Sewage Treatment – Small System in a Watershed

Water purveyors, in examining their watersheds, have raised concerns over small community pollution sources, particularly over phosphorus, nitrogen, pathogens and suspended solids. As our population has increasingly moved further upstream in watersheds, the application of classic sewage treatment plants (STPs) have been pushed to their limit of design, especially in light of the need by water purveyors to “gain control” of pollutant sources and emerging issues. Needs for upgraded and/or new STPs are readily evident. Typical downsized “big system” designs are being applied. However, many of the existing STPs that need upgrading or replacement are located on sites that have residents screaming in anger and the costs of treatment are causing some to be concerned about their family budgets and the “sellability” of their homes.