BU-07734     2002

To Order

This 124-page publication is a comprehensive guide for communities making wastewater treatment decisions.

The book includes information on using community process to solve problems; collecting and interpreting data; different kinds of treatment systems; designing a management system; selecting an organizational structure; funding the project; hiring professionals; and implementing the project. Plus each chapter includes many helpful resources.

Order yours today for only $15!

Information about the complete publication and how to order it is available here.

Contents

NOTE: This is a Web Sampler. To view the following articles, you will need the Adobe Acrobat® reader.

A Roadmap to Small Community Wastewater Treatment Solutions (PDF)

Preface

Chapter 1: Wastewater Problems Are Community Problems

Why We Need to Treat Wastewater
    What Does It Take to Clean Up Wastewater?
How Community Change and Responsibility Are Built
    Key Factors in Community Change
    Gaining Community Endorsement
Why Some Communities Succeed
    Characteristics of Successful Communities
Making the Process Work for Your Community
    Making Change Go Smoother

Chapter 2: What You Need to Know Before You Make Decisions
Gathering the Data: Types and Sources
    Local Regulations
    Physical Geography Data
    Community-wide Data
    Individual Community Member Data
Interpreting the Data: What Does It Tell Us?
    Things to Remember

Chapter 3: Sewage Treatment System Options
What's in Wastewater?
    Pathogens
    Nutrients
    Solids
    Chemicals
    Water
Evaluating Treatment Facility Options
    General System Concepts
    Decentralized On-site Treatment Options
    Tinytown: A Bird's Eye View of Wastewater Treatment Options
    Centralized System Options
    Solids treatment and handling
    Criteria for Choosing a System
    Making an Informed Decision

Chapter 4: Wastewater Management Options
Responsible Management Is Important
Managing Your Wastewater System
    Management Begins in the Home
    Management Providers
Records and Accountability
    EPA Management Guidelines
Management Tips

Chapter 5: Community Organizational Structure Options
Ownership of the System
Why You Need an Organization
Types of Organizations
    Older Organizational Structures Created by State Statute
    Recently Developed Organizational Approaches
    Other Organizational Models
Finding the Best Fit

Chapter 6: Financing Wastewater Systems
The Genesis of "Free Money"
Funding Concepts
    Life Cycle Costs
    Capacity Development
Funding Resources
    Local Funding Resources
    State Funding Resources
    Federal Funding Resources
    Tips for Applying for Financial Aid
Do Your Homework

Chapter 7: Working with Professionals
Be Aware of Possible Bias
    Some Examples of Bias
Working with Consultants
    How to Hire a Consultant
    What Consultants Do
    Three Things to Remember
Resources

Chapter 8: Implementation: What, When, Who, How?
Case Study: Wabedo Township
Bringing About Community Change
    Five Steps to Gaining Community Endorsement
    What Makes Projects Work
What Do We Do Now? Five Phases of Community Process
    Phase I – Understanding the Situation
    Phase II – Exploring the Options
    Phase III – Making Informed Decisions
    Phase IV – Implementing the Decisions
    Phase V – Managing the System
How Long Will Implementation Take?

Summary: It's Up to You!

Glossary

Appendices
    Appendix A: Sample Surveys
    Appendix B: Summary of Treatment Options
    Appendix C: Typical Sewage Treatment System Performance
    Appendix D: Questions to Ask a Consulting Firm's References
    Appendix E: Sample Consultant Interview Questions
    Appendix F: Generic Ranking System for Interviewing Engineers or Consultants
    Appendix G: Useful Contacts and Web Sites
    Appendix H. Summary of Scientific Abbreviations and Measurements
    Appendix I. Guide to Common Acronyms

The information given in this publication is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by University of Minnesota Extension is implied.

Produced by Communication and Educational Technology Services, University of Minnesota Extension.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this material is available in alternative formats upon request. Please contact your University of Minnesota Extension office or the Extension Store at (800) 876-8636.