Talk:Fecal sludge management/Archive 1

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Improvements (Aug 2016)[edit]

Further suggested improvements include:

  • Make lead section into a better summary of the article (max. 4 paragraphs long)
this has now been done EvMsmile (talk) 12:40, 16 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]
  • Re-check existing references (e.g. year missing for the reference on constructed wetlands by AIT), add further references at critical places
  • Re-check clarity, shorten sentences that are too long or complex
  • Simplify language further for lay persons if needed
  • Re-check captions of images, possibly insert more imagesEvMsmile (talk) 14:08, 8 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]
  • Decide if the article on septage should be merged into here. I would say yes. EvMsmile (talk) 12:45, 16 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]

It would be useful if someone could review and edit the second paragraph under terminology.73.78.1.188 (talk) 21:17, 10 January 2017 (UTC)[reply]

Text that was cut out and could potentially still be used[edit]

The following text was deemed to be too detailed, but pieces of it could perhaps still be used:

Rapid Technical Assessments[edit]

Rapid Technical Assessments (RTA) are survey methods that focus on the containment tanks of OFFS and what it will require to desludge them. Therefore it looks at:

  • Size of the tank;
  • Location of the tank on the lot;
  • Accessibility of the tank;
  • Accessibility of the contents of the tank; and
  • Truck parking and issues related to the access to the property by the truck

The data from the RTA is then used to estimate the daily amount of septage that will require collection, and assess the constraints that will dictate the size and nature of the collection fleet. It is also used to predict the level of compliance, or the percentage of the families that will participate in the program. The beauty of the RTA is that you don’t have to survey every house in the coverage area to obtain this data. Often, a sample size of 200 – 300 houses will be enough to obtain the required data at a 95% confidence level.

(Refer to sample size calculator to determine sample size based on confidence level, margin of error, and population size - https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/sample-size-calculator/)

Technology selection

Some experts have proposed a 10 step process for making informed technology selections: Source: Robbins, David IPLT Technology Options Selection Guide (unpublished works by DAI, 2016

Use this standard methodology for selecting the most appropriate technologies for your septage treatment facility. Then utilize that information to develop the engineered plans and specifications. This is a collaborative process conducted by stakeholders, consultants, the operator and the owner of the facility. Here are the steps:

  1. Conduct long term vision planning with stakeholders as part of city-wide sanitation planning.
  2. Determine the waste flow (volume), strength, characteristics, and variability in each area which will have an IPLT.
  3. Determine who the operator will be, and then, gather data and information about their capacity, or ability to get things done.
  4. Conduct a site evaluation for the preferred location of the IPLT, and identify the physical constraints of the site including: i) soils depth and composition, ii) topography, iii) climate, iv) depth to groundwater or bedrock, v) land use of neighboring parcels, v) size of land area available and vi) access, quality and reliability of power, telecommunications, roads and water services at the site.
  5. Determine what the current and future end use will be for the liquid (effluent) and solids (biosolids)that are produced from the treatment process. Identify all applicable standards and regulations that may apply to inform the level of treatment required.
  6. Develop an initial cost estimate and budget.
  7. Have a professional consultant develop a list of preferred technology options (i.e. the sequence of treatment steps that link different treatment processes together in an appropriate order) given the above factors and constraints.
  8. Have the design consultant analyze each option formally including conducting initial process calculations and an analysis of the management requirements for each.
  9. Finalize the draft report including additional information on the selected technologies and identify potential equipment suppliers and contractors.
  10. Execute the design, which is typically accomplished in phases:30% plans, 60% plans, 95% plans, and final designs.

This is a well-tested methodology for developing appropriate plans and designs for wastewater and septage treatment plants. It achieves local buy-in and ownership of technology decisions, which is critical for the long term success and sustainability of the project.

Components of the waste characterization study include:

  • Preparing a sampling plan
  • Collecting representative samples
  • Handling and preserving samples properly
  • Document the sampling activities
  • Conducting proper analysis and QA / QC


Sample size calculators can be used to determine the number of samples required (https://www.surveymonkey.com/mp/sample-size-calculator/). When sampling from trucks, use composite sampling techniques where equal volumes of waste are collected from the beginning, middle and end of the truck emptying process. These 3 volumes are then mixed together into one sample. Keep samples cool (4 DEG centegrade) and transport to the laboratory within 8 hours. Use Chain of Custody forms to document the collection and transportation process, and be sure to "split" at least 5% for QA/QC assurance.

In Indonesia, the term for scheduled desludging is LLTT or Layanan Lumpur Tinja Terjadwal. It is being planned for implementation in Indonesia in over 200 cities between 2016 and 2020. Makassar, in South Sulawesi, Indonesia is the first of these cities to implement LLTT http://iuwash.or.id/US/makassar-kota-pertama-di-indonesia-yang-memiliki-layanan-lumpur-tinja-terjadwal/.

Cities may choose to scale in their services with initial phases designed for the anticipated flows for the first couple of years. Then this equipment is integrated into subsequent phases as demand increases. Planning for the efficient use of treatment infrastructure through phasing minimizes the upfront costs and keeps tariffs as low as possible. It also gives the utility a chance to build their own capacity, which will be required to take on the responsibilities of more mechanized equipment.

Promotional campaigns[edit]

Communications plan[edit]

The communications plan provides the methodology for creating the message, selecting the medium or media for delivering the message, and the methods that will be used to deploy the message. These objectives are realized when the communications plan considers the information gathered in the steps so far:

  • What are the goals of the public awareness campaign?
  • What are the key behaviors that need to be changed to achieve these goals?
  • What messages needed to be created to encourage people to change their behaviors?
  • Which modes of communication would be best to transmit the messages given the target audiences?
  • Which stakeholders, groups or individuals should be involved to help create and disseminate the messages?

These questions help the promotions team develop a strategic approach to developing the campaign outputs and selecting appropriate media for dissemination. In this stage, the promotions team takes the information obtained during the planning phase and begins to develop the key communications outputs and a plan for disseminating the messages to the target audience.

Establishing a communication objective[edit]

Based on the broader goals, the team will determine the specific objective of the campaign, which will be used to validate the communications outputs. The objective should clearly state the desired outcome (what), the priority audience (who), the conditions of when the desired outcomes will be achieved (when), and the criterion for determining the number of media contacts necessary to realize the change (how much). It is essential that the communication objective be specific and measurable. It should be established to build a shared understanding of how the better practices identified will be beneficial to the target audiences.

Forming Key Messages

Key message is the very essence of what the program is trying to communicate to the audience. The key message should correspond to the communication objective and be closely aligned with the stated goals of the program. In forming a key message it is important that the promotion team:

  • Keep it simple. One message only;
  • Consider the audience’s acceptance of the message;
  • Align the message with the identified motivators of the target audience; and
  • Focus on the positives of carrying out the new practices instead of the negatives of the existing behaviors.

Choosing Communication channels. Selecting the medium for transmitting the message to the target audience is just as important as crafting the message that addresses the main issue, problem or opportunity.

Some common communications channels for FSM programs:

  • Interpersonal communications which include one on one discussions such as in door to door campaigns;
  • Intrapersonal communications which include small group discussions such as yard meetings or community gatherings;
  • Printed media communications including posters, flyers, brochures or notices for display on public information boards;
  • Activity based communications which may include school plays with themes pertaining to sanitation, or special events that promote improved sanitation, such as hand washing programs at schools. Pilot projects or demonstration activities that show how others are practicing new behaviours are especially useful.
  • Mass media, such as newspaper, radio and television are more appropriate for larger audiences and general messages compared to the targeted messages required of local sanitation outreach programs.
  • Social media however, unlike mass communications may play an important role in local sanitation issues. Mobile phone based applications and messages can be low cost and highly effective.

Different outreach channels:

  • Pamphlets/ Brochures. A simple way of transmitting information. They are best where cognition, rather than emotion, is the desired outcome.
  • Fact/ information sheets. Quick, convenient information can be used to explain the basis for the program.
  • Newsletters. Labor-intensive but a good way to provide on-going connection with the target audience.
  • Posters. Common methods of presenting the key message. Can be placed on information boards, in public markets or other locations with high visibility.
  • Community theatre or school plays. An appealing way to receive messages. Can be low cost.

Management aspects[edit]

Program management and organization[edit]

FSM programs in developing country settings are typically operated by the local government (LGU) or the local water districts (WDs). In some cases, joint venture partnerships between LGUs and WDs are mutually advantageous (Dumaguete, Philippines). These operators may conduct services by administration, through their own internal staff and resources) or they may contract to the private sector for services. Such services may include i) FS collection and transportation services (manila water) where the utility owns the trucks and the contractor provides drivers and helpers, ii) operations of septage treatment facilities, iii) or operate the entire process on a “for profit” basis.

Stakeholder driven planning approach[edit]

The 3 pillars of sustainable septage management programs (figure 1.3) are:

  • Low cost and site appropriate infrastructure for septage collection and treatment;
  • Evidence-based promotions campaigns that raise awareness and the willingness to pay for services; and
  • Enabling environments that include training and capacity building, access to financing, and a local ordinance on septage management to establish the policies, procedures, fees and fee collection, incentives, and compliance provisions for the program.

The septage management model is implemented at the local level through a bottom-up planning and implementation process. A technical working group is guided through the planning steps, which establish the collection and treatment programs, the local ordinance, and the fee system. A promotions campaign garners public involvement and a gradual increase in willingness to pay for services over the long term. In the short term, it shores up local support for the local ordinance and fees.

Oxfam has been innovating in this field through the implementation of a revolving fund that enables the process (Figure 1.3: Oxfam’s septage management development model program being implemented in the typhoon Yolanda recovery zone.)

This is generally considered to be affordable by metrics that track willingness and ability to pay for sanitation services.http://www.wssinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/resources/END-WASH-Affordability-Review.pdf

Engaging the stakeholders early on will help the implements to craft programs that serve each socioeconomic sector of the society. EvMsmile (talk) 14:08, 8 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]