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Technical Information

EPA facilitates state-of-the-art technology and research for septic (onsite) sewage treatment through its Environmental Technology Program (ETV), technology fact sheets and case studies.

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Technology Fact Sheets - EPA has developed a series of fact sheets on alternative onsite wastewater technologies such as aerobic treatment, recirculating sand filters and mound systems.
EPA Region 1 Innovative Technology Inventory - The Innovative Technology Inventory is a Web-based list and source of information on innovative technologies received from technology providers and contains information on more than 140 technologies.
Case Studies - This provides publications and links to septic (onsite) case studies.
The Wastewater Information Systems Tool (TWIST) - This is an off-the-shelf, user-friendly management tool that allows state and local health departments to effectively inventory and manage small wastewater treatment systems in their jurisdictions. It is designed to track information related to homes and facilities served, permits, site evaluations, types of systems, inspections and complaints (EPA 832-E-06-001) Published: 2006.
Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems (PDF 409 pp, 8.9MB) - This document provides technical information on onsite wastewater treatment and disposal systems. It does not contain standards for those systems, nor does it contain pertinent rules or regulations. The intended audience for this manual includes those involved in the design, construction, operation, maintenance and regulation of wastewater systems (EPA 625-1-80-012). Published: 1980
Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual (PDF 367 pp, 20.9MB) - This manual was developed to provide supplemental and new information for wastewater treatment professionals in the public and private sectors. It is not intended to replace the previous manual but to further explore and discuss recent developments in treatment technologies, system design and long-term system management. This manual has a more focused approach to onsite wastewater treatment and onsite system management (EPA-625-R-00-008). Published: 2002
Alert for RV, Boat and Mobile Home Owners and Park Operators about Safe Wastewater Disposal (PDF 2 pp, 373KB) - This provides helpful information on potential dangers of chemical additives such as holding tank deodorizers (EPA 909-F-99-002). Published: 1999
Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Wildlife Habitat - This document provides brief descriptions of 17 communities that have used constructed wetlands in their wastewater treatment infrastructure. These wetland treatment systems provide significant water quality benefits while demonstrating additional benefits such as wildlife habitat. This document is found on EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans, & Watersheds Web site (EPA 832-R-93-005). Published: 1993
Assessment of On-Site Graywater and Combined Wastewater Treatment and Recycling Systems - This publication reviews graywater and combined wastewater treatment and recycling technology available for residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial applications. It is available from the National Environmental Publications Internet Site (EPA 832-R-92-900). Published: 1992
Water and Waste Disposal Programs (PDF 2 pp, 11KB) - This United States Department of Agriculture fact sheet that describes the water and wastewater loan and grant program of the Rural Utilities Service (PA 1611). Published: 1997
Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) Program - EPA has established 12 technology testing centers under its ETV program to verify the performance of environmental technologies. The program's goal is to substantially accelerate the entrance of environmental technologies into the domestic and international marketplace. One part of the ETV program verifies market-ready onsite wastewater technologies using protocols developed by manufacturers. Although not a certification program, it seeks to obtain credible operating data that can be widely distributed and accepted by regulators and others.

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