WASA

WASA REQUIREMENTS FOR

SUBMISSION OF
WASTEWATER TREATMENT
SYSTEMS
October 20 2017
Contents
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................. 2
WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHODOLOGY........................................... 2
1.SUSPENDED GROWTH ...................................................................... 2
1. Activated Sludge ......................................................................... 2
2. Extended Aeration ....................................................................... 2
3. Contact Stabilization .................................................................... 2
4. Step Aeration .............................................................................. 2
2.ATTACHED GROWTH ......................................................................... 7
3.SEPTIC TANK.................................................................................... 10
4.AEROBIC TREATMENT UNIT (ATU) SYSTEM ....................................... 12
5.WASTEWATER LIFT STATION ............................................................ 14

1
 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

INTRODUCTION
The main purpose of wastewater treatment is protection of public health and the environment
and the long-term sustainable and efficient use of our resources in accordance with the Water
Pollution Rules 2001 (amended 2006) of the Environmental Management Authority (EMA).

The wastewater (containing sewage) may be generated by a single domestic household or

by multi-dwelling residential, commercial, industrial or institutional facilities.

The aim of this document is to provide guidance for the Developers and Licensed Sanitary
Constructors (LSC’s) on the Authority requirements for Wastewater Treatment systems. This
guidance has become necessary since the persons submitting the plans are not fully aware
of these requirements.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT METHODOLOGY

1. SUSPENDED GROWTH

1. Activated Sludge

2. Extended Aeration

3. Contact Stabilization

4. Step Aeration

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

[Activated Sludge]
1 General a. Four copies of designs.
Requirements
b. Plan showing setback distances, proposed WWTP,
security measures etc.

c. Submitted WWTP designs that reflects Outline

Approval.

d. North arrow shown on map.

e. Point of discharge indicated.

2 Flow a. Type of Development.

Requirements
b. Occupancy Figure.

2
NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
[ Activated Sludge ]
2 c. Area of Development (ha.)
3 Pre-Treatment a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of Screening
Units Mechanism and Grit Chamber.

b. Calculations for Design of Screening Mechanism

and Grit Chamber.

c. Calculations shall include the following:

i. Clear spacing for screens (mm)
ii. Screen dimensions
iii. Detention Time for Grit Chamber
iv. Horizontal Velocity for Grit Chamber
v. Settling Velocity for Grit Chamber
vi. Volume of Grit Chamber
vii. Volume of Grit Chamber
4 Primary a. Plan and Sectional Drawing of Pre-treatment tanks
Treatment and/or Primary Clarifiers.

b. Calculations for Pre-Treatment tanks and/or

Primary Clarifiers.

c. Calculations shall include the following:

i. Retention Time for Tanks
ii. Tank dimensions and volume
iii. Water Velocity in Clarifier
iv. Skimmer Scraper Power in Clarifier

5 Secondary a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of Aeration tank.

Treatment
b. Calculations for Aeration tank.
c. Calculations shall include the following:
i. Reactor Volume
ii. Mean Cell Residence Time
iii. Mixed Liquor SS Solids
iv. Retention Time
v. Food/Mass Ratio

d. Calculations Showing Oxygen Requirement for

Aeration Tank which must include the following:

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 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

[ Activated Sludge ]
i. Oxygen Requirement (Kg O2/d).
ii. Efficiency of Equipment (%).
iii. Air required for mixing (Specifications for
blower/aerator required).
iv. Lifting devices provided for removal of
aerators (details required).

Note: the same details for calculation for a different type

of reactor would apply.
6 Secondary a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of Clarifier
Clarifier
b. Calculations must include the following:
i. Tank dimensions and volume
ii. Recycle Ratio
iii. Solids Loading Rate
iv. Overflow Rate
v. Weir loading Rate
vi. Retention Time

7 Sludge a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of Sludge Handling

Handling Mechanism.

b. Calculations for Sludge Handling Mechanism

e.g. Aerobic Digester, calculations must include:
i. Volume of Sludge.
ii. Volume of Digester.
iii. Air Requirements and associated specs.
iv. Retention Time.

c. Sludge Drying Bed, calculations must include

i. Volume of Wet Sludge
ii. Mass of Secondary Solids
iii. Dimensions and number of Sludge Beds
iv. Drainage and media provided (details
required).
8 Disinfection a. Disinfection Methodology/Type of disinfection
proposed.

b. No. of units to be used and order of use - must

state the following:

4
NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
[ Activated Sludge ]
i. Minimum/Maximum Flow rate to be treated
by each UV/Chlorination System
ii. Effluent levels that are expected with the
system proposed.
9 Other The following must be included in the WWTP submission:
a. Flow Monitoring Mechanism for Large WWTP
(weirs, meters) and their specs.

b. Generator (for Large WWTP) provided. Auxiliary

storage fuel, noise control measures, plinth,
housing, vent, unit specifications.

c. Operations and Maintenance Plan (for Large

WWTP).

d. Sampling points on the influent and effluent of the

WWTP.

e. Setback distances should be a minimum of 25 m

and 1.5m from property and habitable buildings
for Large WWTPs and Small WWTPs respectively.

f. Independent bypass along system.

g. Certification for pre-fabricated WWTP from a

reputable organization, specs.

h. Pipe sizes, length, type and classes to be used in

the WWTP.

i. Piping properly secured. Above-ground PVC

pipework to be laid below ground, encased or be
replaced by steel pipe.

j. Valves used within WWTP suitable for use in

wastewater environments, specs required.

k. WWTP located downwind of habitats &

downstream of water treatment plant.

5
 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

[ Activated Sludge ]
l. Adequate security lighting, fencing, signage and
access way.

m. Potable water (hose bib), water storage (90 lpm at

30 m pressure) and pump.

n. Grounds must be properly paved and have proper

surface drainage, vehicular and service access to
WWTP.

o. Operators building with storage for equipment,

water closet, face basin and shower.

p. Architectural & structural plans and sections of

Operator’s building.

q. Apron provided around Operator's Building.

r. For packaged plants influent and effluent empirical

data on parameters (BOD5, TSS, pH, etc.) based
on prior use of the system is required.

s. For package plants, the treatment capacities of

the process units in terms of BOD, COD, etc. is
required.

6
 2. ATTACHED GROWTH
Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) or Integrated Fixed Film
Activated Sludge (IFAS)

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

[MBBR]
1 General a. Four copies of designs.
Requirement
b. Plan showing set back distances, proposed WWTP,
security measures etc.

c. Submitted WWTP designs reflects Outline approval.

d. North arrow shown on map.

e. Point of discharge.

2 Flow a. Type of Development.

Requirements
b. Occupancy Figure.

c. Area of Development (ha).

3 Pre Treatment a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of Screening Mechanism

Units and Grit Chamber.

b. Calculations for Design of Screening Mechanism and

Grit Chamber.

c. Calculations shall include the following:

i. Clear spacing for screens (mm).
ii. Screen dimensions.
iii. Detention Time for Grit Chamber.
iv. Horizontal Velocity for Grit Chamber.
v. Settling Velocity for Grit Chamber.
vi. Volume of Grit Chamber.

4 MBBR a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of MBBR.

b. Calculations for MBBR.

c. Calculations shall include the following:

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 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION

[MBBR]
i. Influent concentrations for; Dissolved Oxygen,
Ammonia, pH, Temperature.
MBBR (con’t) ii. Surface area removal rate (g/m2/d) - include
operational and maximum removal rate
iii. BOD loading rate (kg/m2/d)
iv. Anoxic detention time
v. Aerobic detention time
vi. Biofilm area (m2/m3).

5 Aeration a. Calculations Showing Oxygen Requirement for

requirements Aeration Tank.

b. Calculations must include the following:

i. Oxygen Requirement (Kg O2/d).
ii. Efficiency of Equipment (%).
iii. Air required for mixing (Specifications for
blower/aerator required).
iv. Lifting devices provided for removal of aerators
(details required).
6 Secondary a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of Clarifier.
Clarifier
b. Calculations must include the following:
i. Tank dimensions and volume.
ii. Recycle Ratio.
iii. Solids Loading Rate.
iv. Overflow Rate.
v. Weir loading Rate.
vi. Retention Time.
7 Sludge a. Plan and Sectional Drawings of Sludge Handling
Handling Mechanism.

b. Calculations for Sludge Handling Mechanism.

c. For Aerobic Digester, calculations must include:

i. Volume of Sludge.
ii. Volume of Digester.
iii. Air Requirements and associated specs.
iv. Retention Time.

d. For Sludge Drying Bed, calculations must include:

i. Volume of Wet Sludge.

8
NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
[MBBR]
ii. Mass of Secondary Solids.
iii. Dimensions and number of Sludge Beds.
iv. Drainage and media provided (details required).
8 Disinfection a. Disinfection Methodology/Type of disinfection
proposed.

b. No. of units to be used and order of use - must state

the following:
i. Minimum/Maximum Flow rate to be treated by
each UV/Chlorination System
ii. Effluent levels that are expected with the
system proposed

9
 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

3. SEPTIC TANK
NO. ITEM STANDARD (TTS 16:80:400
[Septic Tank]

1. Minimum width Septic tank width ≥ 750mm (2ft 6in).

2. Liquid depth 1200mm - 1500mm (4ft - 5ft).

3. Air space At least 300mm (1ft).

4. Length: width ratio 2 ≤ L: W ≤ 3.

(rectangular.)
5. Inlet capacity a. 50% - 67% total tank volume.

b. At least 1450 liters (383USgal or 52ft3).

6. Inlet pipe a. At least 100mm (4") Ø

b. Invert level ≥ 75mm (3") above water level.

c. Top of vertical leg ≥ 75mm (3") from

underside of tank roof.

7. Outlet pipe a. At least 100mm (4") Ø.

b. Square junction.

c. Bottom of vertical leg ≥ 330mm (13") from

invert of outlet pipe.
d. Invert level ≥ 75mm (3") below invert level
of inlet pipe.

8. Connection pipe a. At least 100mm (4") Ø.

b. Should be in the form of an ell (L).

c. Lower end at ⅓ liquid depth.

d. Lower end above lower end of outlet pipe.

9. Wall/floor Must be rendered with mortar to make water tight

to surface and sub-surface water.

10
NO. ITEM STANDARD (TTS 16:80:400
[Septic Tank]

10. Wall thickness RC ≥ 100mm (4"), conc. ≥ 150mm (6"), blocks ≥

175mm (7").
11. Floor a. May be level or sloped toward inlet.

b. ≥ 100mm (4"), anti-crack reinforcement top

& bottom.

12. Reinforcement Cover ≥ 40mm (1.5").

13. Covers Each compartment shall have an access opening for

desludging & inspection.

14. Covers a. Rectangular covers: csa ≥ 650mm x 450mm

(2' 2" x 1' 6").

b. Circular covers: Ø ≥ 500mm (1' 8").

c. Must include suitable lifting device, made of

one piece, fitting neatly, sealed.

15. Setback a. 1.5m (5ft) from building.

b. 1.5 m (5ft) from property boundary.

16. General a. Plan and sections of septic tank.

b. Design calculations for sizing unit.

c. Site plan showing setback distances to

nearest lot, etc.

d. Detention time provided (24hrs ATU, 48hrs

on-lot system).

e. Sludge Management Plan.

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 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

4. AEROBIC TREATMENT UNIT (ATU) SYSTEM

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
[ATU]

1 Flow rate Estimated population, development type, land area.

2 Pre- a. Double compartment or pre-tanks in series, design

treatment* calculations and drawings required.

b. Required volume.

c. Detention time (24hrs).

d. BOD removed.
3 Plastic pre- Specifications and method of installation.
tanks
4 ATU a. Design calculations and drawings.

b. Model # and number of tanks.

c. Tank capacity, bod loading, air requirement.

d. Compressor specifications.

e. Lifting devices provided for removal of externally

situated aerators (details required).

f. Specifications and method of installation.

g. Distribution box.
5 UV unit a. UV unit, model # and number of units.

b. Unit's design flow capacity, effluent permissible

parameters.

c. Unit specifications.
6 Post aerator a. Design calculations and drawings.
unit
b. Specifications.

c. Air requirement calculation and unit specs.

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NO. ITEM REQUIREMENTS FOR SUBMISSION
[ATU]

7 General a. Site plan showing units, setback distances, pipe

lengths, pipe size & class, elevations etc.

b. Sampling points provided (to measure all units).

c. Back-up generator and all associated specs.

d. Hose-bib.

e. Access-way, security lighting and enclosure.

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 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

5. WASTEWATER LIFT STATION

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENT
[WWLS]

1 Flow a. Type of Development.

Requirements
b. Occupancy Figure.

c. Occupancy Figure.

d. Peak Flow.
2 Wetwell a. Plan and Sectional Drawings for Wetwell.

b. Design Calculations for Wetwell.

c. Wetwell Designs shall show:

i. Dimensions Provided (Diameter, width, depth, etc.)
ii. Volume of Wetwell Provided (Note: to handle peak
flow with 100% standby capacity).
iii. Working Depth.
iv. Pump Cycle.
v. Detention Time Provided (Holding time in the wet
well must be a minimum of 10 minutes)
vi. Screen Provided (Dimensions, clearing spacing,
details provided - Note: Coarse screen with at least
50mm spacing.

3 Pumps a. Design calculations for sizing unit proposed.

b. Manufacturers' Specification (e.g. type, model, size of

suction, discharge of pump, motor size, etc.).

c. Calculations for pumps must consider the following:

i. Pump flow rate capacity.
ii. Elevations (Elevation at wetwell, point of discharge,
highest point along route).
iii. Calculations for TDH (Static head, frictional losses,
minor losses) and Power (HP, kW).
iv. Pumps should be sized and operated so that the
discharge rate is at least equal to the rate of flow
into the wetwell.
Pumps (con’t) v. Cycle time should not exceed 6 cycles/hour.

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NO. ITEM REQUIREMENT
[WWLS]

vi. Pump run and fill times (Wetwell should be

designed for the pump to run at least 2 minutes).
4 Force main Force main designs includes the following:
a. Design calculations for sizing of force main.

b. Must maintain a velocity between 0.6 m/s to 2.5m/s in

force main.

c. Plan showing all fittings, thrust blocks along pipe, bridge

crossing, etc., route and elevation profile of the force
main.

d. Length and size of the force main (4inch being the

minimum).

e. Material and class of force main (steel is recommended

form discharge point of pump to check and gate valve).

f. Force Main Details provided (trench, thrust, bridge/river

crossing, etc.).

g. 3m Reserve provided for mains not located in road, mains

not located in customer lots.

h. Plan and details of transition manhole.

5 Other The following must also be included in the Lift Station Design
submission:

Wetwell

a. Distance between alarm elevation and inlet pipe (1ft

minimum).

b. Location of influent pipe does not interfere with manhole

steps or float cables during operation.

c. An overflow system with disinfection with a size that

matches the inlet.

d. Generator with specifications.

15
 WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS DESIGN REQUIREMENTS

NO. ITEM REQUIREMENT

[WWLS]

e. Ventilation.

f. Ladder (Material used indicated, non-slip, etc.).

Pump

a. Stand-by pump.

b. Gate and check valve provided on discharge of each pump

(with specifications).

c. Valves located in horizontal position.

d. Control valves placed in a chamber operable from floor

level and provisions made for to accumulated water.

e. Details of chamber (e.g. Submersible pumps).

f. Lifting devices provided for removal of pumps (details

required).

g. Guide rail and chain in addition to gantry system provided.

Details and specifications.

h. Pumps must be installed with a break away flange or

equivalent for easy removal for maintenance.

i. Pump suction discharge openings min diameter 100mm

(4"), pump must be capable of passing spheres of 3"
(80mm) min.

j. Details and specifications for Pump Control Panel.

General

a. In flood prone areas, the necessary precaution must be taken

to avoid flooding of the wetwell.

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NO. ITEM REQUIREMENT
[WWLS]

b. Adequate and safe access must be provided for dry and wet
wells to allow inspection and maintenance.

c. Plan showing location of wetwell, setback distances, pipe

lengths, security lighting and fencing etc.

d. Setback distances must be a minimum of 25 m from a

habitable building.

e. Lift Station must have potable water (hose bib), water storage
(90 l/m at 30 m pressure), fencing, lighting and signage.

f. Grounds must be properly paved and have proper vehicular

and service access.

g. Large lift stations shall have an Operators building. Plans and

details for operator's building.

Large lift stations shall have be outfitted with a flow

meter

17