There are many different options available to treat wastewater. Some require highly trained operators, some require large amounts of chemicals, and some require expensive equipment. Sometimes, however, the simplest approach can work just as well. Constructed wetlands are an innovative and inexpensive treatment approach that have proven to be a viable wastewater treatment option. They work by mimicking the filtration processes of natural wetlands, effectively removing contaminants from wastewater.
Constructed wetlands have been used to effectively treat a wide range of contaminated waters, including stormwater runoff from industrial and commercial sites, surface water containing explosive residues, airport deicing fluid, acid mine drainage from a Superfund site, landfill leachate, and groundwater containing BTEX and PAHs.
There are many reasons to consider a constructed wetland as a treatment option. Besides lower operation, maintenance, and capitals costs versus a traditional wastewater treatment system, another benefit is that creation of an aesthetically pleasing treatment system attracts positive public interest. However, the best reason to consider a constructed wetland is that they have been proven to work in a variety of situations with a variety of pollutants.
There are limitations that must be accounted for when using a constructed wetland. These include temperature and fluctuations in flow. However, if these limitations are considered and accounted for during the design process, a constructed wetland can be successfully implemented in a variety of locations and climates.
At Smith Management Group, our goal is to help you find the best solution to fit your needs. This means thinking outside the box to consider all ideas and options.
Sources:
Constructed Wetlands: Passive Systems for Wastewater Treatment http://www.epa.gov/swertio1/download/remed/constructed_wetlands.pdf
Pilot Constructed Wetlands Project http://www.nhcgov.com/Environmental/Pages/Wetlands.aspx