Mapping Septic System Vulnerability and Sustainable Sanitation Pathways in Coastal Georgia.
Faculty Mentor
Stetson Rowles
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
On-going
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering & Computing
Department
Civil Engineering and Construction
Abstract
Septic systems are common across coastal and rural Georgia, where environmental conditions can increase the risk of system failure and groundwater contamination. This study applies a geospatial approach that integrates environmental and socioeconomic data to identify septic systems that are most vulnerable along the Georgia coast. Septic system locations are linked with wetlands, flood prone zones, soil characteristics, groundwater depth, land use, and demographic indicators to examine spatial patterns of risk. A geographic information system is used to identify septic systems located within wetlands or within defined buffer distances from wetland boundaries. Flood exposure and environmental constraint variables are combined with land use and population characteristics to classify areas of increased vulnerability. Spatial joins, buffer analysis, and overlay techniques are applied to generate vulnerability maps and summarize conditions across the study area. The results reveal clusters of septic systems in environmentally sensitive areas where flooding, shallow groundwater, and poor soil conditions may reduce treatment effectiveness. These patterns suggest elevated risks to water quality and public health in coastal communities. The resulting maps support planners and public health officials by identifying locations where conventional septic systems may be unsuitable and where alternative or decentralized strategies may offer more resilient solutions.
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 2:00 PM
End Date
4-23-2026 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Zaman, HM Asif Uz, "Mapping Septic System Vulnerability and Sustainable Sanitation Pathways in Coastal Georgia." (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 147.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/147
Mapping Septic System Vulnerability and Sustainable Sanitation Pathways in Coastal Georgia.
Russell Union Ballroom
Septic systems are common across coastal and rural Georgia, where environmental conditions can increase the risk of system failure and groundwater contamination. This study applies a geospatial approach that integrates environmental and socioeconomic data to identify septic systems that are most vulnerable along the Georgia coast. Septic system locations are linked with wetlands, flood prone zones, soil characteristics, groundwater depth, land use, and demographic indicators to examine spatial patterns of risk. A geographic information system is used to identify septic systems located within wetlands or within defined buffer distances from wetland boundaries. Flood exposure and environmental constraint variables are combined with land use and population characteristics to classify areas of increased vulnerability. Spatial joins, buffer analysis, and overlay techniques are applied to generate vulnerability maps and summarize conditions across the study area. The results reveal clusters of septic systems in environmentally sensitive areas where flooding, shallow groundwater, and poor soil conditions may reduce treatment effectiveness. These patterns suggest elevated risks to water quality and public health in coastal communities. The resulting maps support planners and public health officials by identifying locations where conventional septic systems may be unsuitable and where alternative or decentralized strategies may offer more resilient solutions.
