ABSTRACT
In recent years, constructed wetlands have been shown to be of particular value in the improvement of waters whose quality has been degraded through anthropogenic practices. Escambia County’s plan to meet these new initiatives involves the staff of the Escambia County Solid Waste Management Department and the technical resources of the Wetlands Research Laboratory at the University of West Florida. The resultant leachate passes through a final sand filter as it is piped to the constructed wetlands. Construction of the treatment wetlands began with a 10-acre compacted clay basin designed to prevent seepage and thus help maintain desired water levels. To assure a dense, healthy stand of wetland vegetation, plants were set on 3-ft centers and cell water levels manipulated to encourage maximum rhizome growth. Proven technologies such as recycling, composting, and leachate treatment using constructed wetlands integrated into a closed-loop design reduce the need to discharge into state and federal waters.
