FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Sherry Bradley
(334) 206-5373
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Bureau of Environmental Services is pleased to announce several pledges from companies that deal with wastewater treatment and will benefit homes that are part of the Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Program (BBUWP). These generous pledges will help provide a solution to persistent wastewater problems affecting residents living in the unincorporated area of Lowndes County.
The BBUWP is a volunteer program created and supported by the ADPH to provide guidance with site assessment design, installation, and systematic maintenance of onsite sewage systems in Black Belt soil. Ninety percent of Black Belt soil will not easily percolate or absorb water, and onsite sewage disposal systems are ineffective under these conditions.
While the Bureau of Environmental Services is a regulatory arm of ADPH, its leadership took the initiative to build a sewer infrastructure in the unincorporated area of Lowndes County by conducting outreach and obtaining donors to implement solutions to wastewater issues. A minimum of 100 homes that are without proper wastewater disposal will be addressed.
On November 16-17, representatives from the FujiClean USA, the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAMPO) and Lixil (American Standard) met with environmental health leaders from ADPH and community liaison, Perman Hardy of Lowndes County, to discuss what part they could play in making this groundbreaking project a success. They assessed the plumbing in and lots surrounding more than 14 Lowndes County residences so that proper sizing and ordering could take place.
Bureau of Environmental Services Director Sherry Bradley praised each of these firms and stated, “Partnering with quality companies that deal with these types of conditions every day is one of the best ways to find a permanent solution for the failing onsite systems. It has taken three years, but this ‘model’ is at its installation stage.”
Each company is taking on a significant role. FujiClean has donated one of its largest advanced treatment systems so that several homes can be joined on one unit and will take the lead on products for installation of engineered designed systems.
IAPMO sent representatives for training, testing and licensing in Alabama. These individuals will install all fixtures provided by Lixil in Lowndes County.
Lixil has pledged at least $100,000 to supply low water use fixtures and fittings that include faucets, toilets and shower heads. This feature is especially attractive to residents because of its potential to reduce water bills for residents.
BBUWP has also partnered with Infiltrator, a sewage treatment system manufacturer who has donated product to the BBUWP for the installation of conventional onsite systems.
The BBUWP can serve as a model for other local officials to duplicate in solving the problems encountered with Black Belt soils.
County health departments throughout Alabama provide a wide range of confidential and professional services. Contact your local county health department for additional information.
Mission: To promote, protect, and improve Alabama’s health
Vision: Healthy People. Healthy Communities. Healthy Alabama.
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12/07/2021