Year of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Name

Resource Conservation

Department or School/College

Department of Society and Conservation

Committee Chair

Dr. Sarah J. Halvorson

Commitee Members

Kyle Bocinsky, Nanette Nelson

Keywords

water infrastructure, wastewater infrastructure, water quality, misinformation, risk perception theory, thematic analysis

Subject Categories

Infrastructure

Abstract

Wastewater infrastructure is a necessary component for societies to manage human waste and to maintain public health. At the same time, wastewater infrastructure is intricately tied to land use and development. Two primary types of wastewater infrastructure – septic systems and sewer systems – reflect and influence land use and development through density, mirroring the spectrum of rural and urban land use. In Seeley Lake, Montana, groundwater pollution in the form of nitrates is stemming from aging septic systems in the heart of the town. Stakeholders involved in water management aimed to address the issue by constructing a centralized wastewater treatment plant and sewer system to replace the town’s decentralized septic systems. Two attempts to levy bonds for construction were put to vote in 2016 and in 2021, yet the town of Seeley Lake voted against the bonds, thereby leaving an unresolved groundwater pollution problem. Drawing upon risk perception theory, this thesis presents a case study which examines social risk factors related to wastewater infrastructure dynamics in the rural community of Seeley Lake. Using document analysis, narrative summaries, and interpreted thematic data, the study reveals the perceived risks of two examined groups: 1) the experts and 2) the public. The analysis of perceived risks of each group presents convergences and divergences in perspectives on the proposed implementation of a sewer system to replace septic systems in the community.

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