P-14 - The Vieques Septic Systems Project

Abstract: Nina Espinosa, Jorge L.¹ and ² Márquez D’Acunti, Lirio

¹Department of Natural and Environmental Resources Water Quality Area

²The Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust

jorgenina9567@gmail.com liriomarquez@gmail.com

In September 2013, the Vieques Conservation and Historical Trust (VCHT) received grant funding from U.S. EPA to survey the status of old decaying septic systems, which discharge into the nearby creeks and ocean in five densely populated waterfront neighbourhoods on north coast of Vieques, P.R. The research objectives were to educate low-income residents about the potential water pollution and public health threats posed by the deteriorated septic systems on the local water bodies surrounding the affected communities. In addition, we need to increase public awareness of arbovirus diseases like dengue, chikungunya and zika and develop recommendations for future to remedy the situation. Were conducted to inform the community of the project, educate about the health risks presented by septic systems that are not working properly, educate about how to properly construct and maintain a septic system, educate about modern technology for septic systems or alternatives to traditional systems. Field observations and measurements were used to identify the conditions of those systems to which we were provided access. Maps were created presenting various proposed solution alternatives, specific to the characteristics of the communities Tortuguero, Lucila Franco, Monte Santo Playa, Morropó and Bravos de Boston. The field study was carried out from April to June 2015 to June 2018. The goals of the project were producing an inventory of septic tanks located on the north shore of Vieques in five communities, educate the community regarding the proper maintenance of their existing septic systems, the proper way to build a new septic system, new technologies available and improvement public health of the communities.



Keywords: Septic systems, public health, water pollution