Planning methodology for the design of regional waste water treatment systems

Abstract

A regional model is developed to consider the trade‐off between economies of scale inherent in waste water treatment plants and added pipe network collection costs. The resulting mixed integer programing model relies on piecewise linear approximations of concave cost curves and incorporates capacity limits dictated by maximum tolerable environmental impact at potential treatment plant sites. Cost savings possible for a region consisting of the central portion of Dane County, Wisconsin, are demonstrated.