Bacterial Impacts of Ocean Outfalls: Legal Challenges
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 123, Issue 2
Abstract
Simple analytical methods are used to help establish wastewater treatment permit conditions. However, a recent lawsuit alleged one such screening method was inadequate to show bacterial water quality standards would be protected shoreward of Honolulu's Honouliuli outfall. In response, a progressive vector diagram (PVD) and initial dilution plume model were combined to better estimate the frequency of pathogenic bacteria reaching beaches. For each period in a representative current meter data record a vector summation process was applied until the distance to a sensitive site was reached. Corresponding travel times were noted. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) PLUMES UM model and farfield algorithm were used to estimate dilutions. Sometimes dilution alone reduces concentrations below the state standard. Most importantly, however, the analysis shows an order of magnitude reduction in frequency of incidence at the site of concern compared to the simple current rose screening method. The PVD method also better estimates travel times, showing that exposure to bacteriologically lethal sunlight is common. The approach and subsequent independent work support the existing permit.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 123 • Issue 2 • February 1997
Pages: 191 - 196
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Feb 1, 1997
Published in print: Feb 1997
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