LAUNCHING OF A NEW ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
Abstract
LAUNCHING OF A NEW ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY
by
Sergio J. Castillo
May, 2013
Through this paper, I aim to conduct a thorough evaluation of the market, regulatory
environment and competition within the Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS)
industry, with the intention to validate and determine the viability of launching
a new onsite wastewater treatment technology known as the Water Effluent Treatment
(WET) System.
Historically, US wastewater treatment has been performed by centralized wastewater
treatment systems. However, these systems imply high infrastructure and maintenance
costs, along with lacking the ability to adequately address storm surges and adapt
to growing environmental issues and technological innovations. As a solution, the
industry is rapidly shifting towards OWTS. The U.S. market represents the largest
and highest growth market for OWTS worldwide. On-Site U.S. sewage facilities collect,
treat and release an estimated 4 billion gallons of treated effluent per day.
Increased frequency of storm surges, a decaying infrastructure, population increase
and poor water treatment practices have created a national environmental crisis in
water quality. There is a growing concern and recognition of the impact of inadequate
wastewater treatment on ground and surface water quality. Enhanced by the lack of
budgets to improve wastewater treatment infrastructure, municipalities are faced with
a major challenge in acquiring onsite wastewater treatment technologies that are cost
efficient, environmentally sound, and adaptable to technology changes.
Preferred OWTS technologies used in the market include centrifuge and variations of
belt press filters. After a thorough evaluation, which includes technical performance,
health and a cost competitive analysis of these systems versus the WET System, I conclude
that the WET System is not only a viable option, but has significant competitive advantages
which could make it a major player in the market.
Technical performance, environmental, health and cost advantages are further strengthened
through the recommended plan to launch the system using Public Private Partnerships
and financial lease models that accommodate the need for financing being faced by
municipalities.
Prior to launching the system, recommendations are made to complete a formal business
strategic plan, perform further testing of the system on municipal wastewater treatment,
and enhance the automation features of the system
Approved:
____________________________________________
Advisor, Lee Ferguson, Phd
Date:
Master’s Project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master
of Environmental Management degree in the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke
University May 2013
Type
Master's projectPermalink
https://hdl.handle.net/10161/6882Citation
Castillo, Sergio (2013). LAUNCHING OF A NEW ONSITE WASTEWATER TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY. Master's project, Duke University. Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/6882.Collections
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