42. This component exceeded the indicator for the reduction of costs per cubic metre of
septage collection, treatment and disposal using joint treatment as compared to separate septage
treatment. The JSSTP has achieved a 40% reduction of costs per cubic meter of septage collection,
treatment and disposal using joint treatment as compared to separate septage treatment (compared
to a target of 20%).
43. The JSSTP combines and treats sewage from the piped network and sludge collected by
truck from septic tanks. It therefore gives greater flexibility in areas where both systems are in
use and offers cost savings over separate treatment of sewage and septage. The JSSTP is only the
second of its type in the Philippines and the first to use a Sequencing Batch Reactor, thereby
having a much smaller footprint.
44. The selection and construction of the JSSTP has been highly satisfactory and includes
examples of good practice already being replicated elsewhere. During the process proving the
contractor identified a number of cost-saving measures including reducing aeration time to save
energy and more effective coagulants reducing chemical use. Promotion of the JSSTP has been
active and involved site visits and presentations for Water Districts (WD) and civil society groups.
A number of WDs have already requested further information and support in applying this
technology. MWSI has identified the following elements within the JSSTP which they are
replicating elsewhere; (a) Technology Selection Study to improve quality of design and build
contracts; (b) Wastewater reuse; using activated carbon filters to allow wastewater to be reused
on site for flushing toilets and washing cars; (c) SCADA system for remote monitoring and
control; and (d) Automatic receipt system to record and document septage delivery.