《万象公共废水形势分析 paper42》.pdf

Urban Wastewater and Sanitation Situation in Vientiane, Lao PDR Phengkhamla Phonvisai Pollution Control Division, Department of Environment Water Resources and Environment Administration E-mail: phonvisai@ Abstract Rural to urban migration, tourism and industrial sector growth have significantly contributed to increased waste production, both liquid and solid. Wastewater treatment needs more attention in urban environment. In Vientiane, water and sanitation management in the urban area is experiencing stagnant pollution. Unsanitary conditions and threat of seasonal pollution in selected spots is likely to occur and increase with the growing urban population. The sanitation system entails an on–site disposal of human waste without introduction of full water-borne sewerage with treatment facility and safe disposal arrangement. The majorities of households relies on water flush latrines and are connected to a pit or chamber for containment of excreta. However, due to the low permeability of the soil and the high groundwater table around Vientiane, many soak-a-ways fail to operate effectively resulting in discharge of sewage from tanks into drainage channels or low lying areas. This results in polluted effluent overflows, environmental degradation and health hazards. Keywords: Urban Wastewater Discharge, Sanitation, Environmental Policy, Vientiane Capital City, Lao PDR Introduction Urbanization is one of the most important demographic trends of the twenty-first century, and growth has been particularly rapid in low-income countries. The majority of urban growth is associated with rapid expansion and development of small urban centers. Much growth is unplanned