UN Division for Sustainable Development

Case Study Detail Record

Organization type:	Government

Name of Ministry/Agency:	The Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology Commission (BEST)

Country:	Bahamas

Name of Focal Point:	Dr. Donald Cooper

Initiative Title:	Wastewater Case Study - Malcolm's Park

Internet links:

Scope:	National: - Bahamas

Status:

Timeframe:	Start: End:

Stakeholders/Partners:

Relevent issues:	- Improving Sanitation

Lessons Learned:

Challenge: The high cost of necessary sewerage infrastructure for the entire island. The development of wastewater treatment facility followed after the realization that water-borne diseases in the city were directly linked to the contact of humans with contaminated water.

Most of the lessons learned were positive in nature, such as:
-- New approaches to sewage treatment were addressed, introduced and practiced (using the new deep well injection disposal option)
-- Deep-well disposal is the mot viable disposal method presently available.
-- Additional concerned re deep-weel disposal do exist.
-- Direct sea outfall of sewerage/effluent is not permitted.
-- Water borne diseases were treated and were terminiated due to proper treatment of wastewater.

Policy Options:

Freshwater resources

Summary:

The Malcolm's Park wastewater treatment facility was constructed in the 1930s and serve the city of Nassau on the Island of New Providence. The first water supply system was developed at Bailou Hills to the west of the city. Extensions to the Bay Street sewer system were developed over the last 60 years. The operation at the facility has varied and changes have been made to suit the method of final effluent disposal. Sludge concerns were also addressed.