Robust optimization approach to regional wastewater system planning

Wastewater systems are subject to several sources of uncertainty. Different scenarios can occur in the future, depending on the behavior of a variety of demographic, economic, environmental, and technological variables. Robust optimization approaches are aimed at finding solutions that will perform well under any likely scenario. The planning decisions to be made about wastewater system planning involve two main issues: the setup and operation costs of sewer networks, treatment plants, and possible pump stations; and the water quality parameters to be met in the water body where the (treated) wastewater is discharged. The source of uncertainty considered in this article is the flow of the river that receives the wastewater generated in a given region. Three robust optimization models for regional wastewater system planning are proposed. The models are solved using a simulated annealing algorithm enhanced with a local improvement procedure. Their application is illustrated through a case study representing a real-world situation, with the results being compared and commented upon. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.