The link to “Smart Growth”


In recent years, some states have begun to develop systems for encouraging “smart growth.” These systems typically encourage efficient, compact development as an antidote to sprawl and the associated environmental harm and economic inefficiency. Many of these systems are built on the recognition that intelligent wastewater planning can support smart growth, and that shortsighted wastewater planning can actually undermine smart growth by encouraging and subsidizing sprawling development patterns. Some cities are now deciding where they want growth to occur and prohibiting the extension of sewer lines into other areas.

The South Carolina Coastal Conservation League has been a national leader in illustrating the importance of linking wastewater planning to land use planning, and EPA’s SRF office has developed fact sheets to explain the link to smart growth.

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