White Mountains Online

Jacques Marsh:

 

A Created Wetland in Northeastern Arizona

Net Evaporation

Month

Inches

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
+.32
-1.33
-375
-6.22
-7.62
-8.49
-4.34
-3.29
-3.74
-2.55
-1.31
+.57
TOTAL
-41.75

Jacques Marsh is different than most constructed wetlands because it doesn't occupy a natural basin or drainageway. The relatively level site was selected because it has a clay soil of sufficient depth to provide material for dike construction and a low percolation rate.

Several hundred soil borings were made to map the size and thickness of the clay layer. Heavy earth moving equipment performed the necessary cut and fill to create the dikes and islands which form the physical features of the marsh.

A pipeline was installed to carry the reclaimed water which is pumped up hill from the treatment plant to the marsh. Outlets allow for water to be pumped directly into 5 of the 7 ponds. Interpond concrete structures allow water to flow from one pond into another. These structures are equipped with water boards to maintain predetermined water levels in each pond. This flexibility of managing water levels is a key factor in operating the marsh.

Pond Sizes
Pond
Number
Surface
Acres
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Equalization
Basin
16.36
21.86
18.56
4.66
7.70
10.95
12.08
35.0
Total Acres 127.17
The "V" shaped nesting islands were designed to retard wave erosion. The points of the islands face the prevailing wind and the back sides provide back water areas for resting waterfowl. The purpose of the islands is to provide nesting sites which are safe from predators such as skinks and coyotes. The perimeter of the area was fenced to keep out domestic livestock.Jacques Marsh

Learn more about Jacques Marsh ~ Operation & Monitoring

For more information, please feel free to contact the USDA Forest Service, Lakeside Ranger District at 928.368.5111 or you may write us at 2022 W. White Mtn. Blvd., Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona 85935

White Mountains Online wishes to express our appreciation to the USDA Forest Service, Lakeside District for providing this information! This and other articles may be found in print media entitled:

Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment and Wildlife Habitat
United States Environmental Protection Agency
#EPA832-R-93-005
September 1993