Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2007 - (Page 29)

TRENDS Decentralized Wastewater Systems on the Rise As development moves further into suburbia, it often extends beyond community utility services – like sewer systems. By Brian Borders, R.S. Conventional onsite sewage disposal systems – septic systems – have long been the only available method for wastewater treatment in areas not served by municipal sewer. The technology is sound and proven as a reliable means of treatment and disposal of residential wastes. In fact, the US EPA in its 1997 report to Congress declared managed, onsite systems to be a long-term viable option. While these conventional systems serve a vital role in our nation’s infrastructure, there are other options that provide greater benefits to many of the stakeholders in the land development arena. “Decentralized Cluster Wastewater System” is a big name for a relatively simply concept. It incorporates many of the same features and benefits found in conventional septic systems only on a larger scale. Individual home sites are connected via a pump to smalldiameter, pressure sewer pipes buried parallel to streets. The cept you must understand how each stakeholder in land development benefits from its introduction into an area. Benefits to the Regulatory Community Treatment and disposal of wastewater is a regulated industry in all 50 states. Typically the regulatory authority lies with individual counties and townships through local health departments, building departments or Regulatory oversight of a 5000 gpd system environmental agencies. Local officials complain that the single biggest problem they face when dealing with conventional septic systems is the lack of cost-effective, routine maintenance. Homeowners usually wait until the system is irreparably damaged before they ask service providers to assess their systems. Adopting the decentralized cluster concept removes the homeowner from deciding when system maintenance is needed. The system ultimately is overseen by a Responsible Management Entity (RME) that charges the homeowner to manage and operate the entire system. The RME is typically a public or private utility that possesses the knowledge and experience to successfully manage a decentralized system. The RME’s involvement provides the regulatory authority with assurances that the system receives proper attention throughout its life cycle. 10,000 gallon per day typical decentralized wastewater treatment system effluent from each home is pumped through the force main to a centralized collection/recirculation tank. The effluent is then typically pumped to a fixed-film system where it undergoes aerobic treatment. The effluent is then pumped to smalldiameter, drip irrigation tubing installed below ground in open areas of the development. Decentralized systems serving small communities and rural subdivisions offer the benefits of onsite treatment and disposal while assuring the proper and long-term performance that can be obtained through professional management. A decentralized cluster system is more a concept than a technology, it goes beyond what is usual and customary, it provides benefits to many and is ultimately a win/win scenario. To fully embrace the decentralized cluster system con- Benefits to Planning and Zoning Traditional rural developments areas follow typical land use patterns. Acreage is divided into equal sized parcels connected by streets. The individual parcels of land must be large www.SLDTonline.com 29 http://www.SLDTonline.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2007

Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2007 Contents Our Voice: Introductions Your Voice: NAPA Responds Centerpiece Equestrian Farms: Setting Developments Apart Meeting of the Minds Water Shortages Impact Design From Green Buildings to Green Communities Wastewater Calendar Partnerships: Public/Private Redevelopment Positive Pedestrian Experience Pressurized Wastewater System Success at Ozark Mountain Resort Recommended Reading SLDT Resources Products/Services Showcase Classifieds The Last Word: Don't Blame Developers So Quickly Advertiser Index Editorial Board

Sustainable Land Development Today - November/December 2007

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