Alfred State students present septic tank models to Allegany County Department of Health | Allegany County

ALFRED – Five groups of Alfred State civil engineering students presented septic tank models and posters to a group of four representatives from the Allegany County Health Department.

Each group, consisting of four or five students, was tasked with building a tabletop clarification system along with a poster detailing how the system works and its role as a significant source of groundwater contamination. Students took the theoretical explanations they learned in class and applied them to the practical project.

Emily Owczararzak, environmental health director for the Allegany County Department of Health (ACDOH), saw this as a great opportunity to work with Alfred State. “The students gained hands-on experience designing and building a working wastewater system, while the ACDOH received amazing models to use for future educational events. Students learned that poorly functioning wastewater systems can pose a major threat to public health because they can lead to drinking water contamination, among a host of other problems.”

“The students had an invaluable practical experience by combining the theoretical concepts discussed in class with practical application,” explained Dr. Maryam Tabatabaei, civil engineer. “By constructing tabletop models of septic tank systems, students deepened their understanding of wastewater treatment processes and their impact on the environment.”

Each of the five groups presented and discussed their tabletop systems before answering questions from ACDOH representatives. After the presentations, the group consisting of Connor Grohman, Samuel Korsa, Nery Luna and Nathan Zywiczynski was honored as the winning team.

Tabatabaei continued: “The collaborative nature of the project fostered essential skills in teamwork and leadership. I am grateful for the expertise of the Allegany County Health Department, whose commitment has enhanced the educational impact.”

“The ACDOH hopes to use the students’ models and posters to enhance our outreach capabilities in the coming years,” commented Owczarzak. “We greatly appreciate the time and effort of everyone who contributed to the success of this collaboration.”