Experience in Forestland Treatment of Wastewater: Case Studies and Keys for Long-Term Site Performance.

Properly designed and managed, forestland treatment systems can enhance productivity of forest ecosystems and, at the same time, protect the quality of surface and ground waters.  Of the various methods of wastewater land treatment, spray irrigation (also referred to as slow rate), achieves the highest degree of renovation and beneficial reuse of nutrients and water. Large forestland wastewater treatment systems have been operational in the United States and elsewhere for over 25 years. Experience with these systems has shown that continued operational success depends upon four key factors: good design, a commitment to recruiting and training a quality staff, a strong monitoring program, and proactive management. Failure in any of these factors can result in system failure. Case studies from around the globe are used to illustrate the role of each of these factors in long-term system performance.