Scale of Responsible Management of Decentralized Clustered Wastewater Systems in Rural Alabama's Black Belt: A Mixed-method Analysis

Due to extreme (non-perc) soil conditions, the rural Alabama Black Belt region is characterized as a wastewater crisis. While ongoing research efforts are investigating new decentralized wastewater technologies in these communities, how to choose cost-effective technologies and manage these systems is not well understood. This study (1) examines the effectiveness of a hybrid evapotranspiration-lateral flow sand filter as a potential treatment solution, and (2) identifies the most feasible scale of responsible management for sustainable operations and maintenance. Two pilot-scale sand filter hybrids were built to test effluent disposal and treatment efficacy. A mixed-method analysis is performed on 117 survey responses from public and private management entities, coupled with eight semi-structured interviews. Results show the cost-effectiveness of the built treatment system, as well as participants’ preferences for countyand regional- management scales that consider communities’ capacity and needs. Our assessment highlights policy areas for addressing wastewater challenges in rural, underserved communities