JOCKEY HOLLOW GIRL SCOUT CAMP
LOCATION: MENDHAM TOWNSHIP, NJ
CLIENT: MORRIS AREA GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL (MAGSC)
MARKET SECTOR: PUBLIC
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Morris Area Girl Scout Council hired PS&S to provide design and permitting services for a major upgrade/expansion to the Jockey Hollow camp in Mendham Township, NJ. The design included new and upgraded camp buildings, site improvements and new sewage disposal systems to handle peak flows up to 8,840-gpd.
THE CHALLENGE
The project site was located adjacent to the Passaic River, classified by NJDEP as a Trout Production, Category 1 (C1) water. Given the C1 classification of the downgradient Passaic River, the NJDEP regulations for any proposed on-site sewage disposal system would not allow any measurable changes in water quality characteristics of the existing ground and surface water. It would not be possible to meet anticipated ammonia and nitrate-nitrogen limitations through conventional/septic system treatment and, due to the intermittent/seasonal use of the camp facilities, an aerobic biological system was not practical. PS&S was asked to develop an alternative wastewater management plan for Camp Jockey Hollow that would meet all NJDEP requirements while also considering operational simplicity, aesthetics, reliability and cost.
THE PS&S SOLUTION
PS&S developed a wastewater management plan for the camp that included removal of all existing latrines and installation of composting toilets. The plan included separate blackwater (compost toilet wastewater) handling and greywater treatment systems, and a drip irrigation system for the treated greywater discharge. The greywater system included an Advantex recirculating media filter and dosing system to an irrigation/disposal area. PS&S provided all design, environmental and hydrogeologic evaluations and permitting, in addition to construction phase services for the camp upgrade.
The use of composting toilets at the camp was viewed as a major success, and the Council can use the unique wastewater management measures to teach visiting scouts and others about green water and sewage alternatives.