Adequately managed decentralized wastewater systems (DWS) are a cost-effective & long-term option for meeting public health & water quality goals, particularly in less densely populated areas. Small communities' wastewater needs are currently 10% of total wastewater demands. DWS serve 25% of the U.S. pop., & 37% of new development. This report includes: (1) the EPA's analysis of the benefits of DWS alternatives compared to current (i.e., centralized) systems; (2) the potential savings &/or costs assoc. with the use of these alternatives; (3) the ability of EPA to implement these alternatives within the current statutory & reg'y. structure; & (4) the plans of the Agency, if any, to implement any such alternative measures using funds approp. in FY 1997. Illus.

The Case for Decentralized Federalism brings together an array of experts around one key idea: decentralized federalism as the best political arrangement for a diverse nation like Canada, Edited by Ruth Hubbard and Gilles Paquet, this book argues that decentralized federalism can most effectively address Canada's regional differences and cultural diversity by dividing the work of public governing among different levels of government, allowing each to address the needs and aspiration of its citizens. With contributions from Thomas J Courchene, Ian Peach, Gerard Belanger, Hugh D. Segal, Francois Rocher, Marie-Christine Gilbert, Ruth Hubbard and Gilles Paquet, this book presents various arguments for decentralized federalism that show how a variety of issues nagging Canada today---nation-building, subsidiarity, competition, innovation---might be resolved through decentralized federalism. For the case against decentralization, look for The Case for Centralized Federalism edited by Gordon DiGiacomo and Maryantonett Flumian, also published by the University of Ottawa Press.

This book presents technical information and materials concerning the engineering of decentralized infrastructure to achieve effective wastewater treatment while also minimizing resource consumption and providing a source of reclaimed water, nutrients and organic matter. The approaches, technologies and systems described are targeted for green building and sustainable infrastructure across the United States and similar industrialized nations, but they are also applicable to water and sanitation projects in developing regions around the world. Today, decentralized infrastructure can be used to sustainably serve houses, buildings and developments with water use and wastewater flows of 100 to 100,000 gal/d or more. The book provides in-depth engineering coverage of the subject in a narrative and slide format specifically designed for classroom lectures or facilitated self-study. Key topics are covered including: engineering to satisfy project goals and requirements including sustainability, contemporary water use and wastewater generation and methods to achieve water use efficiency and source separation, alternative methods of wastewater collection and conveyance, and treatment and reuse operations including tank-based (e.g., septic tanks, aerobic treatment units, porous media biofilters, membrane bioreactors), wetland-based (e.g., free water surface and vegetated subsurface bed wetlands), and land-based unit operations (e.g., subsurface soil infiltration, shallow drip dispersal). Approaches and technologies are also presented that can achieve nutrient reduction and resource recovery in some cases or pathogen destruction to enable a particular discharge or reuse plan. The book also describes requirements and methods for effective management of the process solids, sludges and residuals that can be generated by various approaches, technologies, and systems. The book contains over 300 figures and illustrations of technologies and systems and over 150 tables of design and performance data. There are also more than 200 questions and problems relevant to the topics covered including example problems that have solutions presented to illustrate engineering concepts and calculations.

This book discusses decentralized sanitation for wastewater treatment and management in cold environments. It addresses the knowledge gap that exists between the understanding of centralized and decentralized wastewater treatment approaches. Decentralized Sanitation and Water Treatment: Treatment in Cold Environments and Techno-Economic Aspects covers the sustainability principles, various technologies involved, decentralized treatment in cold countries, and the economic and social feasibility of decentralized sanitation. It provides solutions for the conservation of water sources and target-oriented sanitation approaches for wastewater treatment and recycling. Key Features Reviews the current status, challenges, and future perspectives of decentralized water treatments Discusses decentralized sanitation, water, and wastewater treatment in cold environments and Northern countries Focuses on interdisciplinary approaches of sustainability and circular economy Covers life cycle and environment assessment of decentralized sanitation systems Reviews the environmental, techno-economic, and social aspects of decentralized sanitation systems The book is meant for professionals and researchers working on wastewater treatment, environmental engineering, and ecology.