Disaster Sanitation

The Problem

On Friday (Sept. 28), a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit near Sulawesi, Indonesia bringing down buildings and, in some areas, turning the ground to liquid in a process called "liquefaction" and moving entire neighborhoods. Shortly after, a tsunami with waves of up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) hit the coast

Map of the September 28, 2018 Earthquake near Palu, Indonesia

We Are Reminded Daily

• The Cascadia subduction zone off Washington’s coastline is 684 miles (1,100 kilometers) long, extending from Brooks Peninsula on Vancouver Island to Cape Mendocino in California.

• It is capable of producing earthquakes on the order of magnitude 9.0. Such an earthquake would be comparable to Japan’s great Tohoku earthquake and tsunami in March of 2011.

Cascadia Subduction Zone Scenario

Could Happen Anytime

1700 Quake

file:///C:/Users/Mark/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/FG0696LK/whidbey%20island%20fault%20zone.pdf

Geologic Description The southern Whidbey Island fault (SWIF) stretches from the vicinity of Victoria, B.C., across Puget Sound as far as the Cascade Range. This scenario was modeled on the part of the SWIF from Woodinville to just west of Whidbey Island. The SWIF has been assessed by the USGS as capable of generating the largest crustal earthquake in Puget Sound.

Liquefaction Areas

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/programs-and-services/geology/geologic-hazards/geologic-hazard-maps#tsunami-inundation

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr2005-1_tsunami_hazard_anacortes_whidbey.pdf

Cascadia Possible Recovery Time

http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ic114_resilient_washington_state.pdf

Treatment facilities: 1month–3 months in zones of no liquefaction;

3 months–1 year in liquefaction zones

Sewer pipes: 1 month–3 months in zones of no liquefaction;

1 year–3 years in liquefaction zones

Isn’t Over Quickly

Will Do A Lot of Damage

Disaster Resilience the

Secret Weapon

1) What is community resilience? 2) What advantages would a resilient community have after

an earthquake?

Fireman / Pet Store Owner Good with kids

Computer Tech Can fix electronics

Hunter - CERT Fisherman / Teacher

Cook Baker / Shoe Store

Carpenter - CERT/ Engineer

Nurse that is good with animals, alone

HAM Radio Operator / Horse woman

Mechanic / Seamstress Likes to camp

Sheriffs Deputy / Attorney CERT

Farmer / Gardener 1000Gal LP Tank Electrician - CERT

/ Child Care Expert

Plumber That sings and plays the banjo

By themselves and alone, limited skills very challenging to exist comfortably

As a Neighborhood Village that is pre-organized to work together containing varied skills, a strong and resilient community

DART Drop Zone

Our Neighbors!

https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/3277/Think-Plan-Do-2018---Booklet-detailing-preparation-for-a-disaster-in-JeffCo?bidId=

https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/DocumentCenter/View/3277/Think-Plan-Do-2018---Booklet-detailing-preparation-for-a-disaster-in-JeffCo?bidId=

W

Individual, Neighborhood

Community Resilience

Preparation

What skills or areas do you need to address in being resilient?

W

Individual, Neighborhood

Community Resilience

Preparation

If your neighbors aren’t prepared Your not!

Communication HAM, FRS Net.

TV, Radio

Food Storage Cooking

Security

Sanitation Hygiene

Pee, Poo Disposal Laundry, Showers

Water Storage

Purification

Rescue Supplies & Distribution

Shelter Prep., Warmth

Dryness, Indoor Camping

Medical Search & Rescue Skills, Supplies

CERT

Energy Electrical, Gas Wood, Solar

Neighborhood & Comm. Prep.

Organization MYN, Home, Car, CERT

Individual, Neighborhood

Community Resilience

Preparation

Communication HAM, FRS Net.

TV, Radio

Food Storage Cooking

Air, Marine, Road Rescue

Sanitation Hygiene

Pee, Poo Disposal Laundry, Showers

Water Storage

Purification

Rescue Supplies Distribution

Medical Search & Rescue Skills, Supplies

CERT

Energy Electrical, Gas Wood, Solar

Neighborhood & Comm. Prep.

Organization MYN, Home, Car, CERT

Shelter Prep., Warmth

Dryness, Indoor Camping

Right After The Quake Life May Change

While Your Waiting for Aid…

If your house looks like this you might want to salvage materials and build a shelter … or use a camper to shelter in place.

If your house looks like this you might want to use it to shelter in place.

Taking Stock Of Your Condition What if this is your House?

Are you prepared to do this?

Do you have at least 30 days of food? …and more for others that may need help?

Cooking for more than one

Entertainment

And Then….

What if your toilet stops working?

Earthquakes and

Sanitation Systems

• System complexity - numerous points of failure • Central system needs power, transportation, chemicals & staff skills • Often near rivers - liquefaction results in system damage • Construction did not address seismic risks • Pipes of inflexible materials (concrete, cast-iron) fail with shaking • Pipes break at connections & push-on pipe joints separate • Gravity flows disrupted as ground shifts • Failure of storm sewers, flooding & collateral damage. • Consumer Septic Tanks crack and leak

• Connections to drain fields fail • Septic water supply fails • Power to septic discharge pump or actual pump fails

http://www.oregon.gov/OMD/OEM/osspac/docs/Oregon_Resilience_Plan_Final.pdf

Sewer Vulnerabilities in Seismic Events Quake Pipe Failures

So why are Sewer Systems so Vulnerable in a Severe Earthquake?

A few minor breakdowns throughout the system bring down the entire system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udBaGyzJyU8

Septic Tank Systems

Gravity System

Electrically Powered Pressurized System

Non-Gravity Systems - Pump Tank

Need to be able to back feed Pump Electrical from

Standby Generator

Pump Tank

Typical Septic System Types

Signs of a failing septic system can include one or more of the following: • Visible signs of liquid level below discharge line, indicating possible leak in containment

• Water and sewage are backing up

• Bathtubs, showers, and sinks are draining slowly

• Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system

• Standing water or damp spots near the septic tank or leach field

• Bad odors

• Green vegetation growing over the septic tank or leach field during dry weather

A malfunctioning septic system is a risk to human and animal health and the environment. A quick response to any signs of failure may reduce the cost of repairs and prevent any illness or negative impact on the environment.

Signs of Septic Tank Failures

Causes of Failures

Septic system failure may cause sewage to surface around the tank or leach field, back up into the pipes in the building, percolate into the ground water or nearby water sources. Sewage carries contaminants that are sources of disease and make water unsafe for any use

• Septic tanks are pretty durable but can crack, maybe even break. Invasive tree roots, parking vehicles over the septic

tank, even severe earthquakes, might cause damage to the septic tank.

• A clogged pipe causing slow drains or draining to stop completely. A crushed or broken pipe will need to be replaced.

• If the inlet baffle to the septic tank is blocked. If the outlet baffle or effluent filter is clogged sewage may back up into the home or ground surface.

• Septic systems require routine maintenance and should provide reliable service for many years. If it isn't maintained, owners run the risk of dangerous and costly failures.

• Pump the tank every two to five years, depending on how many people are using it and local codes.

How Important is Sanitation and Toilets

After a Disaster

How Important is Sanitation and Toilets

After a Disaster

Ask the Japanese

http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/00_000404.html

In Washington State, to each county and city, earthquake countermeasures are a necessary reality. On February 23rd, the Consulate-General of Japan in Seattle, Tohoku University, and University of Washington collaborated to hold a Disaster Management Symposium at the University of Washington. Over 80 locally based individuals tasked with disaster management attended. Visiting from Japan, The Hon. Hideki Matsuzaki, who served as mayor of Urayasu City – hit hard by liquefaction damage during the Great East Japan Earthquake – and Mr. Atsushi Kato, Executive Director of Japan Toilet Lab, reported with vivid detail on the lessons learned from toilet facilities in Japan and problems faced after a disaster.

Japanese Disaster Toilet Summary

So what are we to do?

What is the plan for your family?

For your neighborhood?

For your sewer provider?

Obsolete examples of emergency toilet substitutes include: • Plastic garbage bags and twist ties that leak, smell and can contaminate

surroundings • Single-bucket camping toilet that are difficult to handle keep sanitary and smell • Trench or pit latrines that smell and could contaminate the water table & spread

disease

The Old Way?

Pee and Poo

That is the Question!

HYGIENE AND PATHOGEN CONTROL Hygiene is a broad concept that can be defined as a set of practices designed to keep people healthy. Following an earthquake or flood, the set of practices will change and new practices will be required. The shape of hygiene will be further be affected by the availability of water and supplies, community demographics, and whether victims are sheltering in place or displaced.

For our purposes, hygiene refers to practices that prevent or limit spread of disease-causing organisms and includes the cleaning of hands, bodies, surfaces to remove pathogens. Following a natural disaster there is likely to be greater overlap between personal and public hygiene.

Goal of Post Disaster Sanitation

National Sanitization / Toilet Post Disaster Subject Mater Experts

PHLUSH helps local governments and citizen groups to provide equitable public restroom availability and to prepare for a pipe-breaking seismic event

with appropriate ecological toilet systems.

Impacts of the Christchurch earthquake • M6.5 quake, 185 people killed, 3 years to restore sewer service. • Water and sewer pipe breakage from both shaking and liquefaction. • One quarter of the raw sewage in the system - 10.5 million gals - leaked out immediately into backyards, streams, rivers and the sea. • Majority of homes in east part of city were flooded. • Destruction of transportation infrastructure slowed response and repair of sanitation systems.

Learning from Christchurch, New Zealand

Sewer destroying earthquake on Feb 22, 2011

Defining a Solution

Defining a Solution Toilets must be thought of as part of a toilet system that

encompasses collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal or reuse.

Since then Container-based sanitation (CBS) technologies have proven successful in global emergencies with massive numbers of displaced people and managed disposal is critical to hygiene.

Defining a Solution Toilets must be thought of as part of a toilet system that

encompasses collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal or reuse.

• February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch New Zealand left 50,000 people without a

functioning sewer system and unable to flush toilets for months.

• Christchurch relied on the twin-bucket toilets system during the emergency stage of the

crisis.

• In 2011 City of Portland Bureau of Emergency Management (on PHLUSH recommendation) adopted

the twin bucket - container based sanitation approach

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/pbem/article/447707

Why Two Buckets?

• Simple to acquire, light weight, affordable and reusable. • Can use new or used buckets providing there is a lid. • Is very Hygienic, as the pathogens are in the poo and not the pee, by keeping the liquid and solids

separate the volume of pathogens is greatly reduced and the poo can be kept exposed to the air to dry out, reduce volume, weight and especially odor.

• Pee can be transported, disposed of separately and be kept covered so it will not spill during aftershocks. • Poo can be left exposed to the air to dry out and reduce mass. Carbon can be added to poo bucket to aid in

drying and odor reduction provided it is not to be dumped into septic tank. • Pee and Poo can be dumped into undamaged septic tanks providing the poo has no carbon (like sawdust)

added to it. • Easier to store, handle for disposal, stack for transport, emptied then reused. • Buckets and supplies can be nested for compact prep storage keeping everything together.

• Ask your local Dept. of Emerg. Mgmt. (DEM), or sanitation department about disposal plans. Actual disposal

plans may follow the disaster after many days so easy storage is an advantage.

Why The Twin Bucket Toilet Solution?

Where to find buckets?

6 x (3.25 + 1.68 ) = 6 x 4.93 = 29.58/person + 2 seat-lids (10.99 + 10.99) = $51.58 per one person system + Shelter $34.00 ? + sanitizer + paper etc.

• Carbon material: 1 or 2 gal. plastic bags of sawdust, shredded paper, pulverized dry leaves or peat-moss for non septic tank disposal ONLY.

• Toilet Paper for the Poo Bucket only • Pump bottle soap for scrubbing hands • Waste Basket for napkins, wipes, diapers. • Rubber Gloves

Your Twin Bucket Emergency Toilet Kit

.

Consider having a bedside commode readily available. Having a bed side commode over

the Twin-Bucket Emergency Toilet bucket will allow the injured or medically fragile to

manage more safely.

+

If You Care for Medically Fragile People

Hygiene is No. 1 Priority

Best way to wash hands?

Hand washing is critical for:

• Using the twin-bucket toilet system

• Working around your septic tank, always ware gloves and wash tools

with bleach and water

• Food prep

• Eating

• First Aid

• Staying healthy without doctors or hospitals.

The best way to wash hands is:

Use pump soap. Bar soap can spread pathogens.

Mechanical scrubbing of hands. Sanitizers do not work!

Use of disposable gloves and wipes help conserve your emergency water

supply but pump soap and water is the best!

Hygiene is No. 1 Priority

Hand Washing Stations

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/rdpo/article/678977

How it Works - Clean water in the bottom bucket feeds a manual pump, activated by the user's foot. The clean water pumps through a faucet and flows into a wash basin. The used water drains through the basin into the top bucket. All components can be setup or torn down in just a few minutes. Additionally, the system is self-contained and can be transported in the 2 buckets nested together. Project Estimate - $25

https://www.instructables.com/id/Camp-Sink-Temporary-Hand-Washing-Station/

Examples of Hand Wash Station with “Pump bottle Soap”

When the gray water bucket fills up, you'll need to dump it out. Remove the sink and faucet assemblies. Notice in the photo that the faucet should be clamped temporarily to the clean bucket. Keeping the faucet upright keeps it clean and above the clean water level, which prevents potential draining of the clean water bucket.

When you need to re-fill the clean water bucket, set the dirty water bucket on the ground. Disconnect the pump suction hose from the barb on the clean water bucket. Keep the hose clean by securing to the faucet. Take the clean water bucket to the water source and refill. Return to site and reassemble sink.

Disconnect the system and pack it for transport. The components will fit into the clean water bucket, which then nests into the gray water bucket. It's most compact this way and has the added benefit of keeping the inside of the clean water bucket clean. There are a few ways to fit everything into the clean water bucket. The basin and the flat lid will slightly bend in order to fit. Since those pieces are made of flexible plastic, they will go back to normal when you pull them out to use again. If you're packing up for long term storage, I recommend cleaning and drying out the system.

Other Examples of Hand Wash Station with “Pump bottle Soap”

Poo and Pee Production Capacity?

This chart assumes 2 large scoops of carbon cover and lots of toilet

paper used with each addition. Bucket considered full at 4 gal. or 80%.

Estimate minimum of two Poo buckets per person per month, may plan for 3 to avoid spillage and reducer weight.

Each of us produce only 4-

10 oz daily of poo. It takes

approximately a week for 2

people to fill a 5 gallon

bucket with poo and

carbon material.

4 gallons of toilet paper,

carbon, and poop in a

5 gal bucket

More poo capacity if

planed to dump in septic

tank, (no carbon)

Poo Production Storage Capacity?

Pee Production Storage Capacity?

Estimate minimum of two Pee buckets per person per month, may plan for 3 to avoid spillage and reducer weight.

Pee 4-40 oz, 40 oz = .3125 gal. x 30 = 9.375 gal. or

2-3 5 gal. buckets pee

Poo 3-10 oz, 10 oz per day = .078 + paper + carbon gal. x 30 =

8 gal or min. 2-3 5 gal buckets poo

Total of 4-6 total pee & poo buckets per month per person. Less buckets needed if Septic Tank System if available for dumping

Volume will vary for each individual

Pee Production Bucket Requirements? Total Buckets Required If No Septic Tank Disposal

Although highly variable from event to event, it averages out over the one week to about 2 lbs. of poop and just under 2 gallons of pee.

1. Mark the twin buckets “pee” and “poo” (or #1 and #2 or urine and feces, or yellow and brown, etc).

2. Set them up in a private space. The seat can be moved from one to the other.

3. Try not to pee in the poo bucket. This is really important but it is understandable that this isn't always possible. The pee is the component that produces the bad smell in toilets that mix.

4. After using the pee bucket remove the seat and cover with a lid that closes well to prevent spillage.

5. When using the poo bucket, sprinkle about a half cup of the carbon material so that it completely covers the surface of the poo. Only if disposals in not going into a Septic Tank! This will eliminate odors and ensure flies don’t make themselves at home. No Carbon if going in Septic Tank!!!

6. Toilet paper is just fine for the poo bucket but not for the pee bucket.

7. Put the poo toilet seat back down ensuring it’s not airtight. Give your poo some air and it will dry out and reduce in

volume.

8.When 80% full close lid tightly, dump it in your septic tank or Wait for public disposal instructions from the Department of Emergency Management. Do not compost unless properly instructed to by the DEM as the waste can contaminate waterways and may carry Pharmaceuticals and possible diseases.

How do you use the Twin Bucket toilet?

Source of Carbon to Add to the Poo Will reduce odor and help to dry and shrink volume

Not for Septic Tank Use!!!

Owners of Septic Tanks

Septic system users should decide if they are going to dump pee and poo in

their septic tank (DO NOT add carbon material to poo bucket)

OR store pee and poo and WAIT for DEM disposal instructions (add carbon to

poo bucket).

• Check your tank to make sure it is intact and not leaking.

• Note carbon will damage the septic system.

Septic system users may dispose of pee and poo in their own septic tank

if they:

• Can safely locate and remove the septic tank lid.

• Older tank lids may be concrete and too heavy to remove.

• Keep all children and pets away from open septic tank during dumping

• Secure the septic tank lid immediately after dumping pee and poo

Septic System Users

Check Discharge Level

Set up the system to make safe For children or restrict children to Interior bucket use.

https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/WastewaterManagement/SepticSystem/LidSafety

Take these precautions.

•Know where your septic system lids or covers are located.

•Routinely inspect the condition of the lids for hazards or problems.

•

•Keep the lids secure by repairing or replacing all damaged or missing parts.

•Use bolts, screws, or other locks to secure the lids and prevent easy access.

•Never drive or park vehicles on top of septic systems – it can damage or dislodge the cover.

•Never leave an open lid unattended when inspecting or having your septic system pumped. Make sure the lids are

secured after working on your septic system.

•Teach children that the septic tank lids are not to be played on or opened.

Owners of septic systems are responsible for ensuring the systems are safe and function properly, including having

a secure lid on the tanks.

People do accidently fall into septic tanks. In most cases, the person who falls in gets out

without serious injury. But a child's tragic death is a reminder to inspect your septic

system for damaged or missing lids.

Septic Tank Safety

After a Disaster, DO ... • DO seek disaster information: NIXLE alerts, and your local radio stations and DEM. • DO follow all instructions for storage and disposal from fire, law, emergency management, and sanitation

official • DO use a Twin-Bucket Emergency Toilet and keep pee and poo separate for disease and odor control • DO store pee and poo in buckets (with lids that seal tightly) • DO WAIT for disposal instructions from your DEM or local authorities and call a qualified professional to

check your septic tank and waste lines after a major quake. • Keep your hands clean when possible and maintain good hygiene

After a Disaster, DO NOT ... • DO NOT flush a toilet until your septic tank and waste lines are checked and functional. • DO NOT dig a pit privy. With our seasonally saturated soils, disease organisms can easily contaminate

neighboring properties. • DO NOT ADD CARBON MATERIAL of any kind to your poo bucket if you are going to dump it in your own

septic tank • Any carbon material may damage your septic system and require it to be pumped out later. • DO NOT place baby or adult diapers, sanitary pads, or bagged pet waste in pee or poo buckets. Dispose

of them in trash

Post Disaster Sanitation Do’s and Don’t

Remember!

Use Liquid Soap and Scrub Hands with Water

The End

Thank You