Wastewater Lagoons in a Cold Climate

Abstract

Severe climate, intermittent rivers and availability of land make facultative lagoon systems the method of choice in treating primarily domestic sewage from smaller municipalities. The lagoons are designed on a recommended maximum load of 55 kgBOD5/ha d to first cell, while the second cell provides storage. The discharge is twice annually and the occurrence of the spring ice break-up odor period is one of the primary criteria limiting this load. Based on full scale performance data, it is demonstrated that, from the standpoint of odor nuisance, the load to the first cell should be kept equal to or less than 35 kg/ha d. Full scale studies of an overloaded lagoon system show the futility of under-ice aeration for odor control. Mechanism of natural odor control during ice break up is elucidated. Upgrading of the overloaded systems or lagoons receiving significant industrial contribution is best achieved by construction of a 3–5 m deep aerated lagoon preceding the two or more facultative cells in series.

On the hydrodynamics and treatment efficiency of waste stabilisation ponds: From a literature review to a strategic evaluation framework

“…In fact, regions with distinct seasons (cold winters and warm summers) and extreme climate conditions, such as the continental climate zones, equally appreciate WSPs in wastewater treatment (Heaven and Banks, 2005;Heinke et al, 1991;Price et al, 1995;Ragush et al, 2015;Rockne and Brezonik, 2006;Tilsworth and Smith, 1984;Whalley et al, 2012;Whalley et al, 2007). There have been studies reporting on the performance of WSPs in cold climate regions since 1940s (Banks et al, 2003; Heaven Heaven et al, 2011;Liu et al, 2015;Oleszkiewicz and Sparling, 1987;Prince et al, 1995;Zhang et al, 2013). WSPs in these regions experience an average annual air temperature as low as -12ºC, with extremes of -59 ºC in cold winters to ºC in hot summers (Tilsworth and Smith, 1984).…”

“…temperature extremes from -45 ºC to 40 ºC, with an average annual temperature of 2.5 ºC (Oleszkiewicz and Sparling, 1987); mean annual precipitation 100-5080 mm; mean annual snowfall 510 -5720 mm (Tilsworth and Smith, 1984); ice cover can last 5-6 months from October to March with a thickness of 0.8 m to 1.2 m; substantial changes in daylight hours from 16 hours in summer to 8 hours in winter (Price et al, 1995); basic pond type composition:…”

Performance of municipal waste stabilization ponds in the Canadian Arctic

“…The characteristic foul odors associated with anaerobic system was also detected throughout the treatment season. Odors associated with anaerobic activity are reportedly from the volatile fatty acids, mercaptans and gaseous hydrogen sulfide from the anaerobic degradation (Oleszkiewicz and Sparling, 1987). In contrast, in 2011, the WSPs in Pond Inlet and Grise Fiord both were found to be supersaturated with DO and have elevated pH levels suggesting that WSPs in the Arctic can be facultative, and even aerobic, for parts of the treatment season if properly designed, and favorable weather conditions occur.…”