Developing & Evaluating Promising Technologies: Pushing the Ball Forward on I/A Septic Systems
On June 2nd, 3rd, and 10th of 2021 SNEP and the Atlantic and Coastal Environmental Sciences Division at the EPA Office of Research and Development hosted a three-day virtual workshop on Innovative and Alternative Septic systems with stakeholders throughout the region. This workshop was designed to provide foundational knowledge on existing I/A systems, discuss the strengths and limitations of these systems and how they can be strategically implemented to support existing sewering plans; and work to identify key action steps toward overcoming existing challenges that prevent further I/A development and installation. Due to limitations of the virtual format, this workshop was kept to invite-only, however all presentations and discussion summaries will be posted to the SNEP website within the next few months.
- Agenda for Developing & Evaluating Promising Technologies: Pushing the Ball Forward on I/A Septic Systems (pdf)
- I/A Workshop Summary Report (pdf)
Session 1: The goal of Session 1 was to hear from recent I/A pilots and increase collaboration and knowledge-sharing between pilot representative organizations. Speakers of Session 1 include: Maureen Thomas, Buzzards Bay Coalition; Adam Turner, Martha's Vineyard Commission; and Marcia Degen, Virginia Dept. Of Health.
Session 2: The goal of Session 2 was to learn about the current state of I/A system performance and limitations, and determine what is needed to develop these technologies to make them available for general use.
Brian Baumgaertel is Director of the Massachusetts Alternative Septic Systems Test Center. In this video, Brian presented on several best available septic technologies. This presentation was part of a series.
Nate Merrill is an environmental economist with the EPA Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division of the Office of Research and Development. This presentation discusses the comparison of cost and performance for I/A septic technologies. This presentation was part of a series.
Alissa Cox is the Director of the New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program at the University of Rhode Island. In this presentation, Alissa presented on outcomes of a recent URI pilot testing nitrogen-reducing layered soil treatment areas (LSTAs) or "layer cake" designs. This presentation was part of a series.
Zee Crocker is the Executive Director of the Barnstable Clean Water Coalition. In this presentation, Zee presented on the current capabilities of I/A technologies. This presentation was part of a series.
Julia Priolo is a Senior Environmental Analyst with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services. In this presentation, Julia presented on the successes of Suffolk County's "Reclaim Our Water" Initiative. This presentation was part of a series.
Patty Daley is a Legal and Policy Specialist with the Cape Cod Commission. In this presentation, Patty presented on various levels/types of responsible management entities (RMEs). This presentation was part of a series.
Session 2 Question and Answer period. The goal of Session 2 was to learn about the current state of I/A system performance and limitations, and determine what is needed to develop these technologies to make them available for general use.
Session 3: The goal of Session 3 was to explore solutions to key challenges preventing more widespread I/A development and implementation. Speakers of Session 3 include: Mary Beth Chubb, MA Department of Environmental Protection; Joanne Throwe, Throwe Environmental; Kevin McDonald, The Nature Conservancy; Rob Steen of the Barnstable Department of Public Works, and Muhamad Freij, RI Department of Environmental Management.