MIL-HDBK-1005/16
Section 7:
LAGOON SYSTEMS
7.
7.1
Background. Lagoon (pond) systems are used to treat a
variety of wastewaters, from domestic wastewater to complex
industrial waters. Lagoon systems are primarily used in smaller
communities when used for domestic wastewater treatment. The
concept is well suited for remote wastewater treatment facilities
at installations where land is readily available but skilled
maintenance is not. Lagoon systems function under a wide range
of weather conditions, from tropical to arctic. Lagoons can be
used alone or in combination with other treatment processes.
They are often a preferred system in hot climate zones where
stringent effluent limitations do not need to be met.
This section provides general design guidance for the
four major types of lagoon systems: facultative, aerobic,
aerated, and anaerobic. Par. 7.2 provides an overview of the
applications for the various types of lagoons. Par. 7.3 through
7.6 describe design procedures for the four lagoon types. Par.
7.7 provides design guidance for lagoon sealing procedures that
apply to all of the lagoon types.
In addition to the guidance provided here, many state
health departments have adopted detailed design criteria specific
to their geographic regions. Thus, the designer should check
state regulations to determine minimum design criteria for pond
sizing. The designer should also pay particular attention to
protection requirements from seepage and to groundwater
monitoring requirements. Typical design criteria employed by
engineers in the design of wastewater lagoons can be found in
Recommended Standards for Wastewater Facilities, Great Lakes-
Upper Mississippi River Board of State Public Health and
Environmental Managers (Great Lakes), 1990. EPA-625/1-83-015,
Design Manual for Municipal Wastewater Stabilization Ponds,
describes technological advances and presents detailed planning,
design, and construction information on lagoons. Included in the
EPA manual are detailed sample design calculations, and the
designer is encouraged to consult this reference. Design
Guidance Document WEF MOP 8 also contains useful, detailed design
information for facultative and aerated lagoons. This
information is also covered here for completeness.
7.2
Lagoon Applications. Over the years, a variety of
terms has been used to designate waste treatment lagoons,
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