios, Engr. Rolando San ago, Engr. Luis Cruz, Engr. Gerardo Mogol, and Engr. Ma. Sonabel Anarna (DOH) Dir. Juan Miguel Cuna, Dir. Julian Amador, Asst. Dir. Jonas Leones, Reg. Dir. Datu Tungko Saikol, Engr. Renato Cruz, Engr. Marcelino Rivera (DENR/EMB) Engr. Leoncia Rillon and Engr. Ronnie Salmon (EMB XII) Ms. Jema Sy, Mr. Edkarl Galing, and Ms. Shiela Dela Torre (WB-WSP) Engr. Nael Joseph Cruspero, Engr. Teody Dumagan, Ms. Becky Magante, Engr. Dave Acosta, Engr. Arn Gallengarin of City; Mr. Ronnie Muno, Engr. Cecil D. Mirasol, Engr. Alex Macabacyao, Engr. Hezel Marullano, Ms. Joyce De Guzman, Mr. Felix Bacaling, Mr. Aducan Nilong, Mr. Efren Cordon, Mr. Virgilio Rubio, Sr., Mr. Asgar Mangelin, Mr. Godofredo Diot, Ms. Avelina Rencio, Mr. Vicente Yungco, Jr., Ms. Anita Ladaran, Mr. Hosna Andiam of LGU Polomolok; Mr. Julian C. Asion, Jr, Ms. May Flor Carlos, Ms. Olivia Merimon, Mr. Rogen Guardaya of LGU T’boli, Engr. Julgen Dajay and Ms. Rene e Bergado of LGU Tupi (LGU Partners)

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The Philippine Sustainable Sanita on Knowledge Series BOD Biochemical Oxygen Demand CLUP Comprehensive Land Use Plan DAO Departmental Administra ve Order cum cubic meter DENR Department of Environment and Natural Resources EMB Environmental Management Bureau g gram GenSan General Santos City GIS Geographical Informa on System HRT Hydraulic Reten on Time IEC Informa on, Educa on, and Communica on kg kilogram km kilometer LGU Local Government Unit M million mg/L Milligrams per liter MHO Municipal Health Office MOA Memorandum of Agreement NAA Non-A ainment Areas PHP Philippine Pesos SAU Septage Acceptance Units SMP Septage Management Plan SuSEA Sustainable Sanita on in East Asia TSS Total Suspended Solids WPPCP Water Pollu on Preven on and Control Program WQMA Water Quality Management Area ZODP Zero Open Defeca on Program

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Water Pollu on Preve on and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience The Sustainable Sanita on in East Asia Program-Philippine Component (SuSEA) supported by the Water and Sanita on Program (WSP) of the World Bank and the Swedish Interna onal Development Coopera on Agency (SIDA), and implemented through the leadership of the Departments of Health (DOH) and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), is geared towards increasing access by poor Filipinos, primarily low-income households, to sustainable sanita on services by addressing key demand and supply constraints. Aside from this, the program hopes to learn from local implementa on of sanita on programs as basis for na onal policy and opera onal guidance. SuSEA Philippines commenced in July 23, 2007 as a learning program to support the Government of the Philippines (GoP) update its approaches and interven ons in sanita on and needs that were not present or not addressed in tradi onal sanita on programs that focused on two extremes: 1) toilet-bowl distribu on and hygiene educa on and 2) centralized sewerage systems. The most important of these emerging needs are: Complemen ng interven ons related to the reduc on of risks of sanita on- and poverty-related diseases such as soil transmi ed helminthiasis and acute gastroenteri s Linking sanita on interven ons with environmental objec ves, such as the improvement of water quality and water resources Sanita on in rapidly urbanizing towns and ci es, including the occurrence of disease episodes that aggravate impacts of poor sanita on (such as flooding) on the economy and quality of life of city popula ons Reaching pockets of communi es that comprise the remaining 20% of those without access to basic sanita on, par cularly in the rural areas (among whom include indigenous peoples/cultural minori es) and urban slum communi es.

SuSEA-Philippines was designed using four different models as the pla orm for developing specific interven ons (according to themes below). The learning gained and the tools developed from these models served to assist other local governments units (LGUs), as well as informing na onal sanita on policy and programs for GoP-led expansion and scaling up. The four models are:

MODEL 1 Disease Preven on and Control – Sanita on interven ons for the eradica on/ reduc on of disease MODEL 2 Water Quality Management – Sanita on interven ons for vi the improvement of water quality within a water quality management area

The Philippine Sustainable Sanita on Knowledge Series MODEL 3 Liveable Ci es - Sanita on interven ons for the improvement of quality of life in ci es and low-income urban poor communi es MODEL 4 Sustainable Rural Livelihoods - Sanita on interven ons to support sustained livelihoods in rural areas

Six sites par cipated in the main program sub-component of SuSEA. These are: Bauko Municipality in the Mt. Province, Dagupan City in Pangasinan Province, Guiuan Municipality in Eastern Samar Province, General Santos City and Polomolok Municipality in South , and Municipality in . The desired outcome in each of the project sites varied according to the model and agreements by the Program Steering Commi ee and the local government. While outcomes varied per site, each of the projects were addi onally intended to provide the LGUs with a fount of informa on on developing and running their own sanita on programs based on the on-field experiences of the SuSEA team and their partners. This informa on has been packaged for your use in a Sustainable Sanita on Knowledge Series, to which this guidebook/report belongs. The reader is encouraged to familiarize himself/herself with all the guidebooks/reports in this series beginning with the Guidebook for Conduc ng a Baseline Study and followed by the Guidebook for Developing a Local Sustainable Sanita on Strategy. What guidebooks/reports you choose to u lize next will be determined by your community’s par cular needs and your LGU’s proposed sanita on programs. On the succeeding page, you will find an illustra on of the various sustainable sanita on programs (SSPs) under the Na onal Sustainable Sanita on Plan (NSSP). For each of these SSPs, SuSEA has also developed materials under the Philippine Sustainable Sanita on Knowledge Series, intended to guide local government units in implemen ng the various sanita on programs and ini a ves in their own area. The informa on gathered in the Knowledge Series is, in turn, based on specific SuSEA projects and ac vi es in each of the six project sites.

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Water Pollu on Preve on and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience

Under the Sustainable Sanita on for government units (LGUs) within the East Asia (SuSEA) Philippines watershed into a Model 2 interven on Component, a Water Pollu on that would ins tu onalize water Preven on and Control Program quality management. The LGU (WPPCP) was developed in order to partnership would ini ate the meet the desired outcome of forma on of the WQMA for the reducing the biochemical oxygen Silway River watershed in line with demand (BOD) loading to the Silway the implementa on of the Clean River in by 10% at the Water Act. The desired outcome of end of 2010. The developed program the support package would be the was also intended to support the reduced pollu on load of the Silway designa on of the Silway River Water River. This WPPCP is one of the Quality Management Area (WQMA), outputs of SuSEA for this area. which would encompass the The program iden ed various municipali es of Polomolok, Tupi projects with specific implementa on and T’boli and the city of General plan including local sanita on Santos. capacity building, improving access The wastewater discharges coming to sanita on, septage management, from these areas eventually drain trade effluents treatment and into the Silway River. Silway River is disposal, and capacity buildings of one of the river systems that feeds various stakeholders in the impact into Sarangani Bay from South area in implemen ng and monitoring Cotabato. The river’s water quality the program. directly affects the bay, which is known to be the spawning ground for tuna fingerlings and a protected seascape. Because of Silway River’s direct impact on the water quality of Sarangani Bay, SuSEA, in consulta on with the various stakeholders, decided to integrate the local 1

Water Pollu on Preve on and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience II

This Water Pollution Prevention and quality conditions of Silway Control Program (see Annex A) was River and were presented to developed with the ultimate various stakeholders through objective of improving the water participatory discussions and quality conditions of the Silway public consultations; River, which runs through the Prioritized the plan of actions municipalities of Polomolok, Tupi that will immediately reduce and T’boli and General Santos City. the pollution load to Silway The WPPCP, when implemented, will River by 10% within 2010; address sanitation and wastewater and, pollution issues to meet pollution Developed a program design load reduction targets for Silway matrix showing the River and its tributaries. Short-term recommended strategies strategies will embark on projects along with detailed that will decrease the pollution load implementation plans that to Silway River by 10% at the end of will enhance sanitation 2010. conditions and improve Specifically, this WPPCP accomplished environmental compliance the following: considering the limited resources of the stakeholders Identified the priority water particularly the monitoring pollutants affecting the activities of the LGUs and the general characteristics of Department of Environment Silway River that must be and Natural Resources - monitored and controlled; Environment Management Identified the pollution Bureau (DENR-EMB). sources and their corresponding pollution load contributions; Developed several projects that will mitigate further 2 deterioration of the water

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series III

Environmental Conditions highest point is in Tupi while the lowest point is in General Santos City. The study area is located in the Southern region. The The headwater of the 28 km-Silway catchment area of the Silway River River is the Talcon River in Tupi while includes almost the entire the most downstream reach municipality of Polomolok, parts of discharges to Sarangani Bay in T’boli, Tupi and General Santos City General Santos City. The tributaries totalling to 56,280 hectares. It is are Polonoling River (Tupi), Matin-ao drained by several creeks and (Polomolok), Sinawal (GenSan) and tributaries forming the 28-kilometer Klinan (Polomolok-GenSan). Silway River. Table 1 presents the coverage of the study area. About 34% of the watershed is grassland while 19% is allocated each The geographical coordinates of the for cereals and fruit orchard. Only o o area is between 124 55’ to 125 10’ E less than 1% is planted to rice. The o o and 6 03; to 6 23 N. This is within the land is classified as 42% timberland western portion of Sarangani while 58% of Polomolok is already Province toward Mt. Parker and west classified as alienable and of . The elevation of the disposable. 54% of the area is area is within the range of 200 to 1,300 categorized as susceptible to meters above mean sea level. The moderate erosion.

TABLE 1: Area Covered by the Silway River Watershed

LGU in the Watershed Hectares % Polomolok 29,795 52.9 General Santos 6,621 11.8 Tupi 4,966 8.8 T’boli 14,898 26.5

Total 56,280 100 3

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience The monthly average rainfall for agricultural to residential/ June, July and October is about 100 industrial mm as monitored in General Santos Presence of illegal settlers City. The driest month is in March within river easement with 41.8 mm of rainfall while the wettest month is June with 113 mm Unregulated use of surface of rainfall. The average temperature and groundwater, etc. o o range is 28.6 C to 36.6 C. General Santos City is considered as one of Some of the recent interventions the hottest areas in the Philippines accomplished to address the second only to Tuguegarao. identified environmental concerns The current land uses in the included: watershed include coastal areas eco- Existing Municipal Local zone (mangroves, marshland, Ordinances on Environmental settlement, beaches, foreshore lease Protection and Conservation areas), built-up areas (residential, of the Watershed area; commercial, institutional, agro- industrial, light, medium and large Rehabilitation of 2 hectares industries and utilities), agricultural portion of the Watershed by areas, and forest/upland areas. Land Bank of the Philippines; Constructed gabion Issues and Concerns revetment structure project As identified by the DENR-CENRO in in River and Silway- General Santos City, the following are Klinan River for river bank the environmental issues and protection structures done by concerns in the area: the Southern Mindanao Integrated Coastal Zone Increasing soil erosion and Management Project; siltation of riverbeds Sustained apprehension of Increasing occurrence of violators on Forestry Laws; flashfloods Reforestation and Agro- Continuing scouring of forestry projects by local riverbanks farmers’ etc; Drying-up of some rivers and Reforest 180 hectares portion creeks of the watershed by the Dumping of garbage within DENR Region XII through waterways accredited people’s Illegal quarrying organization contractors. Increasing water pollution Chemical residues from agricultural land

4 Fast land conversion from

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series IV

Only the portion of the Silway River the ocular inspection and provided running through General Santos City the basis for identifying the is presently classified as Class C locations of the sampling stations. (EMB, as of 2004). Also, the lower There were a total of twenty four (24) reach of the Silway River already sampling points. Five are in the discharges to Sarangani Bay in Municipality of Tupi, nine are within General Santos City, a major water Polomolok, and ten points are within body with significant value for trade the jurisdiction of General Santos and commercial fishing in this region City. The sampling points included currently classified as Class SC. On several tributaries discharging to the recommendation of EMB XII, following Silway River. a public hearing held at Polomolok, South Cotabato on December 9, 2009, Organic Pollutants the DENR classified on March 17, 2010 For the study area, most of the the Silway River in Tupi and Polomolok dissolved oxygen readings were way as Class C through Department above 5.0 mg/L except for some Memorandum Circular 2010-08. depressions downstream of Silway Water Quality Sampling & River in Polomolok. The oxygen sag Monitoring was supported by the elevated BOD in the same station, exceeding the 5 A 10-month water quality monitoring mg/L Class B water quality criterion activity for the the Silway River was for BOD. The oxygen depression and started in March 2009. The sampling the elevated BOD may be attributed sites were established in to the discharges received by the coordination with the EMB Region XII Silway River from the and and the representatives from the Cannery area which are the two more LGUs of Tupi, Polomolok and General densely populated areas in Santos City. The monitoring stations Polomolok. With some dilution from are located in the municipalities of the Klinan River, the dissolved Tupi and Polomolok and within oxygen was able to recover but BOD General Santos City. The current remained high in the lower reach of physical attributes as well as sources the Silway River in Polomolok of pollution along the Silway River towards General Santos City. 5 were particularly observed during

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience Total Suspended Solids possible agricultural run-offs upstream of Klinan-Silway River junction. The total suspended solids (TSS) level remained relatively low for the entire Phosphates in almost all stations in the stretch of the Silway River in Tupi and Silway River exceeded the 0.4 mg/l Polomolok with relatively higher TSS in P-7 limit for Class C water. Phosphates can and P-6 in General Santos City (downstream be attributed from cleaning chemicals of Klinan confluence). There were reported associated in domestic discharges and quarrying activities in Klinan and this may fertilizers from agricultural sources. be causing the TSS increase of the Silway River in General Santos. Also, TSS increased Other Toxic Pollutants to more than 500 mg/L in Polomolok last For this monitoring period in the August 2009 attributed mainly to previous Silway River, heavy metals in the river rain events. In general, the BOD level did water were not monitored. However, not follow the TSS increase manifesting that samples were taken for pesticides the increase in turbidity may be due to soil analysis. Samples were analyzed by erosion or agricultural run-offs and not due the Bureau of Plant and Industry in to sewage or organic sources. . There were no traces of pesticide residues (organochlorines Coliforms and organophosphates) detected Almost all stations where samples were during the sampling period. taken manifested total coliform bacteria exceeding even the 5,000 MPN/100 ml Silway River Tributaries limit for Class C particularly during the dry Klinan River manifested BOD greater months of March and April where flow than 5 mg/L when monitored in June was low. A number of stations also 2009. Other BOD values were generally exceeded the 200 MPN/100 ml limit for low except for the October 2009 fecal coliform for Class B waters. These monitoring at downstream of Sinawal elevated readings are expected due to River (7 mg/L). Klinan River also the domestic wastewater, including registered extreme TSS during the May backyard piggery and cattle-raising wastes 2009 sampling (about 1,500 mg/L) in the and the agro-industrial discharges upstream portion and 800 mg/L near the received by the Silway River. confluence with the Silway River. Nutrients Nitrates in Klinan were generally Nitrates in the water samples in most higher (exceeding the 10 mg/L limit stations of the Silway River meet the 10 in March 2009) while phosphates mg/L limit except for the upper reach were also above the Class C limits in of Polomolok (March 2009) where almost all tributary stations. nitrate marginally exceeded the limits. The impact of the water quality of the From the results of the analysis of the tributaries will be manifested several tributaries, Klinan River manifested meters from the confluences or higher levels of nitrate affecting the junctions with the Silway River. downstream water quality of the Silway Depending on the flow and River (> 15 mg/L in the May 2009 characteristics of contaminants, these 6 sampling). This could be attributed to tributaries influence the characteristics domestic wastewater discharges and of the Silway River downstream.

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series V Pollution Load Analysis

Methodology For the domestic sources, the estimated wastewater The pollution load analysis quantifies consumption was based on the amount of pollution that is being the reported monthly billed contributed by the different sources volume as provided by (i.e. domestic, commercial, agro- Polomolok Water District; industrial, institutional, etc.) to the and Silway River. For commercial and agro- For this study, the Biochemical industrial wastewater, the Oxygen Demand or BOD was used as actual flow rates (in cum/ a standard parameter in measuring day) were based on the the degree of pollution in the Silway estimates provided by the River. BOD is the amount of oxygen facility representatives in needed by microorganisms to their SMRs and interviews. decompose organic matter present within the water. Therefore, a higher Non-point sources (storm, BOD value in a water sample can be urban and agricultural interpreted as ‘poor’ quality, while runoffs) were not included in a lower BOD value can be described the pollution load analysis at as ‘good’ quality. point of the study. In the analysis of the pollution loads per source, the following general Domestic Wastewater Sources assumptions were made: The catchment of the Silway River Average BOD values were encompasses several light and calculated for each sector medium density residential areas (i.e. households, restaurants, with populated zones near town slaughterhouses, etc.) to centers or poblacion. The domestic estimate the BOD loadings, wastewater (including sewage) and some of these values were drainage from these areas are estimated from the received by the river through storm submitted self monitoring drainage and tributaries. reports (SMRs); 7

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience Surveys conducted for Polomolok effluents with 10 to 20 mes the raw and General Santos City provided sewage concentra on, which is informa on on waste disposal essen ally septage. Those sep c prac ces and available sanita on tanks constructed without concrete facili es. The following were floor lining are poten ally gathered from the surveys: contamina ng the groundwater sources with coliform and other 91.5% of the households in soluble contaminants such as urban barangays (Poblacion phosphates and nitrates. Depending and Cannery) in Polomolok on the topography and hydrological have their own toilet profile of the area, these pollutants facili es; out of these, about from the sep c tanks also contribute 80.7% have sep c tanks. to the deteriora on of the water Lower percentages are quality of the Silway River. expected in rural barangays; About 598 households in For an es mated per capita BOD load Polomolok do not have any of about 50 g BOD/day and with an toilet facili es while about es mated popula on of 10,000 2,052 households have no within the direct discharge zone (i.e., sanitary toilets (MHO, areas near the Silway River and its Polomolok 2009); tributaries), pollu on load associated with domes c discharges Less than 1% of the sep c can vary from 2.0 to 4.0 tons of BOD/ tank were desludged during day depending on the efficiency of the past 10 years; the sep c tank systems that collects In General Santos City, it was domes c wastewaters. The effect of reported that 78% of this pollu on load may vary along households have their own with the river flow, which may be toilet facili es. Out of this, high during wet seasons but 88% have sep c tanks; and rela vely low during dry months. At Also in General Santos City, low river flow, this amount of about 92% of the households pollu on load to a small river system with a sep c tank have never may already produce sep c been desludged for the past condi ons. 10 years. Commercial & Ins tu onal Wastewater Sources Untreated domes c wastes may From the latest surveys conducted in have a BOD concentra on of 110 to the catchment area (Polomolok and 250 mg/L. Properly designed and General Santos City), the number of maintained sep c tanks provide 20 commercial (i.e. lodging/restaurants, to 30% BOD removal. Inefficient markets, hospitals and clinics) sep c tank systems (those which are and ins tu onal establishments not de-sludged regularly and are (government offices, schools, and under designed) may discharge 8 jails) was es mated. For this sector,

The Philippine Sustainable Sanita on Knowledge Series majority of the water supply is used very high concentration of organic for domestic purposes such as and pathogenic constituents in their washing, drinking, bathing, and wastewaters. Meanwhile, food cooking. The assumed average BOD processing plants also use significant removal from existing environmental amounts of water for cooking and infrastructures (i.e., ponds, lagoons, washing raw materials. Ice plants septic tank digesters and activated have the lowest water consumption sludge system) is 50%. and wastewater generation since most of the water used is converted Agro-Industrial Wastewater into the product. Sources Agricultural and Storm Runoff The Silway River catchment is host to a number of small- to medium- According to the claims of major scale crop and non-crop industries. plantation owners, most of the crops These are composed of food being planted in the area are processing facilities, piggeries and classified as ‘tropical variants’, which poultries, slaughter houses, and ice do not require irrigation and rely plants which also generate only on rainfall for cultivation. Thus, significant amounts of wastewater. the actual water usage and direct Based on the 2009 survey discharge of wastewater from conducted, there are about 46 agricultural lands are considered establishments that belong to this negligible. sector in Polomolok. The number However, based on various related of similar establishments in literatures, agricultural lands are General Santos City within the known to be non-point sources of Silway River catchment was also water pollution (i.e., agricultural run- estimated from the survey off). These run-offs may contain soil conducted. nutrients, organics, and residual Piggeries and slaughter houses are pesticides. The concentrations of of special concern because of the these pollutants depend on the

TABLE 2: Pollution Load Distribution for the Silway River

Sector Estimated BOD Loading Percentage (kg.BOD/day) (kg.BOD/year) (%) Domestic 3,956.24 1,424,245.39 68 Commercial/Institutional 167.63 44,253.00 2 Agro-Industrial 2,334.01 616,178.64 30 TOTAL 6,457.87 2,084,677.03 100

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Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience water flow. With the limited Pollution Load Distribution information at hand, the pollution The estimated pollution loadings are load contribution from these sources summarized in the Table 2 and is not included in the pollution load illustrated in Figure 1. analysis at this point.

FIGURE 1 Pollution Load Distribution for the Silway River

30%

68%

2%

Domestic Commercia/Institutional Agro-Industrial

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The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series VI

To develop the action plan for the irrigation canals or to program, several facts must be leaching grounds; considered: Desludging of septic tanks Based on the river are not a prevalent practice monitoring, priority pollutants in the study area; that must be addressed Most of commercial and included BOD, fecal coliform, institutional establishments nitrates and phosphates. rely only on septic tanks to Households with no treat their wastewater which sufficient toilet facilities and are not capable of sewage collection systems significantly removing proliferate in several areas organic pollutant; along the banks of the Silway Most of the agro-industrial River and its tributaries; facilities are using pond There is a need to improve systems in the retention and the design and construction treatment of their wastewater. of septic tanks within the Almost all of the ponds are catchment area to ensure only earth-lined and very significant organic load susceptible to leaks and reduction from the groundwater contamination; wastewater coming from the There are issues of solid households. In areas outside waste management in the of town centers, sullage and area where residents near sewage are received by open the banks of the river still pit and are often percolated indiscriminately throw their to the soil posing a threat to garbage to the river; groundwater; The EMB imposes a BOD limit There are a number of of 120 to 150 mg/l to existing residential houses, which agro-industrial facilities since also maintain backyard the Silway River is presently piggery. The wastes are not classified. This is about 11 often directed to rivers, 100 to 200% more than the

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience BOD limit of 50 mg/L for Class on some sections of the river to allow C waters; and the immediate restoration of the There is a need for the EMB to water quality to its desired level. re-orient the LGUs on the Short-term targets may have to be procedures, guidelines, and defined. Programs for these targets will practices when inspecting be developed and implemented to facilities particularly the achieve immediate improvement on wastewater discharges. LGUs the water quality of the river by the end must be trained on how to of 2010. Medium-term targets will be assess and evaluate the for the planning horizon between 2010 operations of the treatment. and 2015. Correspondingly, long-term There is a need to improve on targets may be set 10 years beyond 2015. the environmental database to facilitate water quality goal Reduction of Pollution Loads setting and improvement In general, the following approach on monitoring. organic load reductions may be Program Prioritization considered: With the estimated BOD loading Enforcement of existing rules currently received by the study area, and regulations on sanitation several goal setting exercises may be and water pollution; done. For every program that will Improvement on sanitation be developed, a certain percentage practices and provision of of organic load reduction may be adequate and properly quantified. designed sanitation facilities With the initial target of a 10% pollution for domestic wastewater load reduction by the end of 2010, sources; programs may be prioritized depending Improvement of existing on several factors such as availability of wastewater treatment resources, ease of implementation, facilities for agro-industrial institutional limitation, social facilities with focus on acceptability and the stakeholders’ protecting groundwater willingness-to-comply. Also, the use of resources; existing environmental facilities will have Encouragement of the to be optimized (i.e., the 60 cum/day adoption and Alabel septage treatment plant and the implementation of pollution number of existing septic tank prevention strategies that desludgers in General Santos City). will specifically target The water classification targets must reduction of organic load to already be defined so that priority the Silway River; and water quality parameters exceeding Provision of capacity-building the criteria for such classification will measures for LGUs and the be addressed. As provided for in the EMB in monitoring, 12 Clean Water Act, designation of non- assessment and attainment areas (NAA) may be done environmental management.

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series VII

The ultimate goals include the Strengthening the following: enforcement of existing regulations on sanitation; Improvement in the water quality of the Silway River, and Pilot testing of selected priority projects to achieve General improvement in the 10% reduction on pollution living conditions in the area. loadings; Adoption of sustainable The program will initially aim for the wastewater management immediate reduction of pollution strategies for the entire load to the Silway River from the WQMA, and various wastewater sources by the Capacity building among end of 2010. As a consequence of stakeholders for sustainable the pollution load reduction, the program implementation. monitored water quality of the Silway River is expected to improve particularly for BOD and fecal Some of the strategies may be pilot- coliform concentrations along the tested or immediately implemented monitoring points. to meet the 2010 targets. The experiences gained in the pilot- Five inter-dependent program testing and short-term projects will outputs were identified. The be used to detail the implementation milestones for each program output plan for the medium- and long-term will rely on the successful strategies. The program itself, when implementation of the preceding implemented, will increase the activities. The plan of action includes technical capacity and improve the following: working relations among the primary Developing the management stakeholders. strategies for domestic, commercial & institutional and agro-industrial wastewater sources; 13

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience VIII

Among the interventions presented involves sitting and excreting in this report, several options may of wastes. There are various be implemented immediately to methods to receive and store meet the 10% load reduction by 2010. the waste excreted such as The pollution load analysis estimates dehydration toilets, pit this reduction to be equivalent to 650 latrine, composting toilet, kg BOD per day. Based on the program sanitation privy, aqua privy, design developed, some of the or water sealed toilet bowl. strategies may be pilot-tested but at In most types, wastewater the same time effect the required seeps to the ground while reduction in the BOD loading. the solid wastes accumulate Table 3 summarizes the initial in the latrine. recommendations for the short- Flush and Discharge term with the potential BOD load Sanitation. This type of reduction in kg BOD per day. sanitation facilities involves the construction of more Improving Sanitation Condition sturdy structures capable of in Communities along the handling and treating domestic sewage, by process Silway River of digestion and anaerobic Sanitation facilities are those treatment. These sanitation facilities used for the purpose of facilities may include receiving and disposing of human traditional septic tank, excreta and urine located “on-site” anaerobic filter or the multi- or within the household lot. The baffled septic tank. typical forms of sanitation facilities are generally the “drop and store” sanitation and the flush and The current housing conditions and discharge sanitation. tenure status of the communities existing along the banks of the Silway Drop and Store Sanitation. River make it difficult to address This type of sanitation facility sanitation problems. While the 14 is the least expensive and sanitation facilities must be made

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series TABLE 3. Recommended Short-Term Strategies for the Silway River WQMA for the 10% BOD Load Reduction by 2010

Strategy Scope Mode BOD Load Reduction Potential Improvement in Households Pilot test 150 kg BOD/ Access of along the banks supported by day Sanitation of the Silway River the ODPP of estimated at Polomolok 2,000 households (75% of the reported households by MHO Polomolok)

Septage 3,200 septic tanks Pilot ~ 10% of the 280 kg BOD/ Management in Polomolok and total number of day Program General Santos City septic tanks in the (households in the urban barangays urban barangays with septic tanks are estimated at 32,000)

Communal Polomolok Public Actual Plan and 40 kg BOD/ Wastewater Market and Contingent Pilot test day Treatment Plant areas (approximately covering 3 hectares)

Conversion of 10 representative Pilot test 180 kg BOD/ existing ponds facilities in Polomolok day into wastewater and General Santos treatment facility directly discharging to the Silway River

TOTAL BOD LOAD REDUCTION 650 kg BOD/ day available in these areas for public space is available, the provision of health and environmental reasons, communal public toilets may be these are river embankments where considered. Flush and discharge any structure must not be built upon. sanitation, such as the use of the On-site ‘drop and store’ sanitation is traditional septic tank, must be used not appropriate in these areas even for these communities. If these sufficient space is available since the houses already have latrine type seepage will just directly be received toilets, construction of a communal by the adjacent river. In cases where septic tank may be appropriate. Such 15

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience an approach will entail the laying of already reported that about 2,650 pipes in the limited space available households in Polomolok do not have to collect sewage from individual toilet facilities (about 10% of the total households. households). Improvement in the 2,000 households (75% of the Sanitation in the river bank households which do not have toilet communities is best left as a facilities) would translate to 150 kg responsibility of the LGU at the purok BOD per day reduction to the Silway or level. Installation and River. operation of public toilets and septic tanks could be funded through the Increase in the Use of barangay and may be maintained by Septic Tanks the appropriate LGU department. From the survey conducted in The lack of appropriate sanitation Polomolok and General Santos City, facilities was identified as one of the it was identified that only about 80% general considerations in developing of the households surveyed in the the wastewater management urban areas with toilet facilities have strategies. In the pollution load their own septic tanks. The analysis, it was calculated that per percentage is expected to be lower capita BOD load in the catchment area in the rural areas. There is still a need is about 40 to 50 g BOD/day. With the to improve the methods on how existing sanitation practices in the sewage and sullage are managed at area, about 95% of this load is the household levels to minimize assumed to be discharged to the sewage contamination of the Silway Silway River. The intervention to River. The following are the sewage improve sanitation facilities such as collection options, which may be the provision of toilet and septic considered: tanks and the implementation of the Zero Open Defecation Program Traditional Septic Tank. The (ZODP) in Polomolok would decrease essential features of the the load to 65%, or a 30% improvement septic tank are shown in from the existing condition. This Figure 2. Important features translates to about 15 g BOD per include: inspection and person served with an improved access ports, baffles, and access to sanitation. sullage or effluent outlet. Septic tanks are designed to The improvement on sanitation (a) separate solids from the facilities should be focused on wastewater flow; (b) effect households residing along the banks an anaerobic decomposition, of the Silway River and those reduction and storage of residential structures directly accumulated solids; and, (c) discharging to the Silway River. Such discharge the partially effort can be prioritized by the treated and clarified respective LGUs in Polomolok and wastewater (sullage) out of General Santos. The Polomolok 16 the tank, to a receiving pit or Municipal Health Office (MHO) community drainage system.

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series FIGURE 2 Typical septic tank design (MWSS Master Plan, 2005)

Septic Tank/Anaerobic Filter. Improvement on Septic Tank The anaerobic filter is a Designs and Features modification of the septic tank, incorporating a solid There is a need to review the design medium (usually rocks) on requirements imposed by LGUs in the which a film of anaerobic construction of septic tanks in the bacteria can grow. The study area. Based on the interviews attached film is resistant to conducted, most septic tanks have no washout of bacterial cells concrete flooring (not water tight) and from the tank. An anaerobic often without ports for cleaning and filter treating sewage can maintenance. It must be noted that remove about the same improvement on the design will just amount of BOD as a septic maximize the removal efficiency of tank and is more5 effective at the septic tank and will not guarantee removing suspended solids. compliance to the regulated After some time, the filter wastewater discharge standards. becomes clogged and However, significant reduction of becomes less effective as pollution load to the Silway River will bacterial overgrowth occurs. be realized. These treatment systems Properly designed septic tanks can consisting of a septic tank, effect removal of up to 30% of the followed by an anaerobic BOD and 50% of suspended solids of filter are capable of providing sewage. Septic tanks are usually an effluent, which may be divided into two compartments by still above discharge limits baffles, and access ports are but low suspended solids. provided to allow inspection and 17

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience cleaning. Two compartments are strategies and approach in the proper used to limit the discharge of solids handling, collection, treatment and in the effluent from septic tanks. disposal of septage to be collected Single compartment septic tanks are from septic tanks. A septic tank, less expensive but also less effective depending on its capacity, must be at removing the suspended solids regularly de-sludged to maintain its (i.e., high probability of sludge carry- treatment efficiency. Normally, de- over or wash-out). Recently, new sludging may be done once every 3 septic tank designs even recommend to 5 years. The failure to desludge three chambers. In order for septic septic tanks on a regular basis is tanks to operate at their designed similar to not having them and simply efficiency, tanks should be properly discharging untreated sewage sized and constructed. The directly into the drainage system. Sanitation Code prescribed a The SpMP shall include the following hydraulic retention time (HRT) range components: of 1 to 2 days for septic tanks treating domestic wastewater. Septic tank maintenance and de-sludging program In many instances, the septic tanks cannot be accessed because they are Information, education built under structures or have illegal campaigns on septic tank structures built above them. There maintenance and de-sludging are also many cases wherein the programs septic tanks cannot be properly Procurement and maintained because the streets maintenance of vacuum leading to the houses are too narrow trucks and hauling tanks and cannot be accessed by the Identification of most viable vacuum tankers. septage treatment and Septage Management Program disposal options Contingent to the provision of various types of sanitation facilities is the A number of methods may be need to establish a septage adopted for the handling, treatment management program. Septage and subsequent disposal of sludge refers to the mixture of scum, sludge collected from septic tanks. These (solids) and liquid removed from a include the following: domestic septic tank. Septage is characterized by a high BOD and 5 Application to Agricultural total solids content. It has low Areas as Soil Conditioner nutrient content and little volatile organic matter compared to sewage Septage collected by vacuum trucks sludge in the treatment plants. and haulers may be pre-treated using screens and settlers. Inert A comprehensive Septage solids such as plastics, rubber, Management Plan (SMP) for the metals, and other non-conventional 18 study area will provide directions for materials may be deposited and

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series removed by screens or Imhoff tanks. application sites. These materials During unloading from the tanker, were proven to be beneficial to soil the septage may be passed through as conditioner adding further to the a coarse screen to remove plastics productivity of soil. At the disposal and other large debris. site, septage may be transferred to a small tanker or applicator to facilitate The septage may be kept at an Imhoff discharge and spreading at the tank for a few hours where further application area (See Figure 3b). The settling and draining may occur application process must be closely (Figure 3a). From the Imhoff tank, the monitored to comply with the sludge may be pumped into tankers standard procedures to minimize for transport to identified health and environmental hazards. Department of Agriculture-approved

FIGURE 3 (a) Imhoff Tank where septage may be initially screened (b) Sample sludge applicator in one of the government approved disposal areas (MWSS Master Plan, 2005).

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Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience Septage Treatment Plant (SpTP) Septage Management Program Septage may be completely for General Santos and processed in a septage treatment Polomolok plant in order to produce biosolids A septage management plan may be as shown in Figure 4. Septage developed for General Santos and acceptance units (SAUs) and Polomolok. The regular desludging dewatering facilities can process of a septic tank would translate to an septage and remove most solids improvement of septic tank while a separate biological performance from the existing 5% to wastewater treatment system must an improved 40% BOD removal be installed to process filtrate. efficiency for the first year. This Similar plants are already installed would translate to 17.5 g BOD per and operational in some capita or 87.5 g BOD reduction per municipalities in Southern septic tank desludged. Mindanao (i.e., Alabel). An existing sewage treatment plant may From the estimated 40,000 receive septage for treatment households in the urban barangays provided SAUs and dewatering in the catchment area, about 80% or facilities are installed. 32,000 have septic tanks. For the

FIGURE 4 Septage Treatment Plant (Septage Acceptance Unit, Aeration System, and Pond Systems)

20

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series initial year of the septage Conversion of Existing Ponds of management program (2010), 10% or Selected Facilities Directly about 3,200 septic tanks may be Discharging to the Silway River considered for desludging. This will translate to about 280 kg BOD per day The pollution load analysis indicated reduction in the total pollution load. that about 30% of the total pollution load to the Silway River is attributed This program must be supported by a to agro-industrial sources. The municipal ordinance in order to estimated load contribution is about encourage households to mandatory 2,300 kg BOD/day. desludging of septic tanks. For the initial stage in 2010, the desludgers The estimated BOD removal operating in General Santos may be efficiency for most systems using mobilized for the desludging and ponds is only 50 to 60%. If for the transport services. It is estimated that initial year, about 10 facilities will about 10 septic tanks may be improve their efficiency to 80% by desludged every day (assuming 300 upgrading the pond systems to high- working days in a year). This would rate aeration system; this would translate to about 25 cum/day of already translate to 200 kg BOD per septage, which can be easily be day reduction. accommodated by the Alabel septage Other Recommended treatment plant. In the succeeding years, additional vacuum trucks may Interventions be needed to serve the requirements Other non-quantifiable measures and a treatment plant nearer the may be implemented during the service area may be required. initial year of the program to ensure that the 10% BOD load reduction Communal Wastewater target is met. These are strategies Treatment in Polomolok that may be implemented either by Public Market the EMB or the respective LGUs. The Polomolok Public Market These are: wastewater treatment plant will start Strict implementation of the its operation early 2010. The discharge permitting system. sewerage system in the area With a vigilant monitoring of contingent to the public market may agro-industrial facilities, be extended to include other establishments will be commercial and institutional encouraged to apply for wastewater sources. The treatment discharge permits for their plant is a high-rate system, which can effluent discharges. This impose up to 95% BOD reduction. would translate to putting up Depending on the extent of the their own wastewater sewerage coverage, this communal treatment systems, which treatment plan has a potential of would contribute in the removing 40 kg/day BOD from the reduction of the BOD load to Silway River organic loading. the Silway River. 21

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience Control on the operation of Estimated Costs for the Short- dumpsites along river banks. Term Strategies Open dumpsites along the banks of the Silway River Table 4 presents initial cost estimates should be strictly prohibited. for the short-term strategies Leachates coming from these presented. A detailed feasibility sources are very high in study may be required to ascertain organic content. Control of the actual cost requirement prior to this non-point source will project implementation. contribute to the improvement of the water quality of the Silway River downstream.

TABLE 4. Estimated Costs for Short-Term Strategies (2010 Target)

Strategy Components Unit Cost Estimated Cost

Improvement in Toilet for 2,000 Toilet Improvement– PHP20.0 M Access of households PHP10,000 Sanitation (average cost)

Septage 3,200 septic tanks Desludging Fee – PHP11.2 M Management in Polomolok and PHP3,500 per septic Program General Santos City tank (average considering the hauling distance to Alabel treatment plant)

(a) Communal Polomolok Public Sewerage System – PHP3.6 M Wastewater Market and PHP1,200,000/hectare Treatment Plant contingent areas of sewer lines by (around 3 hectares) gravity flow

Conversion of 10 representative Upgrade Cost – PHP20.0 M existing ponds facilities using PHP15,000 to into wastewater pond system in PHP25,000/cum of treatment facility Polomolok and wastewater treated General Santos depending on the directly discharging system to the Silway River (average 100 cum/day discharge)

TOTAL PHP54.8 M

Unit Cost per kg BOD removed PHP84,300.00

22 (a) MWCI FS estimates

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series

Annex A

A PRIMER ON DEVELOPING A WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION& CONTROL PROGRAM

What is a Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program? A Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program (WPPCP) is a program developed with the ultimate objective of improving the water quality conditions of all receiving bodies of water within a water quality management area (WQMA). The WPPCP, when implemented, will address sanitation and wastewater pollution issues from domestic, commercial and industrial sources to meet pollution load reduction targets within the WQMA. Specifically, the development of a WPPCP must involve the following:

Identifying priority water pollutants affecting the general characteristics of the principal water bodies and tributaries within a WQMA; Identifying the pollution sources and their corresponding pollution load contributions; Developing several project options that will mitigate further deterioration of the quality and general conditions of the water bodies which must be presented to various stakeholders through participatory discussions and public consultations; Prioritizing the plan of actions to address pollution reduction targets with consideration to available resources; and, Developing a program design matrix showing the recommended strategies along with detailed implementation plans that will enhance sanitation conditions and improve environmental compliance.

Specific Activities and Methodologies

ACTIVITY 1: Data gathering on effluent generators The data gathering will involve a survey of agro-industries, agro-livestock, commercial and business establishments to establish the types and volume of wastes generated from these sources. Primary sources of information include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the 24 Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), census and local government unit (LGU) health and environmental profiles.

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series Mapping activities will involve the identification of water pollution sources through surveys and consultations with the barangays. If there are existing monitoring programs being conducted in the area, specific sampling points must be identified in relative to the location of various pollution sources. Geographical Information System (GIS) maps may be used to document the data collected.

ACTIVITY 2: Water Quality Assessment As stated in Department Administrative Order (DAO) 34, river systems are classified based on the current best beneficial use that is expected to last, at least for the next 10 to 20 years. In special cases when dictated by political, economic, social, public health, environmental and other considerations, a certain water body may be classified to the intended or future beneficial use. The water quality assessment that preceded the classification shall provide indications on the degree of protection and mitigating measures required for the river system, its tributaries and their respective watersheds.

ACTIVITY 3: Pollution Load Analysis The pollution load analysis quantifies the amount of pollution that is being contributed by the different sources (i.e. domestic, commercial, agro-industrial, institutional, etc.) to a particular water body. For instance, the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) may be used as a standard parameter in measuring the degree of pollution. BOD is the amount of oxygen needed by microorganisms to decompose organic matter present within the water. Therefore, a higher BOD value in a water sample can be interpreted as ‘poor’ quality, while a lower BOD value can be described as ‘good’ quality.

ACTIVITY 4: Identification of appropriate pollution prevention and control technologies Several options in managing domestic and commercial/institutional wastewater may be developed for discussion with the various stakeholders. From these options, various stakeholders in the WQMA may select the appropriate technology or intervention to manage their discharges. With the estimated BOD loading currently received by the study area, several goal setting exercises may be conducted. For every program that will be developed, a certain percentage of organic load reduction may be quantified.

ACTIVITY 5: Meetings and consultations with stakeholders The initial results of the previous activities must be presented to stakeholders including agro-industries, agro-livestock, commercial establishments, barangay captains and major establishments for their comments, suggestion and additional input. This will be done to ensure their understanding and ownership of the program. Workshops will be held during consultations to obtain greater participation of stakeholders especially those representing the major industries 25

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience and business establishments. Local legislators will also be invited to review the proposed provisions of the program. Their comments and recommendations will be documented and will be included in the program.

ACTIVITY 6: Development of a Water Pollution Control Program Programs may be prioritized depending on several factors such as availability of resources, ease of implementation, institutional limitation, social acceptability and the stakeholders’ willingness-to-comply. Also, the use of existing environmental facilities will have to be optimized. The water classification targets must already be defined so that priority water quality parameters exceeding the criteria for such classification will be addressed. As provided for in the Clean Water Act, designation of non-attainment areas (NAA) may be done on some sections of the river to allow the immediate restoration of the water quality to its desired level.

ACTIVITY 7: Organize Multipartite Monitoring Committee A Multipartite Monitoring Team will be organized to monitor industries, and commercial and business establishments on their compliance to environmental laws. The Team composition will be determined by the stakeholders and may be composed of the LGU, the DOH, the EMB and other stakeholders who are capable and interested to be part of the team. Duties and responsibilities, roles and functions will be discussed.

Implementation Arrangements Under the Local Government Code, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is mandated to protect the environment and impose appropriate penalties for acts which endanger the environment, such as dynamite fishing and other forms of destructive fishing, illegal logging and smuggling of logs, smuggling of natural resources products and of endangered species of flora and fauna, slash and burn farming, and such other activities which result in pollution, acceleration of eutrophication of rivers and lakes, or of ecological imbalance. The EMB under the law (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, EIA Law, Ecological Solid Waste Management Law, Toxic and Hazardous Substances Act) is mandated to implement environmental laws, rules, regulations and standards. The WPCPP will only be implemented effectively if the EMB and LGU work together. Areas of cooperation and partnership of the EMB and LGUs will be established through a series of dialogues and discussion. A Memorandum of Agreement or any applicable agreement will be drafted and signed by the two parties clarifying conditions and a list of environmental management tasks and activities that the LGU can perform. It will be elevated at the national level and may serve as basis in issuing an administrative order. 26

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series 6,000.00 6,000.00 34,000.00 66,500.00 10,000.00 41,500.00 16,500.00 50,000.00 Total Cost Total Total Cost Total onCost Total ti Total Cost Total 230,500.00 Sub Total A Sub Total 124,500.00 Sub Total B Sub Total 72,000.00 on* ti 100.00 1,500.00 100.00 1,500.00 100.00 1,500.00 (per person) (per re i onna ti 2 24,000.00 10,000.00 1 10,000.00 1 60,000.00 1 30,000.00 es Total Transporta es Total supplies, handouts Documenta ti ti vi vi 60.00 60.00 ti ti Cost per ques Annex Annex B 4 1 1 1 onnaire ti 10 300.00 5050 200.00 300.00 100 300.00 100 No. No. of pax Meals/day No. of days No. of ac onsof No. pax Meals/daydaysof No. No. of ac ti on of on of Report on, ti ti ft ti * es No. of ques ngs, Orienta ti ti vi ti Individual visit to industries Ac Presenta First dra Presenta Final Report Survey of householdsAnalysis of results Other data 100 Survey of establishments Orienta all stakeholders * Local cost of travel only, plane fare not included 27 B Data Gathering C Travels A Mee

Water Pollution Prevention and Control Program: The Polomolok Experience DEFINITION OF TERMS 1

Desludging – the process of cleaning sewage from houses or other ore removing accumulated septage buildings and is designed to separate from a septic tank or wastewater and store the solids and partially treatment facility digest the organic matter in the sewage. Effluent – a general term for any wastewater, partially or completely Sewage – mainly liquid waste treated, or in its natural state, containing some solids produced by flowing out of a drainage canal, humans, which typically consists of septic tank, building, manufacturing washing water, feces, urine, laundry plant, industrial plant, and treatment wastes, and other material that flows plant, etc. down drains and toilets from households and other buildings. Sanitation – refers to the hygienic and proper management, collection, Sewer – a pipe or conduit for carrying disposal or reuse of human excreta sewage and wastewater. (feces and urine) and community Sewerage – a system of sewers that liquid wastes to safeguard the health conveys wastewater to a treatment of individuals and communities. It is plant or disposal point. It includes all concerned with preventing diseases infrastructure for collecting, by hindering pathogens, or disease- transporting, and pumping sewage. causing organisms, found in excreta and wastewater from entering the Sludge – precipitated solid matter environment and coming into with a highly mineralized content contact with people and produced by domestic wastewater communities. This usually involves treatment processes. the construction of adequate collection and disposal or reuse Water Quality Management Area facilities and the promotion of (WQMA) – focuses on sanitation proper hygiene behavior so that interventions for the improvement of facilities are effectively used at all water quality within a defined water 2 times. quality management area. A Water Quality Management System refers to Septage – the combination of scum, the interrelated interventions, sludge, and liquid that accumulates actions, activities, projects/programs in septic tanks. that will optimize the quality of water based on the respective Septic Tank – a watertight, multi- beneficial uses or network of solving chambered receptacle that receives 3 its water quality problems.

1 Most of the terms here are from the Operations Manual on the Rules and Regulations Governing Domestic Sludge and Septage. Department of Health. : Department of Health, 2008. 28 2 Philippine Sanitation Source Book and Decision Aid . World Bank, German Technical Cooperation Agency, and Australian Agency for International Development. 3 Environmental Management Bureau. (http://www.emb.gov.ph/wqms/ Draft%20Guidelines%20%20for%20the%20Designation%20of%20WQMA-for%20comments.htm).

The Philippine Sustainable Sanitation Knowledge Series