A preliminary survey was conducted to determine the efficacy of selected advanced onsite septic systems for the removal of selected pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). The following technologies were chosen for this survey: standard “Title 5″ system comprised of a stone trench overlying sixty inches of sand, a recirculating filter unit containing fibrous peat, a single pass filter with open-cell foam, an upflow sulfur-filled filter following an aerobic treatment unit and a recirculating sand filter designed in accordance with standard practice. A system consisting of a filter of twenty-four inches of sand was used as a surrogate measure of influent wastewater sue to analytical issues with examining the matrix of raw wastewater.

… When individuals with food allergies dine away from home, they must rely on food service staff to provide them with accurate information about ingredients so that they can make an informed decision about what to order. Incorrect or incomplete information puts these individuals at risk for an allergic reaction. Even a mild reaction will bring their dining experience to an abrupt end; a serious reaction may require transport to the hospital in an ambulance…

In support of local boards of health and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental protection, the Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment continued to operate the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center (MASSTC) during this grant period. In addition to facilitating the testing and development of advanced onsite wastewater treatment systems, we have drafted a testing protocol for alternative drainfield products for possible incorporation into the Commonwealth’s approval process.