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A comparison of disposal methods for on-site sewage facilities within the state of Texas, USA

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Abstract

Currently, 1.5 million homes in Texas, USA utilize an on-site sewage facility to manage their household waste. This study compares the conventional septic dispersal technology of perforated pipe drain field with two of the new technologies recently implemented in Texas, multi-pipe and chamber systems, determining if soil classification and climate are influencing factors in functional ability for each of the technologies. There is no statistical significance for failure of a system with respect to system type or climate zone. The textural classification of soil is a statistically significant variable in septic system failures. Soil type III, which includes the clay groups except pure clays and silty clay, appears to significantly influence system failures. Additionally, occupant misuse and lack of maintenance are contributing factors to system failure.

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Acknowledgments

This research received financial support from the Baylor Wastewater Research Program and the Baylor University Graduate School. The authors wish to thank the County Designated Representatives within the state of Texas of counties chosen for evaluation, the TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality), and Jose Guardiola of the Baylor Institute of Statistics for their help and support for the accomplishment of this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, USA

    Megan E. Carr

  2. Brazos On-Site Consulting, Waco, TX, USA

    David L. Jumper

  3. Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA

    Joe C. Yelderman Jr

Authors
  1. Megan E. Carr
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  2. David L. Jumper
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  3. Joe C. Yelderman Jr
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Megan E. Carr.

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Carr, M.E., Jumper, D.L. & Yelderman, J.C. A comparison of disposal methods for on-site sewage facilities within the state of Texas, USA. Environmentalist 29, 381–387 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-009-9223-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10669-009-9223-7

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