Problem: A significant percentage of rural households in Lowndes County and other counties within the Black Belt Region of Alabama lack functional wastewater systems or have failing systems. This is primarily due to the challenges posed by high poverty levels and poor soil conditions. As a result, many rural families have no choice but to resort to a hazardous practice called “straight piping” to dispose of household wastewater. However, this practice poses serious risks as it exposes individuals to disease-causing pathogens present in raw sewage.

Solution: The Blackbelt Unincorporated Wastewater Program is dedicated to promoting community health in the region. Its primary focus is on addressing the essential need for proper onsite wastewater disposal. Several companies including LIXIL, FujiClean USA, Kess Environmental, IWSH Foundation, Larry E. Speaks & Associates, University of South Alabama, and IAPMO have partnered with the program to help solve these issues. On sites where a conventional system will not function, FujiClean CE and CEN advanced treatment systems have been utilized with high success.

Result: After 18 months of consistent sampling, the FujiClean units have stable performance without seasonal environmental fluctuations. Performance for BOD and TSS has been less than 10 mg/L, with a total nitrogen reduction of 75%. More than 100 homes have been upgraded to a state-approved septic system with periodic maintenance. 

207-406-2927; www.fujicleanusa.com