“Bringing Sanitation Equity to Alabama’s Black Belt: A Civil Rights Struggle”
The battle for effective sanitation in minority communities in Lowndes County, Alabama, has taken a significant step forward with the installation of advanced septic systems by nonprofit organizations like Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Projects. Sherry Bradley, the founder of the organization, has been at the forefront of this effort, bringing solutions to impoverished areas in the Black Belt region.
The installation of these systems comes after a civil rights investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice into whether the state of Alabama was discriminating against Black residents by not providing adequate wastewater treatment options. While the state’s response has been slow, nonprofit groups like Bradley’s have stepped in to provide solutions where they can.
The Fuji Clean septic systems being installed in Lowndes County are designed to handle the difficult soil conditions in the area. These systems go through a three-stage filtration process before discharging the water underground. The cost of these systems can be as high as $28,000, but grant funding has helped to cover the installation costs.
In addition to installing the systems, Bradley’s nonprofit is also setting up infrastructure for long-term maintenance. Homeowners are charged a nominal fee of $20 a month for maintenance, and the nonprofit is providing jobs and training for local residents in plumbing and electrical work.
The state of Alabama has also made progress in addressing the sanitation issues in Lowndes County. The Department of Public Health has signed agreements with nonprofit organizations to begin installing systems, and soil testing is underway to determine the best fit for each property. The state is also exploring cluster systems that serve multiple homes.
The attention on Lowndes County’s sanitation issues was sparked by reports of hookworm infections in the area. While subsequent studies have not found evidence of hookworm, the presence of raw sewage on the ground poses significant health risks. The installation of advanced septic systems is a crucial step in addressing these issues and ensuring the health and well-being of residents in the Black Belt region.
Overall, the efforts of nonprofit organizations like Black Belt Unincorporated Wastewater Projects, combined with the state’s response, are making significant strides in improving sanitation equity in rural Alabama. The installation of advanced septic systems is a crucial step towards addressing long-standing sanitation issues in minority communities and ensuring a healthier future for residents in the Black Belt region.