Investigating Sustainable Criteria for Site Selection of Construction WasteWater Treatment Plant: A Case Study in Ho Chi Minh City

This chapter explores the critical factors for selecting sustainable sites for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The study identifies and prioritizes seven highly significant criteria, including proximity to water bodies, human settlements, protected areas, roads, land use/land cover, slope, and soil type. The research employs a combination of literature review, expert consultation, and statistical analysis through the Relative Importance Index (RII) to assess these criteria. The findings underscore the need to balance environmental, social, economic, and geophysical considerations in WWTP planning, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization. The study also discusses the potential impacts of WWTPs on public health, environmental sustainability, and regulatory compliance. Despite its contributions, the research acknowledges limitations, such as the relatively small expert sample size and the lack of consideration for dynamic future changes. Future research could expand the number of experts, incorporate GIS-based spatial analysis, or assess stakeholder engagement to further refine site selection methodologies for wastewater infrastructure.