Orcas sewer expansion: there’s more to the story

Your editorial on sewer expansion, “A step toward saving our sound,” misrepresents the full spectrum of solutions available to us.

The modern sewer system has its own problems. It’s a highly chemical industrialized process with major resource input and unpredictable infrastructure maintenance. Not to mention the sewage output of heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and PCBs into our oceans, now appearing in our fish and orca whales.

We are at a critical decision-making time in our nation and islands’ histories. National policies are shifting toward innovative solutions regarding fuel, energy, and waste management. We have the opportunity to ride this momentum and make smart and thoughtful choices for our islands future. The editorial also incorrectly asserts “no one wants to take ownership of the problem.” The community members I’ve talked to desire just that: a chance to be part of the process.

So in an effort to be more involved and to educate others, I contacted National Environmental Services Center (NESC). The organization is based at West Virginia University. These are professionals who know their stuff. We’ve also done web searches and old-fashioned book reading in order to learn more about this important issue.

One insight would be to connect nitrogen removal systems to our already existing septic that can treat the effluent. This system is also expensive but multiple septic systems could hook up to one unit, thus defraying the cost with far less environmental impact. This decentralized approach of wastewater management eliminates the harmful deposit of nitrates into the Eastsound aquifer.

Another method that achieves this is the use of composting toilets. These toilets compost our urine and excrement aerobically and without water. Composting toilets close the nutrient cycle, turning a dangerous waste product into safe compost. The systems conserve water for our aquifer, eliminate chemicals, and are sanitary to use. It’s not for everybody, but we should have the option available.

Constructed wetlands are also another viable option. Using concepts like bioremediation and toxic filtering through wetland plantings, we can treat our waste through a natural, non-chemical process. Although these types of systems are in use by communities all over the world, we need look no further than Lopez Island to see such a system in place, serving Lopez Village. Kudos Lopez!

It seems we should have a choice. Many of us care deeply about the environment and desire sensible creative solutions. Your editorial, however, assumes us to be motivated by convenience and economics. There is more to the story.

Here is some research on alternatives to our septic dilemma and some sites in which you may want to visit yourselves.

On Tap, 1-800.624.8301 and info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu and Pipeline, a newsletter about wastewater topics for the general public. Other essential reading: “Oasis Greywater” (www.oasisdesign.net) and “The Humanure Handbook.”

Rusty Diggs and Christopher Evans live in Eastsound.

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