SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEM RECOVERY ASSESSMENT

File: 011696_129_15_007.txt
Page: 007
Total Pages: 71





                       Recovery efforts have been slowed by predictable delays
                  in staf f ing and logistical requirements, management confusion,
                  and inadequate objectives and priorities for recovery efforts.
                  The Ministry of Public Works and a private f irm have a
                  contract. which is intended to accomplish recovery, and
                  operation and maintenance of the sewage collection system.
                  The contract is weak in relation to schedules and necessary
                  terms and conditions of the recovery ef fort. Assessment of
                  progress to date is complicated by failure       'to accurately
                  assess the condition of the system when recovery efforts
                  began, and inadequate reporting of work efforts and system
                  status at: periodic intervals. In adequate reporting data is
                  available in regard to the collection system even now.

                       If the recommendations in this report are implemen ted the
                  collection system should be conveying most of the sewage to
                  the treatment plants in less than one and one half months (45
                  days).   The treatment plants should be capable of achieving
                  primary immediately thereafter, and secondary treatment should
                  follow within a few weeks. This will alleviate many health
                  and safety concerns and should significantly reduce odor
                  problems. It. is unlikely that the sewage flows will reach
                  pre-invasiop levels - if unconfirmed reports of the slow return
                  of population to Kuwait City are reliable - sewage flows could
                  remain at much lower levels for many months.
                       Xn summary, If Ministry of Public works will: (1) quickly
                  appoint a strong Recovery Project Manager,, (2) vith the
ponsibility "n      authority to execute the recovery
                  objectives offered in this report in the order of priority
                              and (3) avoid interference with execution and
                  accept periodic reports only,, acce'ptable sewage collection and
                  treatment should be achievable In 60 to 90 da    'ys. Odor and
                  other sewage related complaints. will be reduced significantly
                  In the same time period.


                  KWOR FXNDINGS


                       1 .  inadequate attention has been paid to the public
                  health and safety aspects of recovery efforts related to the
                  sewage collection and treatment systensp and the necessary by
                  pass of sewage to the gulf during this emergency. Topic areas
                  of concern are: (a) gases from the sewer system, (b). swimming
                  and other water contact at the beachest (c) leaks and gasket
                     blems with water usage devices such as valves and toilets#
                  pro                                                         fish
                  (d) water conservation efforts, and (e) fishing and
                  consumption from the beach a3eeas receiving bypass sewage.
                       2.    The sanitary sewage collection, treatment, and
                                                                               a
                  disposal system is unique when compared with the electric 1         OT

                                                 2
Box ID = BX000000
Unit = CONST ENG LABS  
Parent Organization = CORPS OF ENGS   
Folder Title = SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEM RECOVERY ASSESSMENT                                                      
Subject = SANITARY SEWAGE SYSTEM RECOVERY ASSESSMENT
Document Number =        129
Image file name = 00000008.tif