ROSSBURN LAGOON
Rossburn’s wastewater lagoon is a valuable asset of the Municipality that is a natural, effective and environmentally friendly way to break down and treat wastewater from the Municipality’s residences. The lagoon is a properly designed and constructed large pond structure into which sewage or effluent from the Town’s sewage system flows as well as sewage that is dumped from septic haulers in the rural area.
The lagoon is designed so heavy material sinks to the bottom and is digested by naturally occurring bacteria. The sun and wind play an important role in the working of the lagoon; they provide light, warmth and oxygen necessary for the growth of the bacteria that breaks down the sewage and effluent in the water. The wind helps with the evaporation of the water and serves to get oxygen into the water. It also creates waves which help stop insects from breeding and living in the water.
For a lagoon to be able to break down the sewage or effluent properly it must be maintained, tested, and any overflow waters safely released. The Rossburn Lagoon is comprised of three cells to hold wastewater at various stages of treatment prior to release. Treated water can only be released during a specific time frame, and only once provincially regulated BOD (biochemical oxygen demand) counts and tests meet or exceed specified levels. Rossburn’s Utility Operator is licensed and certified to safely operate and maintain the Lagoon and ensure compliance with our provincial operating license and federal requirements, while providing the important service of wastewater treatment.
Lagoon maintenance is easier, if the following precautions are taken:
1.Keep the berms (outside and inside) mowed. Do not allow trees and tall vegetation to grow in the lagoon and on the banks or surrounding area which would stop the sun and wind action needed by the lagoon.
2.The lagoon land area should be enclosed by a fence to keep people and animals safely out.
3.The lagoon is not a trash dump. Do not allow garbage or debris to get into the lagoon.
4.Do not allow paints, paint thinner or large quantities of chemicals to flow to the lagoon. Use of chlorine bleach in laundry and small amounts of household cleaners is ok.
5.Only flush toilet paper never flush wipes or paper towels, as these get stuck in valves and then must be removed which is difficult and costly.
