Site Selection as Related to Utilization and Disposal of Organic Wastes

Abstract

The wastes, when disposed on land, are generally highly concentrated in small areas and have a high potential for causing environmental problems. The basic function of the soil is to act as a container. Proper site selection can greatly reduce the problems of design and management. The site should be usable on a continuous basis. Side benefits may be realized, such as harvestable crops or recharge of ground water, but the primary objective is to dispose of wastes. The organic wastes and waste waters that can be used as fertilizer, soil amendment, or irrigation water to supplement precipitation. Furthermore, arrangements for use of the wastes are usually made with individual landowners or governing bodies, such as an irrigation district. Soil surveys are probably the most useful single source of information for making initial judgments on the suitability of potential sites for disposal or management of wastes on land.