EPA No. 832-B-05-005 - 2009 Web Supplement
Interactive Handbook for Managing Individual and Clustered
(Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
Resource Guides
Office of Water
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
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INTRODUCTION
A very important, but often overlooked, component of an wastewater management program is
operation and maintenance (O&M). Effective wastewater management ultimately hinges on the
proper O&M of systems.
There are several different management approaches that can be used to support O&M - from
mandatory inspection programs to permitting and monitoring requirements. In general, opera-
tion and maintenance tasks are tied directly to the system type, the wastewater being treated,
and the receiving environment where effluent is discharged or dispersed. This overview pro-
vides readers with general information about the O&M management considerations for individ-
ual and clustered wastewater treatment systems. Included in this overview are:
I. System Operation and Maintenance Requirements
• Individual Wastewater Systems
• Clustered Treatment Systems
II. Management Considerations
• Education and Outreach
• Training and Certification
• Inspection and Maintenance Requirements
• Maintenance Contracts
• Reporting and Tracking
• Operating Permits
• Public and Private Management Entities
III. References and Additional Resources
• Resource links are also included throughout this guide to provide users with more spe-
cific information related to treatment system operation and maintenance.
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SYSTEM OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS
There are distinct, ongoing O&M requirements associated with the various individual and clus-
tered wastewater collection and treatment systems and the technologies employed. Most tech-
nologies come with suggested O&M maintenance activities from the manufacturer. These re-
quirements are crucial to the proper operation and performance of the system.
Individual Wastewater Systems
Individual treatment systems collect, treat, and disperse wastewater from an individual prop-
erty and are associated with low-density communities and developments, such as rural residen-
tial and small commercial developments. Individual systems generally consist of one or more
treatment devices (e.g., septic tank, fixed film treatment unit) and a subsurface dispersal sys-
tem. The operation and maintenance requirements of an individual system can vary greatly
depending on the type of system. For example, mechanical systems, such as activated sludge-
based units, require servicing three to four times a year, while conventional systems need ser-
vice or pumping every three to seven years, depending on occupancy and use.
Conventional Systems Conventional "septic" systems are the most widely used wastewater
treatment system. These systems are simple to operate and when properly designed, con-
structed, and maintained, do an excellent job of removing pollutants from wastewater. In most
communities, the operation and maintenance of conventional systems is the responsibility of
the homeowner.
Conventional systems require periodic pumping to remove the solids, fats, oils, and grease that
accumulate in the septic tank. When a system is poorly maintained and not pumped out on a
regular basis, sludge (solid material) can build up inside the tank and may ultimately clog the
absorption field, making the system unusable. A system owner should hire an experienced (i.e.,
licensed or certified) service provider to inspect the system at least once a year to determine
pumping needs and to clean, repair, or replace any components as needed (i.e. baffles, tees,
effluent screens). Most conventional system designs now include risers that allow access to in-
spect tanks and determine pumping needs.
Enhanced Treatment Systems Several wastewater alternative technologies have proven to be
effective in situations where conventional systems are not appropriate. These systems fall into
three broad categories:
• Material replacement: Technologies which replace one component of the conventional
system with a component manufactured from a different material.
• Conventional system modification: Technologies which enhance or otherwise improve
conventional operating or treatment performance.
• Enhanced wastewater treatment: Advanced or innovative technologies which provide a
higher level of treatment beyond conventional systems. Generally, these systems have
mechanical or moving parts that require periodic operation and maintenance, inspec-
tions, and eventual replacement.
Enhanced wastewater treatment systems are more complex than conventional systems and re-
quire greater oversight to keep all aspects of the treatment process in balance. Some of the
more common enhanced system technologies in use today include:
• Activated Sludge-Based Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs)
• Denitrification Systems
• Fixed Activate Sludge Treatment (FAST)
• Recirculating Media Filter
• Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBRs)
• Septic Tank Filters or Screens
• Gravelless Leachfields
• Pressure and Drip Soil Dispersal Systems
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There are a number of websites that offer information on enhanced wastewater systems in-
cluding the New England Innovative Technology Inventory and the National Sanitation Founda-
tion. Several states, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Arizona also main-
tain lists of approved alternative and innovative technology. EPA's Decentralized Wastewater
Management Web site, Technology Fact Sheets, and various other EPA publications - including
the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual - provide extensive information on enhanced
wastewater treatment technologies.
Clustered Treatment Systems
Clustered systems can serve two homes or 200 or more, and/or commercial facilities. Also
known as community systems, clustered systems are a treatment option when individual
wastewater systems or centralized sewer service are not viable options.
Cluster systems have become an attractive option for many locations, especially in areas like
small lakeside communities where a higher level of treatment may be needed. For example,
Minnesota, the "land of 10,000 lakes," reports that up to 60 percent of the permits processed
in recent years are for structures served by clustered wastewater systems.
The operation and maintenance requirements of cluster systems will vary based on the size of
the system, the wastewater being treated, and the types of technology used. The various tech-
nologies that can be implemented via a cluster system range in scale from a communal septic
tank and soil dispersal system serving a dozen homes to a large alternative sewer system con-
nected to a treatment plant that can treat large wastewater flows with a variety of wastewa-
ter treatment and dispersal/reuse technologies. There are several good sources of information
for cluster systems including the Cluster Wastewater Systems Planning Handbook and the Clus-
ter System Fact Sheet Series produced by the University of Minnesota.
MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS
In the past, state and local wastewater management programs rarely specified O&M require-
ments for conventional or enhanced wastewater systems. The regulation of system design, con-
struction, and operation was considered to be satisfactory community oversight. However, as
more and more systems malfunction and threaten waterways, and as more systems include
higher maintenance electrical and mechanical components, communities are recognizing the
value of operation and maintenance requirements. Many are strengthening programs with a
number of tools, including requirements for homeowner service contracts, routine maintenance
inspections, revocable operating permits, monitoring, and enhanced reporting and data man-
agement that support proper system performance.
Education and Outreach
Public involvement and education is one of the most critical elements in a successful wastewa-
ter management program. Engaging stakeholders builds awareness of wastewater management
issues and needs and can increase support to develop and implement an effective program.
Technical and advisory committees are an effective approach to help review program options
and identify O&M proposals. Thurston County, Washington created a Citizen Advisory Commit-
tee in 2003 to help develop an O&M proposal to address problems associated with malfunction-
ing systems. After public review the proposal was approved in 2005. The O&M program estab-
lishes a more rigorous maintenance and inspection requirement for all treatment systems with-
in the boundaries of the watershed protection area through the use of renewable operational
certificates. For systems designated as "high risk," a dye tracer evaluation is required as a
condition of the operational certificate renewal.
Ultimately, it is the actions of the homeowner that will determine the success of any O&M pro-
gram. Numerous surveys of homeowners have revealed a general lack of knowledge regarding
their wastewater systems. Most state and local programs include an education program to pro-
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mote homeowner awareness. Many have developed guides and fact sheets to inform homeown-
ers about how to maintain and troubleshoot their systems. Some localities, like Jefferson Coun-
ty in Alabama, mail out reminders to homeowners to have their septic tank checked to see if it
is in need of pumping. Others have developed a more rigorous approach of direct technical and
financial assistance to homeowners. For example, many Washington counties have used the
Washington Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund's low-interest loan program to help
residents repair and upgrade malfunctioning systems (See Resource Guide 1. Public Education
for more information).
HOMEOWNER AWARENESS - STATE AND LOCAL EXAMPLES
In 2006, Boulder County, Colorado started a public engagement initiative to develop the best solutions to address
malfunctioning wastewater systems. The county plans to host community open-house events and to publish infor-
mation in newspapers. As of 2007, an online survey was underway to assess the public's understanding of wastewa-
ter management issues and its feedback will contribute to the design of a communication/outreach strategy.
Washington developed a comprehensive Homeowners Manual that includes information on system components and
maintenance needs, water conservation practices, and operation improvement options. Forms are included to help
owners build and maintain a file of treatment system information to assist in operation and monitoring. The state
supplemented this guide with a listing of online information resources about wastewater systems developed by the
local health jurisdictions, schools, government agencies, and other professional organizations. It is intended to help
the local health jurisdictions' efforts to share educational information and resources about treatment systems.
Texas has developed a Homeowner's Guide to Evaluating Service Contracts. The guide describes the frequency of
service activities, types of service contracts available and how they compare, and finding a local service provider.
The Town of McClellanville, South Carolina adopted a voluntary maintenance program in 2006 that uses postcard
reminders to inform system owners of the need for maintenance, based on a five year pumpout rotation basis. The
two-part postcard includes a portion that the property owner voluntarily returns to the town to report on the tank
pumpout. The information is used to update the town's wastewater system database.
Training and Certification
Communities that require inspections of wastewater systems (construction, operating ,and
maintenance) typically also require using only trained or certified inspectors and service pro-
viders. Several states have established certification and licensing programs for inspectors,
pumpers, haulers, and other service providers. In addition, some states and jurisdictions have
created registries for certified providers to encourage the use of trained professionals.
Training courses are offered through a number of state wastewater training centers. States and
communities can also take advantage of national inspector training, certification, or accredita-
tion programs available from the National Association of Wastewater Transporters, National
Sanitation Foundation International and the National Environmental Training Center for Small
Communities. For more specific information on training/certification programs see Resource
Guide 11. Training and Certification.
TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION - STATE AND LOCAL EXAMPLES
Oregon initiated an installer and maintenance provider certification program in 2006. A maintenance provider who
inspects, maintains, certifies, or supervises maintenance on systems using enhanced treatment technologies, recir-
culating gravel filters, or commercial sand filters must be certified as a maintenance provider unless the mainten-
ance provider owns the system being serviced and has received training from the manufacturer on proper mainten-
ance of the system.
Seattle and King County, Washington requires service providers to obtain a Certificate of Competency in order to
perform inspections and/or preventive maintenance of individual systems. Continuing education is required for re-
newal. The Public Health Department maintains a list of certified maintenance providers.
Minnesota developed a Homeowner's Guide to hiring treatment system professionals. The guide reviews service
provider specialty areas such as pumpers, designers, and inspectors, and details state licensing requirements. Help-
ful tips to hiring service providers are also included to help protect the consumer.
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Inspections and Maintenance Requirements
In many communities, local health officials often have no legal authority to monitor systems or
enter private property unless they receive a complaint or have other evidence that there may
be a problem with a system. To prevent widespread problems with systems, some local juris-
dictions have amended their codes to include routine maintenance inspections of individual
wastewater treatment systems. These programs can be administered and regulated by special
entities such as sanitary, sewer, or water districts, by local health agencies, or by other organi-
zations, such as town governments and homeowners' associations. Enabling legislation must be
passed at the state level to give these organizations the legal authority they need to manage
systems. Other communities and a few states have amended their wastewater codes to require
a system inspection and documentation of the system's condition when property is sold or
transferred. Arizona began a statewide property transfer inspection program of all individual
systems (both conventional and enhanced systems) in 2006.
Maintenance inspections are gaining appeal as a management tool to assess the condition of
the system and determine pumping or other O&M needs. In some cases, this is a strictly volun-
tary program, while other communities have elected to mandate pumping based on third party
inspections. Following inspection, the system owner should be notified of any needed correc-
tions and assigned a deadline to furnish acceptable proof that the corrections have been made.
Acceptable proof is usually a certification by the contractor, listing the types and dates of cor-
rections made and final inspection. Some local agencies have adopted a sewage management
program that requires the annual inspection of systems with newly issued or modified permits
and proof of septic tank pumping for all systems (old and new). Other agencies have designated
certain geographical areas (such as aquifer or shoreline protection zones) as being subject to
annual system inspections and/or routine tank pumping.
Operation/maintenance inspection programs are usually coupled with a mandatory septic tank
pumping program. The local agency notifies the system owner when pumping is due. Verifica-
tion of pumping is provided to the regulating agency. Typical pumping requirements vary from
three to five years or more, based on the daily sewage flow and individual household wastewa-
ter characteristics.
Alternative and enhanced wastewater technologies require additional maintenance and/or on-
going attention. In states and communities where these systems are authorized, performance
inspections are mandated in the state code or in the system's operating permit.
INSPECTIONS - STATE AND LOCAL EXAMPLES
Fairfax County, Virginia amended its wastewater ordinance to include a requirement that individual systems be
pumped at least once every five years to comply with the state's Chesapeake Bay protection commitment. The
county health department sends out maintenance reminders to system owners when pumpouts are due.
The Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center prepared a model Onsite Maintenance Disposal Ordinance in
2005, requiring mandatory system pumpouts (not to exceed five years), notification letters, proof of maintenance
and inspection, and five year operating permits (which expire on property transfer or system malfunction), correc-
tive procedures, and enforcement provisions. The center also prepared a model Inspection Ordinance.
North Carolina state rules include management and maintenance requirements for enhanced wastewater systems.
For conventional and pressure manifold systems, an evaluation by the Health Department is required every five
years. Low-pressure pipe systems are evaluated every three years. The Division notifies homeowners regarding the
timing for the inspections and permission is sought to access the system. A contract between the homeowner and
an operator for the six-month inspections of low-pressure pipe systems is also required for the lifetime of the sys-
tem.
Maintenance Contracts
For enhanced wastewater systems, a long-term maintenance contract is highly recommended
and typically required in state or local regulations, or as a provision of a system's operating
permit. In addition, the National Sanitation Foundation requires that manufacturers seeking
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NSF/ANSI certification of a particular wastewater technology must include maintenance for the
first two years in the product's price as a condition of certification. In response, many manu-
facturers of wastewater systems now offer maintenance contracts with their products.
While maintenance contracts are a viable option to better manage enhanced systems, they
must be supplemented with adequate reporting and tracking to monitor their use. Enhanced
systems may also require an increased frequency of inspections to determine if they are per-
forming as required. In Monroe County, Florida state law requires enhanced nutrient reduction
systems (nitrogen and phosphorus) to protect the sensitive ecosystem of the Florida Keys.
These systems are performance-based treatment systems and require an annual operating per-
mit, maintenance contract, and annual inspection from the county health department. Opera-
tion and maintenance information, including tasks and some costs, were developed for the We-
kiva Basin region in Florida in 2004.
MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS - STATE AND LOAL EXAMPLES
Texas requires ongoing maintenance contracts for treatment units that use secondary systems, non-conventional
treatment systems, drip irrigation, and surface application dispersal, even if the system is not in operation. How-
ever, in counties with a population of less than 40,000, the owners of single-family residences can maintain their
own aerobic treatment unit provided they receive training from the licensed installer.
Massachusetts regulations require that all "alternative and innovative" (i.e., enhanced) systems must have an op-
eration and maintenance contract with a licensed wastewater operator. All systems must be inspected at least an-
nually, and those installed for nitrogen reduction must generally be inspected quarterly. The inspections include
effluent sampling.
The Dallas County, Iowa Board of Health adopted regulations requiring maintenance contracts for all discharging
systems and for any system having an alarm system or pumping station. (Note: All systems that discharge to surface
waters must have NPDES permit coverage, under federal and state law.) The maintenance contractor must report
maintenance and testing events to the county sanitarian. Failure to sustain a maintenance contract or conduct the
required maintenance results in enforcement actions.
In Rhode Island, state regulations require all enhanced wastewater treatment systems to have an operation and
maintenance contract. The contract is recorded in land evidence books for the life of the system.
Reporting and Monitoring
A key part of an O&M program is to track the maintenance of systems. The only way to ensure
that maintenance contracts are kept in effect, and that systems are monitored when required,
is for the management entity or regulatory authority to have a structured reporting program.
Service providers should report maintenance events and any lapses in maintenance contracts to
the management or regulatory authority. This information should be managed in a database to
monitor O&M activities and provide a system of accountability. Advances in technology via
web-based remote monitoring or telemetry can also allow multiple system operating parame-
ters (e.g., pump cycles) to be monitored from remote locations around the clock. More infor-
mation on this subject can be found in Resource Guide 4. Reporting and Recordkeeping.
REPORTING AND MONITORING - STATE AND LOCAL EXAMPLES
The Barnstable County Department of Health, Rhode Island began to use its system database in 2005 to track re-
quired services (monitoring, inspections) and O&M contract renewal as required under maintenance contracts. If a
component is not inspected on schedule, a notification appears in the service schedule summary.
Homeowners in Hamilton County, Ohio contract with manufacturers and local plumbers to maintain home aeration
wastewater treatment systems. Managed by the county, all of the system locations are recorded using a Geograph-
ic Information System (GIS) tied to a regional GIS that serves the entire Cincinnati Metropolitan Area. Waterborne
diseases are also tracked through this integrated geographic database. Health officials can review these data by
watershed and evaluate and compare findings.
The Montgomery Township, New Jersey updated its Onsite Wastewater Treatment Management Database in Sep-
tember of 2004. Invoices, late notices and license renewal letters can be automatically generated through the
newly added query and programming functionalities. In addition, the database has the capability of linking the lo-
cation of wastewater treatment systems to the municipality's GIS by parcel data.
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Operating Permits
In some cases, renewable operating permits are used to ensure ongoing maintenance of a
wastewater system. In areas where operating permits are issued to conventional systems, the
permit may specify routine septic tank pumping. Or in the case of Spokane, Washington, new
systems and systems located over the Spokane/Rathdrum Aquifer are tracked and issued a re-
newable three-year permit by the Health District. Inspection and maintenance is required prior
to permit renewal.
More complex (enhanced) systems, however, often include maintenance inspections, mainten-
ance contracts, and compliance measures. In the case of a performance-based system, the op-
erating permit may include specific standards that must be maintained along with monitoring
and reporting requirements. Ohio adopted O&M regulations in 2004 that authorize the use of
operating permits as a legal means to establish O&M requirements, and in some cases, manda-
tory service contracts. The regulations include a provision that O&M, in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions, shall be met when required as a condition of an operating permit.
The O&M rules also require:
• Increased levels of management related to risk conditions associated with higher se-
wage treatment system density, complexity, reliability, and location of systems in
areas of high risk for surface or ground water contamination.
• Recording of operating permit conditions, service contract requirements, or other O&M
management information on property deeds as a means to provide notification upon
transfer of property.
• Utilization of private sector professionals, responsible management entities, or desig-
nation of qualified agents to conduct monitoring or other O&M management responsi-
bilities.
• Inclusion of enhanced O&M management mechanisms such as web-based reporting, re-
mote telemetry, and use of publicly and privately available database programs to sup-
port O&M tracking requirements.
• Establishment of a household sewage treatment districts.
OPERATING PERMITS - STATE AND LOCAL EXAMPLES
Marin County, California requires renewable operating permits for enhanced systems. The permits are the basis for
verifying the adequacy of a system's performance and their renewal is based on the performance of the system.
Failure to undertake any required corrective work may be cause for non-renewal or revocation of the operating
permit.
State law specifies enhanced nutrient reduction systems in Monroe County, Florida to protect the coastal ecosys-
tem. These systems have biennial operating permits, maintenance contracts, and are inspected annually.
Malibu, California Ordinance 242 adopted in 2001, establishes a renewable operating permit for new and replace-
ment wastewater treatment systems. Inspections from private registered inspectors are required on a regular ba-
sis. Operating permits for enhanced systems are good for two years; permits for conventional systems are good for
three years.
Four health districts in the northeastern corner of North Carolina established the Albemarle Septic Management
Entity (ASME) to monitor the subsurface drainage of wastewater treatment systems. ASME issues operating permits
in accordance with state and local rules. In addition to conventional systems, two inspections of enhanced systems
are conducted each year. ASME has authority to repair a malfunctioning system and bill the owner or place a lien
on property for failure to reimburse ASME.
Public and Private Management Entities
Enhanced systems and cluster systems can pose greater risks of mechanical and performance
failure than passive conventional systems. Special districts, water/sewer authorities, and pub-
lic utilities can be an effective option for managing these systems. Private entities can also be
authorized to own, operate and/or maintain an individual or cluster system.
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Michigan law provides for a number of institutional options for community wastewater man-
agement and the construction of community wastewater treatment systems. For example:
• Rural townships can contract for management services from an adjacent community
with a preexisting wastewater management entity.
• If the county has a county sewage/water district, then local governments contract di-
rectly with the county for wastewater management services.
• Small communities, townships, and villages can contract with a private company to
monitor and maintain individual and community wastewater systems.
• Several townships and/or villages can establish a joint authority such as a sewage dis-
trict or management district to share building and management costs.
At least 12 possible institutional variations for wastewater management entities are authorized
in North Carolina. Minnesota has several wastewater management districts operating, including
two sponsored by local Rural Electric Associations. The utilities subcontract with local installers
to perform the twice-a-year O&M service. These utilities have the ability to bill their wastewa-
ter customers for O&M as part of their electric bill.
Finally, accountability is important aspect of administering a private or public management
entity. Health departments and state agencies generally retain their authority to approve sys-
tem designs and issue permits. The public or private management entity conducts inspections,
provides maintenance, and executes remediation/repair activities.
MANAGEMENT ENTITIES - STATE AND LOCAL EXAMPLES
The Village of Indian Point, Missouri, located on Table Rock Lake, is Branson's largest resort area, with 29 lakefront
resorts. Studies revealed that wastewater treatment systems used by most of the 558 residents were not effective
due to soil and site conditions, and some were threatening drinking water supplies. The community investigated a
number of options and ultimately created a Board of Public Works to manage the wastewater systems. Regulations
were adopted in 2004 for the construction, operation, and ongoing management of all private and public treatment
systems. The goal is to phase out conventional systems and effectively manage the newer enhanced systems.
Among the elements of the Indian Hill Onsite Wastewater Program are:
• Renewable operating permits conditioned on a plan for operation and maintenance, and an executed contract
with a licensed service provider for the life of the permit.
• Operation inspections
• Inventory of all wastewater systems
• Construction, operation, and ownership of system by the Board of Public Works
• Comprehensive planning for wastewater improvements
• Ongoing assessments of system compliance
The community has banned the installation of new conventional systems and requires operation and maintenance
agreements for existing conventional systems. Two multi-home enhanced treatment cluster systems and two com-
mercial systems have since been installed,and ten individual systems have been updated.
Information Adapted from Small Flows Quarterly, 2005, Volume 6, Number 3.
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Bounds, T.R., G Denn, and NT Bounds, 2004. Maintaining and Troubleshooting Advanced Onsite Systems: Git'Er
Done! NOWRA 2004 Conference Proceedings, National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association, Not available online.
Brandt, R.C. 2004. Utility Management for Decentralized Wastewater Facilities: A Minnesota Model of Manage-
ment Part 11. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://www.ecocheck.com/pdf/Article2%20_Utility%20Management%20for%20decentralized%20facilities.pdf
Christopherson, S., and Dave Gustafson. 2006. Preliminary Evaluation of Cluster
System Septic Tank Performance. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://septic.umn.edu/Research/pdfs/septictankstudyreport0506.pdf
Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment. 2006. Residential Onsite Wastewater Treatment
Systems: An Operation and Maintenance Service Provider Program. Not available online. Ordering information see
http://www.mwps.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=c_Products.viewProduct&catlD=717&productlD=6407&skunumber=CIDWT
&crow=4
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Fane, S.J., Willetts, K. Abeysuriya, C. Mitchell, C. Etnier, and S. Johnston. 2004. Evaluating Reliability and Life-
Cycle Cost for Decentralized Wastewater within the Context of Asset Management. Retrieved from the World Wide
Web January 19, 2007. http://www.isf.uts.edu.au/publications/faneetal2004evaluatingreliabilitv.pdf.
Geisinger, D.,and Gerry Chartier. 2005. Managed Onsite Wastewater Systems as Long-Term Solutions. Retrieved
from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007. http://www.nywea.org/clearwaters/05-3-fall/ManagedOnsite.pdf.
Journal for Decentralized Wastewater Solutions. 2006. Tackling Onsite Wastewater System Maintenance. Retrieved
from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007. http://www.onsitewater.com/ow_0601 _tackling.html
Journal for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Solutions. 2005. Cost Effectiveness of Cluster Systems in Use To-
day. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://www.onsitewater. com/ow_0509_cost. html
Kreissl, J.F. 2003. Deciding What Is the Best Decentralized Management Program for Your Community. In Proceed-
ings of 12th Northwest On-Site Wastewater Treatment Short Course. Not available online.
Land Development Today. 2006. Acceptance and Utilization Crowing for Decentralized Systems. Retrieved from the
World Wide Web January 19, 2007. http://www.sldtonline.com/content/view/163/56/.
Lesikar, B., Extension Agricultural Engineering Specialist, The Texas A&M University System
Onsite Wastewater Systems - Operation and Maintenance, http://www.p2pays.org/ref/12/11628.pdf
MacGregor, L, P.E. 2005. Decentralized Wastewater Treatment- Planning, Alternatives, Management. Retrieved
from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://www.uga.edu/water/GWRC/Papers/MacGregorL%20PaperDRAFT.pdf
National Decentralized Water Resources Capacity Development Project. Lombardo Associates, Inc.
Newton, Massachusetts. 2004. Cluster Wastewater Systems Planning Handbook. Retrieved from the World Wide Web
January 19, 2007. http://www.ndwrcdp.org/userfiles/WUHT0145_web1.pdf
National Small Flows Clearinghouse. Septic System Information. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19,
2007. http://www.nesc.wvu.edu/NSFC/nsfc_septicnews.htm
Noss, R.R., PhD, PE. 2005. Alternative Sewage Treatment Systems and Conservation Design in Unsewered Areas.
Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://www.crwp.org/pdf_files/alternative_sewage_treatment_systems jan_2006.pdf
Obropta, C.C., Ph.D., Extension Specialist in Water Resources & David Berry. 2005. Onsite Wastewater Treatment
Systems: Operating Permits. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://water. rutgers.edu/Fact_Sheets/fs533.pdf
University of Minnesota. 2005. A compilation of results from the Onsite Sewage Treatment Alternatives Projects
1995-2005. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://septic.umn.edu/Research/past/longterm/referencelist.pdf
University of Minnesota Water Resources Center. Onsite Sewage Treatment Program. Retrieved from the World Wide
Web January 19, 2007. http://septic.umn.edu/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2005. Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (Decentralized) Waste-
water Treatment Systems. EPA/832/B-05/001. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs/onsite_handbook.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2002. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual.
EPA/625/R-00/008. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs/septic_2002_osdm_all.pdf
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 2003. Voluntary National Guidelines for Management of Onsite and Clustered
(Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. EPA/832/B-03/001, Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19,
2007. http://www.epa.gov/owm/septic/pubs/septic_guidelines.pdf
Wallace, S., P.E., Gene Parkin, Ph.D., P.E., Brett Ballavance, P.E., Ryan Brandt. 2005. Ecological Wastewater Man-
agement in Iowa Hope for Iowa's Small Communities. Retrieved from the World Wide Web January 19, 2007.
http://www.ecocheck.com/pdf/08JPP_FulLReport.pdf
Handbook for Managing Individual and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems
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EPA No. 832-B-05-005 - 2009 Web Supplement
This Resource Guide is a supplement to EPA's Handbook for Managing Onsite and Clustered (De-
centralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems. The interactive version includes the Handbook
itself, and 13 resource guides based on key program elements that make up a comprehensive
individual/cluster wastewater management program. Each of these resource guides includes
background information, references and resources, and case studies and examples.
The 13 resource guides are:
1. Public Education
2. Community Planning for Wastewater Treatment
3. Performance Requirements
4. Recordkeeping, Inventories and Reporting
5. Financial Assistance
6. Site Evaluation
7. System Design
8. Construction and Installation
9. Operation and Maintenance
10. Residuals Management
11. Training and Licensing
12. Inspection and Monitoring
13. Corrective Actions and Enforcement
Electronic copies of this guide and the other resource guides along with the interactive version
of the handbook are available and can be downloaded from EPA's Web site.
Visit EPA's Wastewater Systems Web site for more information on individual and cluster sys-
tems. The Web site also provides information for individual and cluster system technologies,
management programs, links to partner organizations useful in community education and out-
reach, publications for homeowners, and guidance manuals, including additional documents
that supplement this Handbook.
Handbook for Managing Individual and Clustered (Decentralized) Wastewater Treatment Systems 10
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