A urine-diverting dry toilet (UDDT) is a type of dry toilet with urine diversion that can be used to provide safe, affordable sanitation in a variety of ..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urine-diverting_dry_toilet
While dried feces and urine harvested from UDDTs can be and routinely are used in agriculture (respectively, as a soil amendment and nutrient-rich fertilizer
OK let's be clear: As per my conversation with the state pollution control sewage dude - since there is no discharge then no permit is required. The only EPA-certified "composting toilets" also have discharge - so this is not a "composting toilet" as per any permitting process. Nor is it a "holding toilet" since a "holding toilet" does have "discharge" of sewage (as per below definition of flush water with septage).
Rather the "urine-diverting dry toilet" is a "stablized aerobic digestion" (see below for definition) Class B dewatered domestic septage biosolids storage device. So any emptying of the contents is only emptying Class B biosolids that have been stablized, as per the below definition, thereby not requiring any permit.
I just picked up a new Oyster Mycelium grow kit for my Myco-Toilet composting!!
At the time Back To The Roots had just starting making mushroom growing kits from coffee waste in the US (they since dropped using coffee after admitting they were no good at mushroom growing and outsourced their production to another company!).
Wow they're $20 on the website but I paid $10. It's about the same price as what Field & Forest would charge - but no shipping cost.
A review vid shows indeed they work
All I know is when I added the Oyster mushroom mycelium to my Urine-Diverting Dry Toilet - any "toilet" smell vanished - so the Oyster mushroom was clearly eating up the E. Coli bacteria Humanure!! Very exciting.
So I'm sure their six week pilot project went well - nothing published yet.
What I discovered in my state statutes is that...
A permit is not required for.......
At first I noticed this in an EPA document on "domestic septage" (not the same as sewage since septage is de-watered).
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/
Domestic septage is either liquid or solid material removed from a septic tank, cesspool, portable toilet, Type III marine sanitation device, or similar treatment works that receives only domestic sewage.Domestic sewage is waste and wastewater from humans or household operations that is discharged to or otherwise enters a treatment works.
Aerobic digestion is a method of sludge stabilization in an open tank that can be regarded as a modification of the activated sludge process. Microbiological activity beyond cell synthesis is stimulated by aeration, oxidizing both the biodegradable organic matter and some cellular material into C 02 , H20 and N 03. The oxidation of cellular matter is called endogenous respiration and is normally the predominant reaction occurring in aerobic digestion. Stabilization is not complete until there has been an extended period of primarily endogenous respiration
(typically 15 to 20 days). Major objectives of aerobic digestion include odor reduction, reduction of biodegradable solids and improved sludge dewaterability. Aerobic bacteria stabilize the sludge more rapidly than anaerobic bacteria, although a less complete breakdown of cells is usually achieved. Oxygen can be supplied by surface aerators or by diffusers.
VSS [volatile suspended solids] reduction: 18 to 20 days at 20°C [68 F.] for mixed
sludges from AS or TF plant, 10 to 16 days for waste activated sludge only,
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-bios2-00.pdf
The source is still working at the state pollution control agency - so I figured it probably still holds!
Sure enough...
A permit is not required for.....long-term storage of dewatered bulk sewage sludge at a land application site...it is stored by persons using it for landscaping or horticultural purposes.
the storage of dewatered bulk exceptional quality sewage sludge on agricultural land, forest, or a reclamation site and the storage must not exceed seven months..Items A to G apply to the long-term storage of dewatered bulk sewage sludge. A. Long-term storage of bulk sewage sludge is only allowed at land application sites where the stored bulk sewage sludge is to be applied. Long-term storage of bulk sewage sludge that is intended for application at several land application sites is allowed provided that all sites are owned by the same person and all sites are within a one-half mile radius.
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2023/08/falling-back-on-m1w-clivus-multrum-for.html
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-primitive-void-dwelling-secret.html
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2019/11/no-discharge-septage-is-not-sewage-why.html
So as I have blogged before that the EPA says that "aerobic digestion" of septage then turns it into a Class B biosolid for land application.... but if you have "Class A" then no permit is needed. So that's where the Myco-Toilet composting comes in.
septage means removed from holding or composting toilets. Material in contact with untreated sewage in past 12 months is septage. As per code of Federal Regulations, title 33, section 159.3 [the Marine sanitation code]
By law, you can hand-carry it back out and distribute it on the ground, but if you put it into a pipe, you need a treatment system.
https://www.pumper.com/editorial/2015/09/new_shoestring_treatment_systems_in_minnesota
That's for Graywater... and that's for the state of Minnesota....I have blogged on this before - "the primitive void" is what it's literally called in the state pollution control agency records.
Liquid or solid compost material must have a sufficient long residency time to be considered suitably stabilized. To ensure vector attraction reduction, the residuals must be buried or covered so that nothing remains exposed to the surface.
https://cms7files1.revize.com/cookcountymn/Ordinances/SSTS%20Ord%20As%20Amended%203.22.22.pdf
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-bios2-00.pdf
Performance - Sludge is generally stabilized after 21 days at elevated temperatures. Maximum temperatures of between 60° to 80°C are produced during the first three to five days, during which time odors, pathogens and weed seeds are destroyed. Temperatures above 55°C (131 °F) for sufficient periods can effectively destroy most human pathogens. The finished compost is humus-like material, free of malodors, and useful as a soil conditioner containing low levels of essential plant macronutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and often adequate levels of micronutrients such as copper and zinc
So I will throw this grow kit of mycelium into the aerobic digesting batch bin - and then store it for another 3 months in the contained Myco-Toilet as dewatered domestic septage that has undergone aerobic digestion!
In the case of sewage sludge, this might include producing
a Class B bulk sewage sludge for agricultural, forest,
and reclamation sites,
exceptional quality (EQ) sludge, then no permit will be required
for the person who receives or processes the EQ sludge.
https://www.pca.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/wq-bios2-00.pdf
In general, the categories of septage listed immediately above are regulated much
the same as for biosolids (rules on septage are found in MN Rules Chapter
7041.1800). In fact, this type of regulated septage must comply with all the
biosolids rules for site approval and management practices.
Some differences do, however, exist between this category of septage and biosolids.
The major differences are how this type of septage meets pathogen and vector
attraction reduction requirements and how agronomic rates are calculated. In
addition, sometimes the metals analysis is not necessary for septage.
Summary of Septage Stabilization Options
Aerobic Septage is aerated for 15 days to 20 days in *Relatively simple.
digestion on open tank to achieve biological reduction in organic solids and reduction in odors.(Time requirements increase longer digestion periods. *Cold temperatures require much with lower temperatures.)
The length of time biosolids are composted at a
specific temperature is important in determining the
eventual use of the compost end product. 40 CFR
Part 503, Standards for the Use and Disposal of
Sewage Sludge (Part 503) defines time and
temperature requirements for both Class A and
Class B products (Table 1).
So then after a few months of aerobic digestion the "Class B" dewatered domestic septage is now ready for composting to create a Class A "exceptional quality" fertilizer - in a forest area.
The carbon to nitrogen ratios (C:N) of the forest floor and
surface soil horizons can serve as indicators of the
potential for soil immobilization of N from sewage sludge
applied to forest sites (excluding large woody debris that
decompose slowly). Generally, when the C:N ratio is
greater than 20-30:1, immobilization will occur. Woody
materials generally have much higher ratios (often ex-
ceeding 70:1). When sewage sludge is applied, the
available N allows microbial populations to expand rap-
idly and decomposes the soil organic matter, temporarily
locking up the N in microbial biomass or in long-term
stable humic acids. The N incorporated into the cell
structure of the microorganisms can eventually be re-
leased gradually as they die off.
So my county says to follow the EPA regulations and that is what I am doing.
county sewage treatment standards shall be followed.
In its letter,....County says a campground application ensures trash is properly disposed of and sewage is properly treated in order to prevent pollution at the site.
Non-Comm Seasonal Residential Recreational
Seasonal recreational residential (noncommercial)
EPA 40 CFR Part 503 is a self-implementing rule. This means that the requirements of Part 503 must be met even if a permit has not been issued.
Persons who do not have a permit must apply for and obtain a permit before land applying or distributing sewage sludge for application to the land.
So legally after a year it is no longer septage but I will compost for at least two years minimum - probably three years. So it will be Class A fertilizer and no longer septage. As the State pollution control agency told me regarding the composting toilet - if there is no discharge then no permit is necessary.
Discharge includes, but is not limited to, any spilling, leaking, pouring, pumping, emitting, emptying, or dumping.
persons who prepare bulk sewage sludge must obtain approval of the sites on which bulk sewage sludge is applied before it is applied unless it is exceptional quality sewage sludge. Application procedures are set out in part 7041.0800.
The ideal carbon-to-nitrogen ratio ranges from 25 to 35 parts
carbon for each one part of nitrogen by weight. A lower ratio can result in ammonia odors
the bulking agent serves to increase the porosity of the mixture. Porosity is important to
ensure that adequate oxygen reaches the composting mass.In addition, compost, unlike other Class A products, is not subject to end
use restrictions.
So I would have a "dwelling campsite home domicile" but not a "residence" with a "dwelling unit."
So a Dwelling SITE can have a CAMP UNIT and still be a DWELLING but not a DWELLING UNIT. So the word "Dwelling" is ambiguous" since it's still a Dwelling Site but not a Dwelling Unit. So it's a Camp UNIT but a dwelling site.
Recreational Vehicles shall be considered Mobile Homes if occupied more than 7 months a year.
Mobile Home: Any Site or tract of land includes any structure or tent
CABIN, SEASONAL OR RECREATIONAL. A residence occupied only on a part-time basis, not to exceed eight consecutive months,
Temporary tents...shall not be erected ...for a period of more than 180 days within a 12-month period on a single premises.
So that means you have to be OFF the land for four months during the winter... based on a seasonal campsite or cabin...but based on MN Fire Code it's just 180 days a year within a 12 month period! So you can space out half the month for camping out of the whole year and 3 months of consecutive camping is the limit for seasonal camping.
Dwelling Unit: Any structure or portion of structure or Shelter designed as a short term or long term living quarters...The key provision is that each dwelling unit must provide "complete, independent living facilities."
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2020/11/primitive-dwellings-versus-camp-units.html
http://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2019/11/how-to-not-live-off-land-legally-while.html
A "hunting camp unit" is defined as any temporary domicile, excluding mobile or manufactured housing. Examples include, but are not limited to: RV's, travel trailers, sheds, tents, shacks, buses and vans. Occupancy is limited to 120 continuous days
b. Sanitary facilities shall conform to County and state health regulations. Each hunting camp shall have one "porta-toilet" per every five hunting camp units (RV, travel trailer, tent, or shack).
No permit required for "forest management activities"
So Paul told me about his "Willow Feeder" system - not the same as composting!
His goal is to keep it dry. Very fascinating indeed! This is what the Humanure Humus Machine also does!
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2023/08/sun-frost-no-response-on-human-humus.html
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2023/08/the-sun-frost-human-humus-machine-im.html
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2023/08/human-humus-mycotoilet-machine-update.html
I'm guessing (?) that what you actually get out is more homogenous, because of cold [moldering] decomposition processes?
https://permies.com/t/161838/willow-feeder
so Paul uses a "crankcase breather pipe" aka breather tube - fascinating.
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2024/07/blue-barrel-oyster-mushroom-compost.html
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2024/05/teepee-in-screenhouse-my-latest.html
https://elixirfield.blogspot.com/2024/05/nature-calls-mycotoilet-being-launched.html
Cool, slow composting is easier to do than hot composting, will break down eventually and may have hidden benefits, according to Oregon State University soil scientist Dan Sullivan.
"Slow composting is often the best method for people who do not have time to tend a hot compost pile, which takes more care and a more precise recipe," said Sullivan. "It's an easy and convenient way to turn yard wastes into a useful soil amendment."
Decomposition requires microorganisms, moisture, air, temperatures above freezing and time. To make slow compost, simply mix yard trimmings into a pile and let them sit.
"West of the Cascades, Mother Nature will provide plenty of moisture," Sullivan said. "You don't need to worry about the proper carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio. The C:N ratio only affects the speed of composting. If your pile is woody (high C:N) it will just decompose slowly."
Don't worry about adding a commercial inoculant or compost. "Sufficient decomposer bacteria and fungi are present naturally in yard trimmings and fruit and vegetable wastes," he said.
Sullivan practices slow, or cool composting in his own backyard.
https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/slow-cool-composting-easy-way
good deal! My dad actually did legal work for this county - way back in the day - made sure the mining companies were paying their taxes. Anyway I think I have a good claim based on the Supremacy Clause of the US constitution - the CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) is supposed to override the state and county laws. "Yes, according to the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which represents federal law, takes precedence over conflicting state and county laws, meaning it essentially "overrides" them when there is a conflict between the two levels of law. " OK that was the google AI answer. hahaha. Still government has goons in it just like corporations have goons in them - private security, etc. So I'll just go ahead with my plan I think - without trying to get my plan "accepted" by the county. The EPA CFR is "self-enforcing."
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