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.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process
The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.
Parks: Essential Community Infrastructure — and a Smart Investment
Even during times of budget constraint, continued investment in parks is critical, as they provide proven benefits to public health, safety, climate resilience, and community well-being — particularly for under-resourced communities.
Porches, Pets, and the People We Grow Old With
Neighborhood connections and animal companions matter to aging with dignity, and how we build can support them. Here’s a human-scale proposal for aging in place.
Single-Stair Design Contest Envisions Human-Scale Buildings
Single-stair building construction is having a resurgence in the United States, where, for the last several decades, zoning codes have required more than one staircase in multi-story housing developments.
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.
City of Charlotte
Municipality of Princeton
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)