City of Wetaskiwin
Wastewater Lagoon Action Plan

Project Description

The City of Wetaskiwin wastewater treatment system consists of an aerated lagoon facility with nine cells:

• Two complete-mix cells

• Two partially-mixed cells

• One aerated polishing cell

• Four storage cells

Treated effluent from the Wetaskiwin lagoon is discharged twice annually to a tributary creek of Battle River, once during the spring and once during the fall. The City is required to report treated effluent quality both provincially and federally though Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) and Environment Canada, respectively.

The City of Wetaskiwin has historically had several challenges with wastewater quality at the lagoon. These challenges came to the forefront in the spring of 2015 as effluent discharge results indicated high levels of un-ionized ammonia and pH, as well as showed failed acute lethality testing. This project developed an Action Plan to address the immediate wastewater effluent quality and addressed the immediate effluent quality issues which included:

• Detailed wastewater sampling program

• Installation of polishing aeration equipment

• Detailed discharge plan for next discharge period

• Coordination with ESRD & Environment Canada representatives

Project Challenges

• Many levels of uncertainty and several project variables

• Quick timeline

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