CTS Webinar: Evaluating Options for Wastewater Treatment at Rest Areas and Truck Stations

About the Webinar

The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) is responsible for 52 safety rest areas and truck stations across Minnesota that are served by subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS). Managing these SSTS is an important activity, and a better understanding of the functionality and treatment of these systems is critical for the agency.  

This webinar highlighted a U of M research project that aimed to better understand the treatment occurring in SSTS and the impacts of wastewater on groundwater systems, soil, and vegetation. The study included evaluations of groundwater mounding, septic tank performance, and related waste streams (such as wash-down water from salt trucks). 

Attendees also learned about current and future applications of wastewater treatment from MnDOT.

The webinar was held in conjunction with a CTS Environment and Energy in Transportation Research Council meeting.

Event Materials

• Webinar recording
• Heger's presentation slides (PDF)

Speakers

Sara Heger is a research associate in the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota and an adjunct assistant professor in the U's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering. She has been conducting research and providing education and technical assistance to homeowners, small communities, onsite professionals, and local units of government regarding decentralized onsite wastewater treatment for more than 20 years.

Neile Reider is a principal engineer in the Water Services Unit at MnDOT.

Credit

Attendees are eligible for Professional Development Hours (PDHs) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification maintenance credits.