In the context of on-site/decentralized wastewater treatment systems, a cluster system consists of two or more individual residences or other facilities that have a common collection network and place of re-use or re-use/dispersal at or near the point of wastewater generation. This project will create a manual on the "Evaluation of Approaches to Planning and Management of Cluster Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems."

The objective of this Cluster Manual is to help overcome existing barriers to widespread implementation by presenting factual information on how cluster systems can be planned and implemented, including case studies, and examples of cluster system successes and unmet challenges. Examples of techniques that can both realize synergies with existing regional infrastructure / planning efforts and streamline the path to optimized, sustainable community-wide comprehensive plans will be provided. The project will address:

• Methodologies for determining existing wastewater needs and future decentralized wastewater capacity.
• Management and institutional issues & constraints
• Viable technologies and technology options.

The project will focus on cluster system development for the following types of cluster systems:

• Small cluster systems (under 2,000 gpd)
• Medium cluster systems (2,000 - 10,000 gpd)
• Large cluster systems (10,000 - 50,000 gpd)
• Very large cluster systems (over 50,000 gpd)

Cluster systems for new developments and repair/replacement of existing wastewater systems will also be reviewed.