Cost Benefit Analysis for Cold Climate Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater

Cost Benefit Analysis for Cold Climate Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater

Stauffer, April; Ho, Ivan

Haliburton Highlands Stewardship Council
Host contact: Wooton, Brent

Whillans, Tom
Department: Environmental and Resource Science/Studies

TP-554

2006

U-Links Office and online

Haliburton County

Cost benefit analysis of constructed wetlands

This project undertook a cost-benefit analysis of constructed wetlands as an alternative wastewater treatment system.

Wetlands are one of the principal ecosystems on the planet for recycling the essential elements of life. They act as the planet’s kidneys, purifying the waters by extracting usable materials. Constructed wetlands are being used as an alternative form of wastewater treatment, combining the natural processes and human innovation. This report focuses on the cost benefit analysis for constructed wetlands in cold climate conditions. Analysis is divided into three sections, the economics, the environmental benefits, and the sociopolitical dynamics of a constructed wetland. Findings show that although the initial cost of building a constructed wetland may seem high, the low cost of continual maintenance and staffing allows the wetland to more than pay for itself. They also allow us to teach our children the value of utilizing the power of nature, and creating a more sustainable lifestyle.

Trent University