TREATMENT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT AND MODELING OF A SOIL-BASED WASTEWATER TREATMENT SYSTEM IN NORTHERN CANADA

Abstract

Wastewater treatment in northern communities is an ongoing challenging. This research focused on the performance assessment and modeling of a passive soil-based wastewater infiltration system in Fort Good Hope, Northwest Territories. A combination of year-round site-specific field data and physically-based numerical modeling of subsurface contaminant transport was used. The investigations reveal that site conditions allow satisfactory system performance despite harsh operating routines, with accumulation of nitrate in groundwater being the most prominent concern. Wintertime conditions have a significant impact on the system’s hydrodynamics and microbial community structure. Model results indicate that an improved effluent distribution system would be required to avoid system failure from excessive mounding in more restrictive scenarios. Atypical operation routines can exhibit advantages from a hydraulic perspective but decrease pollutant removal efficiency compared to conventional procedures. Ultimately, the research findings contribute to addressing knowledge gaps related to the use of soil-based wastewater treatment systems in northern regions.