Encouraging Green Development with Decentralized Wastewater Approaches

The population of the United States is projected to increase 21% from 2007 to 2030, approximately 62 million people. The top six growth states, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas will have 70% of that growth, over 42 million people. The environmental and economic consequences of that growth will require a commitment to sustainable approaches to land use planning and infrastructure choices to manage the growth in ways that preserves both the natural environment and the quality of life. Decentralized wastewater treatment systems have the potential to provide a critical element of infrastructure, wastewater treatment, in a cost-effective and beneficial manner and also serve as a tool to encourage and enable green development and more efficient land use. Experience with these systems in several southeastern states has demonstrated their benefits and have provided models of sound management to assure successful operation at an affordable cost.