4.1 Chapter Content

The process of planning a sustainable urban wastewater system requires the consideration and management of a number of resources - financial, land, energy, human and environmental.

This chapter first considers the phases through which a wastewater project must pass and gives an estimate of the typical duration of each phase. The various principal resources which may require consideration are then described. The objectives set for the wastewater project may well be satisfied in a number of different ways and therefore this chapter includes an explanation of a number of techniques used to decide between them. Finally, there is an explanation of the value of public consultation.

Fig. 4.1a Construction of a large wastewater treatment plant

Fig. 4.1b Construction of a large wastewater treatment plant

These topics are addressed under the following headings:

4.2 Wastewater Project Phasing
4.3 Costs and Sources of Finance
4.4 Land and Energy Requirements
4.5 Reuse - Wastewater and Sludge as a Resource
4.6 Environmental Impact and its Assessment
4.7 Human Resources - Project Staffing
4.8 Techniques to Assist Decision-Making
4.9 Public Consultation