Appropriate Technology for Treating Wastewater at Remote Sites on Army Installations: Preliminary Findings

Abstract : At U.S. Army installations, water lines and sewage facilities are provided only in the cantonment areas, where there are enough people and activities to justify sewage collection and treatment. At remote sites--e.g., guard stations, firing ranges, and training areas--four conventional methods have been used to treat human wastes: trenching and cat holing, pit latrines, vault toilets, and chemical toilets. With these approaches, however, there have been problems with odors, pollution, and operation and maintenance. This report provides information about the selection, installation, operation and maintenance, and costs of two alternative systems--composting toilets and vault latrine aeration. These systems have been used by the private sector and other state and federal government agencies. This report details early observation of system performance.