Geospatial Modeling Suggests Threats from Stormy Seas to Rhode Island’s Coastal Septic Systems

Cox, Alissa H.; Dowling, Matthew J.; Loomis, George W.; Engelhart, Simon E.; Amador, José A.

doi:10.1061/jswbay.0000917

Cited by 8 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 31 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…Human fecal contamination has been associated with the density of septic tanks in a watershed, and septic systems have been linked to gastrointestinal illness in children and chronic exposure to Cryptosporidium in regions where well water is a primary source of drinking water. Climate change may also alter the contribution of septic systems to pollution, irrespective of system age, especially in coastal communities where sea-level rise may increase the frequency and intensity of wave inundation and storm surges that flood OWTS. , Research has also demonstrated that storm events can influence septic function and the flow of septic-derived pollutants into surface water. , Septic density may also be a factor defining the contribution of septic systems to pollution loads; yet, our ability to predict how environmental conditions (e.g., soil type, weather conditions, climate) interact with septic density to influence the pollution load from onsite systems is still limited …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Socio-Environmental Risk of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems to Inform Management Decisions

Capps

McDonald

Parsons

2020

Environ. Sci. Technol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Quantifying the risk that failing onsite waste treatment systems (OWTS), such as septic systems, present to human health and the environment is a key component in natural resource management. We integrated environmental and sociodemographic data to assess the potential environmental risk and environmental justice concerns related to septic infrastructure. We used this process to develop a framework that can be applied in other jurisdictions. We found only 8% of the registered OWTS presented potential environmental risk due to the topographic, hydrologic, or edaphic characteristics of their placement. In contrast, almost 70% of the OWTS presented potential environmental risk due to their age (25 years or older). Approximately 60% of the OWTS we estimated to be at risk from age or placement were found in census blocks with more than 30% of the population living below the poverty line, had a population that was more than 50% nonwhite, or was predominantly nonwhite and impoverished. Our work suggests that jurisdictions with limited information about septic infrastructure may be able to use geospatial data that they do have to predict the parcel-level locations of OWTS. These locations can then be used to inform environmental monitoring to proactively address environmental justice concerns.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessing the Socio-Environmental Risk of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems to Inform Management Decisions

Capps

McDonald

Parsons

2020

Environ. Sci. Technol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Regarding the challenges and risks for coastal infrastructure generated by CC, the sphere that has received the most attention is the analysis of the potential adverse effects of sea level rise on coastal areas and their infrastructure 85 . This scenario may pose risks for the industrial sector and private households 86 . Against this background, several studies provide evidence of the relevance of adaptation measures combining technology and community training and nature-based solutions to increase resilience and reduce vulnerability in coastal areas 87 .…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

An assessment of priorities in handling climate change impacts on infrastructures

Leal Filho,

Abeldaño Zuñiga,

Sierra

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Climate change (CC) will likely significantly impact the world’s infrastructure significantly. Rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and rising sea levels are all likely to stress critical infrastructures (CI). Rising temperatures can lead to infrastructure damage from extreme heat events. This can cause roads and bridges to buckle or crack, leading to costly repairs and potential traffic disruptions. In addition, heat waves can damage vital electrical infrastructure, leading to widespread power outages. In light of this context, this article reports on a study which examined the connections and impacts of CC on infrastructure. The study employed a mixed-method approach, combining bibliometric analysis for the period 1997–2022 with a series of relevant case studies from the five continents to offer insight into the impact of CC on infrastructure. The article fills a research gap in respect of assessments of the extent to which climate change (CC) negative influences the infrastructure, with a special focus on developing countries. It also showcases CI projects and adaptation measures being currently deployed, to address CC. The results show that the current infrastructure is vulnerable to CC. The selected case studies on CI adaptation show that in developing and industrialised countries, there is a perceived need to understand better the connections and potential impacts of CC on critical areas such as transport, settlements, and coastal infrastructure. In order to protect infrastructure from CC impacts, governments need to invest in measures such as flood control, early warning systems, and improved building codes. Additionally, they need to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions more actively, which are the primary cause of CC.

show abstract

“…Elevation of groundwater further diminishes the vertical space required for treatment (Cox et al 2019(Cox et al , 2020. For example, viruses in wastewater are often neutralized when the viral outer protein coat is absorbed by the surfaces of unsaturated soil grains, degrading or deactivating those viruses.…”

Section: On-site Sewage Disposalmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hidden Threat: The Influence of Sea-Level Rise on Coastal Groundwater and the Convergence of Impacts on Municipal Infrastructure

Habel

Fletcher

Barbee

et al. 2024

Annu. Rev. Mar. Sci.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Sea-level rise (SLR) is influencing coastal groundwater by both elevating the water table and shifting salinity profiles landward, making the subsurface increasingly corrosive. Low-lying coastal municipalities worldwide (potentially 1,546, according to preliminary analysis) are vulnerable to an array of impacts spurred by these phenomena, which can occur decades before SLR-induced surface inundation. Damage is accumulating across a variety of infrastructure networks that extend partially and fully beneath the ground surface. Because the resulting damage is largely concealed and imperceptible, it is largely overlooked as part of infrastructure management and planning. Here, we provide an overview of SLR-influenced coastal groundwater and related processes that have the potential to damage societally critical infrastructure and mobilize urban contamination. In an effort to promote research efforts that can inform effective adaptation and management, we discuss various impacts to critical infrastructure and propose actions based on literature focused specifically on SLR-influenced coastal groundwater. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Marine Science, Volume 16 is January 2024. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.

show abstract

Geospatial Modeling Suggests Threats from Stormy Seas to Rhode Island’s Coastal Septic Systems

Cited by 8 publications

References 31 publications

Assessing the Socio-Environmental Risk of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems to Inform Management Decisions

Assessing the Socio-Environmental Risk of Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems to Inform Management Decisions

An assessment of priorities in handling climate change impacts on infrastructures

Hidden Threat: The Influence of Sea-Level Rise on Coastal Groundwater and the Convergence of Impacts on Municipal Infrastructure

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About