Evaluation of Wastewater Treatment Ponds for Use Along the U.S. / Mexico Border

1. Purpose and Objectives: To evaluate ponds as a low-cost, low-technology method of municipal wastewater treatment under Mexico border climatic conditions; and to provide information for planners and engineers preparing preliminary border project designs.

2. Funding: FY94: $25,000 U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management (OWM)/Municipal Construction Division.

3. Partners: U.S. EPA Office of Wastewater Management, EPA Region 6 & Region 9 and International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC).

4. Description: A technology transfer-style evaluation report will be based upon an independent assessment and summary of available information, and a field trip to border facilities in California, Arizona, and Texas. The report will summarize potential municipal wastewater pollution removal capabilities of conventional stabilization ponds, aerated ponds, and other pond treatment alternatives for municipal wastewater. It will also address operations and maintenance issues; the technology’s applicability to treating domestic, industrial, agricultural, and mixed waste sources; and innovative technologies for retrofitting existing pond systems to increase their efficiency. The report will identify areas of inadequate information and recommend corrective measures. It will be closely coordinated with related EPA efforts to support wastewater treatment improvements in the border region.

5. Status: Project concept approval Spring 1994 Funding Approval Summer 1994 Work Plan Development Sept. 1994 Work Plan Approval Dec. 1994 Final Report Sept. 1995

6. U.S. Contacts: Bob Bastian, US EPA/OWM, (202) 260-7378 Oscar Cabra, U.S. EPA Region 6, (214) 665-7110 Doug Eberhardt, U.S. EPA Region 9, (415) 744-1280