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An Integer Programming Analysis of the Regionalization of Large Wastewater Treatment and Collection Systems
Author(s) -
Leighton Jeffrey P.,
Shoemaker Christine A.
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
water resources research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.863
H-Index - 217
eISSN - 1944-7973
pISSN - 0043-1397
DOI - 10.1029/wr020i006p00671
Subject(s) - integer programming , wastewater , mathematical optimization , linear programming , effluent , flow network , groundwater recharge , environmental science , node (physics) , computer science , environmental engineering , engineering , groundwater , mathematics , aquifer , geotechnical engineering , structural engineering
An optimization procedure is described that can serve to identify attractive regionalization plans for large wastewater treatment and collection systems. Potential expansion of facilities in Western Suffolk County, Long Island, New York is considered. A mixed integer programming approach is utilized. Each system element cost, taken as a function of wastewater flow, is represented by a linear variable cost plus a fixed cost. The objective is to minimize total cost while ensuring that all wastewater flow generated is treated. Political and administrative feasibility and the location of effluent discharge constrain the model. The Long Island problem is too large to be solved with a standard formulation of wastewater network as a mixed integer programming problem. To improve computational efficiency, additional constraints are introduced on the minimum flow in each pipe and on the number of pipes leaving each node. Network configurations obtained for Western Suffolk County show that limiting development plans to 201 regions is not cost effective. Regional solutions indicate a general trade‐off between lower costs for coastal discharge and increased groundwater recharge.