Prompted by the findings of a Report to Congress, as well as by initiatives in the Clean Water Action Plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is sponsoring over $25 million of activities in the area of decentralized wastewater treatment and management. EPA initiatives presently underway include a technology verification program, demonstration grants, research and training grants, technology fact sheets, technical assistance, and the development of management standards and a design manual.

Introduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has in recent years made an increasing commitment to funding activities which will upgrade the field of decentralized wastewater treatment and management. A "decentralized" system is defined by EPA as an onsite or cluster wastewater system that is used to treat and dispose of relatively small volumes of wastewater, generally from individual or groups of dwellings and businesses, but not an entire community.

Reasons for EPA's Involvement

National Significance. Decentralized treatment is a very common treatment option in the United States. About one-fourth of the total population is served by onsite wastewater systems, and about 37 percent of new construction employs this type of treatment. Small, rural communities represent about 10 percent of the total wastewater need in the country, but decentralized systems are not limited to these areas, since more than half of onsite systems are found in metropolitan areas.

Water Quality Problems. A conservative estimate is that anywhere from 10 to 30 percent of onsite systems are failing annually. This represents over 2.5 million malfunctions, resulting in over 700 million gallons of improperly treated wastewater being discharged each day. Clean Water Act goals are not being met partly because of improperly operating onsite wastewater systems.

New Opportunities. New technologies are being applied to onsite systems, resulting in higher treatment levels, greater reliability and more flexibility than ever before. In many communities onsite and decentralized systems are the most appropriate, least costly treatment option, and they allow maximum flexibility in planning for future growth.

Report To Congress. At the request of Congress, EPA examined the feasibility of decentralized treatment as a lesser-cost option for the many communities with wastewater treatment needs. In April, 1997, EPA reported that "adequately managed decentralized wastewater systems are a cost-effective and long-term option for meeting public health and water quality goals."1

Clean Water Action Plan. In February 1998, EPA, U.S. Department of Agriculture and other Federal agencies published an "action plan" consisting of 111 specific steps to help achieve the "fishable, swimmable" goals of the Clean Water Act. For decentralized treatment, the plan includes a commitment to provide technical guidance, demonstration projects, guidance on the use of State Revolving Funds, and development of voluntary standards describing management programs.

Research And Demonstration

The majority of EPA's recent investment in the decentralized wastewater field has involved the funding of various types of demonstration projects. There are currently about $17 million worth of projects located in over 14 states, which demonstrate technologies, management programs, education and training programs, and other activities.

National Onsite Demonstration Project (NODP)

Managed by the National Small Flows Clearinghouse, this is the first major demonstration program funded by EPA in recent years to examine the application of new onsite technologies and management techniques. With a total of $6 million in EPA funding, the program has five phases, each in various stages of completion. Each stage has a different focus, including installation and monitoring of various technologies, implementation of management programs, building State capacity for regulation and management of decentralized systems, development of public education materials, and conduct of training programs. Phase 1 is complete (a summary report has been prepared), phases 2 through 4 are underway, and phase 5 is under development. For more information, contact John Mori, Director, Environmental Services and Training Division, West Virginia University, 1-800-624-8301.

National Decentralized Wastewater Demonstration Project

Funded by a Congressional appropriation of $10 million, this demonstration project targets 3 communities for demonstration of decentralized technologies and management (Warren, Vermont; Block Island and Green Hill Pond, Rhode Island; and LaPine, Oregon). Each of the communities has committed to the decentralized approach, including adequate management, has already invested considerable local resources in promoting the approach, and has involved state-level agencies, universities and others in addressing their wastewater needs. The Federally-funded component of these projects is just getting underway. For more information, contact Joyce Hudson, U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, 202-260-1290.

EPA Demonstrations of Management Programs

EPA has additionally funded a variety of projects dealing with onsite/decentralized systems. These projects have focused on effective management programs in a variety of locations nationally. Funding has been obtained from various EPA programs, and there is presently no formal application process. Information regarding available funding will soon be posted on EPA's web site (www.epa.gov/owm). For more information, contact Joyce Hudson, U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, 202-260-1290.

Technology Verification Program

Funded through EPA's Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program, the 3-year "Source Water Protection ETV" program is establishing verification of market-ready onsite wastewater technologies using protocols developed by manufacturers. While not a certification program, it seeks to obtain credible operating data which can be widely distributed and accepted by regulators and others. The project is coordinated by the National Sanitation Foundation, in partnership with NOWRA, the National Environmental Health Association, and the National Small Flows Clearinghouse. For more information, visit www.nsf.org, or contact Tom Stevens, NSF International, 734-769-5347.

National Decentralized Capacity Development Project

This program has received over $5 million in funding from Congress, and consists of two parts: (1) development of a research agenda and risk assessment tools, and (2) funding of research and demonstration projects. The project is managed by the Electric Power Research Institute through its facility at Washington University in St. Louis. Through a questionnaire, several regional meetings as well as an upcoming national forum, a research agenda is being developed to address siting, design and management of cluster and onsite wastewater systems using a risk-based approach. Additionally, demonstration projects are being funded which address 3 main topic areas: (1) management of decentralized wastewater systems, (2) training and curriculum development, and (3) regulatory reform. For more information, contact Jim Kreissl, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, 513-569-7611.

Technical Information And Assistance

Design Manual

EPA's existing manual, "Design Manual - Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems" (EPA 625/1-80-012) was published in 1980, and twenty years later, remains very popular. The manual is being totally revised, and will include major sections on management, as well as performance requirements, technology alternatives, special issues and fact sheets. For more information, contact Jim Kreissl, U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, 513-569-7611.

Voluntary Management Standards

Under the Clean Water Action Plan, EPA committed to developing voluntary national standards for decentralized wastewater management systems that address siting, performance, design and maintenance needs and requirements. The standards will provide information and tools for local and State level managers and regulators, helping them to develop and implement programs to address long-term maintenance and management of onsite, cluster and small wastewater systems. A first draft of the standards will be published in the Federal Register by December 31, 1999 for public review and comment and will be posted on the EPA web page (www.epa.gov/owm). For more information, contact Joyce Hudson, U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, 202-260-1290.

Technology Fact Sheets

A series of fact sheets is being developed, covering a range of conventional as well as decentralized and alternative technologies. Each fact sheet (2 to 4 pages) covers the process description, and discusses advantages/disadvantages, siting and design, performance, operation and maintenance, and applications. Examples of technologies covered include: disinfection, recirculating and intermittent sand filters, mound systems, low pressure pipe systems and septage management. Fact sheets are posted on the EPA web site (www.epa.gov/owm). For more information, contact Bill Hasselkus at 202-260-1707.

National Small Flows Clearinghouse

Funded by EPA and located at West Virginia University, the National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) serves as the national collection and distribution center for information on small community wastewater systems and innovative/alternative technology. Much of the information focuses on onsite and cluster-system technology. Some of the services provided by the Clearinghouse include a toll-free technical assistance hotline, an Internet web page (www.nsfc.wvu.edu), computer databases, two quarterly newsletters, and numerous technical publications, videos and other products. The databases include nationwide data on products and manufacturers, expert contacts, state regulations, onsite demonstration projects, septic system statistics, and onsite management programs. Contact the Clearinghouse at 1-800-624-8301.

National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities

A sister organization to the NSFC, the National Environmental Training Center for Small Communities (NETCSC) serves as a national training and education center that supports environmental trainers nationwide to improve the quality of wastewater, drinking water and solid waste services in small communities (fewer than 10,000 people). The Center develops new training curricula, redesigns existing ones, and presents training courses around the country to help small communities meet Federal and State environmental compliance requirements. One of the courses offered by NETCSC is "Onsite Wastewater System Operation and Maintenance." NETCSC has also facilitated communication and networking among the various onsite wastewater training centers throughout the country. Services include a toll-free technical assistance center, quarterly newsletter, resource catalog, web site (www.netc.wvu.edu), and electronic databases. Contact NETCSC at 1-800-624-8301.

Funding

Clean Water State Revolving Fund

EPA provides over $1 billion of funding annually to the States, who manage individual revolving loan funds for wastewater and other water quality projects. These programs provide loans at low or zero interest, with repayment periods of up to 20 years. Onsite and clustered wastewater systems are potentially eligible for funding, and loans in some cases can be made directly to individual homeowners or non-profit organizations through local banks. Loan funds can also be used in some cases to fund the startup of an onsite management program, including obtaining permits, payment of legal fees, and capital costs such as pumper trucks, monitoring equipment and purchase of buildings. Terms and availability vary by State. For more information, contact Stephanie vonFeck, U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, 202-260-9762.

EPA Non-Point Source Pollution Grants

Under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act, EPA provides grants annually to States for controlling "non-point" sources of pollution, such as agricultural runoff, mining activities and malfunctioning onsite septic systems. In States where onsite systems have been identified as a significant source of non-point pollution, the 319 funds may be used to construct, upgrade or repair onsite systems. Section 319 funding in fiscal year 1999 totaled $200 million. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/OWOW/NPS/sec319.html or contact Robert Goo, U.S. EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds, 202-260-7025.

U.S.D.A. Rural Utilities Service

The Rural Utilities Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (RUS) provides water and waste disposal loans and grants in rural areas and towns with 10,000 or fewer residents. Grants may be made for up to 75 percent of eligible project costs in some cases, and RUS also guarantees water and waste disposal loans made by banks and other institutions. RUS funds are available to public entities including special-purpose districts and non-profit organizations. Decentralized wastewater systems are eligible for funding, but must be owned and managed by the borrower/grantee. For more information, visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/rus/ or contact Glendon Deal of RUS, 202-720-1582.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funds annually to the States, who administer Community Development block grant (CDBG) programs. These programs provide grants to communities for various purposes, including rehabilitation of residential and non-residential structures, construction of public facilities, and improvements to water and sewer facilities. For more information, visit www.hud.gov/cpd/cdbg.html, or contact your State HUD field office.

Regulation

While EPA has not exercised any significant authority in the area of onsite wastewater treatment, the Agency has the authority and responsibility to regulate the "injection" of pollutants into the ground. Various classes of underground injection include oil and natural gas activities, solution mining and injection of hazardous and radioactive waste. "Class V" injection wells are shallow "wells" that are used to place a variety of non-hazardous fluids (including sanitary wastewater) directly below the land surface. Under Class V, EPA proposed rules in July, 1998 for regulating large capacity cesspools and motor vehicle waste disposal wells. The Agency is currently inventorying and evaluating large capacity septic systems (currently defined as those capable of serving 20 or more people per day), and will decide in the future as to what, if any, Federal regulation of these systems is necessary. For more information, visit www.epa.gov/ogwdw/uic.html or contact Howard Beard, U.S. EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water, 202-260-8796.

Outreach

Stakeholder Involvement

For EPA's activities to be effective, it is essential for the Agency to work in partnership with organizations and individuals who represent the onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment community. Key stakeholders include designers, manufacturers, installers, regulators, maintenance providers and homeowners, as well as many others. Currently, stakeholder groups have been established for the development of the management standards, for the technology verification program and the National Capacity Development Project as well as some other efforts. Please contact the people listed for each program if you wish to receive more information or be involved in these efforts.

New Web Site

EPA is upgrading its current small community wastewater web site to include much more comprehensive information and resources for onsite and decentralized wastewater treatment and management issues. The upgrading will begin during October, 1999, and information to be provided includes information on key activities underway nationally, sources of funding, descriptions of the demonstration program, management program standards and resources, and links to relevant sites. Visit the web site at www.epa.gov/owm, and click on the "small communities" button. For more information and for making comments, please contact Steve Hogye, U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, 202-260-5841.

Training Workshops

Following the publication of EPA's draft voluntary management standards for decentralized wastewater systems, workshops are planned for calendar year 2000 to introduce the standards and to train participants in the access and use of resources for the development of management programs. As workshops are developed, information will be provided on EPA's web site www.epa.gov/owm). For further information, contact Joyce Hudson, U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, 202-260-1290.

This page created by Roland O. Coburn
Reasearch Tech I
on 3/21/00.
Last updated 7/27/00.