Septic systems are a common means of human sewage treatment in coastal communities. In many of these areas soils are inappropriate for septic system use due to highly permeable sands situated over high water tables. For example, on North Carolina's Outer Banks, Cape Hatteras National Seashore abuts the Town of Nags Head, a popular resort area. The town has no central sewer system and is served by septic systems. The water table is close to the surface and a series of large drainage ditches flow westward into the park. Sampling of these ditches showed low dissolved oxygen, high ammonium and BOD concentrations, algal blooms, and fecal bacteria pollution. Nutrient and fecal pollution of coastal waters by septic systems has also been found in mainland areas south through Florida. Alternatives to septic systems need to be mandated for future development of coastal areas to protect commonly-owned waters from human waste pollution.

Septic systems in the coastal environment: Multiple water quality problems in multiple areas

240th National Meeting (2010)

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