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Fernie, BC Wastewater Lagoon Survey: Accurate Sludge Mapping to Guide Dredging and Aeration System Assessment

Identify whether dredging in cells 1 and 2 was necessary and determine sludge volume and composition for dredge project budgeting.

Client’s Challenges:

 

Hydrasurvey conducted lagoon surveys in two aerated cells at the town of Fernie, BC's wastewater lagoon.

  • The bathymetric sludge surveys determined the in-situ sludge volume, dry tonnes of sludge, sludge composition and showed the influence of the aeration system on the sludge, which allowed contractors to provide accurate pricing to dredge the cells.

  • The lagoon sludge survey also showed a possible restriction issue with the aeration in cell 2. A localized build-up of sludge in cell 2 appeared to be burying aeration diffusers and causing more of a sludge build-up near the cell inlet. This allowed the town to specifically assess the aeration in that particular area of the pond.

Hydrasurvey’s Solution:

Aerial view of a landscape with a river on the left, surrounded by dense forest and a park with sports fields, some of which have colorful markings, and a narrow waterbody running through it.
A landscape with a mountain range and a cloudy sky, featuring a small pond or water collection system covered with black plastic and white foam insulation, with parked vehicles and equipment nearby.