Our Solution

Project Proposal

Budgetary considerations and site hydrology led to the selection of a surface flow constructed wetland (SFCW). A SFCW is a wetland in which various plants and microbial agents will act on surface water runoff in order to remove excess nutrients (in this case nitrogen and phosphorous) from the water. When comparing sub-surface flow wetlands to the proposed surface flow wetland it was found that “sub-surface flow constructed wetlands do not provide the same level of habitat value as free water constructed wetlands because the water isn’t accessible to birds and animals" (Virginia Department of Environmental Quality). Free water surface constructed wetlands are becoming increasingly popular due to their positive environmental impacts, year-round operation, and low cost compared to other treatment methods. This wetland would serve to remove excess Nitrogen and Phosphorous ions from surface runoff before it entered Lake Hickman, reducing the nutrient load in the lake. The resulting lowered nutrient load in the lake will limit the growth of potentially harmful algae, which will improve the visual appeal of the lake.