Cape Cod Wastewater

In support of litigation, SSP&A evaluated the impacts to groundwater and surface water from a wastewater treatment system and septic leach field at a commercial complex in Harwich, Massachusetts.

SSP&A characterized the fate and transport of septic-system chemicals in the groundwater as well as assess the surface water impact of the treated wastewater. Data indicated that the treatment system frequently exceeded the nitrogen limits of its groundwater discharge permit, and that the treated wastewater rapidly leached into groundwater with subsequent discharge to surface water. Groundwater downgradient of the leach field was found to contain numerous anthropogenic chemicals in addition to elevated nitrogen confirming that infiltrated water from the leach field was contributing substantial contamination to groundwater and surface water.

SSP&A’s evaluation demonstrated that a commercial leach field for treated wastewater contributed elevated nitrogen to groundwater and surface water. Anthropogenic chemicals (PFAS [per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances] and pharmaceuticals) were used to confirm the septic origin of the elevated nitrogen.