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#REDIRECT [[Arcata Marsh overview]]
{{TOCright}}
[[Image:ArcatamarshCreativeCommons.jpg|thumb|left|Aerial view of the marsh.]]
== Introduction==
The Arcata Marsh is the wastewater treatment plant, and a tourist destination, for the city of Arcata, [[:Category:Humboldt County|Humboldt County]], California.
 
Much of the written information is taken from the [http://ceres.ca.gov California Environmental Resources Evaluation System] and needs to be updated and formatted better - please feel free to edit by clicking the '''edit''' tab above.
=Wastewater Treatment=
 
 
==Primary Treatment==
==Tertiary Treatment==
==Effluent==
=History=
==History of the Land==
 
 
=Arcata's Wastewater Plant=
==Overview==
===Map===
The following map is interactive, you can move around and zoom by clicking on the map and buttons.  You can add pointer information by clicking edit and adding a location (see [[Help:Maps]] for help on editing the map).<br />[[Image:ArcataMarshMap.jpg|thumb|right|The Arcata Marsh as provided by USGS data.]]
 
 
<googlemap lat="40.853959" lon="-124.090319" zoom="16" width="450" height="450" overview="yes">
40.85602, -124.090249, Primary anerobic digestor
40.855679, -124.089793, Sludge drying beds
40.855878, -124.090598, Archimedes screw pumps - Raw sewage enters the treatment plant at this point.
40.855768, -124.090624, Headworks - Primary filtration
40.85548, -124.090415, Clarification
40.851581, -124.08519, Arcata Salt Marsh - In 1981, these marshes were re-opened to tidal action. These marshes are characteristic of the salt water habitat around Humboldt Bay.
40.852879, -124.091424, Wastewater Aquaculture Project - Fish hatchery and ponds where salmon, trout, and other fish are raised in and return to a mixture of wastewater and sea water.
40.850891, -124.089117, Oxidation Ponds - These 49 acres of ponds, built in the late 1950's, treat Arcata's wastewater with time, water, plants, bacteria, and fungi to secondary standards.
40.853179, -124.089503, Treatment Marshes - These three, two-acre marshes were completed between 1987-1990
40.855127, -124.09519, Franklin Klopp Lake - This brackish lake is now popular for shorebird observation and sports fishing. Originally it was a leachate (drainage) basin for the landfill.
40.858568, -124.093323, George Allen Marsh - Completed in 1981, this marsh was built on an abandoned log deck.
40.860077, -124.095318, Robert Gearheart Marsh - Completed in 1981, this marsh was pasture land.
40.858113, -124.090544, Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center - 600 S G St Arcata, CA 95521 - (707) 826-2359
40.858941, -124.089847, Parking
40.85589, -124.098258, Parking and Boat Ramp
40.857448, -124.097292, Dan Hauser Marsh - This is the final marsh irrigated with treated wastewater. From here the water is returned to the treatment plant.
40.856279, -124.097872, Final point of wastewater marshes, notice the high concentration of cattail and bulrush.
40.857058, -124.094589, Mount Trashmore - This grassy hill is a sealed sanitary landfill (garbage dump) that operated during the 1960's and 1970's.
40.862381, -124.090834, Butcher's Slough (lower end of Jolly Giant Creek) - This area was restored in 1985-6. The pilings once supported a plywood mill.
40.854904, -124.09056, Discharge to the bay - At low tides, the 24" bay discharge pipe is visible in the inlet west of the chlorination facility.
40.852709, -124.093151, Humboldt Bay - Produces more than half of the oysters grown in California and is home to a variety of other aquatic plants and animals.
40.854908, -124.090351, Chlorinating Facility - Chlorination and dechlorination (with sulfur dioxide) before discharge to public access and again to Humboldt Bay.
40.85395, -124.088184, Marsh Pilot Project - These ten 20' x 200' marshes were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of wetlands for treating wastewater.
40.854466, -124.088554, Composting
</googlemap>
==Headworks==
==Clarifier==
==Digesters==
==Compost==
 
==Oxidation Ponds==
 
The Oxidation ponds in the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Marsh span about 55 acres. They are the secondary treatment phase in the treatment marsh system. The ponds are about five feet deep and their slow moving current makes them excellent for settling out solids. One of the main purposes of the oxidation ponds is to lower the BOD (Biological Oxygen Demand) of the wastewater. The ponds are large and open allowing for large amounts of algae growth. This algae produces oxygen which allows the bacteria in the water to break down the organic matter within the wastewater.The bacteria in upper parts of the oxidation ponds have acess to readily available oxygen so the majority of the bacteria there are aerobic bacteria and use the oxygen produced by the algae.However,near the bottom of the ponds the oxygen levels taiper off and it becomes an anerobic enviorment so the bacteria growing on the bottom reflect this.Aerobic bacteria are more effiecent at metabolizing BOD than anerobic bacteria. The algae also removes large amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. Although this method is much less efficient then modern methods of wastewater treatment, the oxidation ponds (along with the rest of the Wastewater Marsh system) allows Arcata to treat it's own wastewater. These ponds have other benefits such as being havens for wild birds such as Canada Geese and other migratory birds.
 
==References==
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/FUNDAMNT/streem/methods.htm
http://www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/sustainable-resource-use/resource-management/dairy-shed-wastewater/dairyef4.htm\
http://ceres.ca.gov/wetlands/projects/arcata_map.html
 
==Treatment Wetlands==
===Appropriateness===
 
 
With a population of 17,294<ref>[http://www.dof.ca.gov/HTML/FS_DATA/STAT-ABS/Toc_xls.htm California State Statistical Abstract]</ref>, funding for [[Wastewater treatment]] is limited.  A cost restriction made Treatment Wetlands an appealing solution to Arcata's [[Wastewater]] problems. [[Image:Arcata-7120 reduced.jpg|thumb|left|Cattails in Arcata's Treatment Wetlands]] The costs of Treatment Wetlands are largely based on the price and availability of land<ref>Homer, Denise. Interview. 27 Mar. 2008. - Interpretive Naturalist.</ref>. Otherwise, treatment wetlands are a low-cost alternative to activated sludge systems because constructed wetlands utilize natural processes as opposed to buying chemicals (especially oxygen) to treat wastewater<ref>Poppendieck, Dustin. Interview. 28 Mar. 2008.</ref>.
 
Treatment Wetlands are unable to function in freezing climates<ref>Poppendieck, Dustin.Interview. 28 Mar. 2008.</ref>.
 
 
In order to utilize natural processes, plants were chosen carefully in order to account for large changes in flow rate.  There were three groups of plants that were used: Submergent, Emergent, and Floating Plants.  Preference was given to native plants; Hardstem Bulrush is an example of a native plant to the Arcata area. Other plants are listed in Figure 17.1
 
 
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|colspan=4|Figure 17.1<center>'''Plants used in the Treatment Wetlands'''</center>
|-
!
! Common Name
! Latin name
! Picture
|-
| '''Submergent''' 
| Sago Pondweed 
| ''Potamogeton pectinatus''
|
|-
|rowspan=3|'''Emergent''' 
| Hardstem Bullrush 
| ''scirpus acutus''
|
|-
| Water Dropwort
| ''Oenanthe''
| [[Image:Arcata-7133 Water Dropwort reduced.jpg|thumb|100px|left]]
|-
| Cattail
| ''typha''
| [[Image:Arcata-7120 reduced.jpg|thumb|60px|left]]
|-
|rowspan=2| '''Floating'''
| Duckweed
| ''Lemna''
|
|-
| Hydrocotyle
| ''Hydrocotyle''
| [[Image:Arcata-7021 Hydrocotyle reduced.jpg|thumb|100px|left]]
|}
 
==References==
<references/>
[[Category:Arcata marsh]]
 
==Enhanced Marsh==
===Appropriateness===
==Chlorination==
 
==Dechlorination==
=Ancillary Benefits=
[http://www.appropedia.org/Arcata_Marsh_Saltwater_Marshes Salt Water Marshes]
 
==Aquaculture==
'''What is the Arcata Marsh'''
[[Marsh Image:greywater.jpg]]
The[http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/ Arcata Marsh]is a fusion between [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewage_treatment waste water treatment and an outdoor [http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/rec.html recreational location]
Why would you want to hang out at a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sewage_treatment Waste Treatment Plant] The abundance of birds, the view of the bay, or to watch the fish.
What is [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquaculture Aquaculture]
[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/aquaculture Aquaculture] is the cultivation of aquatic animals and plants, esp. fish, shellfish, and seaweed, in natural or controlled marine or freshwater environments; underwater agriculture.
[[Image:marshimages/RearingPondsCopy.jpg]]
 
The Arcata Marsh Aquaculture project was proposed in 1963 by Dr. George Allen, and started later in 1971 to increase the local salmon runs. [http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/aquawq.html#wqponds1&2 1]  img src= [[Image:marshimages/birdeatingfishsmall.jpg]]
Why put the fish in poop water?
At this point you may have read enough to notice that the fish are indeed swimming in our (the city of Arcata) toilette water (not to mention other run off from the streets). This may bother you; however the dirty water has benefits for both the treatment plant and the fish.
o Because the water is dirty the waste water treatment plant actually saves on having to feed the fish as much, plus the bacteria and the fish help clean the water.
 
What fish are in the Arcata Marsh
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
The Aquaculture program is rearing mostly [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fish_migration anadromous] salmonids including:
o [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_salmon Chinook Salmon]
 
[[Image:http://wildernessclassroom.com/superior/Chinook_Salmon.gif]] http://wildernessclassroom.com/superior/Chinook_Salmon.gif" width="500" height="333"
 
o [http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/fish/cohosalmon.htm Coho Salmon]
[[Image:http://wildernessclassroom.com/superior/coho%20salmon.jpg]]
src="http://wildernessclassroom.com/superior/coho%20salmon.jpg" width="500" height="333"
 
o http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cutthroat_trout Cutthroat Trout 
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8f/Weber_river_cutt.jpg
src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/8f/Weber_river_cutt.jpg" width="500" height="333"
 
o http://home.centurytel.net/sha/smithlake/images/rainbow-trout.jpg Rainbow Trout
 
<img src="http://home.centurytel.net/sha/smithlake/images/rainbow-trout.jpg" width="500" height="333"
 
Fish Facts
*The fish usually weigh 2.1 lbs, and are on average 22cm long
*The survival rates of the rainbow trout averages out to 85%
*The ponds are composed of 80 % wastewater to 20 % saltwater because it is the highest levels of waste water that are tolerable without causing any fish mortalities.
[http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/aquawq.html#wqponds1&2  1]
*The trout then go into pond 2, where they are fed roughly 1.5% of their body weight a day
*Why isn't every town doing this?
???Knowledge
o  Not everyone knows about constructed wetlands dual purpose. You can't change you mind if you do not know there are other options.
''Location:'' Not every town can
 
o Wetland experts estimate a minimum of two acres per 1,000 people are required. So it's not feasible for big cities where land is hard to come by and expensive
 
o You also need direct access to a bay nearby
 
$$$ Engineers are partly to blame
 
o Construction cost for constructed wetlands is relatively low. This means engineers get paid less, so they are less likely to suggest it.
<p>
o They also tend to avoid natural systems because they have less control over them.
 
[[Marshimages:arcata-danger.jpg]]
It may be O.K. for the fish but it will take a little longer before people can use it.
 
Awsome Walks
class=images><img src=marshimages/arcata-marshsideview.jpg></p>
 
So now that you know a little about aquaculture, here is something else you may want to know
Birds
 
The birds at the Arcata Marsh are awesome. People come from all over to see our Marsh just for the birds!
class=images><img src=marshimages/eagretononeleg.jpg
 
Cool Links:
Want to learn about a Salmons Life cycle?[http://library.thinkquest.org/05aug/00548/species--life%20cycle.html Salmon Life Cycle]
 
[[Image:http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/ Arcata Marsh Website]]
class=images><img src=marshimages/pinkreeds.jpg width="450" height="250"
 
Sources:
1.  The predominant source of my information came from the [http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/aquaculture.html Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary Webpage]
2. Marsh Photos Courtesy of  Dustin Poppendieck
3. Fish photos
 
==Birds==
==Other Animals==
 
 
The Arcata Wastewater treatment marshes create habitat for many animals.
Birds, Aquaculture, and other animals live in the marsh area.<br/> 
 
This section will show some of the other animals that live in the Arcata Marsh; Amphibians, Reptiles, and Mammals.<br/>
 
'''Amphibians'''<br/>
 
<gallery>
Image:toad_hero.jpg|American Toad <br />''Bufo americanus''
Image:newt.jpg|California Newt <br />''Taricha torosa''
Image:RedLeggedFrog.jpg|California Red Legged Frog <br />''Rana aurora draytonii''
Image:PacificTreeFrog.jpg|Pacific Tree Frog  <br />''Hyla regilla''
Image:roughskinnednewt.jpg|Rough Skinned Newt <br />''Taricha granulosa''
Image:westernpondturtle.jpg|Western Pond Turtle <br />''Clemmys marmorata''
</gallery>
<br />
 
'''Reptiles'''
<br />
<gallery>
Image:Thamnophis_sirtalis_parietalis.jpg|Common Garter Snake <br />''Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis''
</gallery>
<br/>
 
'''Mammals'''
<br />
 
<gallery>
Image:blackrat.jpg|Black Rat  <br />''Rattus rattus''
Image:blacktaildeer.jpg|Black-tailed Deer <br />''Odocoileus hemionus''
Image:bobcat.jpg|Bobcat <br />''Lynx rufus''
Image:grayfox.jpg|Gray Fox <br />''Urocyon cinereoargenteus''
Image:HouseMouse.jpg|House Mouse <br />''Mus musculus''
Image:Mole.jpg|Mole <br />''Scapanus latimanus''
Image:animal.jpg|North American Porcupine <br />''Erethizon dorsatum''
Image:riverotter.jpg|Northern River Otter <br />''Lontra canadensis''
Image:vole.jpg|Vole <br />''Microtus californicus''
Image:raccoon.jpg|Raccoon <br />''Procyon lotor''
Image:skunk.jpg|Striped Skunk <br />''Mephitis mephitis''
</gallery>
 
 
Many different kinds of animals benefit from the habitat provided by the marshes.
<br/>
 
'''Links'''
 
<br/>
 
This is a list of interesting links.
 
 
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary [http://humboldt.edu/~iel2/wildlife]
 
Birds of the Arcata Marsh [http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/birds.html]
 
Friends of the Arcata Marsh (F.O.A.M.) [http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/FOAM.html]
 
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Center - City of Arcata [http://www.cityofarcata.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=20&Itemid=47]
 
 
'''Sources'''
 
 
Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center
 
==Trails==
 
 
=Current Operations=
==Operators==
==Current Performance==
==Research Projects==
==New Work==
 
 
==Points of Interest==
The following points of interest are ordered to follow the flow of wastewater through Arcata's integrated wetland wastewater treatment plant.
 
1. Primary Treatment Plant (the "headworks"): Raw sewage enters the treatment plant at this point. It treats up to 5 Million Gallons a Day (MGD). An additional 14 MGD can bypass primary treatment and flow directly to the oxidation ponds during storms.
 
2. Oxidation Ponds: These 49 acres of ponds, built in the late 1950's, treat Arcata's wastewater to secondary standards. Time, water, plants, bacteria, and fungi purify the wastewater to secondary standards.
 
Arcata's wastewater circulates through a six-marsh system before it is released into the Bay. The natural processes occurring in the marshes simultaneously purify the wastewater by removing excess nutrients, and "feed" the marsh plants with water high in nitrogen-rich organic matter. Nutrients are taken up by the plants and thus removed from the wastewater. The roots and stems of the plants also clean the water by forming a dense netlike filter that removes large quantities of suspended solid materials. Algae, fungi, bacteria, and micro-organisms attached to the roots of these plants feed on these solids. All treatment marshes were planted with Humboldt Bay native Hardstem Bulrush (scirpus acutus) as well as a variety of other aquatic plants. This nutrient-rich habitat attracts thousands of birds, over 200 species, to the sanctuary. These ponds are:
 
3. Treatment Marshes: These three, two-acre marshes were completed between 1987-1990.
 
4. George Allen Marsh: Completed in 1981, this marsh was built on an abandoned log deck.
 
5. Robert Gearheart Marsh: Completed in 1981, this marsh was pasture land.
 
6. Dan Hauser Marsh: This is the final marsh irrigated with treated wastewater. From here the water is returned to the treatment plant.
 
==Links==
*[http://www.humboldt.edu/~ere_dept/marsh/ Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary]
*[http://ceres.ca.gov/wetlands/projects/arcata_map.html California Environmental Resources Evaluation System]
*[http://www.ecotippingpoints.org/wetlandsusa.asp History of the Marsh from Eco Tipping Points]
 
[[Category:Projects]]
[[Category:Constructed wetlands]]
[[Category:Greywater]]
[[Category:Humboldt County, California]]

Latest revision as of 21:11, 3 September 2011

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