Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
treatment, including environmentally friendly solutions for the optimal reuse and disposal
of waste material, could reduce drastically the load on the existing central transport and
treatment facilities and could be the basis of a closed cycle of water utilization and
disposal.
In arid or semi-arid areas, diffuse pollution source control measures could be
incorporated in the integrated water resources management strategy of the wise use of
available water resources together with runoff harvesting methods and wastewater reuse.
In such cases, it could be admissible to increase the percentage of impervious surfaces in
urban areas, in order to collect and use the runoff after partial treatment. Different options
of combined wastewater reuse and storm water use at different scales could be envisaged
and investigated. The scale of application of such measures, in terms of cost effectiveness
and operational considerations, as well as, its regulation and control needs further
investigation.
The studies presented in previous chapters show that in many cases in the region, the
urban development takes the form of unregulated informal settlements and squatter
camps. This pattern becomes typical for many African countries and efforts should be
made to avoid and reduce it. Other negative examples of improper urban planning
decisions, which could be classified as design errors, have been presented in relation to
the selection of locations for solid waste disposal sites and cemeteries (Chapter 7). They
show that decisions in respect to the choice of location of such facilities have been made
without preliminary geological and hydrological surveys, and as a consequence, diffuse
pollution of ground water could not be avoided. The same applies to numerous cases of
use of pit latrines or soak-ways in areas of high ground water level. The importance of
such planning errors could not be overemphasized, as once such developments are
established, it is very difficult to correct the error, or to provide for pollution abatement
measures.
6.4 Social habits and diffuse pollution
Social behavior and habits play a very important role in the process of diffuse pollution
abatement and control. The link between littering and storm water pollution has been
discussed, but also it is important to notice that no managing authority could cope with
cleaning and maintaining a proper urban environment if the public has not developed the
necessary habits and consciousness to use the facilities in a proper manner. Therefore, the
process of diffuse pollution control and abatement should be viewed as a common
responsibility of the public and the managing authorities. This could be achieved not only
by educational programs, but also through the implementation of tough regulatory
instruments and the enforcement of sensible penalties with respect to polluters, even in
low cost urban population centers. A diffuse pollution program could meet its goals only
if it is regarded as a task of the whole community, but not only of the managing authority.
Other aspects related to diffuse pollution abatement is the status of the operation and
maintenance of sanitation facilities. Wastewater treatment plants, or on-site sanitation
facilities could not operate on their own and require proper attendance and maintenance.
Unfortunately, there are numerous cases of such facilities, which show full neglect and
become a source of pollution instead of preventing it. Such practice indicates that even at
management level, the need to operate and properly maintain an existing facility is not
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