Manitoba community transforms obsolete lagoon into a healthy wetland
Ducks Unlimited Canada is celebrating World Wetlands Day by highlighting a success story in Niverville, Man.
In 2007, the growing town was faced with the task of decommissioning its old lagoon wastewater system in favour of a more modern one.
"One of the challenges they had, there was approximately 53,000 tons of bio-solid material that would have had to have been removed," said Lisette Ross, head of Wetland Services for Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Native Plant Solutions.
She said often in these cases, bio-solid materials are physically removed by truck and spread out over farmlands to provide nutrients. However, a lack of available land in the area ruled out that option for Niverville.
"They, I think at that time, knew about the possibilities of remediating bio-solids in place, and they reached out to us," said Ross.
Ducks Unlimited partnered with the town, using plants native to the area to remove contaminants from the hazardous materials in a process called "bioremediation."
"We use plant systems to help us break down those products and turn them into something that is much safer," Ross said.
It was the first project of its kind in North America. The process took more than ten years, and was considered a success.
The remediated lagoon system was turned into safe, beautiful wetlands. It has now become an extension of an existing park system and a popular birdwatching area.
Ross said the experimental process turned out to be a lot cheaper than the traditional methods of decommissioning a wastewater lagoon, coming in at around $750,000.
She hopes Niverville's willingness to try a new approach will help other communities see the value of wetlands.
"They really have a valuable place on our landscape, whether they're a constructed system or a natural system," said Ross.
-with files from CTV's Kimberly Wertman
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.