Design and Pre-Planning for Construction:
Rainy Season Planning:
Construction if possible done during the dry season. Rainy season construction could slow or stop the project. Carefully check local weather patterns.
Municipal Permits; these agreements are required from the municipality:
- development/land use permit if necessary,
- land lease if municipality owns land
- land purchase or expropriation if necessary,
- construction permit after drawings are finalized.
- contract with municipality specifying who operates the facility
Wildlife inspection - a list of bird and other animal species on the site is made.
Technology selection
This occurs simultaneously with discussions with the municipality regarding permits. Technology specifically adapted to the local site is chosen, including options for biodigester, macrophyte ponds, fish ponds, gardens, etc. Technology is finalized based on the site survey, consultation with local agronomist consultants, aquaculture consultants and participation of the community. See planning sections of this website for information on sequence required to choose technology. Elevations. Detailed levels are taken of the site and a topographical map is produced of the site area.
These elevations are established:
- overall desired slope and level for the entire site.
- levels for the surface water level in the deepest ponds - normally the fish ponds. These are traditionally one meter below ground and two meters above. However this level can vary significantly depending on local soil, slope and water conditions.
Levels relative to deepest pond in this sequence:
- inlet
- sand trap
- biodigester
- macrophyte ponds,
- garden irrigation
- facility outlet
The simplest method for establishing levels without expensive surveying equipment is a transparent hose filled with water:
- take a 100 meter long hose
- fill it with water
- make sure that there are NO air bubbles in the hose
- hold the hose at a level where the water at one end of the hose stays at a constant level
- mark that level on a stake and make sure stake is fixed in ground
- take the other end of the hose to the desired location
- hold the hose steady, roughly at the same level as the other end
- wait till the water settles in the hose
- mark that level on a stake
- the two marks on the two stakes are at the same level
- relative measurements are possible from these constants
Site design:
This occurs during discussion of permits with the municipality. A draft concept drawing is produced by the wastewater recycling consultant and project director. This is reviewed with farmers, municipal sanitary engineers, aquaculture consultants, agronomist consultant, and community association.
Site construction sequence: a workplan for construction is produced. This includes checking on availability of local materials, plus delivery times. Construction materials and labor costing; An estimate is done of these costs based on design and local conditions.