Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions
Ecosystem Service Logic Model

Wastewater Management – Sewage System Improvements

Geographic Context
Project Type
Sewage Improvements Martin County

Sewage system improvements include two specific techniques: converting basic septic systems to either centralized sewer systems or advanced septic systems, and repairing existing sewage system components.  The transition from decentralized, basic septic systems to a centralized sewer system as a method for wastewater treatment is usually done in a spatially defined area; new sewer lines are installed to serve the area, and individual properties are connected to the sewer lines and their existing septic tanks decommissioned.  An alternative to septic to sewer conversion is replacing basic septic systems, consisting of a septic tank and soil treatment system, with advanced septic systems that use aerobic treatment or filters to reduce nutrient, pathogen, and total suspended solids in the effluent.  

Repairing leaks or other defects in existing sewage system components is necessary to prevent untreated sewage from moving into surface and groundwater.

Outcomes & Metrics

Outcomes for project types may be strongly or weakly linked, or if not labeled as such, not designated. Resilience-linked outcomes are marked with "R."

See all GEMS metrics, including full descriptions. Click on any metric below to jump directly to its details.

Strongly-linked outcomes:

Outcome

Project Metrics

Program Metrics

Outcome:

Economic Activity - Local Business (R)

Outcome:

Economic Activity - Restoration/Intervention (R)

Outcome:

Human Health - Mental Health & Psychological Well-Being (R)

Outcome:

Property Protection & Value - Property Value (R)

Outcome:

Social Disruption - Due to Project or Flooding (R)

Outcome:

Water System Costs - Cost to Property Owner

Outcome:

Water System Costs - Wastewater Treatment Costs

Weakly-linked outcomes:

Outcome

Project Metrics

Program Metrics

Outcome:

Cultural Values - Other (R)

Outcome:

Human Health - Seafood Associated Disease (R)

Outcome:

Human Health - Skin and Respiratory Effects of Toxin Exposure (R)

Outcome:

Human Health - Waterborne Disease (R)

Outcome:

Water System Costs - Drinking Water Treatment Costs