WCW26

Lagoons remain the backbone of wastewater treatment infrastructure for many small and medium sized prairie communities due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, meeting increasingly stringent effluent nutrient limits, especially during cold weather, poses a significant challenge at lagoon facilities. This presentation explores approaches to post-lagoon nitrification, ammonia and phosphorus removal tailored to the unique climatic and operational constraints of the Canadian prairies. We draw on recent experience on advanced lagoon system projects including implementing post-lagoon moving bed bioreactors (MBBRs) to examine how nutrient removal unit processes can be retrofitted to existing lagoons and function effectively in low temperatures. The session will highlight practical design considerations and lessons learned.