Wastewater Assessment for Manufactured Home Communities
Project Overview
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Division of Water (DOW) has received EPA funding to assess the conditions of wastewater and drinking water infrastructure in Delaware's manufactured home communities (MHCs). The goal of the project is to identify communities that may need a more detailed evaluation and/or assistance in developing solutions to improve conditions.
Background info:
• Delaware has over 170 MHCs -- some may have outdated or failing infrastructure.
• Because some systems may pre-date permitting requirements, their condition and locations are not well-documented.
• An assessment of systems and open communication between tenants, community owners, and DNREC are necessary to identify potential steps to resolve existing issues and improve the conditions in the community.
• This project is focused on identifying needed improvements and is and is not focused on regulatory enforcement ; DNREC will seek compliance as needed.
• When all parties work together, they can make progress toward safer and healthier living conditions.
• DOW has contracted with Verdantas, a Delaware engineering, environmental science consulting firm, to conduct this assessment .
Why This Work is Important
This project tackles issues in mobile home communities where infrastructure has degraded over time for a variety of reasons. Failing or outdated systems can harm people's health and degrade the environment. By assessing these systems, engaging with owners, operators, and residents, estimating the costs for improvements, and identifying potential funding sources for the needed repairs, this project aims to create safer and healthier neighborhoods. The ultimate goal is to enhance living conditions for all and safeguard our water resources for future generations.
What They're Planning
The four-step plan focuses on assessing conditions, and where needed, identifying potential actions for improving water systems in underserved communities:
Step 1: Gather Information
• Learn about the communities and wastewater systems using public records.
• Organize the data by filling out checklists. Information being collected includes:
o Location and size of community
o Type, size and age of water system(s)
o Field observations of systems and other environmental issues.
• Visit communities to gather additional information on wastewater and water systems.
Step 2: Set Priorities
• Determine the level of benefit for each community.
Step 3: Connect with Communities
• Share information with owners, operators, and residents about the condition of their systems.
Step 4: Address Problems
• Identify available technical and financial resources to assist priority communities.
• Plan short- and long-term solutions with community owners.
What You Can Expect
• Contact from Verdantas about visiting your MHC.
• Teams of Verdantas staff in your community collecting information.
• Follow up contacts to share information about your MHC.
Wastewater Assessment for Manufactured Home Communities Power Point
FSMHA Concerns
- Infrastructure Condition: Concerns about the current state of wastewater and drinking water systems, especially if they are outdated or failing.
- Documentation: Worries about the lack of documentation for systems that pre-date permitting requirements, which could complicate the assessment process.
- Compliance: Although the project is not focused on regulatory enforcement, there might be concerns about potential compliance issues that could arise from the assessment.
- Costs: Concerns about the financial implications of necessary improvements and whether funding sources will be available to cover these costs.
- Disruption: Potential disruptions caused by visits from Verdantas staff and the assessment process itself.
- Communication: Want communication chain to be from DNREC to Owners, Owners to Tenants. So Owners can put in their own words.
For more information or questions about this project contact Savanna Chessher (Division of Water’s Community Liaison ) at Savanna.Chessher@delaware.gov