Constructed Wetlands for Feedlot Runoff Treatment MSAA Workshop

Constructed Wetlands for Feedlot Runoff Treatment MSAA Workshop February 2001

Acknowledgements Canada- Manitoba Agreement on Agricultural Sustainability (Green Plan) u Cooperators: u – Mr. M. Friesen, and Mr. T. Jonsson u Manitoba Agriculture u Manitoba Environment u Ducks Unlimited Canada u PFRA

Project Objectives u develop two constructed wetland projects to treat feedlot runoff u evaluate performance in treating runoff u evaluate design, cost, construction, and operation in comparison to other treatment options u assess potential for adoption of treatment wetland technology in Agro-Manitoba

Projects u Site 1 - near Riverton – 300 head cow-calf operation plus finishing – runoff flows into Lake Winnipeg u Site 2 - near L. Manitoba Narrows – 1500 head beef feedlot operation – runoff flows into Lake Manitoba

Site 1: Constructed Wetland

Deep Zones u Deep – – – Zones dispersion of influent prevents short circuiting solids storage atmospheric re-aeration fish and wildlife habitat

Site 2: Constructed Wetland Drain Feedlot Drain Wetland Cells Lake Manitoba Holding Pond Emergency Overflow

Site 2

Wetland Control Outlet

Design Considerations u set targets for pollutant reduction u configuration and size u requirements for runoff storage u pumping requirements u siting and setback restrictions

Raw Runoff Quality

Preliminary Wetland Size Calculation Sheet

Site 1 Wetland Performance

TSS - Site 1 Wetland

BOD 5 - Site 2 Wetland

Site 2 Wetland Performance

Ammonia - Site 2 Wetland Apr 2000 - 18. 6 mg/L

Phosphorus - Site 2 Wetland

What are the Results telling us ? u Treatment is effective u Approaching wetland background levels for NH 3, BOD, TSS u Generally meeting municipal discharge criteria u Holding Pond may be providing significant treatment in dry years

Major Cost Considerations u wetland storage pond lining u availability and depth to clay u presence of organic soils u requirements for pumping - topography u complexity of water control u vegetation establishment u land - project sizing and excavation costs u muskrat control

Summary u Two projects built u Wetlands performing well u Holding Pond may provide significant treatment in dry years u Muskrats can be a problem u Monitoring continuing