Floating wetlands

Floating wetlands — Construction and operation

Select from the tabs below

• Overview
• Key considerations
• Planning and design
• Construction and operation
• Links and references

Approvals

Approvals may be required for the construction of a treatment system. Contact your local government before any construction is undertaken to understand requirements.

Prior to construction, check for any existing infrastructure by contacting electricity, water and telecommunication providers.

If excavation is required, it is recommended that local Traditional Owners are engaged to ensure no sites or items of cultural significance are disturbed.

If excavation is required, it is recommended that local Traditional Owners are engaged to ensure no sites or items of cultural significance are disturbed.

Engineering advice should be sought prior to construction to ensure the treatment system is sized and sited appropriately.

Construction

The floating matrix is usually manufactured off site and assembled at the desired location.

Excavation of a pond may be required if there are no suitable existing waterways or ponds.

Time for establishment

Establishment of the plants requires 6-12 months, depending on location and weather conditions[1][2].

Operation

Minimal operational requirements.

Some installations may have a recirculating pump system which will require an electrical power source.

Monitoring and maintenance

Monitor plant health, including root system.

Control weeds and pests.

Harvesting/pruning of plants may be required, particularly if the aim is to remove phosphorous from the treatment system.

Suspended solids settled in the waterbody beneath the floating wetland should be removed periodically as required to ensure sufficient sediment trapping capacity and to remove any pollutants that have bound to the sediment. The operator can move the treatment wetland aside, dredge and replace the treatment wetland island.

Lifespan/replacement time

20-30 year lifespan estimated.

Regeneration of vegetation should occur naturally.

References

1. ^ Wanielista, MP, Chang, NB, Chopra, M, Xuan, ZM, Islam, K & Marimon, Z (2012), Floating Wetland Systems for Nutrient Removal in Stormwater Ponds, vol. SMA 1660 7026, Stormwater Management Academy Stormwater Management Academy Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering Department, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL.
2. ^ Winston, RJ, Hunt, WF, Kennedy, SG, Merriman, LS, Chandler, J & Brown, D (2013), 'Evaluation of floating treatment wetlands as retrofits to existing stormwater retention ponds', Ecological Engineering, vol. 54, pp. 254-265.

Last updated: 5 October 2018