Following aeration the leachate is distributed through the peat bed for final polishing whereby heavy metals and micro nutrients are removed. The peat filter has the beneficial effect of improving the quality of the effluent released from sewage treatment plants and landfill leachates, by reducing the BOD level to almost nil and at the same time avoiding shock loading of the receiving waters. Limitations Limiting factors for an artificial peat filter are not the same as those for a sewage treatment lagoon. Installation and Operation Installation of a peat filter is relatively simple and requires primarily heavy equipment for construction. Site permitting and set backs are similar to the requirements for a sewage treatment lagoon.
Surface area required for treatment is dependent on the effluent characteristics.
The peat filter operates on a continuous basis with minimum labour and energy input. Maintenance requirements are also low as the only mechanical components are the leachate transfer pumps. Additional funding was provided by the Nepisiguit-Chaleur Solid Waste Commission. The artificial peat filter constitute an economical and effective way of providing tertiary treatment. It could also be adapted for use as an alternative to individual tile drainage fields in rural municipalities.