Title: Controlling urban stormwater pollution by constructed wetlands: a Canadian perspective

Authors: A.S. Crowe, Q. Rochfort, K. Exall, J. Marsalek

Addresses: Urban Water Management Section, National Water Research Institute, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada. ' Urban Water Management Section, National Water Research Institute, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada. ' Urban Water Management Section, National Water Research Institute, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada. ' Urban Water Management Section, National Water Research Institute, 867 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7R 4A6, Canada

Abstract: During the past 20 years, Constructed Stormwater Wetlands (CSWWs) have attained broad acceptance in Canada as effective measures for stormwater management. CSWWs are used mainly for improving stormwater quality by providing sufficient treatment volumes in shallow permanent pools. This leads to high requirements for land, which is one of the constraints on CSWWs use. Even though CSWWs perform less effectively in cold weather, through proper design they can be kept operational through the winter months. CSWWs attract wildlife, but do not provide high quality habitat. Consequently, CSWWs and their effects on wildlife need to be monitored and ecotoxicological risks controlled.

Keywords: Canada; cold climates; constructed stormwater wetlands; CSWW; constructed wetlands; ecotoxicity; stormwater management; wildlife; urban stormwater pollution.

DOI: 10.1504/IJW.2007.015215

International Journal of Water, 2007 Vol.3 No.3, pp.214 - 230

Published online: 27 Sep 2007 *

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