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Biosolids Software Tools

 SOUR Test Program

The SOUR Test program (Version 1.3 - July 25, 2002) will calculate the oxygen uptake rate for facilities using this option to treat biosolids and meet the vector attraction reduction requirement as described under 40 CFR Part 503. This program is accepted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Use of this program may be accepted by other state environmental regulating agencies. To verify acceptance of this program in a particular state, please contact that state's biosolids coordinator.

SOUR Test Program Application (XLS)
(539 KB)
This program application requires Microsoft Excel 97 or higher to operate.

SOUR Test Program Instructions (WORD)
(730 KB)
These instructions require Microsoft Word 97 or higher.

Volatile Solids Reduction Program

The Volatile Solids Reduction Program (Version 1.1 - Jan. 5, 2001) will calculate volatile solids destruction of biosolids that is treated in an aerobic or anaerobic digester as described under 40 CFR Part 503. Equations for specific facilities are determined in the same manner that is described in the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) manual, "Control of Pathogens and Vector Attraction in Sewage Sludge" (The White House Document). This program is accepted by the EPA and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. Use of this program may be accepted by other state environmental regulating agencies. To verify acceptance of this program in a particular state, please contact that state's biosolids coordinator.

Volatile Solids Reduction Program Application and Instructions
(Self Extracting file, 2,021 KB)

This is a self extracting program that runs on Microsoft Excel 97 or higher. Download this program to your hard drive and double click on the program in Windows Explorer or My Computer. This will start the self extraction and program installation. Once installation is complete, the instructions document will automatically be displayed.

To start the program simply click Vs Startup on page 3 of the instructions. If this does not work or you cannot view the instructions, simply use My Computer or Window Explorer to locate and click on Vs Startup in the C:\PaDEP\Volatile solids\ directory (or the directory you placed it in if different from the automatic extraction location).

Troubleshooting

Both the SOUR Test Program and Volatile Solids Reduction Program run through Microsoft Excel. The newer versions of Microsoft Office (containing Microsoft Excel) have the "macro default" set to "Maximum Security". The SOUR Test and Volatile Solids Reduction programs contain macros that must be enabled in order for these programs to operate properly.

If you cannot download a program or it will not run on your computer, chances are your macro security is set to the "Maximum" level. Setting this level to "Medium Security" will allow the computer to display a window asking if you want to enable the macros. Click "Yes" to enable these macros. This window should appear each time you run the program.

To set macro security to "Medium":

  1. Load Microsoft Excel
  2. Click on the Tools menu
  3. Point to Macros
  4. Click on Security
  5. Click on "Medium Security"
  6. After your settings are complete, when you run the program click yes to enable macros.

If you have trouble downloading or running either the SOUR Test program or Volatile Solids Reduction programs, or if you want to receive a copy of any program by mail, please contact:
Bureau of Clean Water
717-787-5017