Coppermine LAS Spray Field Cutting

The Coppermine Land Application System (LAS) Spray Fields area consists of 9 Spray Fields covering a total wetted area of approximately 165 acres.  The attached maps show the approximate location of these fields, which are defined by hydraulic grade line (elevation).  The cutting limits are slightly larger than the wetted areas.

A land application system is a wastewater treatment process, where wastewater is treated, stored, then sprayed on the fields.  As the grass grows, nutrients are absorbed by the grass, and when the hay is cut and removed from the site, treatment of the water is completed.  As such, there are a minimum number of cuttings required per year, and a minimum number of bales of hay that must be removed in order to meet treatment requirements.

Spray field cutting must be performed within certain time restraints for irrigation schedules and volumes of treated water disposal.  Depending on flows, weather, and operation or maintenance restrictions, the length of time that any one field can be off line is short and subject to change.  Only one or two fields can be turned off at any one time, and drying time is required before cutting can begin.  It is imperative that the bidder have the appropriate equipment and personnel to complete the cuttings in the available time, with as little as a 24-hour notice.

The grass grown on the spray fields is primarily fescue, and cannot be used for feed stock.  Its primary use is to be for erosion control.  An accurate record of the size and number of bales removed from the site must be maintained and reported to operational staff at the Coppermine WRF.  The grass receives consistent water and nutrients, and as a result grows very thick and fast.  It is anticipated that approximately 5 cuttings of all fields will occur in a calendar year from early March through late October.