10.2190/3DNQ-YQ58-2WL5-8CVE 3DNQYQ582WL58CVE 4 Factors Limiting the Acceptance and Use of Innovative Environmental Technologies: A Case Study of the Solar Aquatics System™ (Sas) Technology For Wastewater Treatment 163 170 20020509 20020509 20020509 20020509 3DNQYQ582WL58CVE.pdf http://baywood.metapress.com/link.asp?target=contribution&id=3DNQYQ582WL58CVE 2 Jennie Catherine Stephens Harvard University This article presents the conclusions of a recent study analyzing the factors limiting the acceptance and use of an innovative environmental technology, the solar aquatic system™ (SAS), a wastewater treatment design based on artificial wetlands and aquaculture systems enclosed in a greenhouse. the conclusions of that study are applied directly to the consideration of factors limiting the acceptance and use of other innovative environmental technologies. Since environmental benefits associated with innovative environmental technologies are difficult to assess and value, increased use and acceptance of these technologies depend upon 1) explicit evidence of tangible environmental benefits, 2) standardization of innovative design, 3) increased public awareness of innovative designs through technology promotion efforts, and 4) increased ecological education to give the public the information needed to assess the value of the environmental benefits associated with innovative environmental technologies. Ecological Engineering Associates (EEA), <i>General Informational Packet</i>, 13 Marconi Lane, Marion, MA 02738. 1996a. Ecological Engineering Associates (EEA), <i>Narrative Description of the Solar Aquatic Process</i>, Informational Handout, 13 Marconi Lane, Marion, MA 02738. 1996b. S. Peterson and B. Strong, Ecological Engineering for Wastewater Treatment, <i>US Water News</i>, p. 7, April 1993. G. MacStephen, Natural Systems Specialist, Icon Systems Limited. 45 Green Belt Drive, Don Mills, Ontario, Canada M3C 3K3, personal communication, November 7, 1996. K. R. Imhoff, M. Olthof, and P. A. Krenkel, <i>Karl Imhoff's Handbook of Drainage and Wastewater Disposal</i>, John Wiley & Sons, New York, 1989. M. Farrell, Purifying Wastewater in Greenhouses, <i>BioCycle, 37</i>:1, p. 30, January 1996. L. Leue, Facility Operator, Ashfield Solar Aquatic Sewage Treatment Facility, Ashfield, Massachusetts, personal communication, November 1, 1996. C. Armstrong, Facility Operator, Bear River Solar Aquatic Wastewater Treatment Facility, Bear River, Nova Scotia, personal communication, November 20, 1996. P. Levy, Adjunct Professor of Environmental Policy and Urban Planning, Department of Urban Studies and Planning, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Cambridge, MA 02139-4307, personal communication, November 14, 1996. K. J. Kornegay, Environmental Engineer, Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., 10521 Rosehaven Street, Fairhaven, VA 22030, personal communication, November 12, November 26, and December 2, 1996. G. Gilmore, Municipal Assistance, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, 1 Winter Street, Boston, MA 02108, personal communication, November 18, 1996. Doctor R. Stavins, Professor of Environmental Economics, J. F. K. School of Government, 79 J. F. Kennedy Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, personal communication, March 17, 1997.