Wastewater Lagoon Effluent Optimization

The Township of Russell will evaluate operational and system upgrade options for two municipal lagoon facilities in order to restore capacity and continue meeting provincial wastewater standards, while reducing energy consumption required to operate the system. Effluent ammonia levels have been increasing annually due to a changing climate in which longer periods of low temperature have been experienced prior to spring discharge. By addressing projected effluent quality concerns before they surpass regulatory levels, the Township is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of downstream water bodies and accommodate communal growth with restored and improved capacity. Along with the collection of raw wastewater and effluent data, an analysis of the effect of changes in temperature have on effluent quality will be conducted using past climate data to establish true capacity baseline levels of each facility. Stakeholder consultations will be held with Township staff, the MOECC, and the South Nation Conservation Authority to review conceptual design options based on the findings of data and literature reviews. Options will be evaluated using a triple bottom line approach incorporating criteria such as lifecycle cost, impact on development charges and sewer-use rates, reliability, GHG emissions, and operation and maintenance requirements. Prior attempts to reduce ammonia outputs have included increased use of aeration blowers leading to the doubling of power consumption; to address this, the study will also target options that would reduce energy needs and each facility’s overall carbon footprint. Potential upgrades to be considered include lagoon expansion, moving bed bioreactors, and fixed media bioreactors. The Township of Russell Official Plan (2017) indicates the need for adaptive development in response to climate change and continued protection of the natural environment. The Russell Water and Wastewater Master Plan (2015) concluded that based on an estimated population increase of 6,500 by 2031, current facilities will be in need of process improvements to allow for future growth, which has made this a municipal priority. Additional benefits to the community include deferral of capital expenditures, extension of facility lifespan, decrease in facility operation and maintenance costs, and improvement of public health. The lessons learned from this study on how to improve a lagoon’s capacity while minimizing energy consumption should be useful for the many Canadian municipalities whose lagoon facilities are being affected by a changing climate. Although there is no public consultation aspect planned during the feasibility study portion of the project, the Township intends to present their findings publically upon completion. (Project description from original funding application)