| Tool | Issues Addressed | Considerations | Examples |
| Alternative Wastewater Technologies Alternative wastewater technologies can be ideal for rural communities with limited resources. Alternative sewer systems, such as small-diameter gravity, pressure and vacuum, can reduce capital costs by 25-50%. Alternative treatment methods, including sand filters, land treatment, lagoons and constructed wetlands, may also save money. These natural treatment technologies take up more space than mechanical treatment technologies (i.e., traditional wastewater treatment plants), but that is usually not an issue in rural areas. In addition to saving money, these technologies eliminate the need for individual septic systems, thereby promoting more compact development and improving the environment. |
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No data available at this time. Check back for updates. Implementation Examples Outside Georgia |
Alternative Wastewater Technologies |
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No records available.Georgia Implementation Examples
No data available at this time. Check back for updates.Implementation Examples Outside Georgia
Indiana - France Park, a wilderness and recreational area in Indiana, was having a problem with failing septic systems. The solution was to create a centralized constructed wetlands system. When water enters the wetland "cells," bacteria that thrive around the plant roots break down the organic matter. Then the treated water drains into an absorption field, called a biofield, covered with prairie grasses. The construction costs of the wetlands were significant, but ongoing maintenance should be minimal.
Minnesota - Jackson Meadow is a housing development on a site of 336 acres near the town of Marine on St. Croix, Minnesota. Local residents rejected a generic development proposal of "McMansions" and wide streets, leading to a new development team and a more innovative approach. Extensive meetings took place between the developer and the community. The result is a cluster PUD development of 64 homes, with over 200 acres left as open space. Certain zoning code revisions were made relating to setbacks and road widths. Because standard sewer service was not available, and the lot sizes were too small for septic systems, the project uses two constructed wetlands, which are integrated into the community's open space, for wastewater treatment. The project also uses low impact development techniques, such as natural swales, "inverted crown" streets, narrow roads and shared driveways. The architecture reflects the vernacular Scandinavian-influenced tradition of the region, and also uses green building techniques, such as basements to help conserve heat. The development is pedestrian-friendly and includes 5 miles of trails, including a link to the nearby downtown of Marine on St. Croix only a 10-minute walk away. This project has won several awards for its environmental conservation, planning and architecture.
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