Johnson, Daniel P.Hanson, Brian L.Lulla, VijayBein, Frederick L.2019-06-032019-06-032019-04https://hdl.handle.net/1805/19510http://dx.doi.org/10.7912/C2/795Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)Underground septic systems thrive or fail based on the relationship with their local environment. This paper explores ways environmental variables such as soil type, tree roots, degree of slope, and impervious surfaces affect on-site wastewater treatment systems. It also discusses the effects each of these variables may have on a septic system, and the resulting impact a compromised system may have on the surrounding environment. This research focuses on an approximately 20 square mile area of central Washington Township in Marion County, Indiana. This area of central Indiana contains a large septic system owning population in a sampling of different environments such as wooded areas, hilly areas, and a variety of different soil types.en-USAttribution-NonCommercial 3.0 United Statesseptic systemseptic failuresoil typetree rootsslopedegree of slopeimpervious surfacesenvironmentenvironmental variablesenvironmental factorson-site wastewater treatment systemWashington TownshipMarion CountyBroad RippleLiDARTree Canopysoilprocessed soilMiamiCrosbyBrookstonGeneseeHennepinflood plainoutwashglacial tillparcelproperty parcelseptic tankeffluentdrain fieldbiomatpercolationdrainagewater tablesewagerun-offpollutionnutrient pollutionnitrogenphosphorusbody of waterhome ownerThesis