An Investigation on Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems in Rural America: A Case Study on the Alabama Black Belt's Wastewater Infrastructure Crisis
Conference Year
January 2022
Abstract
Wastewater infrastructure failure is the alarming reality for many rural communities in America who must rely on decentralized wastewater treatment systems to collect, treat, and disperse the liquid waste streams coming from their homes and businesses. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) are highly prone to failure which poses a major threat to public health and negatively affects rural communities economically, socially, and environmentally. The recommended policy aims to resolve the wastewater infrastructure crisis by providing long-term maintenance and reliability for system functionality and promoting public policy with emphasis on the human right to public health, sanitation, and hygiene.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Dr. Matt Scarborough
Status
Graduate
Student College
College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
Second Student College
Graduate College
Program/Major
Civil Engineering
Second Program/Major
Environmental Engineering
Primary Research Category
Engineering & Physical Sciences
Secondary Research Category
Social Sciences
An Investigation on Decentralized Wastewater Management Systems in Rural America: A Case Study on the Alabama Black Belt's Wastewater Infrastructure Crisis
Wastewater infrastructure failure is the alarming reality for many rural communities in America who must rely on decentralized wastewater treatment systems to collect, treat, and disperse the liquid waste streams coming from their homes and businesses. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems (septic tanks) are highly prone to failure which poses a major threat to public health and negatively affects rural communities economically, socially, and environmentally. The recommended policy aims to resolve the wastewater infrastructure crisis by providing long-term maintenance and reliability for system functionality and promoting public policy with emphasis on the human right to public health, sanitation, and hygiene.