Planning, design, operation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment in northern communities using lagoon and wetland systems

1.1 Scope

This Standard specifically addresses the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of intermittent/seasonal discharge lagoon and wetland systems that are most appropriate for use in Northern regions, where effluent discharge is either difficult or not possible in colder months.

1.2 Application

In this Standard, the North is considered above the 54th parallel. It can also apply in communities where the same challenges, such as extreme climatic conditions and remoteness, appear.

This Standard applies across Northern Canada to all municipal wastewater lagoons and wetlands used for the treatment of municipal wastewater from

a) cities, towns, villages, hamlets, settlements, community governments, and unorganized communities; and

b) any site deemed in the public’s interest by a regulatory authority.

WTAs should only be considered in remote northern environments where costs and feasibility are prohibitive for the use of constructed wetlands.

1.3 Exclusions

This Standard does not address mechanical aeration of lagoon systems, natural lakes, and exfiltration lagoons.

1.4 Terminology

In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and "can" is used to express possibility or capability.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.