Wastewater flows to pumping stations located throughout the village, where it is then pumped to the South Salt Lagoon. Reduction of organic wastes within the South Salt Lagoon is handled solely by “facultative” treatment. The South Salt Lagoon is considered facultative, meaning that the bottom layers of the lagoon are anaerobic, while the top layers are aerobic. In direct relationship between the two layers, photosynthesis occurs from exposure to sunlight, with algae evolving oxygen from the top layer and consuming carbon dioxide given off from the bacteria that exist in the deeper layers. This process oxidizes wastes as they migrate to upper layers.
Normally, facultative lagoons need to be de-sludged every two to three years. However, the South Salt Lagoon has been dredged deeper than the usual standard for such lagoons, and manages to meet discharge permit water quality criteria.
Every year, due to effluent from the City of Barrow combined with snow melt run off, the level in the South Salt Lagoon comes close to full capacity. In order to prevent overflow, water is pumped from the South Salt to the Middle Salt Lagoon, where it is eventually discharged into the ocean. Waters discharged from the South Salt Lagoon are greenish in color, due to the action of sunlight nourishing algae growth. The algae influence does not increase levels of contamination.
Pump Station #1
South Salt Lagoon
Middle Salt Lagoon
Chukchi Sea (Arctic Ocean)
Barrow
Discharge Point
Motor Control Cabinet in Pump Station #4
Prior to final discharge into the ocean, Middle Salt Lagoon water is tested for; Ph, dissolved oxygen content, fecal coliform, total suspended solids, bio chemical oxygen demand and color. Discharge to the ocean occurs only after tests are within limits set by the ADEC Discharge Permit. BUECI performs the testing and reports results to the state.
Analytical results are available from BUECI, as are accountable volumes and copies of the discharge permit.
