CSA W203:19 (R2024)

Description

Preface This is the first edition of CSA W203, Planning, design, operation, and maintenance of wastewater treatment in northern communities using lagoon and wetland systems. Although this Standard is intended to be comprehensive, specific agencies may need to refine procedures as appropriate for their own usage. The Standard was developed through the collaboration from many knowledgeable experts and representatives from Canada’s territorial governments and the private sector. CSA Group received funding for the development of this Guideline from the Standards Council of Canada, as part of the Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative with input from the Northern Advisory Committee (NAC). This Standard was developed by the Subcommittee on Wastewater Treatment in Northern Communities Using Lagoon and Wetland Systems, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Northern Water, Wastewater and Stormwater and the Strategic Steering Committee on Natural Resources, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. Scope and application 1.1 Scope This Standard specifically addresses the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of intermittent/seasonal discharge lagoon and wetland systems that are most appropriate for use in Northern regions, where effluent discharge is either difficult or not possible in colder months. 1.2 Application In this Standard, the North is considered above the 54th parallel. It can also apply in communities where the same challenges, such as extreme climatic conditions and remoteness, appear. This Standard applies across Northern Canada to all municipal wastewater lagoons and wetlands used for the treatment of municipal wastewater from a) cities, towns, villages, hamlets, settlements, community governments, and unorganized communities; and b) any site deemed in the public’s interest by a regulatory authority. WTAs should only be considered in remote northern environments where costs and feasibility are prohibitive for the use of constructed wetlands. 1.3 Exclusions This Standard does not address mechanical aeration of lagoon systems, natural lakes, and exfiltration lagoons. 1.4 Terminology In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and “can” is used to express possibility or capability. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.