Development of a Linear Program to Optimize Sludge Management Planning in Nunavut, Canada

Abstract

The preparation and development of sludge management plans for waste stabilization ponds in Nunavut communities require the selection of processing options that are both appropriate for each community and minimize the total regional operating cost. Considering Nunavut’s unique regional constraints, five feasible sludge processing treatment trains were identified. A linear programming model was developed to identify the optimal selection of treatment technologies for 13 Nunavut communities that would minimize the total cost of sludge processing over a period of 40 years. In this study, preliminary cost estimates and literature-based sludge accumulation rates were used as inputs for the linear program, which is intended to be adaptable as more precise costs and accumulation rates are determined through initial project development and field study.