Sustainable management of aircraft anti/de-icing process effluents using a subsurface-flow treatment wetland

This paper describes the planning and design of a field-scale of the treatment of aircraft anti/de-icing fluid (ADF) effluents using a horizontal, subsurface-flow (HSSF) constructed treatment wetland (CTW). The project is a field-scale (0.6 acre) demonstration/validation (dem/val) being conducted at Westover Air Reserve Base (WARB) in western Massachusetts. The principle goal of this work is to provide high-quality cost and performance data demonstrating a HSSF CTW can meet water quality standards and limits associated with ADF discharges in a cost effective, sustainable manner. Primary objectives are to meet previously established cost and performance benchmarks, increase mission readiness and operational flexibility, and comply with. Baseline monitoring data indicates COD concentrations in excess of 21,000 mg/L. Fullscale design criteria have been established and construction began in August 2001.