Effects of high-strength fecal sludge in wastewater stabilization ponds: Port-au-Prince, Haiti

At the request of the Haitian National Directorate for Potable Water and Sanitation (DINEPA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) performed an evaluation of the Morne à Cabri wastewater stabilization pond (WSP) serving the Port-au-Prince metro area. In order to assess the performance of the facility, samples were taken from faecal sludge trucks entering the system to characterize influents and from each process unit to assess the reduction of BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) and other parameters. Although design expectations were met for BOD5 removal, the system was overloaded with organics and solids, leading to quick sludge accumulation. More monitoring is required, and possible design modifications should be made to reduce the quantity of high-strength faecal sludge entering the system.