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~- based on treatment plant lagoons with a land application of some 400 acres of distribution ar fields. There are two primary regulatory agencies involved. One agency has a larger role than the other--the North Carolina Division of Environmental Management. They permit construction of all package treatment .-.--~ plants, discharge to surface water, land application treatment plants and most low ~~ pressure injection systems. Low pressure injection systems which are privately owned and do not treat processed water - for instance industrial waste-are ' regulated by the Division of Health Services. Both DEM and DHS have adopted minimum design criteria and other regulations that control the design, construction and operation of the alternative systems. The North Carolina Utility Commission also has a role because many of these facilities are operated by investor owned utility companies licensed under the Utilities Commission. Again, operation by developers or other private entities who do not charge for the service, as well as, Homeowners Association are nat subject to the regulations of the Utility Commission. A major part of the study was the case history review. In summary, eighteen different facilities were looked at in Wake, Durham, Orange and Chatham ~ Counties. Facilities were viewed in this immediate geographic area because at ` least in two of the three systems soil characteristics play a very important role in the. successful performance of the system. Five package treatment plants were looked at, three land application systems and five low pressure injection systems. Cordell then summarized the conclusions and recommendations of the Study. Anticipated growth in Orange County is likely to place increasing demands on the County Commissioners to consider the use of alternative treatment technology. Historically, growth in the County has been encouraged in areas with access to public sewer. As the County continues to grow, development will undoubtedly move into areas where either the soils are marginal and unsuitable for conventional septic systems or inaccessible to existing public sewer systems. Some, if not many of these areas could be served by alternative treatment systems. Based on the case history review, Hazen and Sawyer has concluded that the technology of the systems -.- is sound and can provide a reliable method of wastewater treatment and disposal. Unfortunately, the case history review indicates that this acceptable level of performance is all too often not achieved. Shortcomings with respect to design, '' construction and operation and maintenance of the system has been identified in the report. Although design and construction problems have occurred, there is no question that improper or incomplete operation and maintenance of the systems account for a disproportionate share of reported failures. It is unfortunate that failure of some of the systems overshadows the successful treatment performance of the systems that are operating. They continue to provide a reliable form of wastewater treatment. The successful systems have been well designed by professional engineers with specific expertise and experience. They have been properly constructed by knowledgeable and trained contractors and they are operated by qualified individuals who understand both the technical basis of the design, and implement corrective action, if necessary, to insure continued successful operation. Preventive maintenance and continuous monitoring are also key components of the successful systems. Failing or unsuccessful systems suffer from one ar more problems including inadequate system design that may limit or inhibit performance, poor construction and inadequate operation and maintenance. We believe there are modifications that can be made to the current institutional arrangements and public policies that control alternative systems with the goal of insuring that all of the alternative systems installed realize the success that only a few systems can now demonstrate. While the need to modify the policies may be generally recognized, there is no clear consensus in the field as to how best achieve this result. In hopes of encouraging continued discussion, the report suggested several strategies for consideration by the Commissioners. These are .