| Abstract |
This handbook provides an overview of key considerations for developing or enhancing management programs for decentralized wastewater treatment systems. Here's an overview of what you'll find inside - Introduction. What is management and why is it needed: Provides information on what a decentralized management program entails. A flow chart details the management development process. Chapter 1. How do we get started: Outlines some of the driving forces behind a decentralized wastewater treatment management program. Information-gathering and public outreach are reviewed as critical factors in this phase to help communities identify management options that are technically feasible, cost-effective, and protective of public health and the environment. Chapter 2. Where are we going: Discusses the important role of formal leadership in the program development process. During this phase, key stakeholders are identified, convened, and tasked with setting program goals. Various leadership options are reviewed. Chapter 3. What is our current situation: Reviews necessary risk assessment and analytical work that must be undertaken to characterize the current situation and identify existing gaps in wastewater system management. Chapter 4. What program is best for our community: Considers the authority needed to implement various program elements, such as operation and maintenance, enforcement, and permitting. Chapter 5. How do we make our plan a reality: Offers options for implementing a management program, including the adoption of the model programs developed by EPA. Integrated wastewater planning, linkages between wastewater management activities, and compliance with state, tribal, and federal water resource protection programs are also reviewed. Appendix A. EPA decentralized wastewater treatment fact sheets. Informative Fact Sheets summarizing each of the 13 program elements that make up an onsite management program. These one-page fact sheets describe various levels of
management based on community needs along with real life examples to help guide decision-makers. Appendix B. References and resources. Offers readers additional sources of information to further develop and enhance an onsite management program. These resources include links to information and offer many examples of onsite management programs across the country. Appendix C. Glossary of terms. Provides common definitions used in the decentralized wastewater field.
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