Effluent is basically defined as liquid waste. Because of the varied nature of liquid waste there are a number of pollutant hazards to be considered. Untreated effluent must never be allowed to enter watercourses, and the Environment Agency in the UK constantly monitor for pollution. DEFRA is also involved in pollution prevention.
So what can you do to reduce the risks?
First, let’s consider the different types of agricultural effluent:
- Slurry
- Silage effluent – effectively a by-product of bacterial action in silage production
- Milk – could be an occasional effluent in dairy farming
- Sheep dip water – a chemical pollutant
- Wash-down water from livestock sheds
It is important that different types of effluent are not inadvertently mixed as this could cause chemical reaction problems.
Effluent Storage Tanks
Underground tanks are ideal for this purpose, as they can be connected to an existing drainage system. Starting with the Enduramaxx, Harlequin and Atlantis plastic underground tanks, they are compact and available in a range of sizes from 1000 litre to 5000 litre. For larger capacity, and potentially as treatment plants, take a look at the SPEL range, which are long lasting moulded GRP tanks in a large variety of sizes.
Above ground effluent tanks will require pump systems to suit the type of effluent being stored. Tanks-UK can provide the most suitable solution if you contact us with your specific requirements. We have pumps suitable for all types of liquid, but it is important to get the right type.
The Harlequin and Tungsten horizontal tanks are well suited to the purpose of above-ground effluent storage, being designed to fit smaller spaces and sit directly onto a concrete or similar solid base. They have a choice of outlet sizes to facilitate pumping out. Vertical effluent storage tanks (as shown) are also available in a range of sizes.
Steel tanks are not recommended for effluent storage, due to the potentially acidic or corrosive nature of some effluents.
Waste liquid bowsers
Our plastic tank water bowsers can also be used for wastewater collection, e.g. from cleaning out livestock water troughs or removal of sheep dip water. With the addition of a pump and hose, they can be used to drain dipping ponds and transport wastewater to the effluent storage ready for collection, or to effluent treatment plants.
Effluent Treatment Tanks
Wastewater treatment for slurry or wash-down water effluent containing purely organic and biodegradable waste would use much the same system as for domestic sewage treatment, by filtration and biological treatment.
The by-products from effluent treatment are water which can be recycled for irrigation, and sludge which can be used for fertiliser (subject to soil and sludge tests for levels of possible pathogenic or metallic pollutants). Treated sludge contains fewer pathogens than untreated and is therefore safer for food crop fertilisation.
The larger Harlequin sewage treatment plants would be equally suitable for this purpose. The SPEL GRP tanks can also be supplied as a sewage treatment plant.
Just give us a call on 01953 665940 or email info@tanks-uk.com with your requirements and we’ll send you a quote.