The Pennsylvania State University's Wastewater Irrigation System: 30 Billion Gallons and Still Spraying.

The Pennsylvania State University started wastewater irrigation experiments in the early 1960’s as an alternative to discharging wastewater into the Spring Creek Watershed.   In the early 1980’s the system switched from being experimental to a full scale operation, where all of the university’s wastewater has been and is currently applied to either cropped, grassed or forested land.  Challenges that the university has faced since the system started operation are: winter operation in sub-freezing temperatures, elevated nitrate levels in monitoring wells, soil erosion, and public perception.  With the aid of specially designed sprinkler heads, wastewater has been successfully irrigated non-stop for over 25 years, even during Pennsylvania winters with sub-freezing temperatures, without trespass onto neighboring properties. With the implementation of intensive crop management, nitrate levels in monitoring wells have not only stopped increasing, but have been declining during the last 10 years of operation.  In addition to managing nitrogen, the crop management regime has also provided above average yields of corn silage (26 tons/acre) and wheat (85 bu/acre) when compared to county and state averages.  All crops are planted using no-till farming equipment to help reduce soil erosion and maintain soil quality.  Although the university has successfully overcome many challenges with this system, it still has to address new and ongoing concerns including new state regulations, emerging contaminants and soil hydraulic capacities.