Taloyoak, Nunavut—Sewage Treatment Feasibility Study

Abstract

AbstractThe Hamlet of Taloyoak in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut utilizes trucked water distribution, and trucked wastewater collection to provide the community with water services. The wastewater is currently discharged into a natural two pond system for passive wastewater treatment, which flows through a natural wetland before discharging into the ocean. Concerns were raised by regulators and the community about this wastewater strategy, and in response to these concerns, the Government of Nunavut initiated a wastewater feasibility study to investigate alternative locations and alternative processes for the development of an engineered system. Six potential locations for a new facility were investigated, and four of the sites were eliminated from future consideration. An advanced reconnaissance program was completed on the two remaining sites which included a topographic survey, a geotechnical investigation, an ecological investigation of the wetland. This additional site information was applied to an analysis for the development of a wastewater system on the sites, along with the potential treatment processes, that included a passive lagoon system, an aerated lagoon system and a mechanical treatment system. A passive facultative lagoon system with a single cell lagoon and supplemental wetland system was selected as the most appropriate technology that would meet the effluent quality standards in the community’s water licence. The screening of the potential sites favoured Sites 3 and 4, and ultimately Site 4 was selected for the facility.