Learn More about Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs)
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What are WWTPs? CSOs vs. SSOs
What are WWTPs? CSOs vs. SSOs
FROM EPA.GOV:
CSOs are Combined Sewer Overflows, meaning they include stormwater with wastewater.
SSOs are Single Sewer Overflows from wastewater plants without stormwater flowing through them.
CSOs and SSOs can have wet or dry causes, and all of them require public notice within 4 hours of each event under the NY Sewer Pollution Right to Know Law (SPRTK).
CSOs are older models of WWTPs that are more impacted by increasing rain events.
Centralized WWTPs | Decentralized WWTPs
Centralized WWTPs | Decentralized WWTPs
Centralized WWTPs are the larger infrastructures that pull multiple sewer lines into one treatment and discharge area.
Decentralized WWTPs are the more localized, individual units for properties to manage their own treatment and processing.
Newer research is identifying decentralized systems to have greater benefits for smaller communities, both environmentally and financially. This is because they allow for localized water conservation and reuse which centralized systems can't do, and they keep wastewater out of local wetlands and waterways which protected those ecosystems from added contamination with common untreated wastewater discharges.
Financially, decentralized WWTPs are more manageable for both short and long term budgets. Most smaller municipalities cannot afford the repair, maintenance, or replacement cost of larger centralized, which creates a dependency on larger state or federal aid which is not guaranteed. Having smaller systems keeps local economies fiscally secure. Strong Towns has several great resources discussing ways smaller municipalities can thrive, and smaller treatment plants are recommended: https://actionlab.strongtowns.org/hc/en-us/articles/30445534488468-The-history-and-policy-of-U-S-water-and-wastewater-infrastructure-Video
-Septic Systems -Drip Distribution Systems -Cluster/Community Systems
-Constructed Wetlands -Mound Systems -Evapotranspiration Systems
Additional sources noting decentralized systems are beneficial for small and rural municipalities with populations less than 10,000:
https://www.epa.gov/small-and-rural-wastewater-systems/about-small-wastewater-systems
https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-06/documents/mou-economics-paper-081712_1.pdf
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959652622036642
https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aesr.202400097
https://aucgroup.net/centralized-versus-decentralized-treatment/
https://www.fluencecorp.com/decentralized-vs-centralized-treatment/
What Can Go Wrong with Wastewater Treatment Plants
WWTPs that release full or partially untreated sewer discharges can be devastating to the local environment, waterways, and wildlife.
Multiple studies have shown adverse health effects from living near a malfunctioning WWTP, including respiratory issues, rashes, and infections, due to bioaerosols or water contamination issues.
Repair and maintenance costs for WWTPs are too expensive for small municipalities to manage, leading to long-term financial burdens that can bankrupt communities.
Benefits of Wastewater Treatment When It's Done Right
Environmental Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
Appropriate wastewater planning can prevent unregulated contamination and pollution while ensuring operations are managed consistently.
Water Supply Protections
Water Supply Protections
Drinking water and natural waterways are protected. Research shows that decentralized systems also provide greater water supply protections with encourage water reuse and conservation, as well as minimizing contamination risks that can occur with centralized systems from CSO/SSOs or from catastrophic failures in equipment or management.
When municipalities are solvent and plan for both the short and long-term with infrastructure, it reduces risk and dependencies on grants and federal funding which may not always be available when needed. Households are also relieved of the financial burden with managing independent septic systems which can be costly to repair or replace.
Additional Resources
Saw Kill Watershed Community: https://sawkillwatershed.org
Riverkeeper: https://www.riverkeeper.org
Green Amendments for the Generations: https://forthegenerations.org/resources/legal-resources/
Delaware Riverkeeper: https://delawareriverkeeper.org/resources/free-publications/
EPA: https://www.epa.gov/nutrientpollution/sources-and-solutions-wastewater
Strong Towns: https://www.strongtowns.org
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