The sewage lagoon: its social, economic, and planning implications

Abstract

The basic objectives of this study were to determine: (1) the extent of water pollution contributed by our communities in the form of municipal and industrial wastes, (2) an investigation of the extent of use, performance characteristics, and costs or the sewage lagoon, (3) the planning aspects of the sewage lagoon, (4) the extent of anti-pollution law enforcement, and (5) the existing financial aid available to communities tor the construction of' sewage lagoons. The findings of this study indicate that:

1. The extensive contribution to the water pollution problem by municipalities and industry is serious. The projection of future water use based upon present standards of use and recovery indicates a very serious water problem in the near future. A need exists for an inexpensive method or sewage treatment.

2. Sewage lagoons are relatively new but are widely used. They have proved to be relatively inexpensive and are achieving a high standard of purification.

3. Possible secondary benefits resulting from the use of sewage lagoons may prove to be of substantial value to municipalities in terms of efficient land use and the preservation of open land for alternate future uses.

4. The enforcement of the existing anti-pollution laws have been ineffectively enforced; however, new emphasis is being placed upon legal proceedings I rather than the voluntary compliance that has been practiced in the past.

5. With proper planning, a community can conceivably use several governmental programs for financial assistance both in grants-in-aid and long term loans for the construction or a sewage lagoon.