Plans for the Future

Dr. Karen Mancl & Dr. Brian Slater
The Ohio State University

Ohio's soil natural resource has been divided into 4 categories as to its suitability for onsite wastewater treatment and disposal in OSU Extension Bulletin 896.

Figure 1. Percent of Ohio's land area suited to onsite wastewater treatment and disposal.

The facilities developed at the OSU Molly Caren Agricultural Center are being used to teach wastewater treatment professionals and the public the basics of onsite wastewater treatment. A working mound system, stabilization pond treatment system, sand bioreactor treatment system and both spray and drip irrigation reuse systems are featured.

Fortunately, the onsite industry offers a wide range of bioreactor treatment technologies to help address the majority of Ohio's land area. However, adoption of bioreactor technology has been limited mostly due to limited knowledge of bioreactor function and past bad experiences with rapid technology adoption that did not meet its promise.

Bioreactor Demonstration Community
Soil Environment Technology Learning Lab - Phase 2

The next step in the development of the Learning Lab will focus on bioreactor technology for treatment followed by reuse. We are identifying potential host communities. The vision of Learning Lab Phase 2 include the following features.

• Existing dwellings requiring system replacement will be identified. The site must accommodate onsite reuse through irrigation of treated wastewater.
• A wide range of bioreactor technologies will be used with a minimum of 2 of each system type. Technology duplication will help evaluate a wider range of application.
• Ongoing management of the systems will be provided by the Soil Environment Technology Learning Lab staff. This will include regular inspections, routine maintenance, minor repairs, routine irrigation pump replacement, sample collection and analysis. The property owner's financial contribution will be placed in an OSU endowment fund, with the interest income providing the support for long-term care.