Design and management guidelines for multi-functional wastewater treatment wetlands in southern Ontario

Surface-flow wastewater treatment wetlands are an inexpensive new technology for dealing with wastewater from industrial and municipal sources; they also consistently attract abundant wildlife and public interest whether intended or not. Managing and designing for multi-functionality is not only relevant for promoting treatment efficiency, but also provides a first step towards reconciling our infrastructure with emerging environmental and participatory ideals. Through key informant interviews from two wastewater treatment wetlands in Southern Ontario, professionals from different fields described strategies for managing and designing for multi-functional treatment wetlands without compromising treatment efficiency. These case studies were synthesized with a review of the diverse literature on wetland habitat management and wetland rehabilitation to produce a set of design and management guidelines. This research produced fifty-six guidelines for controlling pests, encouraging wildlife diversity and enhancing public accessibility to the site. These guidelines will provide a basis for integrating current and future wastewater treatment wetland projects with their natural and cultural context.