What is a potential consequence of improper installation of a mound system?

Improper installation of a mound system can lead to system failures and environmental contamination, which is a significant concern in wastewater management. Mound systems are designed to treat and disperse effluent from on-site sewage systems in areas where conventional systems are unsuitable. If the system is not installed correctly—whether due to inadequate soil analysis, improper sizing, or insufficient maintenance—there can be a variety of negative outcomes.

System failures may manifest as backup of sewage, untreated wastewater surfacing, or inefficient filtration, all of which can result in the effluent not being properly treated before entering the environment. This can lead to contamination of groundwater and surface water sources, which poses a health risk to the community and can harm local ecosystems. Furthermore, such contamination can lead to regulatory penalties, necessitating costly repairs or even complete system replacement.

In contrast, the other options do not reflect the serious consequences linked to improper installation of mound systems. Increased energy consumption and excessive noise pollution are not typically associated with mound systems. Similarly, improper installation would not lead to higher property values; instead, it can significantly reduce property desirability due to health and environmental concerns.