Management of Tundra Wastewater Treatment Wetlands within a Lagoon/Wetland Hybridized Treatment System Using the SubWet 2.0 Wetland Model

Abstract

Abstract:The benefits provided by natural (e.g., non-engineered) tundra wetlands for the treatment of municipal wastewater in the Canadian Arctic are largely under-studied and, therefore, undervalued in regard to the treatment service wetlands provide to small remote Arctic communities. In this paper we present case studies on two natural tundra systems which at the time of study had different management practices, in which one consisted of a facultative lake system continuously discharging into a tundra wetland, while the second system had wastewater discharged directly into a tundra wetland. We also examine the utility of the SubWet 2.0 wetland model and how it can be used to: (i) predict the outcomes of management options; and (ii) to assess treatment capacity within individual tundra wetlands to meet future needs associated with population growth and to help municipalities determine the appropriate actions required to achieve the desired level of treatment, both currently, and in a sustainable long-term manner. From this examination we argue that tundra wetlands can significantly augment common treatment practices which rely on waste stabilization ponds, by recognizing the services that wetlands already provide. We OPEN ACCESSWater 2014, 6 440 suggest that treatment targets could be more achievable if tundra wetlands are formally recognized as part of a hybridized treatment system that incorporates the combined benefits of both the waste stabilization pond and the tundra wetland. Under this scenario tundra wetlands would be recognized as part of the treatment process and not as the 'receiving' environment, which is how most tundra wetlands are currently categorized.

Treatment performance assessment and hydrological characterization of an arctic tundra wetland receiving primary treated municipal wastewater

“…In many instances, the wastewater discharge onto the tundra provides the nutrients, hydrological influx, and organic loading needed to form a wetland area (Chouinard et al, 2014). The newly formed tundra wetlands are different from natural arctic wetlands in terms of their hydrology, nutrient availability, vegetation, biogeochemistry, and in some cases drainage.…”

“…Therefore, the collection of sample replicates and comprehensive datasets eligible for statistical analysis is highly constrained. This has led to a lack of understanding of environmental risks, system performance, and treatment mechanisms associated with the treatment systems (Krkosek et al, 2012;Chouinard et al, 2014). In recognition of the unique challenges of wastewater treatment in Canada's Far Northern provinces and territories, an exemption from the WSER was granted for up to five years, to study factors that affect performance of wastewater treatment in northern conditions.…”

Waste Management in Labrador and Northern Communities: Opportunities and Challenges

“…Based upon a literature review of similar climates, we assert that we are the fi rst to conduct a mixed methods study of waste in Labrador, although our project is, of course, motivated by the work of others. Several waste management studies have been conducted in similar climates within Europe, including Greenland (Eistead & Christensen, 2013), Siberia (Starostina, Damgaard, Rechberger, & Christensen, 2014), and other parts of northern Canada (Chouinard et al, 2014). Incineration and open dumping into unlined landfi lls are common practices in these rural regions.…”

Wetlands and Sustainability

“…Some scientists and regulatory agencies object to the use of "natural" wetlands for such use. The paper by Chouinard et al [11] assesses the role of natural tundra wetlands for treatment of municipal wastewater in the Canadian Artic by using a wetland simulation model to predict management option outcomes and treatment capacity. Tao et al [12] review the new use of constructed wetlands to treat combined sewer overflows in European and North American urban areas as opposed to mechanical "grey infrastructure" treatment plants.…”

“…Finally two papers that address the use of natural [11] versus constructed wetlands [12] for water quality treatment. The use of natural, modified, and constructed wetlands is a rapidly growing arena of wetland utilization [13] but not without controversy.…”