Pollutants from local septic tanks are creating problematic algae blooms in local waters. Cleaning it all up could cost billions.
Toxic algae blooms are threatening the Cape Cod ecosystem and the health of local residents, reports Barbara Moran for WBUR.
In fact, “90% of Cape Cod's coastal bays and more than a third of its ponds have ‘unacceptable’ water quality, according to the nonprofit Association to Preserve Cape Cod's annual State of the Waters report.”
The source of the pollution is mainly local septic systems that leach nitrogen and phosphorus into the groundwater. “About 85% of Cape Cod properties use septic systems to manage household waste, and experts say the technology is not up to the job.” New state regulations charge cities with cleaning this up and installing citywide sewer systems, but the cost will reach into the billions. “The town of Orleans, for example, is building a new treatment plant for about $34 million and expanding sewer lines for millions of dollars more.”
Some homeowners are taking matters into their own hands and installing upgraded septic systems that treat waste at the source, but these, too, come at a high cost and do not filter all harmful contaminants.
FULL STORY: Cape Cod needs to clean up its water. The solutions could cost billions
NOAA Great Lakes Lab Loses Key Funding
Cuts at a lab that monitors water quality in the Great Lakes region could harm efforts to prevent dangerous algal blooms.
Supreme Court Could Curb EPA’s Water Quality Regulation Powers
A suit brought by the city of San Francisco argues that the agency’s language around water treatment and discharge is too vague and imposes retroactive penalties.
Predicting Toxic Algae Blooms with AI Modeling
Scientists hope to use AI and machine learning models to forecast water quality issues caused by toxic blue-green algae blooms.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie