Better Data Collection and Planning Is Needed to Justify Advanced Waste Treatment Construction

Gao ID: CED-77-12 December 21, 1976

A review was conducted to determine the effectiveness of advanced waste treatment facilities in improving water quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the states have placed a high priority on these facilities which are more costly than those providing secondary treatment. Since minimum treatment levels were required by legislation for municipalities by July 1977, low priority was given to gathering data and comprehensive plans on water pollution.

Without more information on sources of pollution and their effects on water quality, and analysis of alternative means, the justification for some advanced treatment facilities was found questionable. In some cases, less expensive programs and alternative uses of funds could be more effective.

Recommendations

Our recommendations from this work are listed below with a Contact for more information. Status will change from "In process" to "Open," "Closed - implemented," or "Closed - not implemented" based on our follow up work.

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