Abstract
The implementation of decentralised wastewater treatment systems, such as biodigesters, septic tanks and treatment ponds, provides opportunities for rural or remote communities to be self-reliant and avoid infrastructural connections to faraway urban areas. However, the effectiveness, sustainability and success of such systems is heavily tied to understanding the overall context (geographical, social, cultural, political and economic) in which they are installed, as well as the ease of their operation and maintenance in the long term. Shortcomings to addressing these aspects can lead to the failure of a project. Using the town of Lobitos, located in the Piura District on the northern coast of Peru, as the case study for this research, this paper is discussing and analysing the use of biodigesters as a more sustainable solution over larger municipal wastewater systems in the context of Lobitos. It explains reasons, such as community engagement, behind past failures of such systems and outlines lessons learned from a practitioner’s perspective. It concludes that addressing the local context as well as considering its impact throughout the project cycle, such as installation and future operation and maintenance, helps to ensure continued delivery of safe and sustainable wastewater treatment.
Highlights
Decentralised wastewater treatment systems (Dewatss) are systems that treat wastewater close to the source, compared to centralised wastewater treatment systems which transport large amounts of wastewater long distances through sewers in order to reach the treatment facility
Dewatss provide a more appropriate and sustainable wastewater treatment solution (Balkema et al, 2002) and may overcome some of the problems encountered by larger-scale alternatives, such as maintenance issues, since Dewatss are usually simpler in design, or operation issues during power cuts (Gutterer et al, 2009b)
This paper is looking at how the aforementioned considerations impacted projects in Lobitos, Peru, and how the local context determines the sustainable implementation of a Dewats
Summary
Decentralised wastewater treatment systems (Dewatss) are systems that treat wastewater close to the source, compared to centralised wastewater treatment systems which transport large amounts of wastewater long distances through sewers in order to reach the treatment facility. Beyond the careful selection of suitable technologies, Dewatss still risk failure if consideration is not made towards the context in which they are installed or the manner by which they will be operated, financed and maintained in the future (Carter et al, 1999; Hazeltine, 2003) Failure to address these issues may lead to negative impacts that can range from detrimental health impacts through contact with untreated or poorly treated water (Bartram and Baum, 2015; Bartram and Cairncross, 2010; Cairncross et al, 2010; Carter et al, 1999), to environmental pollution within the local watershed, such as the recharge of groundwater reservoirs contaminated with faecal matter from the wastewater (Asano and Cotruvo, 2004). This paper is looking at how the aforementioned considerations impacted projects in Lobitos, Peru, and how the local context determines the sustainable implementation of a Dewats
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