Innovative Technologies and Approaches to Address Decentralized Wastewater Infrastructure Challenges in the Alabama Black Belt (5/26/2021)
The Black Belt of Central Alabama, known for the region's rich, dark topsoil, faces many factors that make traditional wastewater treatment challenging, including its rural landscape and heavy clay soils. Due to the long distance to municipal sewers, many households rely on septic systems; however, because of the impermeable soils, existing septic systems are largely ineffective and inadequate. In many cases, homes utilize “straight pipes” to carry their untreated waste from the home to a nearby location, such as a ditch or woods. As a result, residents may be exposed to raw sewage and may not be able to install a properly functioning system needed to correct the issue.
This webinar explores proposed solutions for the technological, regulatory, and management challenges of adequate decentralized wastewater management in the Black Belt, as well as progress made on current funding initiatives. The intended audiences for this webinar include decentralized and wastewater industry practitioners, engineers, public health agencies and practitioners, academia, government and municipalities, and community and nonprofit organizations.
- Zach Lowenstein, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Wastewater Management
- Christopher Lindsay, International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials
- Carl Thompson, National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association
- Mark Elliott, Ph.D, University of Alabama
- Kevin White, Ph.D., P.E., University of South Alabama
- Sherry Bradley, M.P.A., Alabama Department of Public Health