The completion and commissioning of an advanced water reclamation plant at the renowned Sam Lord’s Castle, a Wyndham Grand Resort, represents a significant milestone. This pioneering project – designed and built by Integrated Sustainability and Ecohesion – stands as the first of its kind in the Eastern Caribbean. It showcases the integration of state-of-the-art technology, including both membrane-aerated biofilm reactor (MABR) – a highly efficient aeration technology and biological process enhancement – and membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems. The MBR system is also a biological process enhancement, but it is known for its ultrafiltration properties, removing particulate and 99.99% of microorganisms. These cutting-edge systems work in harmony to efficiently treat wastewater and ensure that the resulting water meets the stringent standards required for reuse.

Sam Lord's Castle, a Wyndham Grand Resort is situated on the east coast of Barbados, in St Philip – on a shoreline with very porous coral stone. It therefore faced a critical challenge: any discharge of wastewater has the potential to cause significant pollution in the nearby marine environment. However, with a commitment to adopting innovative eco-conscious practices, Sam Lord's Castle, set to open late September 2023, is poised to redefine sustainability standards in the region and mitigate its impact. The resort intends to use the reclaimed water for irrigation throughout its lush resort grounds, while also laying the foundation for future plans of utilizing the reclaimed water for toilet flushing, significantly reducing its reliance on potable water.

Integrated Sustainability, which now includes Ecohesion, is currently spearheading multiple projects aimed at significantly improving water availability in Barbados and throughout the Caribbean. Bringing this project to life is one example of the organizations’ dedication to creating sustainable water solutions that benefit both local communities and the tourism sector. The team operates and maintains 17 wastewater treatment plants in Barbados and six others throughout the Caribbean with infrastructure for water reuse for irrigation, flushing toilets, and other non potable water purposes.

By harnessing the potential of reclaimed water, substantial strides can be made in reducing demand on potable water systems and minimizing the discharge of partially treated wastewater into the environment through existing ocean outfalls. Integrated Sustainability and Ecohesion’s commitment to sustainable water management is making a significant impact by enhancing water availability and forging a path toward a more sustainable and water-secure future for Barbados and the Caribbean.

Contact

Nick St-Georges, BAPE, P.Eng.
VP, International | Integrated Sustainability
Mobile: 246.823.5300 | Office 246.622.2311
Nick.StGeorges@IntegratedSustainability.ca

Business Barbados Directory Listing

‍Read more about Integrated Sustainability and Ecohesion joining forces in our 2023 Business Barbados feature.