Decentralized management of sewage solutions in Brazil: conceptual/regulatory aspects and technological alternatives

Abstract

Adoption of decentralized systems is an alternative for sewage treatment even in the face of hardships in regions not covered by centralized systems. Nevertheless, the discussion on the approach of decentralized systems in terms of regulatory frameworks is still incipient. Therefore, this study aimed at investigating the decentralized systems application in Brazil, as well as discussing the management of these systems in the light of legislation. Firstly, the ideal conditions of decentralized systems were evaluated based on a comprehensive literature review. Afterwards a documentary analysis of sanitation legislation was carried out beyond its interfaces with decentralized management. The more indicated technological alternatives were evaluated by using data from sewage treatment plants (STPs) in Brazil according to the National Water and Sanitation Agency (ANA). At last, a document analysis of the legal landmark and its interfaces with decentralized systems management was carried out. In Brazil it was verified that the most useful decentralized systems were UASB reactors and septic tanks followed by anaerobic filters (ST+AF), although the responsible for the decentralized systems are scarcely defined. At the state level in Brazil only two states have guidelines that define responsibilities for the management of decentralized systems. In addition, only three states located in the regions Southeast and South have regulations for decentralized systems in locations where sewage collection networks are absent. It could be concluded that is required more efforts to expand sanitation services especially in rural and periurban areas, as well as in an area of difficult access. In this context the combination between centralized and decentralized systems could be a proper alternative to overcome the deficit in sanitation.