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Considerations for Using Alternative Technologies in Nutrient Management on Cape Cod: Beyond Cost and Performance
Kate K Mulvaney1, Nathaniel H Merrill1, Sarina F Atkinson2
1Atlantic Coastal Environmental Sciences Division, Cooperative Institute for Marine & Atmospheric Studies, Rosentiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Florida, USA.
Mitigating coastal nitrogen pollution using alternative technologies faces challenges beyond cost and technical ability. Factors like maintenance, social acceptance, and regulatory hurdles significantly influence adoption for improved water quality.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Quality Management
- Coastal Ecology
Background:
- Coastal estuaries face significant challenges in mitigating non-point source nitrogen pollution.
- Nitrogen management strategies in areas like Cape Cod, Massachusetts, involve traditional sewering and alternative technologies.
- Effective nutrient management is crucial for maintaining the ecological health of coastal environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify barriers and opportunities for implementing alternative technologies for nitrogen mitigation in coastal estuaries.
- To understand the multifaceted considerations influencing the adoption and social acceptance of new wastewater treatment solutions.
- To provide insights for other coastal regions facing similar nutrient impairment challenges.
Main Methods:
- Conducted semi-structured interviews with 37 stakeholders from governmental, non-governmental, and industry sectors.
- Utilized content analysis and rhetorical analysis to interpret interview data.
- Focused on identifying key factors influencing the decision-making process for nitrogen mitigation technologies.
Main Results:
- Cost and technical capacity were primary considerations for nitrogen reduction.
- Additional critical factors included maintenance, monitoring, comparison to sewering, co-benefits, risk, community culture, public engagement, permitting, and siting.
- These additional factors significantly impact the installation, permitting, and social acceptance of alternative technologies.
Conclusions:
- Successful implementation of alternative nitrogen mitigation technologies requires addressing a wide range of logistical, social, and regulatory factors beyond initial cost and technical feasibility.
- Insights gained from this study offer valuable guidance for other coastal areas navigating nutrient management decisions.
- A holistic approach considering diverse stakeholder perspectives and practical implementation challenges is essential for effective water quality improvement.
