Figure 8: Omni-Processor enables for sewage
treatment on small-scale and generates energy
3. Standardisation
Standardisation promotes uniformity and
enhances consistency in the treatment system,
its equipment, products and, to a certain
extent, the appearance of STPs. Investment and
implementation of sewerage system developments
should be standardised as early as the planning
stage and the tendering and procurement of
equipment. Operationally, it is proven that certain
equipment or products can be exceptional in
robustness and operational economies. It is
necessary such important criteria be considered
n the construction of STPs.
4. Net Present Value (NPV) for Long Term
Operation and Maintenance (O &M)
During the planning stage, there might be
various options to be considered in developing
a sewerage system including such factors as
the ground contour, drainage pattern, land
availability and suitability which may lead to
a variation in the number of STPs or pumping
stations and length and depth of sewers. It
is crucial that an NPV analysis is carried out
to include long term O & M costs, and not be
solely based on the upfront capital costs that
do not reflect the sustainability the sewerage
systems.
5. Government Built Sewerage Facilities
In promoting regionalisation, the Government
can play a beneficial role by constructing
sewerage networks and STPs which relieves a
burden for capital upfront costs by developers
and spur developments within the catchment
areas. Investment by the Government can
be leveraged through the Sewerage Capital
Contribution (SCC) and rolling National
Development Plans.
6. Emerging Technologies - Fewer Resources
The sewerage industry must be receptive and
take advantage of emerging technologies and
move away from the age-old Victorian technology
which is not necessarily always appropriate. New
technologies are generally more compact and
require a much smaller foot-print providing an
answer to peculiar site issues, land constraint
or public disapproval. Most recently, biotechnology
and nanotechnology which use genetic
manipulation of micro-organisms, individual atoms
and molecules offer new dimensions in water and
wastewater treatment.
7. Plan With Resource Recovery in Mind
Microsoft’s founder, Bill Gates who puts
continuous efforts into improving the sanitation of
developing countries always emphasises proper
treatment of wastewater and self-sustainability.
Recent small-scale technology being propagated
personally by him, named the Omni-Processor,
uses sewage sludge as an input and produces
clean water, electricity and ash (see Figure 8).
Conclusion
As the world is facing acute climate issues and
non-renewable energy depletion, it is high time
industrial players in the sewerage industry make a
paradigm shift in their way of thinking and make a
positive impact on mankind and the environment. It
is important always to plan with resource recovery
in mind. No matter who we are and what our
backgrounds might be, in various ways, we can
all make a significant contribution with the right
understanding and awareness of advances in
technology in the construction and implementation
of sewerage systems in the country.
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