Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine November-December 2007

November 2007

BC fish hatchery installs UVdisinfection system

Peel Region to spend $93 millionon wastewater system expansion

A complete approach to greasemanagement in wastewater

Controlling odours from creosotecontaminated soil

Special Sections:Storage Tanks

Containment & SpillsConsultants Forumwww.esemag.com

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7 Environmental literature now has its own serious comic book- Editorial comment by Tom Davey

10 BC fish hatchery installs UV disinfection system12 Peel Region to spend $93 million on wastewater system expansion16 A complete approach to grease management in wastewater20 Innovative wastewater lagoon system developed for Whitehorse22 System improvements provide high quality water to residents

in Naramata, BC- Cover Story

26 Real-time management, a key efficiency factor for Halifax’sWater Commission

29 Everglades Agricultural Area achieves 18% phosphorus reduction, despite back to back hurricanes30 Kitchener water plant upgraded to remove 1,4-dioxane from its raw water supply38 Water conservation planning for BC’s municipal parks41 A natural way to control wastewater plant odours42 Prefab vertical drains used to speed consolidation of Red River floodway embankments44 16th century Acadians flourished behind their wooden aboiteaux46 Stormwater filtration system protects coastal estuary48 Open cut dredging used for water and sewer pipe installation under the Great Cataraqui River52 Vortex restrictors reduce CSO project costs by one-third54 WEFTEC.07 attendees narrowly avoid California’s wildfire disaster57 Humber River watershed shows little sign of improvement58 England to test a new wave-power device98 Monitoring system helps protect lone workers

FEATURES

ES&E invites articles (approx. 2,000 words) onwater,wastewater, hazardous waste treatment andother environmental protection topics. If you are in-terested in submitting an article for considerationin our print and digital editions, please contactSteve Davey at [email protected]. Please notethat Environmental Science & Engineering Publi-cations Inc. reserves the right to edit all text andgraphic submissions without notice.

DEPARTMENTS

Product Showcase . . . . . 82-88

Environmental News . . . 90-96

Professional Cards . . . . . 90-96

Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

ISSN-0835-605XNovember 2007Vol. 20 No. 5Vol. 20 No. 5Issued November 2007

Page 58Page 58 Page 12Page 12

Towards a corporate model that embracesthe individual producer

Needs versus wants: innovativeapproaches to service delivery

Potential impacts of a changingclimate on water resources management

and development

Re-inventing the role of theconsulting engineer

Large tanks can be accessible, expandable, flexible, adaptable and movable

Anaerobic digester provides ideal application for geomembrane

Large Victoria marina installs containment and treatment system

Controlling odours from creosote contaminated soil with foam-based technology

Construction time reduced for recycling centre's storage tanks

PAGES 70-81PAGES 70-81

PAGES 60-69PAGES 60-69

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November 2007 | 7www.esemag.com

continued overleaf...

layout, I thought: ‘Here we go again- another stowaway on the good shipEnvironment.’ But amid the splash-ing cartoon style cover, one blurbcaught my eye: ‘With an introduc-tion by George Monbiot”.

Well, this must be more than amere comic book, I thought. Notonly is George Monbiot a columnistfor the internationally respected UKGuardian newspaper, his environ-mental articles have depth and un-derstanding which transcend muchof the activated sludge which passesfor environmental commentaries inso many newspaper reports andbroadcasts.

For example, when the Walkertondrinking water tragedy killed somenine people and injured scores ofothers, one TV reporter, with great

Comment by Tom Davey

solemnity, described the killer as “thedeadly E. coli” then managed toname it as both a virus and a bac-terium in the same sentence. She alsowas unaware that there are perhapsthousands of variants of E. coli, notall of them deadly, and indeed somemight be benign. It was Escherichiacoli O157.H7 which killed andmaimed some of the people in Walk-erton. I can’t imagine George Mon-biot committing such a grave error.

Monbiot noted that architect FrankGehry, a Canadian, whom he de-scribed as the most celebrated archi-tect on earth, “now builds open-airauditoriums with outdoor air condi-tioning. It is beginning to look likethe last days of the Roman Empire.”

He also writes of author Kate

So many groups have hitch-hiked on the environmentalbandwagon I wonder some-times if there will soon be

any room left for the real environ-mentalists: the engineers, chemists,scientists, biologists, and other pro-fessionals who were doing funda-mental research and implementingtheir applied science on publichealth and the environment as earlyas the 18th century.

In England, Dr. John Snow iden-tified cholera as a water-borne dis-ease in London, in the 18th century- his research ignored by the med-ical ‘experts’ of the day. Ardern andLockett did landmark applied sci-ence on wastewater treatment nearManchester in the early 1900s,while Canadians such as Lt. Col.Naismith, provided safe drinkingwater under battlefield conditionsfor Canadian and British troops inWorld War 1. Dr. Albert EdwardBerry was a renowned scientist andengineer from St. Marys, Ontario,whose prescience and persistencecreated the foundations for whattransmuted into the Ontario Min-istry of the Environment.

Few realize this, indeed somethink Canadian environmentalismbegan in Toronto when PollutionProbe staged its theatrical funeralfor ‘the death of the Don River’some four decades ago.

Also, the Persians, Greeks andsome other societies were doingamazing sanitary and public healthengineering many centuries ago,even preceding Rome’s famedCloaca Maxima which was engi-neered to deal with Rome’s sewage.

So, when I saw a book, WeirdWeather - Everything you didn’twant to know about ClimateChange, by Kate Evans, with itscartoon style cover and comic strip

Environmental literature now has its ownserious comic book

November:2007 11/6/07 9:02 PM Page 7

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine8 | November 2007

Environmental Science& Engineering

Editor TOM DAVEYE-mail: [email protected](No attachments please)

Managing Editor SANDRA DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Sales Director PENNY DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Sales Representative DENISE SIMPSONE-mail: [email protected]

Circulation Manager VIRGINIA MEYERE-mail: [email protected]

Production Manager CHRIS MAC DONALDE-mail: [email protected]

Publisher STEVE DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Technical Advisory Board

Jim BishopStantec Consulting Ltd., Ontario

Bill Borlase, P.Eng.City of Winnipeg, Manitoba

George V. Crawford, P.Eng., M.A.Sc.CH2M HILL, Ontario

Bill DeAngelis, P.Eng.Associated Engineering, Ontario

Dr. Robert C. LandineADI Systems Inc., New Brunswick

Marie MeunierJohn Meunier Inc., Québec

Environmental Science & Engineering is a bi-monthlybusiness publication of Environmental Science & Engi-neering Publications Inc. An all Canadian publication,ES&E provides authoritative editorial coverage ofCanada's municipal and industrial environmental controlsystems and drinking water treatment and distribution.

Readers include consulting engineers, industrial plantmanagers and engineers, key municipal, provincial andfederal environmental officials, water and wastewaterplant operators and contractors.

Information contained in ES&E has been compiled fromsources believed to be correct. ES&E cannot be respon-sible for the accuracy of articles or other editorial matter.Articles in this magazine are intended to provide infor-mation rather than give legal or other professional ad-vice. Articles being submitted for review should bee-mailed to [email protected].

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Printed in Canada. No part of this publication may bereproduced by any means without written permission ofthe publisher. Yearly subscription rates:Canada $75.00 (plus $4.50 GST).

Comment by Tom Davey

Evans: “She has brought somethingto the subject of climate change in away that’s accessible, funny andmoving - something that none of therest of us has managed.”

There are many environmentalpearls of wisdom and facts whoseimpacts at first were somewhatcamouflaged amid the comic car-toons, including:• 30% of the world is now affected

by droughts - twice as much as inthe ‘70s.

• More water evaporates from hotsoil but crazy wind patterns meanthat rainwater is now falling in thewrong place at the wrong time.

• In 2005 the UN warned that onein six countries was experiencingdrought-related food shortagesand that this is part of a newlong-term trend.

• Forest fires spread further andfaster in hot dry conditions. In1997/1998 ten million hectares ofIndonesian rainforest were burned

releasing as much C02 as Europedoes in one year.She notes that there are cold

spells (Ice Ages) and warm spells,with the changes between them oc-curring very rapidly. Her book in-cludes a surprising quote fromMargaret Thatcher who few realizehas at least one science degree froma top British university. The formerBritish Prime Minister’s messagewas short but powerful: “The evi-dence is there. The damage is beingdone.”

Kate Evans is a Torontonian who,appropriately for an environmentalwriter, now lives in the ancient andlovely city of Bath, England, whereRoman engineers showed theirwater engineering skills when theydesigned and built a bath and spawhich is in use today.

For more informationon Weird Weather,

visit www.groundwoodbooks.comContact: [email protected]

September 17, 2007

Dear Tom

On behalf of the Water En-vironment Association of On-tario, I would like to take thisopportunity to thank you andyour staff members for youractive participation in our As-sociation.

The WEAO would not beable to carry out its mandatewithout the continued dedica-tion and enthusiasm of ourvolunteers. Through the effortsof our many volunteer commit-tees and the board, we are able to provide technology transfer, networking andprofessional development opportunities. All wastewater professionals andespecially newcomers to our industry benefit greatly from the work of ourvolunteers. Once again, I thank you for the past support of and continuedcommitment to our Association through your encouragement of your staff toparticipate in our committees and events thus furthering the objectives of theWEAO and enhancing the wastewater industry in Ontario.

Sincerely,Water Environment Association of Ontario

Peter Takaoka, P.Eng. President

(Left to right) Steve Davey, Denise Simpson,Chris MacDonald, Penny Davey, the

"Honest Golfers" team from EnvironmentalScience and Engineering Magazine at the

fall WEAO Golf Tournament

November:2007 11/6/07 9:02 PM Page 8

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Now, ITT Flygt, offers wastewater treatment plants an unparalleled combination of sludge-busting technologies, service and support. Flygt’s arsenal of sludge busters features our extraordinary N-Pump,with its patented N-impeller and aclog-eliminating, high-efficiency, open backswept design that makes it best for overall sludge handling. Flygt offers a new Progressing Cavity (PC) pump and macerator for heavier sludge.And to ensure maximum process efficiency in the mostchallenging situations, Flygt mixers and aerators lead the way. Most important of all, you can count on your local,fully staffed Flygt office for the equipment, engineering and support that are suited best to your particular needs.Call the Flygt sludge busters. We’re always here for you.Contact Tony Altavilla at 514-428-4823,or your local Flygt representative.www.flygt.ca

November:2007 11/6/07 9:02 PM Page 9


Disinfection

BC fish hatchery installs UV disinfection system

posits on the quartz tube, ensuring opti-mum UV dose at all times. The system’scontrol panel provides the operator withdata on flow rate, UV dose and intensity.Up to one year of this performance datacan be logged by the control unit fordownload. Maintenance of the unit islimited to the periodic replacement of theUV lamps, a simple operation that can becarried out by on-site staff.

According to company representa-tives, the Hanovia systems are working

The threat of disease is one ofgreatest dangers to a commer-cial fish hatchery. GriegSeafood BC Ltd recently took

proactive action against this potentialthreat by installing Hanovia UV disin-fection systems at its British Columbiahatchery. With the company’s emphasison the welfare of its farmed fish, a re-gard for the environment, and a commit-ment to avoid the use of medicines,Hanovia equipment was a naturalchoice. The systems require no chemi-cals, have no residual effect on thetreated water, and are simple to operate.

UV treatment is ideally suited to treatthe diseases that can threaten the farmstocks of commercial hatcheries; it iseffective against a wide range ofpathogens including Furunculosis(Aeromonas salmonicida), InfectiousSalmon Anaemia (ISA), Viral Hemor-rhagic Septicemia (VHS) and InfectiousPancreatic Necrosis (IPN). Over the pastseveral years, its use has become morewidespread. In addition, UV treatmentdoes not alter the pH of the water or pro-duce any harmful by-products in the dis-charged water.

The Grieg hatchery’s stock of AtlanticSalmon is protected by three HanoviaPhoton II systems, which disinfect the in-coming feed water. An automatic wipermechanism prevents the build-up of de-

well to protect their stock.To date Hanovia has installed over

300 aquaculture systems in 14 countriesaround the world. Applications includewater treatment in hatcheries, fish farms(salmon, sea bream and sea bass), shell-fish depuration tanks and fry rearingtanks, as well as treating re-circulationwater in marine parks and aquaria.

For more information, contactPeter Wang. E-mail: [email protected]

Photon II systems at the Grieg Seafood plant.

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Wastewater

Peel wastewater project planned to servicefast-growing urban area

By Volker Masemann and William Fernandes

work into five major general contracts,ranging in value from $11 million to $21million, plus three smaller contracts. Theopen nature of the site made it possibleto have work going on simultaneously

on a number of contracts while stillmaintaining adequate separation be-tween work areas as required by theMinistry of Labour. The last contract isexpected to be substantially completeearly in 2008. The total value of con-struction is approximately $93 million.

Most areas of the liquid treatmentphase have undergone changes and im-provements. Because the existing grit re-

The Region of Peel is one of thefastest-growing urban areas inCanada, and is served by twomajor Lake Ontario-based

wastewater treatment plants. The westerlyof these, at Clarkson, has beenundergoing a major expansion.Population growth forecastsshowed that a plant capacity of250,000 m3/d would be neededfor the projected year 2031 pop-ulation, while the current ex-pansion phase to 200,000 m3/dhad to be completed by 2006 tocope with projected flow in-creases, as well as to improvebiosolids management and ef-fluent quality.

Historically, wastewatersludge has been anaerobicallydigested at the plant and thentrucked to the Lakeview plant,some 16 km to the east, inslurry form, for dewatering andincineration. A Biosolids Man-agement Study completed in2000 recommended that thebiosolids handling process afterdigestion be altered to includedewatering prior to haulage.

In carrying out this plant ex-pansion, the Region’s goal wasto maximize the environmentalbenefits, both tangible and in-tangible, that would accrue tothe community.

Project detailsFollowing completion of an

Environmental AssessmentStudy, as well as a BiosolidsMaster Plan, the Region of Peel engagedEarth Tech Canada to execute design andsupervise construction of the neededClarkson expansion. The design processbegan in 2003, with the first construc-tion contract to clear and prepare the sitefor later contracts getting underway inNovember 2003. In order to allow themaximum number of qualified contrac-tors to bid, it was decided to break the

moval and screening facilities built in1971 were outdated, limited in their ex-pansion possibilities and in the wrongplace for the ultimate site developmentplans, completely new facilities are being

provided near the north end ofthe site. Construction necessi-tated a complex live connectionto the existing 1800 mm trunksewer to divert flow to the newgrit and screen building. Thefinal stage of this undertakingwas completed over two days,with the final lift-out of the sewersections taking place during lowflow at 4 a.m.

The screen building housesfour 2 m wide John Meunierscreens with articulated perfo-rated plate sections having 6mm openings, replacing obso-lete 18 mm bar screens. The newprocess results in significantlymore screenings material thanpreviously captured. Newgrinder/washer/dewatering unitsproduce a dry, low odour prod-uct for off-site disposal. Thesescreens, along with six similarunits at the Lakeview plant, rep-resent one of the largest instal-lations of this new type of screenin North America. Grit removaltakes place in two 9.5 m diame-ter vortex units, followed bywashing and dewatering in twogrit classifiers. The washed gritis also disposed off-site.

The biological secondarytreatment step was expanded

with a fourth 95 m x 17.5 m x 4.5 m deepaeration tank fitted with fine pore dif-fusers, followed by a fourth rectangularsecondary clarifier. To allow the plant tomeet the summertime nitrification re-quirements stipulated by the Ministry ofthe Environment, additional air diffuserswere also added to the three existing aer-ation tanks. The air is supplied by two


Making the connection to the live trunk sewer.

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November:2007 11/6/07 9:06 PM Page 13

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tling tanks has been enhanced by ex-tending the two oldest tanks to match thenewer units, giving a uniformly loweroverflow rate throughout.

Treated effluent is disinfected bychlorination using liquid sodium

new single-stage high speed Turblex cen-trifugal blowers in addition to one exist-ing blower, with optimized energy useachieved using a dissolved oxygen con-trol system.

Effluent quality from the final set-

hypochlorite followed by dechlorinationwith sodium bisulphite to achieve a non-toxic discharge. Chlorine contact time isprovided within the outfall pipe.

A multi-port outfall pipe extends1400 m into Lake Ontario to a waterdepth of 15 m. The dispersion charac-teristics and the environmental impactsof the discharge, both in the immediatevicinity and in the far-shore area, weresimulated using a two-dimensional com-puter model, to ensure there were nodeleterious effects.

To treat the additional sludge gener-ated by the expanded liquids treatmentprocess, two new 33 m diameter x 9 mdeep anaerobic digesters were con-structed. In addition, three existingsmaller digesters were refurbished andupgraded. Digested sludge from all fivetanks is pumped to a blending tank priorto dewatering by centrifuge in the newBiosolids Building. Two Alfa-Laval ma-chines, each capable of producing 2 t/h ofdewatered cake, are currently in place,with room for two more in the future.

Dewatered cake of approximately30% solids content is discharged to asystem of screw conveyors feeding two

Wastewater

Two of the 6 mm fine screens.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:06 PM Page 14


solved oxygen sensors means better ef-ficiency and reduced power costs. Im-provements to digester gas handling andstorage have allowed the plant to makebetter use of its gas-powered cogenera-tion system, leading to savings in pur-chased electricity.

Automated process control allowsplant operations to be optimized, whichmeans a better and more consistent qual-ity of treated effluent. Discharge of a non-toxic effluent protects aquatic life in thelake and enhances enjoyment of the usersof the lakeshore parks nearby. The newstructures, while hardly visible from ad-

piston-type Schwing pumps whichpump the biosolids to a 240 m3 elevatedsteel storage hopper. Trucks are auto-matically loaded to a pre-determinedweight on a truck scale for cake transferto the Lakeview plant. The BiosolidsBuilding also houses three Alfa-Lavalrotary drum thickeners which pre-thicken waste activated sludge from thebiological treatment process beforepumping into the digesters, taking thesludge from a concentration of less than1% total solids to 5% or more. Thisprocess reduces the required volume ofthe anaerobic digesters and allows bet-ter process control than the previouslyused method of co-settling waste acti-vated sludge in the primary clarifiers.

Odour control systems are in place tohandle odorous air that is generated inthe Biosolids Building as well as theScreen Building. In both locations wetchemical scrubbers are installed whichallow dosing of sodium hypochlorite andcaustic to oxidize odorous compoundsbefore the treated air is discharged viaexhaust stacks. During design of thesesystems, computer simulation of the dis-charge plume ensured that environmentalstandards would be maintained at thenearest point of impingement, which is aresidential area about 1 km from theodour source.

Prior to this expansion, the plant wasautomated in a few areas, but most oper-ation was by manual operator interven-tion. Operators were present Monday toFriday on day shifts, with brief weekendinspections only. Essentially, all parts ofthe plant are now fully automated andcontrolled by local PLCs, tied to a centralcontrol room SCADA system located inthe Biosolids Building. Sludge thicken-ing and dewatering takes place sevendays a week and the Biosolids Buildingis, therefore, the best location for theSCADA control centre, which is at-tended at all times.

Environmental benefitsThe measures adopted have allowed

the Region of Peel to attain its stated en-vironmental goals. On site biosolids de-watering has allowed truck traffic to theLakeview plant to be reduced ten-fold,from roughly thirty trucks per day tothree. This means less air and noise pol-lution as well as greater safety. Use ofautomated blower control through dis-

jacent roadways, are architecturallypleasing and are enhanced by thoughtfullandscaping.

The completed project allows the Re-gion of Peel to fulfill its mandate to pro-vide its citizens with effective andefficient wastewater treatment well intothe future and to maintain excellent lakewater quality.

Volker Masemann, P.Eng., is withEarth Tech Canada Inc. and

William Fernandes, P.Eng., is with theRegion of Peel. Contact:

[email protected]

Wastewater

November:2007 11/6/07 9:06 PM Page 15


Wastewater management– a complete approach to handling grease

By Sean McNeely

regarded as a hazardous chemical, likepetroleum oil. But considering greasecauses billions in sewer repairs andclean-up projects, not to mention lostrevenue from affected businesses, andthat’s not even touching the health andenvironmental risks, it should be frontand centre in effective wastewater man-agement discussions.

With increasing populations andurban sprawl, increasing pressure isbeing placed on already aging sewer sys-tems. And that worries Silvano Ferrazzo,a business development manager withGreen Turtle Americas. “Even if nothingchanges, the population growth alonewill generate more loading on currentsewer infrastructure, and in many cases,overloading,” he said.

The rate at which SanitarySewer Overflows (SSOs) arehappening across North Amer-ica is surging.

About 19,500 sewer systems acrossthe US handle an average daily flow ofroughly 50 billion gallons of rawsewage. Sadly, these aging systems arefailing to handle this raw sewage at analarming rate.

SSO reporting requirements varyfrom state to state, so an accurate na-tional picture is difficult to determine.(Some states such as California andTexas have passed laws mandating thereporting of all SSOs.) It is so vague, theUS Environmental Protection Agencyestimates that anywhere between 23,000and 75,000 SSOs occur each year, dis-charging a total volume of three to 10billion gallons per year.

That’s potentially 10 billion gallonsof sewage that contains a spectrum ofdisease-causing pathogens and bacteriathat can cause ailments like stomach fluand respiratory infections, as well aslife-threatening illnesses such as choleraand Hepatitis B.

In the 2004 Report to Congress, theEPA estimated almost half of all SSOsthat resulted from sewer line blockageswere caused by grease – grease poureddown the drains of restaurants, greaseoverflowing from neglected or failinggrease traps and interceptors, and greasepoured into home kitchen sinks.

Though grease is the main culprit, itrarely attracts attention because it is not

To reduce the damaging effects andsoaring costs related to SSOs, a strongchange in thinking is needed to stop theflow of grease into sewer lines.

The EPA is certainly aware of thiscrisis and has worked diligently to edu-cate restaurant and business owners, aswell as the general public.

The EPA has forced a lot of sewer au-thorities to take seriously the problemthat a lot of municipalities are faced with– but municipalities just don’t have theresources in terms of people to monitorwhat is going on in their own regions.Good ordinances have been written anda lot of municipalities are working hardto enforce them, but they can’t checkevery single grease trap or every singleinterceptor.

Instead of relying on governmentagencies, what’s needed is a change inthinking on the part of restaurant andbuilding owners, as well as the publicwho need to embrace the philosophythat wastewater management is far morethan installing a grease trap or intercep-tor and walking away.

Owners must shed the “out of sight,out of mind” attitude, and adopt a moreinvolved, ongoing approach to waste-water management.

“It starts with the individual,” saidFerrazzo. “How good are we as citizensat keeping grease out of our sinks? It hasto start with the mindset of every person,as they are ultimately the owners ormanagers of restaurants, businesses andinstitutions.”

Instead of relying ongovernment agencies,

what’s needed is a changein thinking on the part ofrestaurant and buildingowners, as well as thepublic who need to

embrace the philosophythat wastewater

management is far morethan installing a greasetrap or interceptor and

walking away.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:06 PM Page 16


quality. As such, knowledge of restau-rant operations, type of food, servingprofile, and kitchen plumbing configu-ration is critical when determining theright fit.

You can have a top of the line inter-ceptor, but if it is incorrectly sized or im-properly designed for the application itwill operate inefficiently. If it is toosmall, effective grease separation can’toccur; too big, and odors can result from

grease being stored too long and sup-porting bacterial growth. In the worstcase scenario, poor design can lead topipe blockages for the restaurant andgrease blockages for the sanitary sewer.

Proper installationMost grease traps and interceptors

operate by gravity. Because of this, it isessential that all traps and interceptorsare installed level, so that the wastewatercan flow properly through the unit.

“With some models, there’s only atwo-inch difference between the inletand the outlet pipes – lose that differenceand the entire system is compromised,”said Ferrazzo. “If you’re off by an inch,

It is certainly not the most popularsubject, nor a terribly sexy one. Manyowners are not eager to delve into thesubject of wastewater, and many expecttheir interceptors to perform magic andaccomplish everything once installed.Their main concern is keeping patronshappy while being compliant to healthand sewer regulations.

Owners often learn about wastewatersystems the hard way, once somethinghas gone wrong, like sinks and drainsbacking up, or worse, the restaurant isfacing fines or even closure for poorwastewater practices.

To get owners more involved, theEPA is working with the Water Environ-ment Federation (WEF) to increaseawareness of the needs for effectivegrease management:• Proper sizing and design of grease

interceptors.• Proper installation.• Best management practices – referring

to ongoing inspection, maintenance ofgrease interceptors as well as bestmanagement practices in the kitchen.

Proper sizing and designRestaurant and business owners need

to take an active role in understandingwhat kind of treatment device is best forthem and why. Grease interceptors andseparators have become so much morethan modified underground storagetanks. Newer interceptors, often utiliz-ing better corrosion-resistant materials,have been designed and sized to meettoday’s tougher wastewater effluent

that entire interceptor could fail becausepre-treated water won’t have the abilityto flow downhill to the sewer.”

Interceptor maintenanceAn interceptor is a part of a working

system that requires attention. That at-tention first begins with restaurant own-ers reading the directions and operationsmanual for an interceptor they just hadinstalled. The more familiar they arewith how it operates and its maintenancerequirements, the more money thatowner ultimately saves by avoidingblockages, leaks, and fines.

Pre-treatment officials are increas-ingly recommending that any unit bepumped once the combined grease andsolids level has reached about 25 to 30per cent capacity. “Most interceptors aredesigned to hold anywhere from 20 toeven higher than 40 per cent greaseloading, and still operate effectively,”noted Ferrazzo.

However, when determining howoften an interceptor should be checked,always err on the side of caution, as pro-crastination or forgetfulness can have se-rious consequences.

If you fail to pump out and clean yourinterceptor regularly, that grease layerkeeps building and building and eventu-ally overwhelms the system. You get tothe point where you have all grease andno water.

Best management practicesThough an interceptor’s sizing, in-

stallation and maintenance are crucial,


One employee boasted theirgrease trap hadn’t been

opened in ten years. Inquiringas to why it remained shut fora decade,Parnell was told,‘I don’t want to open it, it

would stink.’

November:2007 11/6/07 9:06 PM Page 17


AQUA GUARD®

Self-Cleaning Bar/Filter Screen

The Aqua Guard screen is a self-cleaning, in-channelscreening device that uses a unique filter element systemdesigned to automatically remove a wide range of floatingand suspended solids from wastewater. The unit providesboth fine and coarse screening to protect pumps anddownstream processes.

The Aqua Guard screen’s self-cleaning feature allows efficientoperation for extended unsupervised periods of time withminimalmaintenance.

Over 1,500 unitsare operational inboth industrial andmunicipalapplications asreferences ofperformance andquality.

www.parkson.com • [email protected]

Tel 514-636-8712 • Fax 514-636-9718

205-1000 St-Jean • Pointe-Claire, QC H9R 5P1An Axel Johnson Company

wastewater management starts in thekitchen. Successful operation of any in-terceptor or grease trap largely dependson what goes into it. Yet, poorly trainedrestaurant staff continue to pour grease,solids and other harmful materials (andpotentially money) down the drain.

Dr. John Parnell, president of Pre-treatment Solutions Inc – a Florida-based consulting firm that specializes introubleshooting wastewater pretreatmentprograms – has seen restaurants wherethe dining areas are sublime, but thekitchens are a nightmare.

He has encountered restaurantswhere staff believe their grease trap orinterceptor doesn’t need to be cleanedand somehow magically eliminatesgrease altogether. “The actual concept ofwhat goes on inside an interceptor isvery poorly understood,” he said.

One employee boasted their greasetrap hadn’t been opened in ten years. In-quiring as to why it remained shut for adecade, Parnell was told, ‘I don’t wantto open it, it would stink.’

There needs to be a much bigger em-phasis on best management practices. If

employees followed good managementpractices, they could reduce the fre-quency with which their interceptor hasto be pumped.

However, Parnell recognizes thatrestaurant owners and managers copingwith busy shifts, constantly changing staffand other problems, consider wastewatermanagement a distant concern. Restau-rant owners often look upon a grease in-spector as the straw that broke the camel’sback, as they are already struggling tomeet health and safety regulations.

Proactive not reactiveIdeally Parnell hopes the federal gov-

ernment will one day create nationallyrecognized regulations that would be im-plemented and enforced coast to coast.Restaurants and other businesses wouldbe frequently inspected and infractionswould be dealt with swiftly. Within theUS government, such regulations haveemerged but have never passed throughenough political hoops to actually be-come law.

Instead most wastewater pretreat-ment regulations, specifically greaseprograms, are created by individual mu-

nicipalities. In many cases they are de-veloped in response to severe seweroverflow problems. Such programs, al-though well-meaning, are difficult to en-force because of a lack of manpower.

Because of this, wastewater treatmentis still largely approached on a reactivebasis, believes Parnell. “But restaurantshave to have some kind of proactive sys-tem – reactive just doesn’t cut it,” hesaid. This is especially true for urbanareas where restaurants are being con-structed side by side in limited space,because while the restaurants are newand state of the art, the sewer lines be-neath them are not.

Hopefully, effective wastewater man-agement that includes proper trainingand awareness and an emphasis on bestmanagement practices in the kitchenwill soon find its way on to every restau-rant owner’s or manager’s menu.

For more informationE-mail:

[email protected] McNeely is a writer

with Monteco Ltd.

Grease in Wastewater

November:2007 11/6/07 9:06 PM Page 18

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Wastewater

Innovative environmental control facility inWhitehorse,Yukon

By Ken Johnson

The Livingstone Trail Environmental Control Facility. Flow control structure.

• Four 293,000 cubic metre secondarylagoons with a combined retentiontime of 100 days.

• One 5.813 million cubic metrelong-term storage (LTS) pond witha one-year retention time.The primary cells can fill to a depth

of 6.2 metres and the secondary cells toa depth of 2.3 metres. The long-termstorage area, a wetland three kilometreslong and two kilometres wide, can fill toa depth of six metres. The flow betweenthe lagoons is controlled by a variety offlow control structures.

The facilities were constructed over aperiod of two years, and the work alsoincluded clearing and extension of theMarwell forcemain from the old White-horse primary lagoons to the LTECF,and upgrading of the other facilities as-sociated with the collection system. Thecompletion of the work in September1996, allowed the City of Whitehorse toend the direct discharge of primarytreated sewage effluent into the YukonRiver. The total capital cost of theLTECF was approximately $20 million($1996), which was a cost of about$1,100 per resident.

The initial design of the facility in-cluded a discharge structure from thelong-term storage pond for a seasonaldischarge into the Yukon River. How-ever, with such a high quality effluentanticipated from the pond, the Citystarted considering an opportunity thatwould accommodate no direct discharge

Lagoons are the most commontype of sewage treatment inCanada, and often the treat-ment process of choice for

small and medium sized communitiesbecause of very low operating costs, andproven capability to achieve high qual-ity effluent. This is particularly true forhigh latitudes where the costs and oper-ation challenges of mechanical systemsare magnified several times.

The City of Whitehorse used a fourcell primary sewage lagoon system formany years, which provided appropriatetechnology for this community locatedat 60°34' N 135°4' W in the Yukon Ter-ritory.

In the late 1980s regulatory demandsfor a higher quality effluent promptedthe City to investigate options forachieving a secondary quality or bettereffluent. A number of studies were com-pleted in the late ‘80s and early ‘90sconsidering mechanical and lagoon sys-tems. In the end, the terrain of an area tothe north of the City, near what is calledthe Livingstone Trail, was able to ac-commodate a large lagoon system.

In 1994, work began on the Living-stone Trail Environmental Control Facil-ity (LTECF) to serve the 18,000 peopleliving in the City of Whitehorse.TheLTECF includes the following major de-tention and retention components:• Two 115,000 cubic metre primary

lagoons with a combined retentiontime of 20 days.

to theYukon River. Adjacent to the LTSpond is a glacial pothole lake formation,which lies 16 metres below the level ofthe surrounding lakes, and less than adecimetre above the level of the YukonRiver itself. The materials between thepothole lake and the river are sands andgravels.

The City applied to the Yukon Terri-tory Water Board to obtain an additionalClass A water licence for a trial dis-charge of up to two million cubic metresof fully treated effluent into PotholeLake, which would gradually seep intothe groundwater, along with other waterfrom the lake, and would very slowlymake its way to the river. The trial dis-charge into Pothole Lake (PHL) was asuccess. Every fall since 1998, treatedeffluent has been discharged from theLTS pond into the lake.

Time, wind and sunlight do most ofthe work at Whitehorse's new sewage la-goon. In a typical July, this City receivesapproximately 256 hours of bright sun-shine and has an average daily tempera-ture of 14°C; the average annualprecipitation is 269 mm. The LTECF isdesigned to hold the sewage for at least360 days at optimum capacity. Duringthat time, the wind stirs the holding cellsand puts oxygen into the system, help-ing microbes and natural chemicalprocesses to break down the sewagecontaminants. The only addition to thesystem is biological enzyme which en-hances biodegradation.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:06 PM Page 20


WastewaterBy mid May of each year the sec-

ondary lagoons are generally ice-freeand algal blooms quickly develop, sig-nificantly increasing the pH levels (max-imum 11.3) and dissolved oxygenconcentrations (maximum >20 mg/l).The elevated pH levels promote thevolatilization of ammonia, reducing lev-els to below detection (0.005 mg/l)within five weeks of becoming ice-free.

The City is generally pleased with theoperation of the facility. The water licencestates fecal coliform levels in effluentfrom the system may not exceed 2000counts per 100 millilitres. Tests of thenew system have found fecal coliformcounts ranging from less than 3 per 100millilitres to a high of 240 per 100 mil-litres. The old system would dischargeover 100,000 counts per 100 millilitres.

In 2003, approximately 3,770,000cubic metres of sewage were received atthe LTECF. In 2003 discharge of treatedeffluent from the LTS into Pothole Lakecommenced on August 1, 2003, andended on October 31, 2003, a total of 92discharge days. A total of 3,374,660 mil-lion cubic metres of treated effluent wasdischarged into Pothole Lake.

The Livingstone Trail EnvironmentalControl Facility is now a showcase proj-ect demonstrating the opportunity for asewage lagoon system to produce a veryhigh quality sewage effluent at high lat-itudes in Canada, and essentially have azero impact on the receiving environ-ment. Certainly it must be recognizedthat the surrounding natural features

have a significant role to play in thetreatment processes and that the endproduct can come with a significantprice tag in capital costs.

Ken Johnson, MCIP, P.Eng., is a SeniorEngineer with Earth Tech Canada.E-mail: [email protected]

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Cover Story

System improvements provide highquality water to residents in Naramata, BCBy Bill Harvey

ciated Engineering identified severalrisks involving one of the intake sites. Asa result, the team conducted a value en-gineering review with the Regional Dis-trict staff. A suggestion by one of theRegional District staff ultimately led toAssociated Engineering developing anew design concept that eliminated theintake of concern.

Located on the east shore ofLake Okanagan, approxi-mately 10 kilometres north ofPenticton, British Columbia,

the picturesque community of Naramatasupports a significant orchard and wineindustry. Naramata’s water system, likemany irrigation districts in the Okana-gan Valley, serves a combination of agri-cultural and domestic demands, with thelargest component being agricultural.

Due to ongoing water quality issues inits upland creek water supplies, the BritishColumbia Interior Health Authority hadenforced a Boil Water Order for residentsof Naramata for more than a decade. Find-ing affordable solutions to the ongoingwater quality issues presented a challengedue to the high agricultural water de-mands. Peak demands in this communityof 2,000 can reach 30 million litres perday or 15,000 litres per capita per day; thiscompares with typical per capita waterusage of 400 litres per day.

To solve water quality issues, the Re-gional District of Okanagan Similka-meen established the Naramata WaterAdvisory Committee to provide localinput, direction, and assistance to planand implement the required water im-provements. The Regional District en-gaged Associated Engineering tocomplete preliminary and detailed de-sign and to oversee construction of a se-ries of water system improvements. The$8 million project involved designingwater supply and treatment upgrades anddeveloping a plan for future separationof the domestic and agricultural demandcomponents. The new facilities wouldreplace an existing supply system whichdelivered chlorinated water from two ex-isting upland creek intakes and two ex-isting lake intakes.

Intake designThe Regional District’s initial project

design concept involved completing amajor upgrade to the two existing lakeintakes to draw the full water demandfrom the higher quality lake source. Dur-ing the preliminary design phase, Asso-

The new concept involved doublingthe capacity of the existing deep lake in-take by upgrading the existing intakescreen and constructing a new raw waterpump station. Hydraulic calculationsconfirmed that the existing 750 metrelong intake conduit could handle the in-creased flow rate. The design involved

Chief operator, David Carlson checks the UV reactors.


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November:2007 11/6/07 9:07 PM Page 23


Cover Story

deemed OSHA (Occupational Safety andHealth Administration) exempt.

In on-site generation of sodiumhypochlorite, salt is dissolved with soft-ened water to form a concentrated brinesolution. The brine solution is dilutedand passes through an electrolytic cell,which applies a low voltage current tothe brine to form a sodium hypochloritesolution. Water passes through an ionexchange water softener to prevent thecells from fouling. Softened water flowsto a brine tank where it mixes with foodgrade salt to produce a brine solution.

The brine is subsequently diluted andfed to an electrolyzer cell which appliesa low voltage current to the brine to forma sodium hypochlorite solution. Thepower supply and rectifier combinationconverts high voltage AC power to lowvoltage DC to power the electrolyzercells.

The system produces a 0.8% concen-tration sodium hypochlorite solution.The cells feed the solution to storagetanks, from which it is pumped to thewater treatment process. The technologychosen for the Naramata project wasmanufactured by Chlortec.

Treated water distributionTwo sets of treated water pumps (to-

talling 1000 horsepower) deliver waterfrom the treatment plant to higher eleva-tion pressure zones. The design chal-lenge of the treated water pumpingsystem was that it had to pump waterinto an existing, aging, multi-pressurezone, asbestos cement pipe distributionsystem from a totally new location whilemaintaining the integrity of the existingpiping system. This involved careful hy-

replacing the existing 44 litre per secondTownsite Pump Station with a new 340litre per second raw water pump stationand a two kilometre long, 600 millime-tre diameter raw water supply pipelinefrom the raw water pump station to thenew water treatment plant site. The newpump station consisted of three pumpstotalling 900 horsepower.

Water treatmentThe water treatment plant was sited

adjacent to an existing treated waterreservoir which was converted to atreated water clearwell. The new 30 mil-lion litre per day water treatment plantincludes ultraviolet disinfection and on-site sodium hypochlorite generation toprovide two-stage disinfection. The lakewater, drawn through the intake at adepth of 20 metres, is typically of goodquality with turbidity generally below0.5 NTU.

Ultraviolet primary disinfection isprovided to inactivate Giardia and Cryp-tosporidium. The ultraviolet equipmentwas prepurchased through a proposalcall process. Proposals were receivedfrom three vendors and evaluated undervarious technical and financial criteria.The Wedeco Lo-Hi (low pressure, highintensity lamps) ultraviolet disinfectiontechnology was selected for the Nara-mata Water Treatment Plant.

On-site sodium hypochlorite genera-tion was selected to provide secondarydisinfection. It offers several advantagesover other chlorine disinfection alterna-tives, such as chlorine gas or commer-cially available sodium hypochlorite,including the following:• Eliminates the need for bulk storage

of chlorine gas or sodium hypochlorite.• Reduces the risk to plant personnel

because of significantly lesshazardous material storage andhandling requirements.

• Eliminates transportation liabilitiesassociated with transportation ofchlorine gas or commerciallyavailable sodium hypochlorite.

• Reduces the potential threat of achlorine gas leak to operators andthe general public.On-site sodium hypochlorite genera-

tion typically has a larger capital cost, buthas similar operating costs compared tochlorine gas systems. It produces a 0.8%sodium hypochlorite solution, which is

draulic analysis by the design team.The supply system improvements in-

clude a new 800 metre long, 400 mil-limetre diameter South Zone treatedwater main and 1.2 kilometres of 300millimetre and 250 millimetre diameterNorth Zone treated water main inter-connecting to the existing distributionsystem. Finding pipeline routes throughsome challenging topography and geo-technical constraints and building itwithout disrupting operation of the ex-isting distribution system was challeng-ing. The solution required innovativethinking on the part of the design teamto deliver the water to key locations inthe distribution system and to ensuregood hydraulic performance.

The facility design incorporates anumber of energy efficient features, in-cluding using lake water as the energysource to heat the raw water pump sta-tion and the water treatment plant in thewinter and cool the spaces in the sum-mer. The tempered water is then redi-rected into the treated water distributionsystem to eliminate liquid waste and en-ergy losses.

The team developed a design approachto ensure a continuous water supply to thecommunity during the construction pe-riod using the three other existing intakes.

Construction of the water system im-provements was completed in March2007. Fittingly, the official opening of thenew system was held on March 22, 2007– World Water Day. This event was hostedby Regional District of Okanagan Sim-ilkameenArea E Director,Tom Chapman,who played a significant role in imple-menting the project.

The success of this project was dueto excellent teamwork between the Re-gional District, the Naramata Water Ad-visory Committee, the contractors,Maple Reinders and H&M Contracting,and the design team. The Regional Dis-trict operators were actively involved inthe project, starting at the predesignstage, provided key input into design de-cisions, and were actively involved dur-ing startup and commissioning of thenew facilities.

Bill Harvey, P.Eng., is ProjectManager, Associated Engineering,

Kelowna, BC. E-mail: [email protected]

Raw water pump station.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:07 PM Page 24

November:2007 11/6/07 9:07 PM Page 25


Performance Management

Real-time management, a key efficiency factorfor the Halifax Regional Water Commission

By Martin Jetté

HRWC carried out an in-depth review ofits information technology (IT) methods,which led to the development of a five-year plan for improving its IT systems.

The first observation made by man-agement was that the information used bythe organization was divided among sev-eral completely independent data silos.Therefore, the people in charge did nothave easy access to the information theyneeded to carry out their tasks.As a result,producing reports was needlessly diffi-cult; creating graphs and tables requiredcollecting data from several different sys-tems that were not inter-connected. Thistook a lot of time and sometimes could notbe done at all, particularly when the datastretched over long periods of time (suchas a full year).

These problems meant that suchthings as generating night flow analysisreports were problematic. Night flowanalyses are carried out for each of the

The Halifax Regional WaterCommission (HRWC), which isresponsible for supplying drink-ing water to roughly 325,000

people in the Halifax, Nova Scotia region,treats 25–30 millions of gallons of waterdaily. A wholly municipal-owned, self-fi-nanced utility, the HRWC has a staff of180 employees, which is expected to dou-ble in fall when the organization takesover responsibility for wastewater man-agement. The HRWC is a leader in waterloss control and has participated in two re-cent American Water Works Associationprojects.

This expertise results from the util-ity’s efforts in recent years to improve itsway of doing things. In 1999, the HRWCset about to align its management meth-ods with the best practices recom-mended by the International WaterAssociation (IWA), a water treatment re-search organization. Consequently,

65 areas monitored in the HRWC dis-tricts; at night, water demand is at itslowest and flow rate and leaks are mosteasily measured or detected. Preparingthese reports required assembling datafrom different HRWC facilities, and hadto be done manually, on paper.

Data centralizationTo improve its operational efficiency

and cost-effectiveness, the HRWC wantedto create a single data warehouse contain-ing both production and distribution data,which it could use to quickly obtain theinformation it needed for its activities.With this goal in mind, the IWA suggesteda proven performance management solu-tion that could extract the data needed andprovide the information required in realtime to any employee requesting it (suchas personnel responsible for detectingleaks). The HRWC choose OSIsoft’s PIsystem.

“We were looking for a product that

November:2007 11/6/07 9:07 PM Page 26



during the previous night. Any malfunc-tion is tagged with a special colour code.Owing to this feature and the fact thatlarge numbers of employees now haveaccess to these reports - compared toonly a few previously - missing a majorleak has become virtually impossible.All in all, the HRWC estimates that it is

could help us achieve our objectives,based on International Water Associa-tion practices, and that met the criteriaspecified in our 2000 study on IT prac-tices,” comments HRWC's technical su-pervisor, Graham McDonald. “We chosethe PI system because of its capacity forproducing meaningful graphics, dataarchiving capability, connectivity withour SAP system and ability to providevalue-added data in general.”

The system was installed in 2002.Only one day’s work by the OSIsoft inte-grator was needed for the system to startproviding data to staff. HRWC special-ists programmed a driver beforehand totransfer proprietary data from the orga-nization’s legacy systems to the new PIsystem. Another day was required to trainemployees on the new system so thatthey could take advantage of all its func-tions. In the process, instrumentationproblems that had never been noticed be-fore were pointed out immediately.

Immediate benefitsToday, the night flow analysis reports

are posted on HRWC’s Intranet, whereeveryone can peruse the data gathered

saving $600,000 a year due to betterwater loss management. A significantpart of this is due to the new IT system.

The addition of a performance man-agement system infrastructure has also al-lowed an in-house application, the WaterLoss Calculator, to be developed.This en-


Treatment plant operator monitoring process screens.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:07 PM Page 27



spreadsheet-format reports.Public utilities are also required to

meet strict government standards oncontact time, or the time chlorine is incontact with water. Contact time de-pends on such things as water tempera-ture and pH. By having access toreal-time data on these parameters, the

ables the HRWC to calculate the volumeof water or losses experienced under nor-mal flow conditions in specific circum-stances, such as flushing. This MicrosoftExcel-based program uses the Datalinkspreadsheet add-in, which serves as agateway between Excel and PI, to gatherand analyze information and generate

HRWC no longer has to rely on the oldtables it used to carry out these analy-ses. This saves time, improves the accu-racy of calculations and ensures a saferwater distribution system in terms ofwater quality and public health. Data onthese conditions are archived, which fa-cilitates any subsequent checks requiredby the authorities.

HRWC management believes that theinitiative it undertook in 1999 to changeits practices has provided more than sub-stantial benefits. HRWC does not planon resting on its laurels and has severalother projects in the works. For exam-ple, measuring instruments have beeninstalled at a dozen of its major waterclients, so that they can detect leaks intheir own underground infrastructuresusing the new performance managementsystem, which they can access throughthe Internet. In this way, the HRWChopes its clients can achieve significantsavings while conserving water and pro-tecting the environment in the process.

Martin Jetté is with OSIsoft, Montréal,E-mail: [email protected]

Typical filter at HRWC’s J.D. Kline Water Treatment facility. All filterperformance indicators are stored in PI for analysis.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:08 PM Page 28

www.esemag.com

Environment

verted more than 41,000 acres of landsouth of Lake Okeechobee to STAs, andwill add another 18,000 acres of treat-ment by 2010.

The results from water year 2007,which included the height of the 2006-2007 drought, show less phosphorus wasremoved over this monitoring periodthan in previous periods. Water man-agers believe sediments released from

Despite back-to-back hurri-canes in 2004 and 2005 andan 18-month record regionalwater shortage, the South

Florida Water Management District(SFWMD) has confirmed that agricul-tural operations achieved an 18-percentreduction in the amount of phosphorusleaving the Everglades Agricultural Areafor the 2007 water year.

Best management practices (BMPs)by farmers prevented 32 metric tons ofphosphorus from entering the regionalcanal system, which sends water into theEverglades, during the monitoring pe-riod from May 1, 2006 to April 30, 2007.Over the past 12 years, the BMP pro-gram kept 1,767 metric tons of phos-phorus out of the Everglades.

In cooperation with the South FloridaWater Management District, locallandowners are implementing the BMPprogram in the Everglades AgriculturalArea.

The BMP program mandated byFlorida’s Everglades Forever Act stipu-lates that the amount of phosphorusleaving the Everglades AgriculturalArea, the 500,000-acre farming regionsouth of Lake Okeechobee, must be re-duced by 25 percent in at least one yearout of each consecutive three-year pe-riod.

Although this water year’s reduction islower than the annual requirement, theEverglades Agricultural Area remains incompliance with the Act, having achievedannual reductions ranging from 34 to 73percent in each of the previous 11 years.An average phosphorus load reduction ofmore than 40 percent was achieved forthe most recent three-year period from2005-2007. The average reduction fromthe implementation of BMPs over theprogram’s 12-year history is 50 percent,twice the amount required by law.

Together with best farming practices,water leaving the Everglades Agricul-tural Area receives additional treatmentin one of several Stormwater TreatmentAreas (STAs) before entering the Ever-glades. These constructed wetlands arefilled with native vegetation and use“green” technology to further reducephosphorus levels. The District con-

the bottom of Lake Okeechobee duringthe two active hurricane seasons of 2004and 2005, followed by lower-than-normal water levels during the droughtof 2006-2007, likely contributed to in-creased concentrations of phosphorusand other nutrients in water flowingfrom the lake to the Everglades Agricul-tural Area for irrigation.

Everglades Agricultural Area achieves18% phosphorus reduction

November 2007 | 29

November:2007 11/6/07 9:08 PM Page 29


Groundwater

Iron, manganese, 1,4-dioxane, hydrogen peroxide,and fines - A tale of multi-stage processingBy Ryan Steckly, Leigh McDermott, Elia Edwards, and Donna Serrati

of the total supply to the Region’s Inte-grated Urban Supply system, any shut-down causes a ripple effect of problems.That 5 percent reduces the burden onother supplies in the system and providesadditional water during higher demandperiods.

When the plant was shut down, var-ious drinking water standards existed inOntario, but none regulated 1,4-dioxane.To determine the realistic limit for 1,4-dioxane at the plant, the Region con-sulted with Stantec Consulting, theOntario Ministry of Environment, andtoxicologists. The group defined an ap-propriate 1,4-dioxane treatment objec-tive for this plant to be 10 µg/L, or aslow as reasonably achievable.

Through the Class EnvironmentalAssessment (Class EA) process - in-cluding public consultation - and a num-ber of studies, the team decided onseveral upgrades to the plant, includinginstalling an advanced oxidation systemto destroy 1,4-dioxane and return theGreenbrook WSS back into service assoon as possible.

Treatability studyA treatability study was initiated con-

current to the Class EA to investigate thetreatment requirements to remove the1,4-dioxane and to investigate the func-

In 2004, the Regional Municipalityof Waterloo (Region) discovered1,4-dioxane in groundwater feed-ing the Greenbrook Water Supply

System in Kitchener, Ontario. At thetime, the plant was slated to be upgradedwith replacement iron and manganesepressure filters. These plans were put onhold, however, while the Region devel-oped a strategy for treating the 1,4-diox-ane. The approach for solving the issueinvolved investigating a number of dif-ferent advanced oxidation technologiesand quenching techniques. Ultimately,the project team settled on a multi-staged process that allowed for 1,4-diox-ane treatment as well as the filterupgrades the Region had planned.

Greenbrook Water Supply SystemThe Greenbrook Water Supply Sys-

tem (WSS) consisted of pressure filtersfor iron and manganese removal, 9,500m3 of on-site storage, and a high-liftpumping system. Five groundwater wellssupply the facility at a permitted capacityof 189 L/s. When concentrations of 1,4-dioxane up to 285 µg/L were found inone of these wells, and concentrations ofup to 30 µg/L in the blended treatedwater, the plant was temporarily shutdown. Although the Greenbrook systemonly contributes approximately 5 percent

tionality and performance of the variousadvanced oxidation technologies thatwere available. The technologies in-cluded ozone/peroxide, UV/peroxide,and UV/titanium dioxide.

The treatability study included a lit-erature review, bench-scale testing, andsmall-scale piloting of the technologies.Issues that were determined early in thestudy included potential bromate forma-tion with the ozone/peroxide technologyas concentrations of bromide were pres-ent in the water supply; the reliance ofthe UV/peroxide efficiency on UVTpercentage; and potential hydroxyl rad-ical scavenging from various water qual-ity compounds such as chloride,sulphates, and hardness, for whichGreenbrook WSS had a history of ele-vated concentrations.

During piloting, each of the tech-nologies was tested on a range of waterquality from two of the wells; Well K2was characteristic of the highest 1,4-dioxane concentration, and Well K4Bwas characteristic of high iron and lowerpercent UVT.

Each of the piloted advanced oxida-tion technologies was capable of reduc-ing the 1,4-dioxane concentrations inexcess of 1.0 log removal (90-percent re-

Figure 1. Primary and secondary control sectors.


November:2007 11/6/07 9:08 PM Page 30

November:2007 11/6/07 9:01 PM Page 2


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Groundwater

included to complete the package. In ad-dition, three UV reactors were pre-pur-chased to operate in a two duty, onestand-by configuration.

The team also pre-selected a pressurefilter system for iron and manganese re-moval since the vessel manufacturingprocess was estimated to add consider-able time to the project schedule. Three4.3 m diameter vessels were selected tokeep the filter flow rates down to ap-proximately 12 m/h at the full plant flowrate. Free chlorine was selected as the ox-idant for the iron and manganese removalprocess and, with the specification ofmanganese dioxide catalytic oxidativefilter media, the need for adding potas-sium permanganate was eliminated.

The final selectionFigure 1 illustrates the selected

process for the Greenbrook WSS. Rawwater is pumped from the five supplywells to a common point, where sodiumhypochlorite is injected to provide virusinactivation through the raw water reser-voir and to provide oxidation of iron andmanganese prior to the pressure filters.Water is then pumped via low-lift pumps

moval). The UV/peroxide technologywas observed to carry approximately 70percent of the dosed hydrogen peroxideconcentration through the UV reactor.This concentration would need to bequenched prior to adding sodiumhypochlorite, as the peroxide wouldreadily react with the chlorine and nofree chlorine residual would be attained.

Equipment pre-selectionWith a fast-track schedule in mind for

the project, the team decided to pre-se-lect the major equipment components toreduce procurement time in the overallschedule.

The UV/peroxide advanced oxidationtechnology was selected for the projectsince it was observed to achieve the de-sired 1,4-dioxane reduction of 1.3 log re-moval (95 percent removal) under arange of water quality characteristics. Amedium-pressure lamp reactor was se-lected since it was validated for disin-fection, provided a chemical/mechanicalsleeve wiping system, and had a morecompact design as compared to a low-pressure lamp system. The hydrogenperoxide storage and dosing system was

to the pressure filters, and the filteredwater is injected with hydrogen perox-ide. The water then enters the advancedoxidation system where the hydroxylradical is formed to react with the 1,4-dioxane compound. Downstream of theadvanced oxidation system, the remain-ing hydrogen peroxide residual is elim-inated through upflow GAC contactors.

A provisional carbon fines removalsystem is allowed for downstream of theGAC contactors to remove any carbonparticles that may exit the vessels.Sodium hypochlorite is then injected toreduce any trace hydrogen peroxideresidual and to re-establish chlorine intothe system for disinfection. Ammoniumsulphate is injected for chloraminationand the water is directed to the two un-derground storage reservoirs. High-liftpumps then supply the distribution sys-tem with the finished water.

Coming to this solution, of course,was not an easy decision. The processinvolved overcoming a number of diffi-cult design challenges.

Well operationThe location of the five supply wells

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Groundwater Monitoring Equipment & Supplies

TheWaterra Inertial Pumping System is the most widelyused pump for monitoring wells in Canada. For developing,purging and sampling — nothing else comes close.our most popular — The Standard Flow System is best suited for 2” wells and can providelifts up to 150 feet.This system can be used in wells of varying diameters and a variety of sampling environments.

deep well sampling — The High Flow System is designed to be used in 2” wells or larger wherea high pumping rate is desired.This system is also an excellent well development tool in 2” piezometers.

piezometer sampling — The Low Flow System is designed to be used in small diameter piezometers(usually 1" ID to 0.75" ID).This system is also useful for sampling in damaged or obstructed monitoring wells.

micro wells — The Micro Flow System is popular for use in direct push technology micro well installations.

Groundwater

on-line analyzer can test for 1,4-dioxane,the control system relies on regularwater quality sampling and input of themost recent concentrations into the con-trol program.

Peroxide quenchingTwo methods were considered for re-

ducing the hydrogen peroxide residualthat remains after the advanced oxidationUV reactors: chemical quenching andgranular activated carbon quenching.

Chemical quenching by the addition

is spread out over a large area, and eachwell has its own characteristic waterquality. The 1,4-dioxane concentrationsvary significantly between wells as sum-marized in Table I. Combining the waterwith low concentrations with the wellswith higher 1,4-dioxane concentrationsallows the raw water source to blend intoa more manageable concentration.

Well K2 and Well K4B represent thehighest 1,4-dioxane concentrations;these wells are located in the middle ofthe well field. It was anticipated thatpumping Well K2 and K4B could con-trol the highest concentrations of theplume from migrating outward to theother wells. A well operating strategywas implemented to ensure that Well K2and Well K4B were always operatedfirst, followed by a well sequence thatwould keep 1,4-dioxane concentrationsaway from Well K5A, as no concentra-tions had yet been detected at this well.

The UV and peroxide doses for theadvanced oxidation treatment system arecontrolled in relation to which wells arein use and the predicted 1,4-dioxane in-fluent concentration. As no continuous

of sodium hypochlorite was consideredfirst since the reaction between sodiumhypochlorite and peroxide is relativelyquick and sodium hypochlorite is al-ready in use at the plant. Literature re-garding the chemical quenching reactionprovided a ratio of approximately 2.1mg/L sodium hypochlorite for 1 mg/L ofperoxide (Liu et al., 2003). A residualperoxide concentration would vary de-pending on influent water quality and

Estimated“Worst Case”Concentration

(ppb)

2005 MaxConcentration

(ppb)

Well 2004 MaxConcentration

(ppb)

Table I. 1,4-dioxane concentrations in the supply wells.


K1 41 41.6 61K2 285 210 471K4B 96.2 262 146K5A ND - 0K8 11.7 - 14

Total 30.1 - 97

November:2007 11/6/07 9:08 PM Page 33


Groundwater

added benefit of some organic removalfollowing the advanced oxidation systemin which organics are reduced to moresimple forms. The team investigated both8x30 and 12x40 carbon media sizes, con-cluding that the 12x40 had improved per-oxide reducing capabilities due to a lowerrequired contact time for the desired per-oxide reduction.

Upflow GAC contactorsOperating the upflow GAC contactors

is similar to continuously backwashing apressure filter. The key design focus wasto avoid carbon blow-out by optimizingthe filter flow rate to target a bed expan-sion between 15% and 40% for each on-line contactor. The maximum bedexpansion of 40% was critical as therewas a higher potential for carbon blow-out from the reactor. Operating the con-tactor below the 15% target would stillprovide peroxide reduction, but at a de-creased efficiency. Backwash bed ex-pansion curves supplied by the carbonsupplier were used to estimate the bedexpansion percentage for the design.

Three 3.0 m diameter pressure ves-sels were specified, each to accommo-date one-third of the total plant flowrate. The contactor design was conserv-atively based on a water temperature of7˚C (45˚F); the groundwater for this

was expected to be in excess of 7 mg/L,resulting in a sodium hypochloritedosage in excess of 15 mg/L. Additionalsodium hypochlorite would be added toprovide chlorine for chloraminationdownstream.

Limited information regarding thepotential by-product formation of thequenching reaction was available. TheWorld Health Organization indicatedthat sodium hypochlorite has the poten-tial to break down into chlorite and chlo-rate, and dosing large volumes of thesodium hypochlorite has the potential toincrease chlorite and chlorate concen-trations in the treated water. But sincethe team had limited time to conduct ad-ditional studies to investigate this poten-tial issue, they turned to granularactivated carbon as a quenching alterna-tive.

Granular activated carbon (GAC) wasinvestigated as a non-consumable prod-uct to reduce the peroxide residual. GACacts as a catalyst for the natural break-down of peroxide into oxygen and water.Operating the contactor in an upflow di-rection induces a continuous fluidizedcarbon bed that promotes gas release andmixing to increase the peroxide quench-ing efficiency over the standard down-flow filtration. GAC also provides an

water supply is typically in the 12 to15˚C (53-59˚F) range year round. Coldwater temperatures will produce ahigher bed expansion compared towarmer water at the same flow rate.

Flow split to each of the vessels wascritical to balance the bed expansionacross the vessels. Flow meters andmodulating butterfly valves were speci-fied on the inlet to each vessel to con-trol the filter flow rate. The designbackwash curves are shown in Figure 2;the curves present some indicationwhere a specific flow rate can be han-dled by a single vessel or a combinationof vessels.

Design of the top collector of the ves-sel was also essential to reduce the po-tential of clogging the collector withcarbon media. Sufficiently sized open-ings were specified, allowing the finecarbon media to exit the vessel.

Carbon finesThroughout the GAC contactor design,

it was apparent that fine carbon particlesmay be continually produced from the col-lision of carbon particles in the fluidizedbed.These fine particles would then be re-leased from the contact vessel and wouldenter the treated water reservoir wherethey are anticipated to settle out.

Figure 2. GAC bed expansion.


November:2007 11/6/07 9:08 PM Page 34

November:2007 11/6/07 9:08 PM Page 35


Groundwater

low-lift pumping through the treatmentsystems to the treated water reservoirs;and the high-lift pumping system to thedistribution system. The low-lift pump-ing was categorized as the primary con-trol sector, for which the treatmentsystems would operate at a pre-definedset point. The two other pumping zoneswere categorized as secondary controlsectors, for which the well pumps and thehigh-lift pumps would operate to main-tain levels in the raw water reservoir andthe treated water reservoir, respectively.Figure 1 illustrates the primary and sec-ondary control sectors.

The low-lift pumps were eachequipped with a variable frequency drive(VFD) to permit the most flexibility forthe range of flows through the treatmentsystems. Under normal operation, thetreatment systems will all function at thepre-defined flow set point. Backwashingone of the iron and manganese pressurevessels would require the flow rate to bereduced temporarily.

DisinfectionPart of this assessment included com-

pleting a hydrogeological study of the

With limited industry experiencewith upflow GAC contactors, it was dif-ficult to predict the quantity of fines thatwould be released from the contactors aswell as the average particle size. As pro-visional items to the construction con-tract, three strainers with 25 micronscreens were specified for downstreamof the contactors. An additional threestrainers with 10 micron screens werealso specified should the fine particle di-ameter warrant the finer screen. Eachstrainer is complete with automaticcleaning, and the wastewater flows to thebackwash holding tank.

The initial start-up of a new batch ofGAC is expected to have a large quan-tity of fine particles. A flush-to-wasteline was designed for this start-up to di-vert the fines waste flowing to the back-wash holding tank.

Total plant controlControlling the many processes

throughout the Greenbrook WSS wassimplified by breaking the system intothree specific sectors identified based onthe three pumping zones: the raw waterpumping from the five supply wells; the

area. The source was characterized as agroundwater system; however, due toevents around the shutdown of theGreenbrook WSS, questions arose as towhether there was influence fromnearby surface waters.

ConclusionThe treatment process selected for

Greenbrook WSS includes treatment forthe removal of iron, manganese, 1,4-dioxane, peroxide residual, and carbonfines, as well as providing UV and chlo-rine disinfection.

Installation of the advanced oxidationsystem will provide protection from 1,4-dioxane and will ensure GreenbrookWSS continues to supply quality waterto the Region of Waterloo well into thefuture.

Ryan Steckly and Leigh McDermott arewith Stantec Consulting. Elia Edwards

is with Associated Engineering andDonna Serrati is with the

Region of Waterloo.Contact: [email protected]

November:2007 11/6/07 9:09 PM Page 36

November:2007 11/12/07 3:58 PM Page 37


water, while some do nothing at all.The study revealed at least four major

reasons why water conservation is achallenge in BC’s municipal parks: alack of measurement and low price forwater, municipal parks design, issueswith irrigation systems, and high publicexpectations.

Measurement and priceWater used for parks irrigation in BC

is largely unmeasured and under-priced.Less than a quarter of the surveyed mu-nicipalities meter the water used forparks irrigation and charge for waterbased on the volume parks departmentsconsume. The rest are partially metered,or not metered at all. Water rates tend tobe a flat yearly charge while some parksdepartments don’t pay for water at all.

There is a case to be made for subsi-dizing parks’ water use. Parks are ashared community resource with clearand well-documented benefits. A Uni-versity of Illinois study found that prop-erty and violent crimes are 50% lowernear buildings surrounded by greenerywhen compared with buildings that hadlittle or no vegetation. Parks encouragephysical fitness, and it is also wellknown that green spaces help cool those

People in Penticton, BC, get hop-ping mad when they see theparks department watering soc-cer fields on Mondays. That’s

because some residents of this semi-aridcity are themselves prohibited by localwatering restrictions from watering onMondays. If the city is so concernedabout water conservation, why then,people wonder, don’t they practise whatthey preach?

Water conservation is an issue ofgrowing importance in Canada. A 1999Environment Canada report noted thatmore than one-quarter of Canadian mu-nicipalities have experienced problemswith water availability. In response tothese shortages, municipalities often em-ploy public education programs and wa-tering restrictions to lower waterconsumption, particularly during peaksummer months.

But when it comes to conservingwater in their own parks and sportsfields, some Canadian municipalitiesmay not be doing their share. A study ofthe water conservation practices in 12municipal parks departments in BritishColumbia revealed that some parks de-partments do more than others to save

hot, concrete urban cores.One parks manager likened the ex-

pectation that a parks department pay forits own water to a dog chasing its owntail. Whether the costs for water are paidout of parks operating budgets or gen-eral municipal revenue, the money ulti-mately comes from the same place:taxation. Still, a 2001 EnvironmentCanada study found that flat rate pricingresults in higher water use than volume-based pricing. In the absence of a pricefor water, there is no financial incentivefor a parks department to conserve it.

How or if a parks department paysfor water aside, the lack of accuratemeasurement of parks’ water use is aconcern. The City of Kelowna has an ex-tensive water conservation program tar-geted to its residents, but it was not until2006 that the water utility was able todetermine the extent to which the parksdivision contributes to peak demand. Itturns out that parks consume between 15– 20% of total city water use duringpeak summer months. That’s one cus-tomer using almost one-fifth of thewater.

From a water sustainability stand-point, any single customer using up to

A walk in the park: Water conservation in BritishColumbia’s municipal parksBy Neal Klassen, MA

November:2007 11/6/07 9:09 PM Page 38


Water Conservation

tem is generally expected to provide golfcourses, sports fields, community parksand ornamental gardens. These arehighly used, heavily groomed, clipped,turfed landscapes that require frequentirrigation in summer months.

Some parks departments in BC arestarting to incorporate water conserva-tion principles in parks design. Kam-loops and Surrey have extensiveXeriscape demonstration gardens. Arti-ficial turf is becoming more common insports fields across the province. But nomunicipality is going as far as the Cityof Kelowna, which is developing land-scape and irrigation system standards forwater efficiency that will be applied toall new development, residential, com-mercial, and parks. These standards,likely to be in place by 2009, will ensureadequate depth and quality of soil, re-strict turf, allow only drought tolerantplants, and require certified landscapeand irrigation system designers to signoff on all plans before a building permitis issued.

Irrigation systemsMost parks departments in BC use

automatic irrigation systems, and manyhave gone the extra step by connectingthese systems to a central controller.Centrally controlled irrigation systemsgather precipitation and evapotranspira-tion data through a series of weather sta-tions, and use this data to automaticallycalculate irrigation rates.

Water savings achieved through theuse of centrally controlled irrigation sys-tems are easily quantified. When Kam-loops connected its parks to centralizedcontrol in 2000, they realized a 25% de-crease in water consumption. In Van-couver, a 30% reduction in water use isrealized every time a field is movedfrom local to central control.

These reductions are significant, butthey should not be confused with waterconservation. Centrally controlled sys-tems eliminate the over-watering thatmay occur through regular automatic ormanually operated systems, but they re-ally just deliver the amount of water turfand plants actually require in the firstplace.

Another issue with automatic systemsis the cost of ongoing maintenance, up-grades, and repair. In Kelowna, a 2007

20% of the water simply has to be a tar-get for conservation efforts. But becausewater use in most BC municipal parks isunmeasured, who can say for sure howmuch parks irrigation contributes to peakdemand or summer water shortages? Asthe old business adage goes, you can’tmanage what you don’t measure.

Parks designPenticton residents have no cause to

be angry when soccer fields are wateredon restricted days. The parks departmentcan’t water on weekends when sportsfields are in use because of the vandal-ism that occurs to the irrigation systems.By the time Monday rolls around thosefields have to be watered regardless ofodd/even watering restrictions or the turfwill die.

That’s one of the reasons why mostsports fields in BC are exempt fromlocal watering restrictions. Another rea-son is that a sports field is an entirelydifferent animal than the average resi-dential lawn. Because they are sand-based, sports fields drain much quickerthan soil-based landscapes, so they re-quire frequent irrigation if they are tosurvive. Even in the moist climate ofBC’s lower mainland, sports fields areoften watered every two days. If allowedto die, it can be a costly exercise to bringa sports field back.

So Penticton residents can relax andmaybe even rejoice, because comparedto other parks departments in BC, Pen-ticton actually does a good job when itcomes to conserving water. Several of itswaterfront parks use untreated lakewater for irrigation, while all new parksuse treated effluent water. Penticton alsoincorporates Xeriscape principles in allnew parks and is gradually applyingthem to existing parks.

For the most part, though, municipalparks in BC are not designed for waterconservation. This may not be a big dealin rainy Vancouver or Victoria, but in thesemi-arid interior, the use of non-nativeplants and exotic species not naturallyadapted to the local climate makes irri-gation systems essential, along with fre-quent – often daily – watering.

The extensive use of turf grass andnon-native horticulture can be explainedby the functions of municipal parks.While most cities preserve passive, nat-ural park areas, the municipal parks sys- continued overleaf...

November:2007 11/6/07 9:09 PM Page 39

ANTHRACITE – FILTERMEDIAApproximately 450 tons of previously installedANTHRACITE filter media from twoToronto water treatment plants arecurrently available for negotiable resale to producers, suppliers, and/or end users of the product. Two materials with uniquespecifications are currently being stored in one ton bags both inside and outside beneath weather tarps in Scarborough,Ontario. The anthracite filter media was removed from existing water treatment filters for replacement with granular activatedcarbon filter caps. Effective sizes and uniformity coefficients have been determined by sieve analysis.

The City ofToronto does not provide any form of warrantee or guarantee with this material. Material can beprovided for additional physical/chemical analyses at the request of the prospective buyer.

For details, please contact:Mark Ortiz, EIT, City of Toronto, (416) 392-3637, [email protected]


Water Conservationaudit of 12 neighborhood parks revealedsignificant deficiencies in the irrigationsystems. Distribution uniformity (DU),which is the measure of how uniformlywater is distributed on a field, rangedfrom a low of 22% in one park to a highof 77% in another. Average DU was 50%.

A DU of 70% is considered accept-able and a DU of 80% is achievable.When DU is as low as 22%, the irriga-tion system run times have to be two tothree times longer than they should toensure the park receives sufficient water.This means the efficiencies gainedthrough the use of automatic irrigationtechnology can be lost due to deficien-cies in the same technology.

In a perfect world, parks departmentswould have unlimited resources and theability to monitor irrigation systems 24hours a day. In reality, they have to dealwith limited budgets, vandalism in latenight activity areas, and a public thatsees a parks department as an easy targetfor complaints about water waste.

Public expectationsPubic expectations for perfect, green

turf are rooted in the past, when parkswere built long before water conserva-tion was an issue in the province. Theoperations supervisor for Kelowna’sparks departments says, “the mandateback then was to build big, beautifulparks with no thought to water conser-vation whatsoever.” So today’s parksmanagers have inherited high public ex-pectations and water-thirsty parks cre-ated by their predecessors.

Curiously, public expectations varyfrom community to community. InNorth Vancouver and Surrey, the parksmanagers say that some neighborhoodparks are never irrigated and it’s not abig deal when they go brown, becausethey have always been allowed to gobrown. In nearby Port Moody, however,the public expects high quality and ifthey don’t see it, they are on the phone toCity Hall right away.

It appears that public expectations canbe changed, and if a community is seriousabout water conservation, parks depart-ments can lead by example. The managerof Surrey’s parks department says that thelawn at City Hall is allowed to go brownas a symbolic gesture. He says that if thelawn is green they actually get complaintsfrom residents. That’s quite a contrastfrom, say, Kelowna, where the publiclights up the phone lines if there is somuch as one dandelion in a park.

Is water conservationeven necessary?

British Columbia is considered awater rich province, but crises in supplymay loom. In the Okanagan Valley thereis a one in six risk that water demandwill exceed supply by 2050. The GreaterVancouver Regional District (GVRD)reports that their present sources ofwater offer a secure supply until aboutmid-century, but that “climate changecould potentially advance the date whenadditional supplies are required by up to10 years in a worst-case scenario.”

While the province is not going to run

out of water tomorrow, most BC munic-ipalities consider water conservation animportant issue. The GVRD states thatconserving water delays infrastructureexpansions, saves money, and reducesenvironmental impacts over the longterm. So it came as a surprise to learnthat half of the parks managers whowork in cities within the GVRD do notbelieve water conservation is important,even though they all receive water fromthe same supplier.

It is unreasonable for a municipalgovernment to expect that all its watersupply issues will be solved by encour-aging residents and business to conserve.It is necessary to look at the consump-tion of all water users on the municipalsystem, including large single customerslike a parks department. Without ade-quate measurement, however, it’s impos-sible to know just how much water aparks department actually consumes as apercentage of peak demand.

When developing a municipal waterconservation plan it may be easy to forgetabout the parks department, or to con-sider them “untouchable” because of theirhigh profile and the benefits they provideto the community. However, in munici-palities that have experienced watershortages, or anticipate shortages in thefuture, parks departments are too large awater conservation target to ignore.

Neal Klassen is owner of H2OkanaganWater Conservation Ltd.

E-mail: [email protected]

UNIT AQuantity: 400 tEff. Size: 0.900Unif. Coeff.: 1.48

UNIT BQuantity: 55 tEff. Size: 0.974Unif. Coeff.: 1.48

November:2007 11/8/07 3:57 PM Page 40


A natural way to control odoursBy Joan Sisley, London Press Service

logical film on them. This film neutralizesthe gases further, helped by the calciumpresent in the seashells. An activated car-bon filter later “polishes” the air.

The shell filter holds 95,000 litres ofseashells gathered from around the coastof the UK and Ireland. After a period ofthree to six years, the shells will havedissolved and have to be replaced. Somethirty cubic metres of seaweed comesfrom local beaches, from Cornwall andfrom the Irish Sea.

Local residents and councillors in thearea had previously been so upset by thesmells from the site that they had formedan Odour Forum to work together withSouthern Water to identify problem areasand solutions. But in a recent visit to PeelCommon the Forum found the results ofthe new green solution to be “fantastic.”

The seashell odour treatment systemwas originally developed by the Irishgroup Bord na Móna EnvironmentalLimited, which now supplies shells to 10Southern Water wastewater treatmentworks.

www.southernwater.co.uk

An environmentally-friendlyproject by a United Kingdomwater company is using natu-ral elements like bark, wood

chips, seaweed and seashells, to linewater-filled tanks to provide a solutionto the unpleasant odours that can comefrom wastewater treatment works.

At Peel Common Wastewater Treat-ment Works in Hampshire, southernEngland, which serves nearly a quarterof a million people, Southern Water saythey are on course for the lowestrecorded number of odour complaintsagainst the site.

Feasting bugs live on the natural ma-terial in the tanks, and treat the hydrogensulphide that causes the smells. The gasis sucked away by extractors beforegoing through carbon filters back intothe atmosphere. By the time the gaspasses through the layers of bark and sea-weed, the bacteria and the carbon haveremoved most smells.

In the seashell tanks the system com-prises an odour filter filled with cockleshells which are constantly washed by apumped system and they develop a bio-

Southern Water Environment Officer Adela Hepworth,with some of nature’s own products which are helpingto give a green answer to odour control.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:09 PM Page 41


Drainage

Prefabricated vertical drains used to speedconsolidation of Red River floodway embankments

ally be underneath 1,200 metres of rail-way track and cover an area of about32,000 m2. At this site there is a 20 mlayer of glaciolucustrine silty clay oversilt till on top of limestone bedrock.Consolidation of this thick clay layertakes a long time unless additionaldrainage is added.

The geotechnical engineer on thisproject, Faris Khalil, of UMA/AECOM,indicated that, on this project, a substan-tial percentage of subsoil consolidationneeded to be completed within the avail-able two year construction time. The de-sign objective for this project was tohave 50 mm of post construction settle-ment. Usually the options in this part ofManitoba were to use staged construc-tion, vertical sand drains, or PVDs. Thechoice of PVDs was based on cost,short installation time, and less interfer-ence with the construction process.

The concept behind prefabricatedvertical drains is to install a matrix ofdrainage channels into the subsoil underthe embankment to reduce drainagepaths. Typically, PVDs are installed in agrid pattern with a spacing range be-tween 1.5 to 2 metres centre to centre,depending on the compressible layerthickness, the waiting period available,and the loading condition. The PVDs areinstalled into the ground for the full orpartial depth of the compressible layer,depending on the design objective. In

In July 2007, Layfield Environmen-tal Systems completed a prefabri-cated vertical drain project for theRed River Floodway Expansion

project in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The pre-fabricated vertical drains (also known asPVDs or wick drains) were installed inpreparation for the construction of rail-way embankments for a new bridgeacross the Floodway. The drains will ac-celerate the consolidation of the clay sub-soil under the embankment, allowing thebridge project to proceed on schedule.

The PVD drainage area will eventu-

this case, the depth was 20 metres whichwas the depth of the clay layer under thesite. Over 130,000 lineal metres of wickdrain were punched into the subsoil be-neath the proposed embankment.

A granular drainage mat provides adrainage path for the water that comesup from the PVDs, allowing the water todrain to the sides of the embankmentarea into the side ditch. The embank-ment is then built on top of the drainagemat. As the embankment grows, thepressure on the matrix of soil and PVDsincreases and the water begins to flowup the PVDs, into the drainage layer,and out to the side ditch. The drains aredesigned so that consolidation willoccur within a suitable constructiontime-frame. On this project the embank-ment will be as high as about 6 m andthe maximum associated settlement isestimated to be in the order of 450 mm.

The prefabricated vertical drains(also known as wick drains) are a com-posite material supplied in rolls 152 mlong. The drain consists of an inner coremade out of corrugated polypropylenewhich is wrapped with a heat-bondednon-woven geotextile. A standard wickdrain is 93 mm wide and approximately4 mm thick. The wick drains supplied onthis site each had a maximum drainagecapacity of 6.6 litres/min.

One interesting aspect of this projectwas the use of the newest style of hy-

The pattern of PVDs from the top of amast. Note the old rail line on the right. The hydraulic drive unit pressing the mandrel into the ground.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:10 PM Page 42


draulic prefabricated vertical drain in-stallation equipment. This patented hy-draulic equipment mounts to the mast ofan excavator and uses hydraulic motorsto press the drains into the ground withover 130 kN of static force. The PVD iscarried into the ground inside a steelmandrel that is driven into the groundand then extracted. The PVD is wrappedaround a small metal plate at the bottomof the mandrel to hold it in place and tokeep the soil out of the mandrel as it isdriven down. When the mandrel is ex-tracted the metal plate anchors the PVDto the bottom of the hole. In the typicallysaturated soils where PVDs are used themandrel presses easily into the groundwithout predrilling or other preparation.

An advantage of the new hydraulicequipment over older cable-operated de-signs is that vibratory assist is integralto the drive unit and is efficiently trans-mitted along the mandrel if a difficultsection of soil is encountered. Using thevibration assist adds an additional 350kN of dynamic force for a total staticplus dynamic force of 480 kN.

On this project the clay became pro-gressively stiffer as the depth increasedand, at approximately the 14 m depth

Drainage

In some wet locations the waterstarted coming up the wick drains assoon as they were placed.

mark, vibration assist needed to beturned on. The requirement for vibro as-sist had been indicated in the study ofthe borehole logs. The logs showed thatthe SPT count increased with the depthof the clay. Typically the vibro assist isrequired with an SPT (Standard Pene-tration Test) blow count value of 13 N orgreater. With the vibro assist the wickdrain unit had no trouble pressing thePVDs into this soil.

The prefabricated vertical drain por-tion of this project took about a monthand a half including weather delays. Agood production day would include 230wicks of 20 m each or about 4,000 linealmetres per day. In total over 6,500 wickswere inserted.

This was the first PVD job that CraigErb from Hugh Munro Constructionwas aware of in Manitoba. Last year hehad three drilling rigs drilling 450 mmholes 20 m deep at 3 m spacings toachieve the same type of drainage. Thesand columns also needed a full time ex-cavator for the tailings, a sand truck, anda water truck. The PVDs went muchmore quickly and are expected to pro-vide similar drainage at a significantlylower price.

Hugh Munro Construction is nowcompleting the embankments over thePVD treated area. Bridge construction isplanned to take place in the summer of2008 and the rail alignment will beswitched over in 2009.

For more information, contactAndrew Mills, Layfield

Environmental Systems Ltd.E-mail:[email protected]

Completed PVDs form a patternbehind the rig.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:10 PM Page 43


Historical Land Reclamation

Acadians flourished behind their aboiteauxBy David J. Penny

A modern aboiteau.

ees (from the French verb lever, to ele-vate) to hold back the salt water tides. Atthe bottom of each levee they con-structed an aboiteau. Initially these con-sisted of a large hollowed out log to form

a trough and slab wood fastened withwooden pegs to form a roof. A hangingwooden flap gate on the ocean endslammed shut as the tides rose, exclud-ing the salt water and swung open at lowtide to drain the excess fresh water thatwas trapped in ditches behind the levee.

After a few years the fresh water di-luted the salt from the land, making agri-culture possible. By the seventeenthcentury sawmills had been establishedand aboiteaux were built with squaredtimber. Corrugated metal pipe was in-troduced in the late nineteenth centurywhich, when combined with anti seep-age collars and cast iron flap gates, hasbecome the aboiteau of today.

The aboiteau agriculture of the Aca-dians was much less labour-intensive

Long before the Europeanscame to Canada, the Malaciteand Mi’kmaq people weregrowing food on the narrow

band of fertile land that separates theforest from the North Atlantic Ocean.They called this narrow band quoddy(fertile land) and algatig (place of en-campment). Was this the Vinland thatthe Viking explorer, Leif Eriksson spokeof around 1100 AD? Vin is the Nordicname for plain or pasture, not wine. TheMaglemosian Culture had introducedfarming on similar lands in Scandinaviaas early as 7,500 BC, after the last IceAge retreated due to global warming.

Combining the two native words, ex-plorer Giovanni da Verrazzano called thearea Arcadia (pastoral paradise) when hereturned to France in 1534. As theFrench began to settle this land they be-came the Acadians. From the late six-teenth century, Acadian settlements wereestablished along the Bay of Fundywhere the twelve metre high tidespushed several kilometres up the greatfresh water rivers, creating vast areas offertile marshland.

In order to convert the marshland tocropland the Acadians built dykes or lev-

than the British/American alternative,which involved clearing the forests fromthe land. By the mid eighteenth centuryseveral thousand acres of salt marsh hadbeen upgraded to arable land, making it

attractive to the invading British and set-tlers from America who remained loyalto Britain. Refusing to proclaim loyaltyto Britain, the Acadians were expelledfrom their land in 1755. Many resettledin Louisiana where the Acadians be-came known as Cajuns. Over the next250 years the Cajuns helped to developthe Mississippi Delta and New Orleanswith their aboiteau agriculture.

Initially levees, ditches and aboiteauxwere built by hand so they remained rel-atively small in scale. As excavatingequipment, steel sheet piling, pumps andlarger mechanized water control gateswere developed, the earthworks becamehigher, protecting significantly largerareas. In many cases they completely ex-cluded salt water from the fresh water

Over the next 250 years the Cajuns helped todevelop the Mississippi Delta and New Orleans

with their aboiteau agriculture.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:10 PM Page 44


Historical Land Reclamation

crosses into New Brunswick from NovaScotia one passes over the culvert andthe Tantramar Marsh. Looking to theright one can see several thousandhectares of reclaimed agricultural land,Radio Canada’s communication anten-

rivers, creating fresh water lakes behindthe aboiteaux.

The ecosystems that have developedbehind the aboiteaux are unique. At theSackville, New Brunswick, WaterfowlPark more than 180 species of birds and200 species of plants have beenrecorded. Behind the aboiteaux one canalso find a network of farms, towns,drainage ditches, lakes, roadways and achallenging construction environment.Soils are typically soft, deep marineclays with limited bearing capacity andcorrosive tendencies.

The areas are vulnerable to freshwater flooding due to storms and springbreakup of frozen lakes and rivers, as thegates must remain closed during hightide. Salt mist from the ocean is everpresent and as the land is often belowsea level, there is always the risk of a saltwater intrusion and flooding. RecentlyHurricane Katrina brought many ofthese realities home to the people ofNew Orleans and raised additional con-cerns about global warming, increasingsea levels, and increased frequency andmagnitude of storms.

The challenges have been and arebeing addressed through engineering in-novation. An example is a new 1400 mmdiameter polymer laminated corrugatedsteel culvert pipe, installed under thewest bound lane of the Trans CanadaHighway (TCH) near Sackville. As one

nae, a large water control gate and freshwater ponds. To the left are the elevatedeast bound TCH and a rail line that actsas a levee against the rising tide. At hightide the area beyond the levee is aflooded salt water marsh but at low tidea muddy red brown river channel andtidal flat are exposed.

Excellent drainage is key to the suc-cess of aboiteau agriculture and corru-gated steel pipe (CSP) has been used forculverts in Acadia for many years. Tra-ditionally CSP was asphalt coated to im-prove its durability in this aggressivefresh water/marine environment but animproved material in the form of poly-mer laminated CSP (PLCSP) is nowavailable and widely specified inCanada.

Not surprisingly PLCSP is well ac-cepted and has been used for over 35years by the State of Louisiana for in-stallations behind the aboiteaux. TheAcadians have come home.

David Penny, BES, is with theCorrugated Steel Pipe Institute.

Contact: [email protected]

An engineer from a Member Company of the Corrugated Steel Pipe Instituteinspects the new PLCSP culvert installation.

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November:2007 11/6/07 9:10 PM Page 45


Stormwater

Stormwater filtration system protectscoastal estuary By Cyd Kilbey Gorman

cent of the nation’s population livingwithin 50 miles of its shores. The in-creasing development in this region hasresulted in extensive habitat degradation.

Estuaries like Long Island Sound areespecially prone to low dissolved oxy-gen concentrations in the summer. Ashuman activity around the Sound beginsto expand, the condition known as hy-poxia worsens. Hypoxia occurs whendissolved oxygen is consumed fasterthan new oxygen can be supplied. Hy-poxia usually begins around the sametime that spring gardeners fertilize theirlawns with nitrogen-rich nutrients.

Increasing numbers of people devel-oping land have taxed the ability of nat-ural processes to keep the Sound clean.

When heavy rain falls on asphaltdriveways and roads it rushes into stormdrains. Along the way it might pick upoil, salt, fertilizer, trash and animal wastefrom street gutters. There’s no chance fornatural processes to filter this water be-fore it enters a storm sewer. Everythingcollected from pavements, roofs and carsmay end up in Long Island Sound.

Long Island Sound is like a basinfilled with tidal waters that ebb and flowwith the addition of freshwater entering

It was the stinky summer of 1987,the year we moved into the houseby Westcott Cove, when hundredsof dead fish washed up on the

beach. There were so many bodies litter-ing the sand, even the seagulls couldn’teat them all.

The local fishermen told us that aschool of bunker had been chased intothe Cove by the larger predatory blue-fish. The resulting lack of oxygen in thewater caused them to asphyxiate. Butthere was more to this smelly fish story.

Don Strait, Executive Director ofSave the Sound, writes that the hotweather combined with raw sewage anduncontrolled nitrogen from the munici-pal wastewater system, triggered an oxy-gen crash that killed most of the fishfrom NewYork City to Bridgeport, Con-necticut.

Long Island Sound is an estuarywhere saltwater from the Atlantic Oceanmixes with fresh water from New Yorkand Connecticut rivers. The Sound is110 miles long and up to 21 miles wide,the north shore stretching from theBronx to Old Saybrook. It is located inone of the most densely populated re-gions of the United States, with 10 per-

from rivers and streams. The plants andanimals that live in this estuary need justthe right balance of oxygen in the waterto survive. The water entering the Soundfrom rivers and streams may come fromthe following sources:• Runoff• Groundwater• Rainwater• Storm drains• Outflow from sewage treatment plants• Sewer overflow• Industrial wastewater.

There are more than 200 sources ofCSOs in the East River in New York. InConnecticut, there are 64 CSO sourcesbetween Bridgeport and New Haven.Connecticut plans to provide state fundsfor eliminating combined sewer systemsalong the coast. However, progress isslow because eliminating combinedsewer systems is costly and disruptive.

Municipalities are also making an ef-fort to keep runoff pollutants out of har-bors and Long Island Sound. Some 275stormwater catch basin filters were in-stalled in storm drains in South Norwalk,CT, beginning in October 2005. Thesewere paid for by a $400,000 US federalgrant.

In another project, funded by a$35,000 grant from the US NationalFish and Wildlife Foundation, 45 Envi-roSafe™ catch basin filter systems wereused in storm drains in and around Vet-erans Memorial Park in January 2007.

The EnviroSafe filters were installedby Transpo Industries, Inc., a manufac-turing company in New Rochelle, NY.These filters capture and retain the manypollutants associated with stormwaterrunoff.

The filter systems can be retrofittedto fit flat-grated, combination curb-grated catch basins as well as curb onlyinlets. The cartridge basins come in var-ious sizes in both rectangular and roundconfigurations. They can be cleaned outevery season and replaced once a year ata cost of about $100 each. The filtertechnology incorporates a potent anti-microbial treatment that inhibits virus,mold and bacteria growth.

The first EnviroSafe™ installation in Veterans Memorial Park, Norwalk.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:10 PM Page 46


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In a project funded by the U.S. Envi-ronmental Protection Agency, fifteenmore filters were to be installed in EastNorwalk in September 2007. Existingfilters have killed off 80-90 percent ofthe bacteria that would have enteredLong Island Sound. The various filtershave captured the equivalent of a 1,200gallon oil spill.

Michael Yeosock, senior engineer forthe City of Norwalk, CT, says the city hastwo types of filters operating there.When these filters were cleaned after sixmonths of operation, each filter had anaverage of 54 pounds of trash, or 15,000pounds total. Mr.Yeosock went on to saythat the city has been testing influent andeffluent for E. coli and oil and gas to de-termine the efficiency of the filters. Sofar, he is happy with the quality of sedi-ment removal. If the city can keep sedi-ment from reaching the marina, it willincrease the amount of time betweendredging of the harbor. Since the lastdredging cost the city approximately$250,000, any extension of time betweendredging operations is a money saver.

Yeosock considers the catch basin in-

sert filters the most cost-effective solu-tion because maintenance of the filtersis a simple task. The time required toclean each filter was 10 to 15 minutes,which is considered quite acceptable. Acontractor installed the first set, show-ing public works employees how to han-dle future installations.

Municipalities should consider thefollowing when purchasing stormwaterfiltration systems:• Initial cost.• Maintenance/replacement costs.• Type of filtration needed.• Retrofit or new project.• Type of maintenance required.• Space available for devices.

Stormwater experts from around theUnited States have been using catch basininserts and filters to increase the removalof sediment and pollutants. By setting uproutine maintenance plans, they ensurethat the catch basin inserts will help pro-tect water bodies for all of us.

Ms. Cyd Gorman is withTranspo Industries.

E-mail: [email protected] catch basin filter system fitsinto existing stormwater drains.

November:2007 11/8/07 3:59 PM Page 47


Watermain and Sewer Upgrade

Environmental assessmentA provincial class environmental as-

sessment (EA) was undertaken to deter-mine how best to address the reliabilityand environmental protection concernswith the existing crossings. UtilitiesKingston retained R.V. Anderson Associ-ates Limited to determine the preferredsolution for upgrading the infrastructurecrossings of the Cataraqui River follow-ing the Municipal Class EA Schedule Bprocess.

Due to the location of the proposedworks, the expertise of the consultantteam included civil, sanitary and marineengineers, archaeologists, aquatic and ter-restrial biologists, landscape architectsand geotechnologists.

At the outset, several advisory groupswere formed to provide input throughoutthe project, including a Project SteeringCommittee, a Public Advisory Commit-tee and a Technical Advisory Committee.

These committees met frequently andinformally to provide input at every keystage of the environmental assessment.

Following the procedures establishedfor a Schedule B Municipal Environmen-tal Assessment, a number of preliminary

In 1955, a water main and sewageforce main were installed across theGreat Cataraqui River in Kingston,Ontario. The sewage force main

now conveys the sanitary wastewater gen-erated by approximately 60,000 peopleliving and working in central Kingstonwest of the river to the Ravensview WaterPollution Control Plant located east of theriver. The water main carries drinkingwater from the King Street Water Purifi-cation Plant, also west of the river, toabout 10,000 people living east of theriver.

Since they were installed, both thewater main and the sewage force mainhave operated without problems. In 1997,divers conducted visual inspections andfound no signs of pipe movement or leak-age, but internal condition assessmentscould not be carried out.

These pipes are now almost 50 yearsold and, if problems were to occur, thereis no backup in place for either system.Furthermore, the River Street PumpingStation, which pumps sewage through theforce main, has insufficient capacity tohandle flows during wet weather events.As a result, combined sewer overflows tothe river occur during heavy rainfall whenin-system storage capacity is exceeded.

Increasing concerns over the condition,reliability and redundancy of these marinecrossings, especially the consequences ofa major sewage force main break underthe river, led Utilities Kingston to considerupgrading these facilities.

alternatives were identified, including:• Doing nothing, provided the risks

are minimal;• Constructing new water and sewer

crossings at LaSalle Causeway, futureGore-Elliott, the existing utilitycorridor, and other locations fromHwy 401 to Lake Ontario;

• Constructing new water and waste-water treatment plants situated toeliminate the need for the rivercrossings;

• Diverting wastewater flows awayfrom the existing crossing, therebyreducing the need for the crossing;

• Increased storage of potable wateron the east side of the river;

• Source controls and other waterconservation measures designed toreduce the need for the crossings.A preliminary screening was done of

all alternatives, and then a more detailedassessment was completed of only themost promising solutions.

Preliminary screeningA set of five “go / no go” evaluation

criteria was used to screen the long list of14 alternatives down to seven feasible so-lutions. Measures involving water con-

Open cut dredging used for utility crossing of the GreatCataraqui River By Alan R. Perks, Allen K. Lucas, Gerald A. Bauer, and Colin B. Fairn

Top: Environmentaldredging equipment.

Bottom: Installing pipe.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:10 PM Page 48

ment plant on the west shore was consid-ered in detail, but was eventually droppeddue to high cost and constructability.

Many different factors favored usingthe existing alignment, including environ-mental, timing, social and cost considera-

tions. In the end, by using the existingcorridor, maximum utilization was madeof the City’s current infrastructure.

Therefore, twinning the pipes in the

servation practices and diversion of flowsaway from the crossings did not pass thisscreening because they were not able tosolve the entire problem, and would leavethe City in the same position of relianceon a single pipe crossing. However, prac-tising sound water conservation in theCity was considered a best practice, andshould be encouraged as part of any pre-ferred solution.

The alternatives passing this prelimi-nary screening process included:• New water and sewer crossings at

LaSalle, Gore-Elliott and the existingalignment; and,

• New water pollution control plant onthe east side of the river.These water and wastewater alterna-

tives were presented at an open house onMarch 8, 2001.

Detailed evaluationFurther environmental, technical, so-

cial and cost analyses were then done. Adetailed set of evaluation criteria was de-veloped and applied to the short list of al-ternatives, weighted at 50% for naturalenvironment and social features, 50% fortechnical and economic aspects.

The option of a new wastewater treat-

existing location emerged as the pre-ferred alternative.

The preferred option consisted of in-stalling a new 585 mm HDPE water mainand two new 1067 mm HDPE sewageforce mains across the river in a singledredged trench, with associated on-shoreworks and tie-ins. Both the water mainand force mains stretched approximately1 kilometre across the Great CataraquiRiver and were to be installed usingproven open cut trenching methods anddredging techniques. Upgrading of theRiver Street Pumping Station also formedpart of the preferred option.

During the initial testing of materialsto be dredged, some in-river material wasfound to contain various levels of con-tamination. As such, a dedicated storagefacility was recommended, to permit thedredged material to be temporarily stock-piled and dried prior to future disposal.

The Great Cataraqui River UtilitiesCrossing EA was registered on publicrecord and approved in July 2001. Nofurther input was received and the proj-ect was able to proceed into the designand construction phases.



Pipeline ready for sinking.


November:2007 11/6/07 9:11 PM Page 49

was constructed on-site to collect washwater and residual sediments that hadspilled during the transfer of dredged ma-terial from the barge to the watertighttruck boxes. The wash water and sedi-ments were pumped from the detentioncell to the existing sewer system con-nected to the treatment facility.

The new HDPE pipes for the GreatCataraqui River Utility Crossing werefused in Belleville, Ontario, floated and

then towed into Kingston Harbour viatugboats and barges in 300 m and 700 mlengths. Once they were floated intoplace, and sunk into position in thedredged trench, the three pipes each ex-tended just over one kilometre across theGreat Cataraqui River.

The dredged trench and pipeline align-ment crossed a navigational channelwithin the river. Various agencies, DFO,MOE, the Canadian Coast Guard andCataraqui Conservation Authority, as wellas archaeologists, imposed strict environ-mental restrictions on the dredging opera-tions. Some of the construction restrictionsincluded installation of a turbidity curtain

Design and constructionDetailed design and hydrogeological

investigations were conducted over thesubsequent year leading to preparation ofthe Preliminary Design Report, whichconfirmed the technical feasibility of theproposed construction approach and pro-vided design parameters for the newwater main and sewage force main.Clearing a final hurdle, Utilities Kingstonreceived technical approval of its use ofthe lands adjacent to the City of Kingstonsnow disposal facility on Division Streetas a temporary storage and dewatering fa-cility for dredged material.

Over 60 permits and approvals fromvarious agencies, including MOE, DND,DFO, Canadian Coast Guard, TransportCanada, Environment Canada, ParksCanada, Ministry of Culture and Tourism,numerous City of Kingston departments,and the Cataraqui Region ConservationAuthority were required. Strict environ-mental requirements imposed during theconstruction had to be addressed and mit-igated for the project to move forward, in-cluding:• Contaminated materials;• Maintaining existing infrastructure

operation;• Construction across a navigation

channel;• Environmental issues, including fish

spawning and increased turbidity inthe river during dredging;

• Archaeological investigations inhistoric areas; fish habitatcompensation;

• Inter-agency coordination;• Extensive municipal, provincial and,

federal approval processes;• A federal screening report; and• Storage of dredged material and

subsequent monitoring programs.Some of the dredged sediment was

found to be contaminated material. As aresult, a temporary sediment storage fa-cility was designed and built for theplacement of all the dredged material.The storage facility consisted of threeseparate cells, one lined with PVC for thepotentially contaminated material. An un-loading dock was built on the east shoreof the river to facilitate unloading of thedredged material from barges and subse-quent loading into trucks complete withtruck washing facilities.

A concrete sediment detention cell

around the dredging operation to containthe suspended solids; restricted construc-tion operations during both fish spawningand peak boating periods; a fish habitatcompensation and landscape package;transfer barges for dredged material haul-ing; and an unloading dock constructed toreceive the material handling barges andcapture and contain any spillage duringbarge unloading.

Dredging was performed using aCable Arm Clamshell excavation bucketspecially designed for environmentallysensitive dredging projects to reduce tur-bidity and resuspension of dredged sedi-ments.

The utility pipelines were installed soas not to interfere with future operationof the navigational channel in the river.Concrete ballast weights were installedalong the marine pipelines to providenegative buoyancy, and the dredged chan-nel was left to fill in naturally over time.

The only significant problem with thepipe installation occurred after the projectduring the upgrade of the River StreetPumping Station. During the connectionof the installed marine pipes with the newpump discharge header, air was inadver-tently introduced into one of the forcemains and a short section just offshorefloated to the surface. It was successfullyre-sunk into position by carefully bleed-ing the air back out of the pipe.

The utility crossing project was com-pleted in late 2005, immediately followedby a related project to upgrade and in-crease storage and capacity at the RiverStreet pumping station, which is nownearing completion.

Dredged sediment managementAn extensive testing program of the

dredged material revealed some localizedareas of contaminated sediment. As a re-sult, a storage facility was designed andbuilt for the placement of all dredged ma-terial at the City of Kingston’s Knox Farmsite just north of Highway 401. The stor-age facility covered an area of 6.6 ha andconsisted of three separate containmentcells and two holding cells, with a com-bined storage volume of approx. 65,000m3. One containment cell was lined withPVC for storage of the potentially con-taminated material, while the other twocontainment cells were lined with a na-tive clay material. The two holding cellscollected and stored overflow runoff from



On-shore connections

Knox Farm sediment storage facility.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:11 PM Page 50



the containment cells.All dredged material from the exca-

vated pipeline trench was transported tothe Knox Farm storage facility usingtrucks with watertight boxes, with truckturnarounds and dumping areas beingconstructed for each cell.

Strict environmental restrictions wereimposed on the operation of the site fromvarious agencies including Ministry ofEnvironment and the Cataraqui RegionConservation Authority. Two Certificatesof Approval, a Municipal and PrivateSewage Works and a Waste Disposal Siteapply to the site. An operations and main-tenance plan was developed for the facil-ity, and a site closure plan is now beingdeveloped based on the proposed site enduse and environmental requirements ofregulatory authorities.

Summary and conclusionsHaving identified the preferred solu-

tion to be twinning the sewer force mainand water main at the existing location, thebest method of pipeline installation andconstruction was considered and evalu-ated. The new pipes could have been in-stalled either as a deep tunnel in rock, or ina dredged trench in the riverbed sediments.

The environmental impacts of tunnel-ing versus dredging would have beenabout the same when employing mitiga-tion measures such as sediment/silt cur-tains and special environmental dredgingequipment.

The preliminary geotechnical data ob-tained in this project indicated that mostof the river sediments along the existingcorridor may be disposed of in a securelandfill, as the levels of contaminationwere below the levels for a hazardous ma-terial. Even allowing for a significant con-tingency for special sediment handling,the cost of the open cut trenching methodby dredging was approximately $6-8 mil-lion versus $15-18 million for the tun-neling method. Thus, there was asignificant cost differential in favour ofconstructing the new crossings using opencut dredging rather than deep tunneling.

An additional cost of $6-8 million incommon elements such as sewage pumpstation and water booster station refur-bishment, sewer and water connections,and sewer and water main rehabilitationwas also required, bringing the total proj-ect cost to approximately $22 million.

The preferred method offers a long-

term solution to the City’s wastewaterneeds. Sufficient capacity and redun-dancy can be made available to meet fu-ture needs, and by rehabilitating theexisting pipes, the combined facilities canbe maintained and operated indefinitely.

AcknowledgementsThe input and guidance of Jim Keech

and Jim Miller, both of UtilitiesKingston, were instrumental at severalstages of the project, and are acknowl-edged by the authors. Joe Bennett of In-spec-Sol Inc. provided geotechnicalservices; Hugh Daechsel of HeritageQuest Inc. provided archeological serv-ices; Murray Josselyn of Josselyn Engi-neering Inc. provided constructionsupervision services; and Michelle Lav-ictoire of Bowfin Environmental Con-sulting provided aquatic biology services.

Alan Perks, P. Eng., and Gerald Bauer,P. Eng., are with R.V. Anderson

Associates. Allan Lucas, P. Eng., is withUtilities Kingston, and Colin Fairn,

P. Eng., is with C.B. Fairnand Associates.


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52 | November 2007

Stormwater Management

to get going on this.”In 1991, the City embarked on what

would turn out to be a $210 millionsewer upgrade that increased both the ca-pacity and efficiency of its long-under-sized system. The sewer separationportion of the project is now in its finalphases, with expected completion by theend of 2008.

The City turned to Harza Environ-mental Services of Chicago (now MWHAmericas, Inc.) to develop an innovativeplan to alleviate basement backups with-out having to install storm sewers onevery street. The firm recommended re-habilitating portions of the existing com-bined sewers, installing stormwater reliefsewers in downstream areas, and imple-menting an inlet control system in up-stream catchment areas. The inlet controlsystems were designed to reduce the rateof storm flow entering the combinedsewers and create overland flow routes,

Evanston, Illinois, is a pictur-esque community of 78,000,located just north of Chicago.It is home to lakefront beaches,

nearly 100 parks, lovely boutique shop-ping, two renowned hospitals, and fivecolleges and universities, including in-ternationally renowned Northwestern.

Under the surface, though, Evanstonhas wrestled with a problem. For years,during heavy rains, the City’s combinedsewer system became overloaded, withsewer backups flooding hundreds ofbasements up to six times a year. Theissue was so prevalent that people livingin Evanston got used to not really usingtheir basements. Many put their washingmachines and dryers up on 2-foot-highplatforms to avoid water damage.

The problem dated back at least as faras 1902 when the Commissioner of Pub-lic Works declared the combined houseand stormwater drainage system inade-quate in size and depth. Decades later,the problem grew worse and, in the late1980s, a hundred-year rain event con-vinced City officials to commission alarge-scale overhaul of the sewers.

“Every basement in Evanston hadwater in it,” said David Stoneback, Su-perintendent of the Evanston Water &Sewer Division. “That was the impetus

diverting stormwater to the new storm-water relief sewers.

Prior to the implementation, Evanstonstudied three types of inlet control sys-tems. It built a test drainage structure tovet each solution. This involved throw-ing leaves and other debris into the teststructures and observing whether theywould flood due to blockage. It also me-tered the water to ensure the proper re-lease rates were being met. Ultimately,the City and Harza selected a two-piecevortex inlet control system supplied byHydro International of Portland, Maine.

At the time, the vortex system wasamong the first of its kind to be installedin the US. Designed with a snail or con-ical shape, the vortex inlet control sys-tem can choke back the flow of water asneeded. Attenuated flow can be tem-porarily stored in underground tanks orin surface ponds for slow release into thesewer system. With the restrictor in

Vortex restrictors reduce CSOproject costs by one-third By Dr. Robert Y.G. Andoh

A plate-mountedS-type vortex valvefits over the outlet

pipe of a newlyinstalled stormwater

catch basin.

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine

November:2007 11/6/07 9:11 PM Page 52


Stormwater Management

dardized the system to fit into an 8-inchoutfall pipe. This way, the restrictor canfit into all the drainage structuresthroughout Evanston.

Mr. Stoneback also said he is pleasedthe City took Harza Environmental’s rec-ommendation to utilize a two-piece vor-tex valve. The device is installed withinthe outfall pipe of the catch basin and hasa mounting bracket for the restrictor hoodto slide into. Thus, if the restrictor were tobecome plugged, it is easy for one main-tenance person to pull the head off, clean

place, stormwater for a two-block areacan flow along the curb line. This ensuresthat the rate of inflow will not exceed thehydraulic capacity of the sewer system.Matching system inputs to hydraulic ca-pacity can reduce flooding, backup andoverflow frequencies.

In addition, the design of the vortexvalve allows for a larger opening to avoidobstructions. When dealing with largedebris, the opening needs to be as largeas possible to prevent blockage fromitems that get washed down the stormgrate. The vortex valve has an openingup to 600 times larger than conventionalinlet control systems, while still main-taining the correct discharge rate, mak-ing it less likely to become obstructed.

The solution proved to be a greatmoney saver. David Stoneback estimatedthat using Hydro International restrictorsinstead of separating sewers in portionsof the project reduced the overall projectcost by about a third. He said the City hasbeen happy with the performance of thesystem. After the first 12 months of op-eration, Harza Environmental Servicesdetermined that the level of performancewas equivalent to a complete sewer sep-aration, and that the system worked wellwithout any maintenance problems re-ported.

The City has made minor changesalong the way to gain additional benefits.For example, initially it had not plannedto replace the drainage structure beforeinstalling the vortex restrictors. However,officials quickly realized that, if they uti-lized the existing structures, the outfallpipes would vary in size, and getting theright restrictor to fit could be a challenge.To alleviate this challenge, the City stan-

Evanston’s maintenance officials liked the valve’s pivoting bypassdoor and pull cord.

it, and put it back in its proper location.“If we had installed a one-piece valve,

we’d be forced to pump out the drainagestructure and then physically go into thestructure with a two-man crew to removethe restrictor,” Mr. Stoneback said. “Thatwould have taken at least an hour. Withour two-piece vortex restrictor the workis done in about 15 minutes. Addition-ally, the mountings allow the unit to beremoved from the catch basin for peri-odic inspection of the valves.”

Now, more than 10 years later, Cityofficials report that the vortex valve sys-tem has performed well, even during un-seasonably wet weather. It has virtuallyeliminated basement backups. Last Au-gust was one of wettest months in recentmemory but the City had only twosewage-related basement backup calls,and those were in areas where the workwas not yet completed.

Dr. Robert Andoh is with HydroInternational which is represented in

Ontario by ACG Technology.For more information, E-mail

[email protected]

November:2007 11/6/07 9:11 PM Page 53


WEFTEC.07 attendees narrowly avoid California’swildfire disasterReport by Steve Davey

ceived a standing ovation from the audi-ence of nearly 2,000 for his contributionto the water quality profession. WEFPresident Mohamed Dahab described Dr.McCarty’s work as “the standard bywhich excellence in environmental re-search is measured.” The opening pro-gram also included a special visualpresentation from famed National Geo-graphic photographer David Doubilet.

WEF has renewed its commitment toworking in Latin America and signed aMemorandum of Understanding with theInter-American Association of SanitaryEngineers and Environmental Sciences(AIDIS). This agreement bolsters WEF’sactivities with AIDIS aimed at a moresustainable water environment in theAmericas. In addition, Mr. Dahab an-nounced that the Governing Board of theInternational Water Association (IWA)accepted an offer from WEF’s Board ofTrustees to share resources in both NorthAmerica and abroad.

Other conference highlights includedthe first meeting of WEF’s SustainabilityCommunity of Practice; the Utility Exec-utive Forum; the Water is Life, and Infra-structure Makes It Happen roundtable;WEFTeach; poster presentations; studentactivities; and the 20th annual OperationsChallenge.

Two Canadians have been selected toserve one-year terms as trustees of the

Mere days before the Califor-nia wild fires caused wide-spread destruction andtrauma, WEFTEC 2007,

held last month in San Diego, set a regis-tration record of 19,929 attendees and1,017 exhibiting companies.

WEFTEC offered 119 technical ses-sions, 25 workshops, eight facility tours,and several special events. Of particularinterest to attendees were workshops onbiosolids and microbiology as well astechnical sessions on water reuse, mem-brane technology, and green power forwastewater treatment plants.

Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Ad-ministrator for the U.S. EPA’s Office ofWater, made a special appearance duringa technical session, entitled “The Next35 Years of the Clean Water Act”. Heopened the session by recognizing thelandmark legislation as “a great Ameri-can success story” and “a shining exam-ple for other countries throughout theworld”, before leading a discussion aboutpreserving and extending the purpose ofthe Act for the next three and a halfdecades.

At the Opening General Session,keynote presenter Dr. Perry L. McCarty,the 2007 Stockholm Water Prize Laure-ate and Silas H. Palmer Professor(Emeritus) of Civil and EnvironmentalEngineering at Stanford University, re-

Water Environment Federation: RickCorbett, Vice President, Associated En-gineering BC Ltd., British Columbia,and Cordell Samuels, Superintendent forDuffin Creek Water Pollution ControlPlant, Ontario.

At an awards ceremony held duringWEFTEC, Pradeep Kharé received theFederation’s prestigious Emerson Distin-guished Service Medal. Mr. Kharé wasselected for his thirty years of public andprivate sector experience, a majority ofwhich has been in the environmentalfield with the provincial governments ofOntario and British Columbia. In 2004,he became Ontario Regional DirectorGeneral for Environment Canada and iscurrently Regional Director General forthe Pacific & Yukon Region.

The Emerson Distinguished ServiceMedal commemorates the service ofCharles Alvin Emerson, who was thefirst president of WEF, serving from1928 to 1941, and was its first honorarymember. The award is presented to an in-dividual whose contributions to thewastewater collection and treatment in-dustry most deserve recognition.

The new president of WEF is AdamZabinski, retired Deputy Commissionerfor the Westchester County Departmentof Environmental Facilities, New York.

Siemens Water Technologies Corpo-ration hosted its annual press briefing at

Guests at the Marriott Hotel enjoyed a spectacular view of San Diego Harbour. The aircraft carriers Nimitz and Ronald Reagancan be seen in the background.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:11 PM Page 54


ES&E’s Sales Director Penny Davey, with her brother Steve, on their way to tour the USS Midway.

WEFTEC.07 REPORT

WEFTEC. CEO Roger Radke told atten-dees that, while the world market forwater technologies is growing at about6% annually, he expects Siemens Waterto experience 10% growth. After his pres-entation, he demonstrated his impressiveknowledge of the water and wastewaterindustry by providing indepth responses

to the wide range of questions posed.WEFTEC.07 was well attended by

Canadians, who took advantage of theidyllic waterfront location of the show.Its close proximity to upscale oceanfrontareas such as Coronado Island and LaJolla, as well as to the surfing town ofMission Beach, and to Tijuana, Mexico,

meant the show became a mini holidayas well as a business trip for many.

Many attendees toured the massive aircraft carrier USS Midway, which is per-manently docked near the conventioncentre and is open to the public. Visitorsto this historic ship were able to see many


November:2007 11/6/07 9:11 PM Page 55


WEFTEC.07 REPORT

of its key areas, as well as a number ofNavy planes on the flight and hangardecks. These range in age from a 1940’sWW II Avenger, up to a modern day F18Hornet. The USS Midway was thelongest serving carrier in the US Navyand was active from 1945 until 1992. Shewas the fleet admiral’s flagship and herplanes were the first launched duringOperation Desert Storm in 1991.

A unique aspect of touring the USSMidway is the presence of ex-service-men at key locations, who happily sharetheir experiences and knowledge of shipoperations, making the tour a living his-tory experience.

Many active US military personnelvisit the Midway, perhaps because she isso famous and perhaps because they canmeet these ex-servicemen. While touringone of the engine rooms, it was particu-larly heartwarming to witness a retiredChief Petty Officer, who was probably inhis late 60s, get introduced to a veryyoung soldier who was on leave from histour in Iraq. Even though they weredecades apart in age, one sensed an un-spoken bond between the two men.

WEFTEC attendees will also not soonforget the sight of two nuclear-poweredaircraft carriers, the Nimitz and theRonald Reagan, which were docked di-rectly across the harbour from Midway.Even from a distance, these 1000 ft longships look huge, and they dwarf the con-stantly patrolling Navy security vessels.

WEFTEC.08 is scheduled to take

Dr. Justyna Kempa-Teper, Kennedy/Jenk Consultants, Steve Davey, ES&E Mag-azine, and Steve Nutt (right), XCG Consultants, at the Water For People fund-raising reception held during WEFTEC.

place October 18-22, 2008, in Chicago.Visit www.weftec.org, for more infor-mation.

Steve Davey is the Publisher ofEnvironmental Science and

Engineering Magazine. E-mail:[email protected]

PRESENTED BY:

MARCH 12–14 VANCOUVER, CANADA

ACCELERATING BUSINESS AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIESJoin thousands of international business executives, government decision-makers and leaders in environmental innovation in Vancouver this March to address the issues at the heart of sustainable development and environmental management.

10TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & TRADE FAIR ON BUSINESS & THE ENVIRONMENT

CONFERENCE THEMES:> Corporate Sustainability> Climate Change & Energy> Finance & Sustainability> Building Better Cities

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT:

globe2008.ca

November:2007 11/6/07 9:12 PM Page 56


Watershed Management

Humber River watershed shows little sign ofimprovement

ows to protect water quality and habitatfor fish and other wildlife.

The Humber River watershed, thelargest in TRCA’s 2,500-square-kilometrejurisdiction, has provided a home forhuman communities for more than 10thousand years. More than 670,000 peo-ple live, travel to work, or pursue recre-ational activities in the Humber River

According to the Toronto andRegion Conservation Author-ity (TRCA) and the HumberWatershed Alliance, the

health of the watershed faces seriouschallenges.

Since the last report card seven yearsago, the 26 variables studied to gauge thehealth of the Humber River watershedsuggest it to be in average condition.Overall, the health of the Humber con-tinues to come under significant stressfrom new urban growth, increased popu-lation, additional traffic, and greater de-mand on greenspace for a variety of uses.

“By 2021, the watershed may be 45per cent urbanized, posing potential, se-rious losses of environmental quality andbiodiversity,” said Gary Wilkins, TRCA’sHumber Watershed Specialist. “Todayonly 15 per cent of the urban area hasstormwater quantity controls. We need tobe vigilant on this issue to ensure bestpractices are used in future growth andolder areas get retrofitted for better waterquality and quantity.”

The report card identified no im-provements in bacteria levels. There were900 oil spills and 750 chemical spills ina six-year period. Fish surveys indicated57 per cent of stations saw a decline inhabitat quality. Additionally, summer lowflows in the main branch have gone downby 13 per cent.

The situation is not, however, withouthope. The report card acknowledges sig-nificant protection of the upper reachesof the Humber as a result of new strategicplans such as the Oak Ridges MoraineConservation Plan, Greenbelt Plan andOntario Regulation 166/06. The water-shed now has 32 per cent natural cover,well on its way to the 39 per cent targetprescribed by the Terrestrial Natural Her-itage Strategy. There were also no signif-icant increases since 2000 in conventionalpollutants such as suspended solids,phosphorous, nitrogen and ammonia.

Other positive factors include an ad-ditional 28 kilometres of trails that havebeen built since 2000. Sixty one per centof the watercourses have streamside nat-ural vegetation such as trees and mead-

watershed. The area’s population is pre-dicted to grow to more than one millionpeople by 2021, making it everyone’s re-sponsibility to help protect, restore andcelebrate the Humber as a Canadian Her-itage River.

For more information, visitwww.trca.on.ca

November:2007 11/6/07 9:12 PM Page 57


Alternative Energy

The Wave Hub - sea energy showcase for the worldBy John Webb, London Press Services

from renewable sources by 2010.Already, 16 wave-device developers

from Norway, Australia and the UnitedStates have shown interest in the WaveHub and four of these companies havebeen chosen to deploy their own particu-lar wave-energy converters.

With the UK surrounded by what aredescribed as “waves of power,” the ini-tiative to boost this embryo form of re-newable energy has been praised byexperts in the field, describing it as aflagship project.

Key to the potential success of theproject is the research carried out to es-tablish the best site for a pioneering WaveHub and the provision of facilities to linkarrays of wave machines with the na-tional power grid ashore.

Initial studies showed that such a fa-cility was technically feasible and - tak-ing account of wave and tidal streams,shipping lanes, the fishing industry,leisure users, grid connectivity and theenvironment - an ideal location was iden-tified on the seabed some 16 km (10

Aplan to test new wave-powerdevices off the coast of south-west England will create theworld’s largest wave farm,

and perhaps establish the area as a globalleader in the technology’s development.

The Wave Hub project, costing £28million and promoted by the area’s re-gional development agency, seeks to es-tablish the globe’s first large-scalewave-energy farm in a bid to pioneer anindustry that would provide hundreds ofjobs and generate many millions ofpounds.

The initial development is anticipat-ing final UK government and EuropeanUnion go-ahead.

Wave Hub could be operational by themiddle of 2008 and is expected to be ca-pable of generating up to 20 megawatts(MW) of electricity, enough to meet thedemands of 7,500 homes, saving 24,300tonnes of carbon dioxide every year bydisplacing fossil fuels. This would sup-port south-west England’s target of gen-erating 15 per cent of the region’s power

miles) off the north coast of Cornwallnear Hayle.

Recent data from a wave buoy locatedat the site has shown an average waveheight of 2.3 metres and a maximumheight of 8.8 metres. Hayle already has adirect connection to the UK nationalgrid, with a total capacity of up to 30MWand would allow the Wave Hub machinesto be connected to it by a 25km underseahigh-voltage cable linked to a new elec-tricity substation at Hayle.

Wave Hub will offer what is describedas an electrical “socket” on the seabed andwill be able to accommodate, at any onetime, four companies that are seeking tomove into full-scale pre-commercialisa-tion testing of life-size device arrays.

Developers will be given a five-yearlease of a sea area of two square kilome-tres in which to test their devices overseveral years, and a sub-sea transformerwill be provided with capacity to deliverup to 5MW of power into the distributionnetwork. Groups of wave-energy deviceswill be connected to the Wave Hub socket

Ocean Prospect intends to trial many of its snake-like Pelamis devices (pictured); the wave-induced motion drivesgenerators to produce electricity.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:12 PM Page 58


and float on or just below the surface of the sea to assess howwell they work and how much power they generate.

The Pelamis is a semi-submerged, articulated structure com-posed of cylindrical sections linked by hinged joints. The wave-induced motion of these joints is resisted by hydraulic rams thatpump high-pressure oil through hydraulic motors to drive elec-trical generators and produce power.

Ocean Power Technologies - based in Warwick, EnglishMidlands - plans to install a 5MW project at Wave Hub basedon its PowerBuoy wave-energy converter. The PowerBuoy isfree floating and loosely moored to the seabed; its float movesup and down on the central spar as the waves pass.

This mechanical movement drives a hydraulic pump thatforces hydraulic fluid through a rotary motor connected to anelectrical generator.

The Fred Olsen company has developed a multiple point-absorber system for energy extraction from the sea waves. Anumber of buoys, attached to a light and stable floating plat-form, convert the wave energy to electricity. A 1:3-scale re-search platform has been in operation and on test since 2004.

Oceanlinx will deploy a wave converter that combines theestablished science of the oscillating water column with its ownpatented turbine technology. A full-scale operational unit hasbeen successfully built and tested in Australia. The firm is alsopursuing similar projects in North America, Mexico, SouthAfrica and Hawaii. Wave Hub will be Oceanlinx’s first instal-lation in Europe.

Studies suggest that the global wave-power potential couldbe from 8,000 to 80,000 terawatt hours a year, the latter ofwhich is the same order of magnitude as the world’s electricalenergy consumption.

For more information, visit www.southwestrda.org.uk

Alternative Energy

Water For People–Canada is pleased toannounce the ap-pointment of CarolynMillman as its Execu-tive Administrator.Ms. Millman is thestaff lead and chieffund-raiser for the or-

ganization, a Canadian-registered charitable organizationthat supports the development of sustainable water resourcesand improved sanitation facilities in the developing world.

Ms. Millman is recognized as one of Canada’s foremostfund-raising, special event, and marketing professionals.

As Director of Development and Communication atCovenant House, Ms. Millman was responsible for takingthe agency from a $500,000 deficit to an annual income of$24 million with $15 million in assets.

Carolyn can be reached at (416) 499-4042,Email:[email protected]

Water for People Canadaappoints new EA

November:2007 11/6/07 9:12 PM Page 59


Each year, ES&E invites experts and leaders inenvironmental consulting to share their opinions,

experiences and values with our readers. Wecontinue to be honored every year with eruditeresponses from some of our leading consulting

engineers. Their opinions are based on many years ofcollective experience in maintaining high standards,

while keeping up with the diversity and complexities ofenvironmental engineering and managerial leadership.

Tangible value from a majorTangible value from a major

sector of the invisible professionsector of the invisible profession

Towards a corporate model thatembraces the individual producerBy Bill De Angelis, P.Eng., MBA,Vice President and General Manager, Associated Engineering

I believe that, more and more, the no-tion of organization as team is dead. Weall like to hire star performers, with pedi-grees and reputations, to sell our compa-nies to our clients. Is this a mistake? Itseems to be our new reality. Try gettingthem to work together – it doesn’t effec-tively occur. Leave each to his or her owndevices and they blossom and produce ata high rate. Give them the support theyask for and they deliver.

Management texts preach of leader-ship, teams, structure and organization.If you don’t fit into the idea of team, it’sseen as a negative.Your contributions areoften marginalized compared to those ofthe team players. It seems to me thatmost management books are like diet

How do we keep staff fromfleeing from the consultingengineering sector, and in-deed from the engineering

profession itself? Easy answer – maketheir jobs interesting, challenging andrewarding. Make them feel comfortablein the workplace, and allow them somelatitude in how they work.

Is the traditional engineering com-pany organizational mentality dead?Are we expecting new hires to fit intoour current structures? Should we in-stead be building our firms around theneeds and desires of the new generationof technical specialists?

What about bringing in intermediateand senior staff from different organiza-tional cultures and trying to get them tofunction as a cohesive team? Is the con-cept of team a holy grail that is less andless able to be seen and captured? Canan organization be made up of a groupof individual producers and still functioneffectively, or is an effective organiza-tion one that functions with both teamsand individual producers? Is the new re-ality a company of little companiesworking under the same roof and con-tributing to a common bottom line?

books, with a new one coming on themarket every month for us to try out.They all work if you stick with them –but your old habits usually come backinto play and you fall off the wagon. Or-ganizations are the same – trying to fitstaff to a particular model can work wellwith a lot of care and feeding – but themoment you stop paying attention, it be-gins to fall apart.

I’m not saying we should operatewithout structure – what I’m saying isthat any structure that is adopted by anorganization must have a natural fit tothe individuals within it. If the individu-als are comfortable with it, they willstick with it.

This model won’t work for everyone.The type of people we see comingthrough our doors these days are, for themost part, highly educated, highly moti-vated, and highly opinionated about whatthey expect from a company. Some workwell in teams; others do not. The indi-vidual producer model focuses less onpersonality and more on competence; theteam model is the opposite. The best wayto encourage high performers is to givethem the space and autonomy to exercisetheir capabilities to best advantage.

It seems to me thatmost managementbooks are like dietbooks,with a newone coming on themarket every monthfor us to try out.

November:2007 11/8/07 4:07 PM Page 60


journey. Those noted success factorsapply just as equally to our own busi-ness, and we need to ensure they are inplace immediately following adoption ofthis or, for that matter, any model.

At the end of the day, the peoplewithin the organization will be those thatdefine it, not the organizational layout.

The organization must be focused ondeliverables and quality while allowingeach employee to find and work in his orher own comfort zone. They need tocommunicate with each other, workingto the same corporate standards for doc-umentation and respecting each others’and project timelines and budgets.

Many of us are already using thismodel in our firms, without formallyrecognizing what we are doing. We allmake accommodation today for thosenon-team players in our midst, usuallybecause they are high performers. Thoseemployees have to be acknowledged andcelebrated as much as our traditionalteam players, because it is only withtheir joint contributions to our firms thatwe achieve success.


Like it or not, this is where we areheaded. The traditional notion of team ischanging. Organizations can be highperformers, regardless of structure, ifthey adhere to basic rules of conduct.Forcing conformity to a team normwon’t work for all.

An organization that runs on rules,templates and deliverables can be suc-cessful.

Brad Dobson, of the Region ofDurham in Ontario, successfully imple-mented a Computerized MaintenanceManagement System for the Region’swater and wastewater facilities. In a re-cent article he noted that: “There is anabundance of change management liter-ature and strategies available today.However, there is no magic formula orconsistent template that can be uni-formly applied to all implementationprojects.”

Some of his keys to success can applyequally to this discussion: Analyze theorganization and its need for change;create a common direction-path for suc-cess; craft an implementation plan; de-velop enabling structures; and reinforceand institutionalize change – reachingthe desired outcome via a continuing

R.V. Anderson Associates Limited is a multi-disciplinary consulting engineering firm.Established in 1948, we are an employee owned company with 200 employees inoffices across Ontario, New Brunswick and India. We require an individual who wantsto be challenged and join an elite shareholding group with commensurate rewardopportunities.

We offer a competitive compensation package with benefits, merit-based bonuses,stock ownership as well as a flexible and friendly working environment wherecommitted individuals thrive.

This is a unique opportunity for career growth, with the prospect of becoming aco-owner in an employee-owned Canadian firm, with a chance to shape your future andthat of the company.

If you are ready to take the next step in your career, and become a leader, we encourageyou to apply in confidence by email to [email protected], if you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity,please call:

Human Resources at416-497-8600, orvisit www.rvanderson.com

Credentials:• A university degree or equivalent

qualifications in Civil, Environmental orChemical Engineering

• Excellent verbal and writtencommunication skills

• 7 – 10 years experience with at least 5years project management expertise inwastewater related or similar projects

• Outgoing personality, with strongpeople skills

• Responds well to challenges• Registration in PEO is preferred. CET's,

with appropriate background,will be considered

• Practical knowledge of design inhydraulics, sewage collection, pumpingand treatment

• Computer literate with particularemphasis on the MS Office suite

LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITYConsulting Engineering: Municipal Wastewater

November:2007 11/8/07 4:09 PM Page 61


In the competitive marketplace that isconsulting engineering, firms acrossCanada face the daily predicamentof client needs versus client wants.

With a market weakened by an ever-in-creasing shortage of talent, innovative ap-proaches and business relationships arepractical solutions to the challenge ofservice delivery for a demanding clientbase that is burdened with less money -but a need to do more with it.

Current needs suggest that ‘green’ in-frastructure projects (water, energy, in-dustrial services, transportation, andhealth care, among others) are high onthe list of “must-haves” in the market-place. Opportunities exist for infrastruc-ture development to continue to providethe foundation of our local communities,support social and economic activities,and encourage improved quality of lifeand long-term sustainable growth.

Current wants suggest that these com-prehensive infrastructure programs andactivities be completed within tightly con-

strained budgets, and even tighter time-frames. Unfortunately, accurately esti-mating project costs and time-frames canbe compromised by unforeseen eventsand circumstances resulting from shifts in

federal, provincial, and public priorities.Additionally, unanticipated technicalcomplexities, project scope changes, ordelays may also result in the loss of spe-cific program integrity. Finding solutionsoften comes in the form of managing ex-pectations and effectively distinguishing

between needs versus wants.From a general perspective, as with

many fields in the world of business, theconsulting engineering market is repletewith a mixture of trends, economic pre-dictors, and factors of differentiation. Itis common to become overwhelmed bythe complexity of issues, but there arealways solutions to service delivery, es-pecially in the years ahead.

How can we best compete?To compete in an ultra-competitive,

frustratingly unpredictable market, wemust adapt, adapt, adapt.

There is something to be said for rec-ognizing and embracing the volatility ofthe market.

Keen foresight and planning can tem-per unpredictable results, but it is also im-portant to adapt and evolve. The hiring ofsenior and professional estimators is anexample of a cost-effective and soundbusiness decision. As well, there is some-thing to be said for charting a new direc-tion when circumstances change. William

Needs versus wants: Innovativeapproaches to service deliveryBy Peter Nicol, President, CH2M HILL Canada Limited

William ArthurWardsaid it best when hesuggested,“the

pessimist complainsabout the wind; theoptimist expects it tochange; the realistadjusts the sails.”

November:2007 11/8/07 5:13 PM Page 62


Arthur Ward said it best when he sug-gested, “the pessimist complains aboutthe wind; the optimist expects it tochange; the realist adjusts the sails.”

Is there value in partnerships/alliances on projects?

Collaborative partnerships/alliancesare an excellent way to respond to thechallenges of cost containment. Fromproject inception, working relationshipsbetween all key players and supportingpartners must reflect a co-operative andcollective commitment to due diligence,optimal value, and cost-effective results.Building sustained business relation-ships is a long-term proposition thatmakes sense.

How can we bridge the talent gap?There is little doubt that current

trends suggest skilled labour shortagesacross the country. Given Canada’s de-clining birth rates, aging population, andlimited labour mobility, consulting en-gineering firms must be proactive aboutthe labour challenge. The “retired” workforce of current or past employees as po-tential consultants is an innovative wayof filling the need for skilled labour. Onthe opposite end of the labour spectrum,market the corporate brand to form al-

liances with schools and professional as-sociations, mining potential capable in-tern and co-op students.

Compensation incentives (lookingbeyond salary) are key. Hiring peoplewith intelligence, passion, and account-ability will only serve to strengthen thecohesiveness of the firm. Finally, a bal-anced professional and personal life is abenefit all employees enjoy.

The present and future of engineeringand consulting in Canada requires inno-vative approaches to service delivery. By

responding to client needs and evaluat-ing client wants, firms across the countrywill be better able to withstand the “ob-stacle illusions” placed in the path ofpresent and future strategic success.


www.amwater.com

American Water has announced that Phil Sidhwa will as-sume the role of President of Terratec Environmental Ltd.,a leader in the biosolids management business and awholly-owned subsidiary of American Water, the largestinvestor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility com-pany. In this position, Sidhwa will be responsible for allbusiness-related functions including operations, finance,sales and marketing.

Sidhwa previously served as Vice President of Business Development forTerratec and was the founding President and CEO of the company for 10 yearsprior to its acquisition by American Water in 1999. Since joining AmericanWater, Sidhwa has served as Vice President of Canadian Residuals forAmerican Water Enterprises (AWE), the non-regulated products and servicesdivision of American Water, as well as Vice President of Business Develop-ment for all Canadian AWE business lines.

"With 27 years in the biosolids business, I am confident that Phil has the rightexperience and attributes to successfully lead Terratec," said Mark Strauss,AWE President. "We have an excellent platform from which to grow and ex-pand as more municipalities and industries become environmentally focusedand look at recycling valuable organic materials."

Within the water and wastewater industry, Sidhwa has gained international ex-perience and worked for both public and private sectors. He sits on the provin-cial Biosolids Utilization Committee, the Federal Canadian Fertilizer ProductsForum, and on committees of the Water Environment Association of Ontario.He also sits on the Board of Directors of Water For People-Canada, a non-profit international humanitarian organization dedicated to the developmentand delivery of clean, safe water and sanitation solutions in developing nations.

Sidhwa was also recognized by his peers with an award for his commitmentand contributions to the Water Environment Association of Ontario, associatedwith the Water Environment Federation, representing 50,000 water and waste-water professionals worldwide. Sidhwa is a graduate of the University ofToronto.

Terratec works in partnership with municipalities to manage long-term benefi-cial re-use programs. Based in Ontario, Terratec is a leader in the biosolidsmanagement business in Canada.

With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., American Water employs nearly 6,900dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other re-lated services to approximately 16.2 million people in 32 states and Ontario,Canada.

American Water names Phil SidhwaPresident of Terratec Environmental Ltd.

November:2007 11/8/07 4:22 PM Page 63


One generation plants trees. Another gets the shade.

Confucious

A BETTER TOMORROW made possible

At Earth Tech, preserving the world’s natural resources is a priority. Combining innovation, creativity with advantaged technology, we engineer environmental solutions to address the challenges of today and needs of tomorrow.

All around the world, Earth Tech is engineering solutions to help preserve the world’sresources. Earth Tech delivers solutions to help make a better tomorrow possible.For more information, visit www. earthtech.com.

The annual Water EnvironmentFederation Conference tookplace in San Diego, California,this year. As many will know,

the Water Environment Federation is atechnical and educational organizationwith over 70,000 members worldwide.

But back to the annual conference inSan Diego. This southern California cityhistorically has average daily tempera-tures in October, when the conferencetook place, ranging from 73 to 78 de-grees (F), and rainfall is supposed to bealmost nonexistent.

Not this year. Average daily tempera-tures were ten degrees Fahrenheit lower,and it rained almost every day. Thecooler temperatures and rainfall could

simply be the result of normal variationsin weather. Or not – maybe the coolertemperatures and increased rainfall inSan Diego are part of a trend that’s af-fecting the climate.

The issue of climate change took on ahigher profile when the United NationsEnvironment Programme and the WorldMeteorological Organization establishedthe Intergovernmental Panel on ClimateChange (IPCC) almost twenty years ago,with a mandate to provide independentscientific advice on the issue of climatechange. The IPCC defines climatechange as any change in climate overtime, whether due to natural variabilityor as a result of human activity.

In November of this year, the IPCC re-

leased its fourth assessment report, sum-marizing the latest findings of its threeWorking Groups, which are examining(1) the science of climate change, (2) im-pacts, adaptation and vulnerability, and(3) mitigation. The fourth assessment re-port, which represents six years of effort,provides a wake-up call to water resourcemanagement professionals.

Whether or not you are in sync withthe climate change movement, informa-tion in the IPCC report paints a pictureof a changing hydrologic cycle, here inCanada and elsewhere. This is an im-portant concept because hydrologicaldesign rules are typically based on theassumption that local hydrology is static.Municipal governments determine de-

Potential impacts of a changingclimate on water resourcesmanagement and development

By George Zukovs, M.Eng., P.Eng.,

President, XCG Consultants Ltd.

November:2007 11/8/07 4:23 PM Page 64


sign storms based on historical data –sort of the equivalent of basing a choiceof mutual fund on past performance.The result is that water infrastructurethat is designed and built now may bebased on hydrologic conditions that areno longer valid, or won’t be in the future.

What the findings contained in theIPCC report emphasize is that perhapsit’s time to reconsider the traditional ap-proach to water resources management.

Starting with an examination of rain-fall and snowmelt frequency, intensityand duration, the IPCC has found thatthere have been, and will continue to be,changes in the pattern of annual precip-itation for most of North America, withlarge increases in northern Canada, anddecreases in the southwestern UnitedStates, the Canadian Prairies and theeastern Arctic.

Although the IPCC does not point todefinite trends within Canada, its reportdoes quote the work of researchers whofound earlier spring runoff acrossCanada, decreased summer flows in theAthabasca River, and earlier break-up ofriver and lake ice throughout NorthAmerica. The report goes on to say thatthe variability of annual maximum floodflows is likely to increase. This is not sur-prising, since the report concludes that,in future, it is highly likely that theamount of total rainfall from heavyevents is expected to increase, while atthe same time, higher evaporation relatedto warming may, to some extent, offsetthe effects of increased precipitation.

On the other end of the spectrum, thereport states that vulnerability to ex-tended drought is increasing acrossNorth America. The studies quoted inthe IPCC report indicate that droughthas been observed to be more frequentand intense in the western part of theU.S. and Canada, but speculates that theeast may not be immune from droughtsand attendant reductions in water sup-ply. Many, but not all, of the studies doc-umented in the report predict that waterlevels in the Great Lakes will be signif-icantly lower.

Of particular interest in the determi-nation of design storms and their impactis a study quoted in the IPCC report thatfound that, for fifteen out of sixteenlarge basins worldwide, the control 100-year peak volumes (at the monthly time-scale) are projected to be exceeded more

frequently. In some areas, what is givenas a 100-year flood now is projected tooccur much more frequently, even everytwo to five years. While this study cau-tioned that the projections are subject toa large uncertainty and are not specificto Canada, the message that can be takenfrom it is that choice and time periodover which a design storm is valid maynow involve a much higher degree ofuncertainty.

Water quantity is not the only ele-ment of water resources that has been

examined. The IPCC report quotes stud-ies that predict higher stream or laketemperatures, which in turn will resultin lower dissolved oxygen saturation, in-creased unionized ammonia, with the ef-fect that permissible loadings ofcarbonaceous and nitrogenous mattermay be reduced, effectively reducing


November:2007 11/6/07 9:13 PM Page 65


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wastewater treatment plant effluent lim-its. The report also speculates that lowerlake levels may reduce the initial dilu-tion capacity of outfalls, further reduc-ing the allowable loading discharged.Predicted increases in storm intensitiesand volumes can be expected to exacer-bate stream erosion. And the reportraises concerns about the increased dis-charge of bacteria to receiving waters incombined sewer overflows, wet weatherbypasses, and stormwater.

Given that the majority of Canadianslive in urban areas, which rely on engi-neered infrastructure systems, the poten-tial effects of a change in climaticconditions, coupled with other stressessuch as intensification and changes inland use, could be significant. Recent ex-treme weather events, such as the 1998ice storm that affected Ontario andQuébec, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005,are examples of the vulnerability of ex-

isting infrastructure. As the IPCC reportpoints out, when systems fail, impactscan be widespread and multidimensional.

The ability to adapt to changing con-ditions in water availability and demandhas always been at the core of water man-agement. Now, in addition to planning forfuture water demand and expectedchanges in land use, water resource man-agers may want to add consideration ofthe evolving nature of the hydrologiccycle to the planning and design of engi-neered systems and their operation.

In Canada, the province of Québecmodified the Civil Protection Act, re-quiring municipalities to develop emer-gency management plans, following the1996 flood that affected the Saguenayregion. In British Columbia, the city ofVancouver has a 100-year plan to up-grade its drainage system by connectingnatural areas and waterways, developingsmaller localized systems, and upgrad-ing key sections of pipe during routinemaintenance.

Other strategies are out there, such aswhat the IPCC calls resilient strategies,which are intended to reduce but not en-

tirely avoid specific events. This is afail-safe approach to engineering design.For example, in the case of river floodmanagement, a fail-safe strategy wouldbe to allow the river to temporarily crestthe top of bank, in order to reduce butnot eliminate the severity of flood dam-age. Another strategy is referred to as in-tegrated water resources management,which is based on flexible and adaptableapproaches, such as reducing, reusing,and recycling water resources in an ef-fort to maintain supply.

A key challenge and opportunity forwater resource professionals will be toeffectively communicate the issue ofchanging hydrologic regimes and theirimpact. Once there is common under-standing and an acknowledgement thatworld conditions are dynamic, then de-cision-makers, water managers, and thepublic will be in a position to move to-ward policies, processes and proceduresthat can accommodate climatic uncer-tainties in the planning, design and op-eration of water-related infrastructure.


NEWS2007 Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards

The Canadian Consulting Engineering Awards were presented inOctober by the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada incollaboration with Canadian Consulting Engineer magazine.

Schreyer AwardAcoustic Design, Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, MedicineHat, Alberta - Aercoustics Engineering Limited

Some of the Awards of Excellence

Deep Soil Mixing, Ground Stabilization Foundation,Vancouver IslandConference Centre, Nanaimo, British Columbia- Golder Associates Ltd. (Golder) and Golder AssociatesInnovative Application (GAIA) Inc.

Shikwamkwa Replacement Dam, Wawa, Ontario - Hatch Energy

Seymour Falls Dam Seismic Upgrade, North Vancouver, BritishColumbia - Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd., Hatch Energy, GreaterVancouver Water District

Conger Marsh Wastewater Treatment Plant, MacTier, Ontario-Totten Sims Hubicki Associates (1997) Limited

South Tailings Pond Wetlands, Millennium Mine, Alberta- Klohn Crippen Berger Ltd.

Yellow River Water Resources and Flood ManagementOptimization ,China - Golder Associates Ltd.

Management Strategy to Reduce Hillslope Erosion and ReservoirSiltation for Watersheds, Algeria - Tecsult inc.

Beaubien Award - J.C. Roger Warren, ing.

For further information, E-mail [email protected]

November:2007 11/8/07 5:09 PM Page 66


November:2007 11/6/07 9:13 PM Page 67


Email: [email protected] /

[email protected]

www.rjburnside.comwww.neeganburnside.com

Structural and Civil EngineeringMunicipal EngineeringTransportation and BridgesIntegrated Water Resources

Environmental ServicesLand DevelopmentBuilding ScienceGeographic Information Technology

At Burnside, we are always interested in discussing employment opportunities with new and experienced professional engineers and environmen-tal scientists. Our firm encourages continuing profes-sional development, providing training, challenging assignments, and seminars on new engineering technologies. Visit our websites today and learn more about R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited and Neegan Burnside Ltd. (our First Nations engineering and environmental services firm).

Barrie(705) 797-2047

Brampton(905) 793-9239

Collingwood(705) 446-0515

Guelph(519) 823-4995

Newmarket(905) 953-8967

Orangeville(519) 941-5331

Pickering(905) 686-3067

Stratford(519) 271-5111

Wingham(519) 357-1521

Winnipeg(204) 949-7110

Iqaluit(867) 975-2052

India91 40 2354-0810

engineering is no exception. Mergersand acquisitions in the Ontario industryby the larger players, a number of themfrom outside of Canada, have com-pletely rearranged the consulting land-scape. The traditional, locally developedconsulting practice is quickly becomingthe exception, with many of the home-grown firms that at one time dominatedthe industry now having become noth-ing more than a name from the past.They have also become a mechanism tobulk up revenue figures and provide ac-cess to the ever more limited pool ofqualified technical staff.

There are obviously other aspects tothe “globalization” of the consulting in-dustry, so I would suggest that the pres-

The once proven model for asuccessful consulting practicewas for the entrepreneurial en-gineer to find an appropriate

town and a suitable physical location foran office, recruit bright and capable as-sociates, hang up a shingle and start upa practice. Attracting more clients, ex-perienced staff, more physical space,and equipment drove growth. While thissomewhat simplistic model may verywell still apply sometimes, the rapidchanges and forces in our global envi-ronment appear to indicate that thingshave become somewhat more compli-cated.

Globalization is having a significantimpact on all industries and consulting

ent is an exciting and challenging periodto be a consulting engineer.

Changes in both technology and fun-damentals are allowing the consultingindustry to break through the barriers ofthe traditional office and to participatein a greater variety of projects, partner-ships and access to experienced col-leagues for collaboration. At the sametime there is also a larger pool of com-petition. We may be no longer compet-ing with the firm on the other side oftown but with the team of firms from theother side of the world, which meansthat unless you are at the “top of thepyramid”, there is likely to be no goingat it alone.

The barriers to the concept of assem-

By Rui De Carvalho, Senior Vice President,

R.J. Burnside & Associates Limited, and

Vice-President, Burnside International Limited

Re-inventing the role of theconsulting engineer

November:2007 11/6/07 9:13 PM Page 68


widely held belief that it will be throughpartnerships with the private sector thatsustainable development of the watersupply and sanitation sectors will beachieved in many areas of the world.

There are also significant investmentsto be made in infrastructure not related towater supply and sanitation.These includesolid waste management and especiallymany aspects of transportation. Canadianconsulting engineers are very well quali-fied to participate, and along with our in-ternational colleagues, are already veryactive in the pursuit and delivery associ-ated with these opportunities.Yet, we needto be cognizant that consulting engineersfrom the non traditional countries outsideof Western Europe, Australia and NorthAmerica, such as South Africa, Brazil,India, Malaysia, are also now activelycompeting for these opportunities. Chinais already one of the largest players in theconstruction of civil works in the Africancontinent. One presumes that their techni-cal service providers are not far behind.

There is no time like the present andwhat an exciting time it is to be in thisindustry. The project challenges thatabound when we take on wider perspec-

bling a team with professionals wewould normally perceive to be competi-tors, should be down by now, like theBerlin Wall, with individuals in differentfirms reaching out to the competitor col-league to team up and take on opportu-nities that each on their own havedifficulty accessing. Some years back Iwrote in this forum on the need forCanadian consulting engineers to con-sider the merits of more collaboration.While the experience of collaboration atBurnside has been quite positive, theboundaries for even a medium-sizedfirm such as ours have now expanded tothe point where our partners are as aptto be in another continent, or in anotherpart of Canada or Ontario.

If we consider the opportunities thatrelate to environmental issues, andspecifically water supply and sanitation,we should note the progress or lackthereof of the world community inachieving the Millennium DevelopmentObjectives, which were proclaimed inthe year 2000 for 2015. While the NGO(non-governmental organisation) com-munity for one, continues to make a verysignificant contribution, it is now a

tives are tremendous as are the opportu-nities to work with many exceptionalprofessionals from around the world thatbring to our project teams their variedbackgrounds and areas of discipline.The development and management ofthese opportunities represent a signifi-cant investment of scarce capital andhuman resources that many are hesitantto make.

The development of corporate capac-ity to function in this new and complexworld of consulting does require a verydifferent approach, but it is a skill thatmany of us will need to focus on, if ourindustry is to continue to thrive. It ismuch better to develop the partnershipwith that international competitor on aproject outside of Canada, than to beginto learn about their capabilities and re-sources after they arrive to challenge usfor what we now regard as our estab-lished clients.

Contact:[email protected]

November:2007 11/6/07 9:13 PM Page 69


A diverse range of casehistories and new developments isreviewed in ES&E’sES&E’s semi-annual

look at tanks, containment systemsand spill management.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:13 PM Page 70

A 1.52m x 2.74m side wall plate hasbeen removed from a segmentalbolted tank.

Geodesic dome components areremoved to lower excavationequipment through the dome.

Excavation equipment inside thegeodesic dome.


Large tanks can be accessible,expandable, flexible, adaptable and movableBy Jeff Rodger

ditional plates can be installed at the bot-tom of the tank while it is jacked higherinto the air. Whether a reservoir shape,standpipe, or an elevated tank, the tankcan easily grow with your community,and to your desired capacity as required.Recently, Greatario expanded a 12-year-old potable water standpipe to easily cre-ate 50% more storage. The storage tankexpansion was completed in three days.

FlexibleBolted tanks can accommodate some

movement and differential settlementwith no leakage or negative effects. Forexample, some glass-fused-to-steel floorshave been designed for several centime-tres of differential settlement with noleakage.

AdaptableWhether by design or using preexist-

ing bolted connections, bolted tanks cre-

When you think of a largetank, what do you see?Do you see a traditional,rigid, permanent and en-

closed structure? Or do you think ofsomething highly accessible, flexible,adaptable, expandable and even mov-able?

The liquid storage industry has im-proved over the past 20 years, and engi-neers are applying these new buzzwordsmore often for pre-engineered tanks.Similarly, owners and engineers are re-alizing the desirable life cycle costingand more predictable asset managementfor such pre-engineered tanks. This isparticularly the case when consideringstandard cathodic protection, permanentcoatings and factory warranties.

AccessibilityAn above grade tank provides easier

and safer access to more of the tank sur-face. Above grade tanks can often pre-vent confined space and dangerous fallsituations.

With segmental bolted tanks, large ac-cess openings can be provided into a tankfor clean out, or for modifications to anytank internal systems. Individual sidewall or roof plates can be removed. Evengreater access can be provided when sev-eral plates are removed to accommodatevehicle access directly into the tank.

On one project, with a large sludgebuild-up that had to be cleaned out of a42.7 m diameter in-ground concretetank, the owner and engineer looked toGreatario for a solution to provide aneasier tank clean out. The solution wasto remove some of the geodesic domecomponents to lower excavation equip-ment through the dome to the tank floor.This equipment loaded the sludge ontolarge conveyors that were positioned onthe tank floor, which then fed into an-other conveyor at grade level to dis-charge directly into trucks.

ExpandableBecause Aquastore™ tanks are jack-

built from the top down from the ground,tanks of any configuration can be de-signed to be expanded in the future. Ad-

ate opportunities for strong and easyconnection and removal of electrical andmechanical systems, while avoidingwelding or any recoating in the field.

MovableExisting bolted tanks can be disman-

tled and moved to another location to berebuilt with no negative effects. In somecases, particularly when tight schedulesmust be met, large tanks and domes canbe pre-assembled out of place and canbe positioned into place by crane.

None of the work mentioned aboveshould be attempted by anyone other thanfactory-certified Aquastore builders.

Jeff Rodger is with GreatarioEngineered Storage Systems.


November:2007 11/6/07 9:13 PM Page 71


Anaerobic digester provides idealapplication for geomembrane

As demand increases for envi-ronmentally friendly energysources, renewable energycompanies like Highmark

Renewables, located in Vegreville, Al-berta, are utilizing an up-and-coming en-ergy source: anaerobic digesters usinganimal waste. While animal waste anaer-obic digesters have been part of the Eu-ropean landscape for many years,including facilities in Austria, Belgium,Germany, Holland and Switzerland, theywere all but unheard of in North Amer-ica until the turn of the 21st century.

A multipurpose innovationFor several years, researchers have

been studying ways to convert manureinto energy because of the multifacetedbenefits it can yield. Researchers have found that the manurefrom 7,500 cattle can power approximately 1,200 homes foran entire year. This not only makes great use of the manure, butalso reduces energy bills and enhances environmental per-formance.

In 2001, Highmark Renewables began technology devel-opment for their Integrated Manure Utilization System(IMUS™) in partnership with the Alberta Research Council(ARC). ARC specializes in converting early stage ideas intomarketable products and services, including innovative scienceand technology solutions. The Alberta and Canadian govern-

ments also were consulted on the project to ensure that regu-latory compliances were met.

IMUS uses anaerobic digestion to produce biogas from ma-nure. This biogas is then used to create electricity and heat, aswell as water for crop irrigation, bio-based fertilizer, andpathogen-free, biodegradable consumer products.

In 2003, detailed engineering began for a sophisticated pilotplant in Vegreville, utilizing two digesters and the IMUS sys-tem. Construction began with the building of two concrete struc-tures for the digesters, both 38 feet tall and 48 feet in diameter.Each structure features a centre ridge pole with a 4-foot diame-

ter steel plate attached at the top, and3-inch by 8-inch steel tubes welded atthe centre and perimeter to providesupport for the insulation and ageomembrane cover.

Recoverable elongationAs work on the project continued,

researchers from both ARC and High-mark Renewables began looking for areliable geomembrane to serve as a“lid” on the digesters to store themethane gas. Earl Jenson, a researchengineer for ARC who was involvedin the material specification, recom-mended a 60-mil PondGard EPDMgeomembrane from Firestone Spe-cialty Products Company. “We chosethe product because of its elasticityand recoverable elongation, which areextremely important for ensuring thatthe digesters function properly.”

Earl Jenson adds: “The flexibilityof the membrane is a benefit becausewe don’t have to match the generators’gas usage exactly to production be-

View of completed digesters, covers inflated by methane gas, with manurein foreground.

continued on page 75...

November:2007 11/6/07 9:14 PM Page 72

November:2007 11/6/07 9:14 PM Page 73

Northern Steel Industries

Assmann Corporation

Firestone Building Products Canada

Containment SolutionsAlbarrie Environmental

Greatario Engineered Storage SystemsFirestone Building Products Canada

ZCL CompositesNorthern Steel IndustriesSto

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Albarrie, a leader incontainment technol-ogy, in partnershipwith Kinectrics Inc.,offers the SorbWebPlus secondary oil

containment system for power utilities.• No maintenance• Cost-effective• Proven system• Rain water passes through, no pumps• Can be installed around energized

transformers.

Tel: 705-737-0551, Fax: 705-737-4044E-mail: [email protected]: www.sorbwebplus.com

Secondary oil containment

Assmann Corporation has expanded itsoverall line of double wall tanks, con-tainment vessels providing primary andsecondary containment in one integralspace-saving unit. The line includessmaller tanks at 20, 40, 65, 85, 120, and165 gallon units, in addition to the 150and 250 gallon units. The tanks are de-signed for storing hazardous and corro-sive chemicals inside or outside.Tel: 888-357-3181, Fax: 888-826-5329E-mail: [email protected]: www.assmann-usa.com

Small double wall tanks

The Traveler ™tank is designedto fit in a pickuptruck and pro-vide trans-

portable fuel storage. The low-profiledesign of the Traveler tank allows forgreater rear window visibility withoutcompromising volume. Available in bothsingle and double-wall designs, it is ap-proved for the transportation of gasoline,diesel, methanol and other flammable,combustible or hazardous liquids.Tel: 888-674-8265, Fax: 306-873-2252E-mail: [email protected]: www.northern-steel.com

Transportation of dangerous

goods When it comesto the safe andsecure under-ground storageof liquids,

Northern Steel’s Glasteel II® exceedsall ULC and UL testing criteria. Thetank consists of a steel primary tank en-closed within a 360 degree fibreglassreinforced plastic containment jacket. A320 degree fibre interstitial layer addsprotection and safety. It has a broadcompatibility with most fuels includ-ing: gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel,ethanol, neat methanol, M-85 and E-85.Tel: 888-674-8265, Fax: 306-873-2252E-mail: [email protected]: www.northern-steel.com

Small double wall tanks

Balancingfunctionalityand naturalbeauty,PondGardRubber Liner

easily conforms over the sub-terrain ofriverbeds, waterfalls and ponds alike,making it perfect for decorative appli-cations. Resistant to microbial attacksand algae growth, this liner requires nospecial tools and minimal maintenanceonce installed. It is proven safe for fishand plant life and is available in a widerange of sizes to reduce field seaming.Tel: 888-292-6265, Fax: 877-666-3022E-mail: [email protected]: www.firestonebpco.ca

Rubber liner

Firestone MultiLiner is a reinforcedpolypropylene-based membrane thatenhances the physical properties of themembrane by inserting a strong, poly-ester fabric (scrim) between the top andbottom plies. This combination gives itits extremely high breaking/tearingstrength and puncture resistance. It isideal for geomembrane applications.Tel: 888-292-6265, Fax: 877-666-3022E-mail: [email protected]: www.firestonebpco.ca

The JetMix Vor-tex Mixing Sys-tem can be usedin bio-solidsstorage wheresolids suspen-sion is impor-

tant. Benefits of using the JetMix systeminclude: Intermittent operation saves 60-90% in power consumption; expensivetank cleanout and scheduled maintenancenot required; easily installed in existingtanks; multiple tank mixing using a cen-tral pump house. JetMix was a recipientof a 1997 Innovative Technology Awardfrom the Water Environment Federation.Tel: 519-469-8169, Fax: 519-469-8157E-mail: [email protected]: www.greatario.com

Reinforced membrane

Flowtite® Water Tanks are the ideal reser-voir for potable and non-potable waterapplications. They are lightweight andnon-corrosive and come in sizes rangingfrom 2,000 –190,000 litres. The Flowtiteline of tanks includes septic, fire protec-tion, rainwater harvesting and more.

Tel: 1-877-CSI-TANK, Fax: 936-756-7766E-mail: [email protected]: www.containmentsolutions.com

Water tanks

When underground tanks need to be re-placed but site conditions make this costlyand difficult, then retrofit your tanks witha new corrosion resistant secondary con-tained lining system. This is a unique in-stalled on-site internal fiberglass systemthat allows you to upgrade in-service steelor fiberglass single wall tanks to a sec-ondary contained lining system.Tel: 800-661-8265, Fax: 780-466-6126E-mail: [email protected]: www.zcl.com

Secondary lining system

November:2007 11/6/07 9:14 PM Page 74


Large Victoria marina installscontainment and treatment system

(BOD) and total extractable hydrocar-bons (TEH).

In December 2006, an EnvironmentCanada inspector visited The Royal Vic-toria Yacht Club marina, investigating areported disposal of contaminated washwater into the sea. It was indicated to themarina personnel that this action was nolonger permissible and the facility wasgiven until the end of March 2007 toremedy the situation.

Petro Barrier Systems Inc. (PBSI)had already announced that a compre-hensive system was available to treat andclean contaminated waters to meet therequirements of the Federal regulationsfor COD, BOD, and TEH. PBSI, also be-lieved that a new filtration system forheavy metals would significantly allevi-ate the metal problem, even achievingclean-up levels as low as 5 ppb copper.

The marina approached PBSI re-questing a review of their problems, in-dicating that they would be interested ina solution that would allow them to re-cycle their wash water and use it for wa-tering the lawns around the property.

A comprehensive survey of the oper-ation and the associated parking lotdrains was carried out and the followingrecommendations were made for theirconsideration:1) Protect all parking lot drains from oil

Like many marinas around thecountry, The Royal VictoriaYacht Club in Victoria, BritishColumbia, has facilities to allow

members to bring their boats out of thewater on a slipway where they can cleanand repaint the hulls of their vessels.

This involves considerable quantitiesof water which can be contaminatedwith oil, paint solvents, copper residuesand sludge. For years, this contaminatedwater was disposed of into the sea withthe potential to harm aquatic life.

Over the past two years, the majorityof marinas in British Columbia were vis-ited by inspectors from EnvironmentCanada which, together with the De-partment of Fisheries and Oceans, hasthe responsibility for ensuring that con-taminated waters do not exit into rivers,lakes and oceans. The purpose of thistwo year program was to indicate to themarina operators and users that pastpractices of disposing of contaminatedwaters into the water systems are nolonger permitted.

All marinas were given until March2007 to comply with the permissible lev-els of contaminants stipulated in the leg-islation. These limits included heavymetals such as copper, zinc, lead, mer-cury and iron, chemical oxygen demand(COD), biochemical oxygen demand

contamination using storm drain basketfilters.2) Install an integrated filtration systemcomprising a collection sump for waterand sludge under the boats being washed;supernatant water pumped into a secondtank to permit solids to settle; waterpumped through a pre-filter into a 4-compartment oil-water separator; andtwo polishing pressure filters, one to re-move hydrocarbon oils and the other toremove heavy metals.

The marina accepted the recommen-dations and agreed also to install hold-ing tanks to allow the cleaned-up waterto be recycled.

Treatment equipmentThe equipment for the treatment sys-

tem comprises the following:a) A pre-filter with Petro Pads.b)A 4-compartment oil-water separator.c) Pressure filter for polishing

residual oil.d)Pressure filter for removing

heavy metals.(The oil-water separator is 2 cubic

metres in capacity to comply with theCapital Region District By-law).

Description of processThe boats are raised from the water,

either along a slipway or using a liftingcrane for smaller vessels, and suspendedabove a sump which collects all the washwater containing grit, silt, oil and paintresidues from the washing of the hulls.

The solids are allowed to settle andthe supernatant liquid is pumped into asecond sump.

From there, the wash water ispumped through the pre-screen filterand into the first chamber of the 4-com-partment oil-water separator. Any resid-ual oil floats to the surface and, when asufficient layer accumulates, the oil isremoved for safe disposal.

The water continues to overflowthrough two more compartments intothe 4th compartment. From this cham-ber, it is pumped through a polishingpressure filter to remove any oil remain-ing and subsequently through a secondpressure filter to remove any copper andother heavy metals in the water.

Slipway with boat. (Inset: Slipway holding tank)

November:2007 11/6/07 9:14 PM Page 76


ance of both filters was good with pres-sures below 10 psi and no colour in theexiting water.

Analysis of the water before and aftertreatment showed how effective the sys-tem is at removing contaminants downto acceptable.

The system has been in operation fornearly six weeks with 1-2 boats per daybeing cleaned. The discharged water(200-300 gallons/day) remains clear andcolorless. The copper levels are around 1ppm and the oil tests out at N/D (lessthan 1 ppm).

Discussion of resultsThe complete system is proving very

effective in removing oil down to very

The treated water is fed into a holdingtank for later use.

Commissioning and test resultsAfter installation, water samples

from the first sump under the boat, andthe exiting stream after the pressure fil-ters were analyzed for a variety of prop-erties. These results showed a dramaticdifference in the oil and copper levels.

After two weeks of operation, theflow of water slowed appreciably and thepumping pressure showed levels as highas 60 psi, indicating some type of partialblockage.

Isolating each filter in turn showedthat the second filter was the culprit. Ondisassembling, this filter revealed a par-tially blocked exit pipe caused by themovement of some of the polyester feltpacking. In addition, some of the filtermedia had been washed away.

Although the oil filter was function-ing satisfactorily, it was decided to re-place both filters.

Almost immediately, the water exit-ing from the replacement filters wasclear and colourless and the levels of oiland copper were well below the lowerpermissible amounts. The operatingpressures were around 5 psi for both fil-ters and the water flow was 5-6 gal-lons/minute.

The original filters were dismantledand the absorbents examined. There wasevidence of small amounts of oil in theoil polishing filter and the absorbent wasquite dirty but still functioning satisfac-torily.

The metal polishing filter had lost afair amount of its absorbents and therewas evidence that the colour of the con-taminated water, caused by pigmentationfrom the paints, was being removed.

These filters, which were much largerin capacity than the replacements, wererepacked and re-installed. The perform-

acceptable levels of less than 1 ppm.The metal removal filter is designed

to remove copper but it will also removeother metals. While this is totally ac-ceptable, it can have an effect on the lifespan of the filter reactant if there arelarge amounts of other metal compo-nents present.

The total heavy metals content of thesump water was as high as 14,280 ppmwith the exiting sample reduced to lessthe 10 ppm.

In this particular test, the copper con-tent in the exit sample was higher thandesired, probably due to the very highlevels of metals in the original water.Subsequent testing showed the copper tobe around 1-2 ppm which satisfies thecurrent local requirements. It is believedthat by some minor changes in the fil-tration components, it is possible to re-move the copper to much lower levels.

For more information, contact:[email protected]

Oil-water separator.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:14 PM Page 77


The solutionLow volume test results indicated that

the Rusmar AC-645 product was themost effective of the three tested in re-ducing the airborne contaminant con-centrations; it reduced up to 99.6% of theodors.

The technology was selected by theU.S. Army Corps of Engineers to controlodors and emissions at the Federal Cre-osote Superfund Site. Sevenson Envi-ronmental (Niagara Falls, NewYork) wasawarded the remediation contract, withexcavation work beginning in early 2001.

Sevenson employed AC-645 to con-trol odors during active excavation andfor overnight control. It is a liquid thatproduces a thick, white, viscous foamconsisting of layers of air bubbles. Theair bubbles comprise approximately 96%of the foam's total volume. The layers ofair bubbles and separating film trapodors, VOCs and dust. The foam is non-toxic, biodegradable, non-hazardous andnon-flammable.

AC-645 covered over 1,000,000square feet of soil surface during exca-

vation and stockpiling of the soil. TheU.S. EPA estimates that over the courseof six years, 160,000 tons of soil were re-moved from the site.

Rebekah Gormish is withRusmar Incorporated.


Flux chamber test with RusmarLong Duration Foam.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:14 PM Page 79


Construction time reduced forrecycling centre storage tanks

southwest limit of the property. Thecreek is part of an urban watershed thatdischarges into Lake Ontario. Manage-ment of the volume and sediment load ofthe stormwater required engineering ofburied structures that would help reducethe impact of the facility on the ecologyof the stream and downstream uses in thewatershed.

Since the design required storage ofwater on the site while being slowly dis-charged into the creek, and there was noroom for surface storage, the solutionwas to control the runoff in undergroundstorage tanks and a sewer system com-prised of pipes and oil-sediment separa-tors.

Earth Tech was awarded the contractfor the design and construction adminis-tration, and Varcon Construction wasawarded the contract for construction.

The design of the stormwater servicesfirst specified three wetcast tanks. All

An existing recycling centre inMississauga, Ontario, was re-placed by an expanded andmore efficient recycling fa-

cility on the same site, after demolition,reconstruction and construction of addi-tional services. The Fewster CommunityRecycling Centre is the second in Mis-sissauga and the fifth integrated wastemanagement facility in Peel Region. Thefacility includes a drop-off platform forrecyclable and non-recyclable materialsand a household hazardous waste andreusable goods drop-off area.

Management of stormwater from thefacility was a significant design consid-eration because of the extent of the pavedsurface area and the nature of the landuse that required consideration of thequality of stormwater runoff andsnowmelt.

The 3.9 hectares (9 acres) site drainsinto Little Etobicoke Creek along the

three consisted of two rows of wetcastboxes with butyl jointing. The contractorand designers realized that the produc-tion time for the boxes would increasesignificantly since the formwork for theboxes acts as part of the curing process.Production would be limited to one pourper day. It would be impossible to meetthe construction schedule set for theproject.

After meeting with engineers at ConCast Pipe in Guelph, it was decided thatthe alternative would be dry casting theboxes and altering the sizes, so that theywould meet Ontario Provincial StandardsSpecification (OPSS) 1821 for rein-forced concrete boxes. The standard wasacceptable because the backfill over thetop of the boxes was greater than 600mm. Production time would be adequateto provide the boxes to construct thetanks for accommodating the designrunoff volume.

By Jorge Silveira

November:2007 11/8/07 4:40 PM Page 80


Instead of two runs of boxes, how-ever, the redesign of the boxes requiredtriple-celled structures to accommodate atotal storage volume of 989.5m3 in thesame construction footprint. The designwas enhanced because the boxes arriveon site with gasketed joints to limit infil-tration of fines and leakage of water into

the soil envelope.Stormwater entering each tank first

passed through an oil-sediment separa-tor to improve the quality of the waterentering the tanks. It was possible to ac-commodate just-in-time delivery, be-cause some standard sizes arrived on sitefive at a time. On many occasions, boxes

were immediately installed as they wereoffloaded.

Box sizes for the tanks ranged from1800 mm x 900 mm to 3000 mm x 1800mm span and rise. All boxes were 2.44m long. Each tank was designed with ac-cess holes for man entry and mainte-nance, and flow equalizers between eachrun of the triple cells. All joints werewrapped in a geotextile cloth to reducethe possibility of infiltration and exfil-tration even further.

The Fewster Community RecyclingCentre is a design/build project that willdeliver a single stream recovery facility,waste transfer station and associated siteworks. Construction that commenced inJune 2007 is expected to be completed inearly 2008. The contract was approxi-mately $7.2 million.

Jorge Silveira, A.Sc.T. is withCon Cast Pipe.


Box sizes for the tanks ranged from 1800 mm x 900 mm to 3000 mm x 1800 mmspan and rise.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:15 PM Page 81

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine82 | November 2007Pro

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ABB Inc.ABB Inc. ABB Inc.

ABS Canada ACG TechnologyABS Canada

American Concrete Pipe Association American Concrete Pipe AssociationACG Technology

HST Turbocompressor Fast sure priming

ABS introducesthe revolutionaryHST Integral™Turbocompres-sor. It is arugged, moneysaving compres-sor designed forreliable, auto-matic operation

at optimal efficiency and is mainte-nance-free. Because of the energy andmaintenance savings from using theHST it can pay for itself in two years.Tel: 905-670-4677, Fax: 905-670-3709E-mail: [email protected]: www.absgroup.com

The new 4” vac-assist trash pumpfrom ABS can beused for sewer by-pass, quarry pump-ing, flood controland general dewa-tering of construc-

tion sites. Dependable constructioncombined with heavy duty watercooled diesel power and a compressorthat runs only when it’s needed is sureto save you money.Tel: 905-670-4677, Fax: 905-670-3709E-mail: [email protected]: www.absgroup.com

Dissolved oxygen sensors

ABB’s 9408 Series Dissolved OxygenSensors are virtually maintenance-freeand their reliability has been proven inthousands of installations globally. Theinexpensive replaceable capsule is im-mune to sunlight exposure and requiresonly an occasional, simple, air calibra-tion. Water/air wash capability is alsoavailable.Tel: 800-461-0980, Fax: 905-333-7502E-mail: [email protected]: www.abb.com/instrumentation

Averaging Pitot tube

ABB Averaging PitotTube is capable ofmeasurement at ex-treme temperatures,resistant to wear,suitable for blowerair into the aerationbasin, and has gasand steam applica-

tions. Coupled with an ABB multi-vari-able transmitter, it will measure massflow very accurately and complementsthe range of primary flow elements suchas Venturi tubes and wedge meters.Tel: 800-461-0980, Fax: 905-333-7502E-mail: [email protected]: www.abb.com/instrumentation

Insertion magmeter

The AquaProbe 2 battery-powered in-sertion magmeter is an economic andaccurate alternative to full bore meter-ing. It consists of an electromagneticsensing head mounted on a supportrod, and battery powered converter. Itcan be installed in existing pipelineswithout the need for major excavationsor alterations to pipework and withoutinterrupting the water supply.Tel: 800-461-0980, Fax: 905-333-7502E-mail: [email protected]: www.abb.com/instrumentation

ACG Technol-ogy’s packagetreatment systemsprovide sewagetreatment withina small footprint. Aeration, mixing

and settling can be accomplished incompact, easily transported ISO con-tainers, which is ideal for remote loca-tions. Future parallel units can beadded easily which is an economicalmeans of meeting the needs of anygrowing sewage loads.Tel: 905-856-1414, Fax: 905-856-6401 E-mail: [email protected]: www.acgtechnology.com

Efficient, economical treatment plant

The AmericanConcrete PipeAssociation hasupdated its Con-crete Pipe DesignManual for theproper installa-tion of concretepipe and boxes.While focusing

on the construction of the pipe/soil sys-tem, the manual addresses factors criti-cal to the completion of the entiresystem, from delivery of concrete pipeand boxes to the jobsite to the accept-ance of the installed sewer or culvert. Web: www.concrete-pipe.org

Concrete Pipe Installation Manual

Stormwater detention software

DASH (Deten-tion and SewerHydraulics®)Software pro-vides design engineers with acomplete set of

design tools to prepare, calculate andevaluate comprehensive stormwater detention systems using concrete pipe.The program consists of 4 modules.

Tel: 972-506-7216, Fax: 972-506-7682 E-mail: [email protected]: www.concrete-pipe.org

Coalescing oil/water separators

ACG Technology’scoalescingoil/water separa-tors are available incarbon steel, stain-less steel, FRP andpolypropylene con-struction. Standard

systems include air operated diaphragmpump, air filter and floating skimmer.Adjustable weir and skimmer height pro-vides optimal oil removal and minimaldisposal volume. Standard range is 1 to50 GPM.Tel: 905-856-1414, Fax: 905-856-6401E-mail: [email protected]: www.acgtechnology.com

November:2007 11/6/07 9:15 PM Page 82


AnoxKaldnes

Avensys

Armtec Armtec

Claessen Pumps

Con Cast Pipe Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute

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Upgrade your acti-vated sludge sys-tem within theexisting tankage tomaintain nitrifica-tion at higher flowrates or to increasea plant to meet newnitrification re-quirements. Provenand documented.We have well over450 installations in47 countries.

Tel: 401-270-3898, Fax: 401-270-3908E-mail: [email protected]: www.anoxkaldnes.com

HYBAS™ wastewatertreatment system

Armtec provides BEBO concrete archbridges in Quebec, Ontario and WesternCanada. Based on technology devel-oped in Switzerland, BEBO arches arean economical alternative to cast-in-place concrete or structural steelbridges. They are available in a range ofshapes with spans up to 31m.Tel: 519-822-0210, Fax: 519-822-1160E-mail: [email protected]: www.armtec.com

Concrete arch bridges

The pH Data Stick™ MeasurementSystem from AquaSensors features apre-calibrated differential electrode tech-nique pH sensor that provides 24-bit datadirectly into PLC or SCADA systems forintegration with municipal or industrialcontrols. Its replaceable multiple junctionsalt bridge allows simple reconditioningof the sensor reference.Tel: 888-965-4700E-mail: [email protected]: www.avensys.com

pH sensor

The SnakeEye™video inspectioncamera is ideal formaintenance workwhere you cannot“SEE” with conven-tional methods. The

waterproof camera is 1” in diameter andhas its own built-in light source. Thecolour viewing display can be hand-heldor mounted on a telescoping wand. Theviewer can angle the head 360° to seeabove, below and around objects. It canbe connected to a 100’ cable to be low-ered into a space or well.Tel: 800-265-0182, Fax: 905-272-1866E-mail: [email protected]: www.cdnsafety.com

Industrial inspection camera

Stormwater solutions

Armtec provides awide range ofCONTECHstormwater qualitymanagementsystems through-out Canada. Prod-ucts includeVORTECHS hy-drodynamic

separation systems and VORTFILTERfiltration systems. These systems areamong the best for capturing suspendedsolids, oils, grit and trash from storm-water run off.Tel: 519-822-0210, Fax: 519-822-1160E-mail: [email protected]: www.armtec.com

Grindex’s new stainlesssteel pump line combinesthe integrity of years oftested design with the in-genuity and durability ofnew technology. Inoxpumps can be used in ap-plications that would de-

stroy their aluminum predecessors. Theirstainless steel construction enables themto endure pH values from 2 – 10, mak-ing them ideal for extreme environmentswith highly acidic or alkaline contents.They are ideal for use in copper mines,coal power plants, saltwater fish farms,shipyards, etc.Tel: 705-431-8585, Fax: 705-431-2772E-mail: [email protected]: www.claessenpumps.com

New stainless steel pumps

New web site

Con Cast Pipe announces its new website with easy-to-use technicalreference and product specification tools;in addition there is a host ofother improvements. Please visitwww.concastpipe.com

Stormwater management using large di-ameter corrugated steel pipe under park-ing areas is a cost-effective way to meetreduced runoff and environmental re-strictions while allowing revenue pro-ducing services and commercialdevelopment. Comprehensive designsoftware is available, FREE.Tel: 866-295-2416, Fax: 519-650-8081E-mail: [email protected]: www.cspi.ca.

Undergroundstormwater detention

Canadian Safety

PolymerLaminatedCorrugatedSteel Pipe(PLCSP) isquicklybecoming thestandard culvertmaterial forheavily salted,high volume

highways in Canada. Available in sizesto 3600 mm diameter, these pipes meetall requirements for strength, durabilityand economy.Tel: 866-295-2416, Fax: 519-650-8081E-mail: [email protected]: www.cspi.ca

Long life culverts

POLYMER LAMINATED CORRUGATED STEEL PIPEADD ON MATERIAL SERVICE LIFE 100 YEARS

Matching material service life to a project’s design service life and optimizing life cycle costs are major issues for designers. The one certainty, of any design, is that today’s conditions will be very different from those at the end of a project’s life.

Polymer Laminated Corrugated Steel Pipe provides protection against the uncertainties of tomorrow. This tough, mill applied coating protects both the steel and galvanized coating from attack by a multitude of agents. The coating has performed well in extremely aggressive environments and is expected to provide continuous protection for more than 100 years.

Corrugated Steel Pipe has proven to be a valuable solution for all storm drainage applications. Lightweight, long lengths provide an ease of installation and transportation. Superior strength, through flexibility, and coupler design has made CSP the construction product of choice in the most difficult of situations. The economics of the installed product demonstrate excellent, responsible use of available funding.

Polymer Laminated Corrugated Steel Pipe resists the effects of aggressive soil and water conditions within the Canadian environment. It is not affected by acids created by industrial pollution or by the high concentrations of deicing road salts found beside paved highways. Chemicals, as well as naturally occurring sulfates, chlorides, microbes and soft water are repelled by the coating, allowing the Corrugated Steel Pipe to meet the design life of the project.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:15 PM Page 83

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Davis ControlsDavis Controls Degremont Technologies/Ozonia

Denso DurproDegremont Technologies/Infilco

Endress + Hauser Export Development CanadaEndress + Hauser


Flowline introducesEchoPod®, an innova-tive level sensor that re-places floats,conductance and pres-sure activated levelswitches that fail due todirty, sticking and scal-

ing media in small tanks 49.2” (1.25m)or less. EchoPod, a general purposesensor, combines non-contact switch,controller and transmitter capabilitiesin one package. Maintenance free,EchoPod reduces tank system hardwarethrough simplicity and consolidation. Itis CSA approved. Tel: 800-701-7460, Fax: 905-829-2630E-mail: [email protected]: www.daviscontrols.com

Level sensor

Rugged construction and multi-ple options provide the GemsLS-800 Series with exceptionalversatility. It is capable of sup-porting larger, more buoyantfloats, and is physicallystronger for better reliability incontaminated or turbulentmedia. This series offers SPSTor SPDT switches, and a choiceof mountings, floats and mate-rials that can be configured fora wide range of applications inwater, oils, chemicals and cor-rosive liquids.

Tel: 800-701-7460, Fax: 905-829-2630E-mail: [email protected]: www.daviscontrols.com

Float type level switchesDegremontTechnologies-Ozonia haveintroducedthe Aquaray®SLP Series of

UV disinfection systems, designed forboth water and wastewater treatment ap-plications. The SLP Series offers a com-pact and high efficiency range for smalland medium water plants. The low pres-sure high output amalgam lamps arepowered by efficient electronic ballasts,for a tremendous level of energy. An L-shaped reactor reduces head loss andmaximizes UV dose.Tel: 201-794-3100Web: www.degremont-technologies.com

UV disinfection systems

The AquaDAF® Clarifier High-RateDissolved Air Flotation System is a vi-able alternative to conventional settlingand DAF clarifiers. The AquaDAF is ahybrid of conventional DAF and opti-mally designed system components. It ishighly effective for the treatment of arange of raw water characteristics includ-ing troublesome waters exhibiting lowturbidity, high TOC, color and algae. Web: www.infilcodegremont.com

Dissolved air flotation system

Proven worldwidefor well over 100years, DensoPetrolatum Tapesoffer the best,most economical,long-term corro-

sion protection for all above and belowground metal surfaces. Requiring onlyminimum surface preparation and envi-ronmentally responsible, Denso Petrola-tum Tape is the solution to your corrosionproblems in any corrosive environment.For applications in mines, mills, refineries,steel mills, pulp & paper, oil & gas, and thewaterworks industry. The answer is Denso!Tel: 416-291-3435, Fax: 416-291-0898E-mail: [email protected]: www.densona.com

Denso Petrolatum Tapes

Durpro introducesa safe, affordabledrinking watertreatment systemfor small munici-palities and re-sorts. Offering amulti-barrier ap-

proach to producing safe drinking water, itfeatures efficient, high oxidizing ozone,followed by ultraviolet sterilization, creat-ing water free from THMs, E.coli andother harmful bacteria as well as water-borne parasites such as Giardia and Cryp-tosporidium.Tel: 800-850-7781, Fax: 450-659-7781 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.durpro.com

Water treatment system

Full knowledge ofyour plant statusallows for goodmaintenance plan-ning. W@M –Life Cycle Man-agement from En-dress+Hauserprovides up-to-date and complete information on allyour assets, including products fromother suppliers. It is an open informationmanagement system providing data flowand archiving for the technical and oper-ational management of your plant. Tel: 905-681-9292, Fax: 905-681-9444 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ca.endress.com

Life cycle management

Bring clarity to your drinking water withchemical-free continuous colour meas-urement. Avoid chemical overdosing andcontinuously monitor permanganateresiduals and control chemical feed.Monitor permanganate levels less than10 ppm or up to 1000 ppm. Monitor anycolour by selecting the appropriate opti-cal filter. Tel: 800-668-3199E-mail: [email protected]: www.ca.endress.com

Colour measurement

Export Development Canada is Canada'sexport credit agency, offering innovativecommercial solutions to help Canadianexporters and investors expand their in-ternational business. EDC's knowledgeand partnerships are used by 7,000 Cana-dian companies and their global cus-tomers in up to 200 markets worldwideeach year.Web: www.edc.ca/utilities

Export credit agency

November:2007 11/6/07 9:15 PM Page 84


Fluidyne Green Turtle Green Turtle

Hanson Pipe & Precast

Heron Instruments Hoskin Scientific

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The ISAM™activatedsludge systemprovides terti-ary levelwastewatertreatment withintegral

sludge reduction all in one process.Anaerobic/anoxic/aerobic treatment pro-motes BOD, TSS and nutrient removal.Sludge reduction is inherent to the ISAMwith very low power usage throughsludge recycling, solids separation, andanaerobic destruction.Tel: 319-266-9967, Fax: 319-277-6034E-mail: [email protected]: www.fluidynecorp.com

Sludge reduction technology

With the Heron DipperLog pressure transducertemperature dataloggerwith wireless remotedownload, you can ac-cess your data within 1km/0.62 m without hav-ing to directly connect tothe logger or remove awellcap. It is available inthree models - sub-mersible, with a directread cable, or on a reel.

Tel: 800-331-2032, Fax: 905-634-9657E-mail: [email protected]: www.heroninstruments.com

Groundwater monitoring

Installed directlyunder a sink, thePHIX Cartridge Sys-tem is an ideal acidicneutralization solu-tion for single-pointapplications such aslabs and hospitals.With its engineered

flow-through design, it effectively treatsacidic wastewater and reduces projectcosts by eliminating the need for acid-re-sistant piping and neutralizing pits.Tel: 877-966-9444E-mail: [email protected]: www.greenturtletech.com

Cartridge system

For cost-efficient wastewater treatment,Green Turtle’s line of Proceptor oil,grease and solids separators ensures localregulatory requirements are met. De-signed for commercial, institutional andindustrial sites, Proceptor can help youreduce your business’ impact on munici-pal infrastructure and the environment.Tel: 877-966-9444E-mail: [email protected]: www.greenturtletech.com

Oil and grease separators

Stormceptor® System

Stormceptor removesmore pollutants fromstormwater, maintain-ing continuous posi-tive treatment of totalsuspended solids(TSS), regardless offlow rate. Patentedscour prevention tech-

nology ensures pollutants are capturedand contained during all rainfall events,even extreme storms. Hanson Pipe & Pre-cast, Ltd. is the exclusive manufacturer ofthe Stormceptor System in Ontario.Tel: 888-888-3222, Fax: 519-621-8233E-mail: [email protected]: www.hansonpipeandprecast.com

HOBO water level logger

The HOBO Water Level Logger is a high-accuracy, pressure-based water levelrecording device that combines research-grade accuracy and durability with a pricetag that is roughly half the cost of mostcomparable solutions.

Available from Hoskin Scientific Ltd.www.hoskin.ca

John Wiley & Sons Canada

Effective Groundwa-ter Model Calibra-tion: With Analysis ofData, Sensitivities,Predictions and Un-certainty, by Mary C.Hill, Claire R. Tiede-man.Software and mathe-

matical models are used to representcomplex processes and simulate lab orfield conditions.This book presents a setof methods and guidelines for calibrat-ing and analyzing mathematical ground-water models. 978-0-471-77636-9• Cloth • 455 pp • Available Now •$116.99 Web: www.wiley.ca

Working With Water

Grundfos

Digital dosing pumps

Grundfos has applied innovative tech-nology to expand the Digital Dosing™pump range, allowing it to handle liq-uids at much higher flow rates – from2.5 ml/h to 940 l/h. The new DME375and DME940 make exact dosing eas-ier than ever.

Tel: 905-829-9533, Fax: 905-829-9512Web: www.grundfosalldos.com

Grundfos

Only from Grundfos, the all new DDIPump with Plus3 and State of the ArtFlow Monitor - through unique, state ofthe art technology you can now protectyour pump from air entrapment and over-pressure while enjoying virtually continu-ous dosing.Tel: 905-829-9533, Fax: 905-829-9512E-mail: [email protected]: www.grundfos.com/dosing

New pump and

flow monitor

November:2007 11/6/07 9:15 PM Page 85

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KSB Pumps Master Meter

Metcon Sales & Engineering Ontario Concrete Pipe AssociationMetcon Sales & Engineering

Parkson Performance Fluid EquipmentOntario Concrete Pipe Association


The new Auger Monster XE screeningsystem offers the new pivoted auger de-sign (a JWC exclusive) which allows thescreening trough to easily pivot andswivel out of the channel for inspection. Itcombines a grinder, a fine screen and acompactor into one compact footprint andgrinds, removes, washes, dewaters andcompacts unwanted solids. Tel: 800-331-2277, Fax: 949-833-8858E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.jwce.com

New screening system

Widely used in waste-water plants, KSB’s lineof AMAREX KRT sub-mersible pumps featuresa closed jacket coolingsystem of the motor. In-dependent of the fluidhandled, it ensures opti-mal heat dissipation inall operating conditions(wet, dry, partly flooded,or permanently sub-merged). These pumps

have a maximum flow rate of 10,000m3/h, with heads up to 100 m. Tel: 905-568-9200, Fax: 905-568-3740E-mail: [email protected]: www.ksb.ca

Submersible wastewater pumps

Take advantage of the life left in yourexisting meters with our universal AMRupgrade – the DIALOG 3G®Inter-preter™ Register. On the backs of yourexisting meters, the Interpreter will leadyou well into the future.Tel: 800-765-6518Web: www.mastermeter.com

AMR upgrade

Biological nu-trient removalprocesses arenow easier toregulate and

more cost-effective, by combining mix-ing and aeration in a single unit with in-dependent aeration control. The patentedAIRE-O2 TRITON® ProcessAerator/Mixer maximizes fine oxygendispersion and mixing for greater oxygentransfer efficiencies. It offers dual func-tion control of nitrification and denitrifi-cation in separate modes.Tel: 905-738-2355, Fax: 905-738-5520E-mail: [email protected]: www.metconeng.com

Dual function aerator/mixer

Pieralisi tech-nology is avail-able to solveany problem ofclarifying, de-watering and

separating with safety and reliability.Pieralisi centrifuges utilize a patentedsludge scraper for continuous dischargeof dewatered sludge from the solids dis-charge chamber. They are the idealchoice for filtering and dewatering ofsludge from municipal water and waste-water treatment plants.Tel: 905-738-2355, Fax: 905-738-5520E-mail: [email protected]: www.metconeng.com

Pieralisi centrifuges

The user-friendly,maintenance-free Heli-sieve Plus®

Septage Re-ceiving Sta-tion

pre-treats septage and protects down-stream processes. This self-containedsystem removes troublesome solids anddewaters them for landfill. It's fast, easyand effective, and odours are containedin the stainless steel receiving tank.Tel: 514-636-8712, Fax: 514-636-9718 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.parkson.com

Septage receiving station

Performance Fluid Equipment Inc. is anequipment manufacturer and design/buildfabricator of a wide variety of industrialprocess equipment for the wastewater industry, including customized systemsand packages.Tel: 866-683-7867, Fax: 705-327-6551E-mail: [email protected]: www.performancequip.com

Industrial process equipment

For more information or to obtain a copyof the Pipe Pac version 3, contact theOCPA today.

Tel: 905-631-9696, Fax: 905-631-1905 E-mail: [email protected]: www.ocpa.com

Pipe Pac version 3

The Ontario Concrete Pipe Associationpromotes the high standards of busi-ness practice and the product quality ofits members, and provides technical in-formation to specifiers, regulators,contractors and educators. Please con-tact us for a presentation on the follow-ing topics: Protecting Yourself as aGravity Pipe Designer; Best Practicesfor New Infrastructure; Concrete PipeDesign; PipePac. Call 905-631-9696 for details and beentered to win an iPod.E-mail: [email protected]: www.ocpa.com

JWC Environmental

November:2007 11/6/07 9:16 PM Page 86

ProMinent Fluid Controls

Royal Roads University

ProMinent Fluid Controls

Schlumberger Water Services

Serpentix Siemens Water Technologies

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Royal Roads University is the only pub-lic university in Canada exclusively de-voted to meeting the immediate needs ofworking professionals. We pioneered thebest model of learning by combiningshort on-campus residencies with team-based online learning to enable you tomaintain your life and get ahead in yourcareer.Tel: 877-778-6227Web: www.royalroads.ca

University for workingprofessionals

SchlumbergerWater Services(SWS) hasreleased theDiver-NETZsystem, a com-plete packageof tools that

allows groundwater professionals towirelessly connect their monitoringnetworks. Diver-NETZ is completelyexpandable and ready to work withexisting Diver groundwater monitoringnetworks.Tel: 519-746-1798, Fax: 519-885-5262E-mail: [email protected]: www.swstechnology.com

Groundwater monitoring

Serpentixconveyorselevatesludge andscreenedmaterial attwice the in-cline angleof ordinary flat belts. Serpentix's beltingis modular and sections are easily re-placed. Convolutions on the belting flat-ten at the discharge end of the conveyorto promote scraping and product re-moval.Tel: 800-466-7979, Fax: 303-430-7337E-mail: [email protected]: www.serpentix.com

Sludge conveyors

Metering pumps

Feature-richand dependableSigma seriesmeteringpumps fromProMinent helpkeep yourchemical feedunder control.

Sigma pumps operate in capacities of upto 1000 LPH and pressures up to 174psi. Microprocessor controls are easy touse, with backlit LCD for rapid and reli-able adjustment.

Tel: 888-709-9933, Fax: 519-836-5226E-mail: [email protected]: www.prominent.ca

Hydraulically-actuated pumps

ProMinent’sProMus hy-draulically-actuatedpumps deliverreliable resultsin the harshestof environ-ments, in ac-

cordance with API 675 standards. Theyhave a capacity of 2.3 L/h (0.61 gph) at241.3 bar (3500 psi) up to 384.2 L/h(101.5 gph) at 11 bar (160 psi).

Tel: 888-709-9933, Fax: 519-836-5226E-mail: [email protected]: www.prominent.ca

The Convective Thermal Dryer fromSiemens Water Technologies reducessludge volume by 5:1 and produces auniform 1 to 4 mm dried product thatcan be beneficially re-used. And theCTD can use imported waste-heat toensure efficiency and low operatingcosts. Call to learn more.Tel: 229-227-8727E-mail: [email protected]: www.siemens.com/water

Thermal dryer

Rocky Mountain Soil Sampling

Rocky Mountain Soil Sampling now of-fers vacuum excavating to safely exposeunderground utilities prior to drilling. Ourtrailer mounted Vermeer E550 uses its 500CFM suction to quickly clear locations. Itscompact size fits in a standard parkingspot, needs only 8’6” clearance and canwork up to 100 feet away.Tel: 604-947-7677Web: www.rmsoil.com

Compact vacuum excavating

Sanitherm, a di-vision of WellcoEnergy Services,has perfectedcontainerizingtheir SaniBrane®MBR. ThecontainerizedSaniBrane is

portable, provides excellent effluent onstart-up, is operator friendly and comespre-wired, pre-plumbed and tested. Thesystem for anywhere needing reliablewaste treatment with a small footprint!Tel: 604-986-9168, Fax: 604-986-5377E-mail: [email protected]: www.sanitherm.com

Membrane bioreactor

Sanitherm, a division of WellcoEnergy Services

Siemens Water Technologies

Siemens Water Technologies introducesmembrane bioreactor technology that in-tegrates biological processes with mem-brane filtration. This small footprint,integrated system combines Memcor®membrane operating system units withproven Envirex® biological technologiesand Cannibal® solids reduction process.Tel: 262-547-0141E-mail: [email protected]: www.siemens.com/water

Membrane bioreactor

November:2007 11/6/07 9:16 PM Page 87

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Smith & Loveless SPD Sales

Spill Management Imbrium Systems Imbrium Systems

SPD Sales

Waterloo Biofilter Waterra PumpsVictaulic


Monitor, report,and control yoursystems withAlarmAgentRACO’s full-fea-tured, web-basedservice. Alarm-Agent is RACO’snewest wirelesstechnology, bring-ing a state-of-the-

art, and web-based interface to ourcomplete line of alarm detection and no-tification products. Tel: 905-678-2882, Fax: 905-293-9774 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.spdsales.com

The waterMONITOR is a submersiblehydrostatic level transducer with embed-ded datalogging offering a high level offunctionality and accuracy. It meets therequirements of the USGS Office of Sur-face Water (OSW) accuracy specificationfor stage monitoring and combines ahighly accurate pressure sensor assemblywith power conservative microcomputercircuitry.Tel: 905-678-2882, Fax: 905-293-9774 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.spdsales.com

Grit chamber Web based wireless

alarm monitor

KPSI submersible datalogging

level transducerThe Smith & LovelessPISTA® Grit Chambermaintains the highestproven grit removal effi-ciencies over a widerange of daily flows be-cause of its exclusive

forced vortex design. It removes grit andother discrete particles, separates organicsand inorganics, and reduces grit accumu-lation in downstream basins, channels,weirs and piping. This results in reducedwear on mechanical equipment. Completegrit pumping, dewatering and washingcomponents are available.Tel: 913-888-5201, Fax: 913-888-2173E-mail: [email protected]: www.smithandloveless.com

Extended oil storage

Accidents happen.Protect your busi-ness from costlyclean-up, litigationand fines with theStormceptor® Ex-tended Oil Storage(EOS) system. Pro-viding hydrocarbonspill protection indry and wetweather, the EOS

model features increased storage volumefor safe oil containment compared tostandard Stormceptor models.Tel: 800-565-4801E-mail: [email protected]: www.imbriumsystems.com

Groundwater sampler

Waterra introduces theHydraSleeve, a newway to collect discreteinterval samples. Easyto use and with noneed to purge or dis-pose of purge water,this groundwater sam-pler reduces yourcosts by saving time.Tel: 905-238-5242,Fax: 905-238-5704E-mail: [email protected]:www.waterra.com

Stormceptor®STC removes morepollutants fromstormwater thanother separators.Designed to re-move a wide rangeof particle sizes, aswell as free oilsand heavy metals,its patented scourprevention technol-

ogy ensures pollutants are captured andcontained during all rainfall events, evenfierce storms.Tel: 800-565-4801E-mail: [email protected]: www.imbriumsystems.com

Stormwater separatorSpecialist training

Practical

Hands-on

Progressive

Formats

Tel: 905-578-9666, Fax: 905-578-6644

E-mail: [email protected]: spillmanagement.ca

D e p e n d - O -Lok: the newstandard forjoining pipeto 144". Engi-neered for re-strained andunrestrainedsystems, De-pend-O-Lokallows angular deflection and pipelinethermal expansion/contraction whilemaintaining seal integrity. Specify in sys-tems to 600 PSI for strength, reliabilityand ease of maintenance.Tel: 905-884-7444E-mail: [email protected]: www.victaulic.com

Join pipe to 144” Trickling filters

Waterloo Biofilters® are efficient, modulartrickling filters for residential and commu-nal sewage wastewaters, and landfillleachate. Patented, lightweight, syntheticfilter media optimize physical propertiesfor microbial attachment and water reten-tion. The self-contained modular design forcommunal use is now available in20,000L/d and 40,000L/d ISO shippingcontainer units - ready to plug in on-site. Tel: 519-856-0757, Fax: 519-856-0759E-mail: [email protected] Web: www. waterloo-biofilter.com

November:2007 11/6/07 9:16 PM Page 88

Exhibitor Prospectus

NOWAVAILABLE The leading event for environmental training

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November:2007 11/12/07 8:55 AM Page 89


NEWS

20 Sharp Road, Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L8 • Tel: (519) 751-1080 • Fax: (519) 751-0617E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.anthrafilter.net

• ANTHRACITE • QUALITY FILTER SAND & GRAVEL• CARBON • GARNET ILMENITE • REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Federal governmentto combat dumping of

raw sewage

Federal Environment Minister JohnBaird has announced that the federalgovernment is taking action to combatthe dumping of raw sewage into lakes,rivers, and oceans, and to greatly im-prove sewage treatment across Canada.

The proposed regulations are to bepublished in 2008 and will also have apositive impact on removing substanceslike phosphates, which can lead to ex-cessive blue-green algae production, aswell as mercury and pharmaceuticalproducts in sewage outflows. The ruleswill enforce national standards in themore than 4,600 wastewater collectionand treatment systems in towns, cities,and communities across Canada.

www.ec.gc.ca

Federal government to helpfund Lake Simcoe clean-up

The Government of Canada is investing$12 million to support the clean-up ofOntario’s Lake Simcoe. This investmentis part of Canada's $93 million NationalWater Strategy, a comprehensive initia-tive to improve water quality and to pro-tect lakes, rivers and oceans. Byinvesting $12 million over the next twoyears to support the clean-up of LakeSimcoe, the Government is taking actionto stem the effects of excessive algae andweed growth that reduce oxygen supplyand harm fish and wildlife.

Located north of Toronto, Lake Sim-coe is one of Ontario's major recreationalareas. The lake is known for its recre-ational fishery and picturesque land-scapes and generates approximately$200 million annually through tourismand recreation. The region also supportsagricultural activities and has recentlyundergone increased urban development.

Cause remains unknownfor PEI fish kills

Environment Canada has completed itstesting of samples taken after fish killsat Dunk River and Tryon River, PrinceEdward Island, in July 2007, but it can-not determine the exact cause of eitherincident.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:16 PM Page 90


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“Specialists in non-intrusive ground investigations”

• UST's, buried metal, debris & fill• Former excavations & structures• Leachate plumes• Voids and fractures• Stratigraphy• Pipes and utilities

Tel: 905.458.1883Fax: 905.792.1884E-mail: [email protected]: www.geophysics.ca

Get a clear view of:

Tel: (416) 620-1400Fax: (416) 620-5803

www.ceo.on.ca [email protected]

Promoting the business andprofessional interests of Ontario’sengineering companies.CEO is part of the Association ofCanadian Engineering Companies.

Consulting Engineers of Ontario10 Four Seasons Place, Suite 405Toronto, ON M9B 6H7

Samples of water, vegetation, sedi-ment and fish were analyzed at the En-vironment Canada lab in Moncton, NewBrunswick. The pesticide Chlorothalonilwas found in samples taken from theTryon River and Metribuzin was foundin samples taken from the Dunk River.The levels of both pesticides detectedwere not high enough to cause fish kills.

The Tryon River fish kill was re-ported two days after it took place, andthe Dunk River fish kill was reportedthree days after it occurred. Governmentofficials gathered samples immediatelyafter each kill was initially reported.However, because the fish were dead forat least two days before the samplingbegan, the amount of pesticide in themmay have degraded in that time.

There was insufficient evidence to de-termine the cause or origin of the fishkills. As a result, no one can be chargedwith violating the pollution preventionprovisions of the federal Fisheries Act.Environment Canada environmental en-forcement field officers will continue toinspect properties adjacent to water bod-ies on Prince Edward Island and theywill continue to take all the necessary ac-tions to detect and deter practices thatcould endanger the water systems andfish habitat on the Island.

The examination of the Dunk Riverand Tryon River fish kills was conductedjointly by Environment Canada and thePrince Edward Island Department of En-vironment, Energy and Forestry.

PM announces creationof marine conservationarea in Lake Superior

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has an-nounced the creation of Canada’s newestNational Marine Conservation Area


(L to R) MP-Lake Superior, JoeComuzzi, Prime Minister, StephenHarper, Federal Environment Minister,John Baird.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:16 PM Page 91


NEWS

For more information: 420 Weber Street North, Unit G Waterloo, ON N2L 4E7 519.886.7500

Specializing in:

From multi-billion dollar Fortune 100 companies to family-run Owner-Manager enterprises, Geomatrix serves industrial and commercial clients locally and around the world from our18 North American offices.

Focused on the Special Needs of Industrial and Commercial Clients for More Than 20 Years

www.geomatrix.com

H2FLOW EQUIPMENT INC., Concord, OntarioTel: (905) 660-9775 Fax: (905) 660-9744Email: [email protected] Website: www.h2flow.com

• Centrifugal & PD Blowers• Industrial Treatment• Oil / Water Separators• Package Treatment Plants• Stormwater Treatment• Tanks & Tank Covers

• Drinking Water• Screening / Filtration• Separation / Flotation• Sludge Dewatering / Collection• Biotreatment / Aeration• UV DisinfectionSuppliers of Water And

Wastewater Equipment

(NMCA). More than 10,000 square kilo-metres of Lake Superior, including thelake bed, islands and north shorelandswithin the NMCA boundaries, will be-come the largest freshwater marine pro-tected area in the world.

The proposed boundaries of the LakeSuperior NMCA extend from ThunderCape at the tip of Sleeping Giant Provin-cial Park in the west, to Bottle Point justeast of Terrace Bay, and south to theCanada-U.S. boundary.

The announcement marked the cul-mination of a decade of planning and ne-gotiations involving the federal, Ontarioand local governments as well as FirstNations in the region. Among the groupsand individuals who supported the proj-ect were His Royal Highness, The Dukeof Edinburgh, and former Prime MinisterJohn Turner, both acting for the WorldWildlife Fund, as well as former Cana-dian astronaut Roberta Bondar, who isone of Ontario’s Champions of the GreatLakes Heritage Coasts.

$1.6-million to be investedin Blackville NB

wastewater system

Blackville residents will soon benefitfrom an extended municipal wastewatersystem, thanks to an investment of morethan $1.6 million from the Canada-NewBrunswick Municipal Rural Infrastruc-ture Fund. The project will connect 60new households to the municipal waste-water collection and treatment system.As a result, septic tank contamination ofthe groundwater drawn by private wellsin the lower part of the village will beavoided. The new system will also en-courage increased development in thevillage, as there has been little residen-tial growth in the previously unserviced

(L to R) NB Premier Shawn Graham,Blackville Mayor Glen Hollowood,Southwest Miramichi MLA, RickBrewer, Tobique-Mactaquac MP,Mike Allen.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:16 PM Page 92


NEWS

Bio-Environmental Specialists since 1977

LAB Division• Environmental Microbiology• Biotreatment Optimization• Fungi, Bacteria & Algae ID• Contract R&D, UV Efficacy

TEC Division• Bioremediation• Air & Water Biofilters• Site Investigations• Aquatic Spill Surveys

67 Watson Rd., Unit #1Box 1385, Guelph,Ontario, N1H 6N8Tel: (519) 822-2608Fax: (519) 822-3076E-mail: [email protected]

Consulting EngineersConsulting Engineers

Hydromantis, Inc.Hydromantis, Inc.Experts in Water, Wastewater, Environmental Planning, and Simulation Software

�

�

420 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge, Ontario, N1T 2H9Tel: (519) 624-7223 Fax: (519) 624-7224

1685 Main St. West, Suite 302, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 1G5Tel: (905) 522-0012 Fax: (905) 522-0031

E-mail: [email protected]: www.hydromantis.com

1 James Street South, Suite 1601, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 4R5

area, due to the high cost of installingseptic tanks.

The Government of Canada, throughthe Atlantic Canada OpportunitiesAgenda, the Province of NewBrunswick, and the Village of Blackvillewill each contribute one third, or$553,340, toward the eligible costs of the$1.6-million project.

www.gnb.ca, orwww.infrastructure.gc.ca.

Manitoba applaudscommitment to reduce

phosphorus in detergent

Water Stewardship Minister ChristineMelnick has applauded the announce-ment of an industry-led initiative to limitthe phosphorus content of householddishwasher detergent sold in Canada.The Canadian Consumer Specialty Prod-ucts Association has recognized the Gov-ernment of Manitoba’s efforts to pressfor federal leadership on restrictingphosphorus in household products. Itsmembers produce 86 per cent of allhousehold automatic dishwasher deter-gent sold in Canada.

Reducing excess nutrients flowinginto the environment from such productsis an important step in helping improvethe health of lakes and rivers both inManitoba and across Canada.

An industry-led initiative to volun-tarily manufacture both phosphorus-freeand low-phosphorus products would en-sure consumers could purchase familiarproducts at competitive prices knowingthe products’ impact on water qualitywas marginal, the minister said.

Manitoba has consistently called fora national strategy on restricting phos-phorus in household fertilizers andcleaning products but has said theprovince will take action on its own inthe absence of a clear commitment fromOttawa.

BC requires well caps toprotect groundwater

All wells (except geotechnical wells anddrainage wells) were mandated to have asecure well cap in place by Oct. 31,2007, to be in compliance with BritishColumbia’s Ground Water Protection


November:2007 11/9/07 3:09 PM Page 93


NEWS

COMMUNITIES

TRANSPORTATION

BUILDINGS

INFRASTRUCTURE

Specialists in Environmental Planning and Engineering, Hydrogeology, Waste Management and Water Resources

Head Office:80 Commerce Valley Dr. E.Thornhill, ON L3T 7N4

t: 905.882.1100 | f: 905.882.0055

www.mmm.ca

King City, OntarioCANADA

tel: +1.905.833.6738

fax: [email protected]

Consulting Engineer

Peter J. Laughton, P. Eng.

Environmental Engineering Services

Regulation. This requirement applies toall existing wells, as well as newly con-structed wells.

A secure well cap is one of the mostcost-effective ways to protect a well’swater quality. For example, a secure, ver-min-proof cap for a domestic well costsabout $80. Caps prevent contaminants oranimals from entering the well. In addi-tion, they prevent contamination of thelarger body of groundwater from whichthe well and those of neighbouring wellsget their water.

Caps for most wells are commerciallyavailable and can be purchased through aqualified well pump installer. A well capcan either be installed by the qualifiedwell pump installer or by the well owner.The well cap should be secured on thewell at all times, except when it is nec-essary to disinfect, or perform mainte-nance or repair work to the inside of thewell or the well pump. If a cap is re-moved, it should be re-installed as soonas possible. It is an offence to tamperwith or destroy a well cap installed on awell.

Placing a bucket over the top of awell or keeping a piece of plywood ontop of a well with a rock are not securewell caps and would not meet the regu-latory requirement.

www.env.gov.bc.ca

Ontario governmentprovides $30 million to

improve Hamilton Harbourwater quality

The Ontario government is helping toclean up the area in Hamilton Harbourknown as Randle Reef as part of its ef-forts to improve water quality in theGreat Lakes. Ontario is providing $30million towards the cost of remediation,and it is expected that the federal gov-ernment and municipal partners willeach pay one-third of the remainingcosts.

Contamination with coal tar residuesand heavy metals in Randle Reef has oc-curred over many years. The clean-upshould help lead to the de-listing ofHamilton Harbour as an Area of Concernon the Great Lakes and delivers on thegovernment's commitment to restore andprotect the health of the Great Lakes forthe benefit of all Ontarians.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:17 PM Page 94


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• Hazardous Site Clean-up & Remediation• Decommissioning and Demolition• Asbestos and Mould Abatement• Contaminated Soil Removal• On-site Water Treatment

Tel: (905) 823-7965Fax: (905) 823-7932www.pcbdisposal.com

• MECHANICAL• ELECTRICAL • STRUCTURAL• ARCHITECTURAL• ENVIRONMENTAL• CIVIL

Experience, Innovation,Diversity, Teamwork& Commitment

www.trg.ca

Chatham-Kent fined$10,000 for failing to ensure

water system safety

The Corporation of the Municipality ofChatham-Kent has been fined $10,000,plus a victim fine surcharge, after plead-ing guilty to failing to ensure that itswater treatment equipment was operat-ing while water was being supplied andthat its equipment was able to maintainthe required chlorine residual concentra-tion as set out by the Safe DrinkingWater Act.

The Corporation owns and operates adrinking water system, referred to as theHighgate Well Supply. In April 2006, aninspection was undertaken by the Min-istry of the Environment at the HighgateWell Supply. The inspection identifiedlow chlorine residuals and inadequate ul-traviolet disinfection on four occasionsbetween May 2005 and March 2006.

The town was charged following aninvestigation by the Ministry of the En-vironment’s Investigations and Enforce-ment Branch.

Imbrium to unveil finesediment filter system

Imbrium Systems is launching Jelly-fishTM, a new filter system comprised offiltration tentacles that remove fine sed-iment and adsorbed pollutants fromstormwater in a compact design.

The company claims that Jellyfish fil-ter cartridges will remove greater than80% Sil-Co-Sil 106 – a fine particle sizedistribution (PSD) frequently specifiedin testing protocols such as WashingtonState Department of Ecology’s TAPEprotocol and the TARP protocol forstand-alone treatment systems. Andwhile testing is not complete, it is antic-ipated that minimum 40% total phos-phorus will be removed, as well assignificant levels of heavy metals that at-tach to fine sediment.

The Jellyfish filter system is typicallydesigned to provide integrated pre-treat-ment and filtration in a single stand-alone manhole structure, which iscapable of removing trash, oil, andcoarse sediment from stormwater priorto the filtration stage.

www.imbriumsystems.comcontinued overleaf...

November:2007 11/6/07 9:18 PM Page 95


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Toronto | Kitchener | Kingston | Edmonton | Cincinnati | www.xcg.com

Expert People. Better Decisions.

• Municipal Infrastructure • Site Assessments• Wastewater • Remediation• Drinking Water • Risk Assessments• Water Reources • Solid Waste

RBC launches $50 MillionBlue Water Project

The Royal Bank of Canada has an-nounced the creation of the RBC BlueWater Project, a 10-year, $50 milliongrant program to support projects dedi-cated to water conservation, watershedprotection, access to clean drinkingwater, and other water-related issues inCanada and around the world. This is thelargest charitable commitment ever inthe company's history.

The RBC Blue Water Project willhave three grant streams:• Visionary Grants: multi-year grants

to global organizations that showvision, foresight and innovation tosupport programs around the world,and within Canada;

• Leadership Grants: annual grantsgiven to organizations that areleaders in providing regionalprograms within North America,determined through a 'request forproposal' process; and

• Community Action Grants: ongoinggrants given to community-based

organizations in Canada, the UnitedStates and the Caribbean tosupport local water conservationprojects.

www.rbc.com/environment

Maple Reinders marks40 years of environmental

construction

The Maple Reinders Group, with officesin Mississauga, Cambridge, Calgary, Ed-monton and Kelowna, is celebrating its40th year in business. The company hasbeen involved in the construction of in-dustrial, commercial and institutionalbuildings, and over 400 water and waste-water treatment facilities.

Founded in 1967 by Frederik J. Rein-ders, the firm began exploring partner-ships with sludge composting specialistsfrom the Netherlands. The experiencegained with these partnerships was sub-sequently applied to the treatment of or-ganic solid waste for municipalities.Maple Reinders has completed severalaward-winning in-tunnel compostingprojects for the City of Hamilton, Region

of Peel and Cape Breton Regional Mu-nicipality, where up to 60% of municipalsolid waste is diverted from landfills.

The Group also constructed the firstenergy-from-waste facility in Ontario forthe Region of Peel in 1992, whichprocesses 160,000 tonnes of waste peryear and generates up to 9 megawatts ofelectricity.

www.maple.ca

Layfield acquires Canadianrights to Aqua Dam

The Layfield Group of Companies re-cently announced the acquisition of theAqua Dam® distribution rights inCanada. These water-filled portabledams are designed to contain or divertthe flow of water. Standard applicationsinclude stream and river diversions, cof-fer dams, flood protection, portablewater storage, and emergency responsewater containment.

The Aqua Dam system is said to beeconomical, lightweight and easy to han-dle, and can be used in virtually any lo-cation. It is environmentally safe andspecifically designed for rapid deploy-ment.

www.layfieldgroup.com

Stantec acquiresNeill and Gunter

Stantec has acquired Neill and Gunter, afull service consulting engineering firmwith approximately 650 employees, pri-marily located in Fredericton, NewBrunswick, Halifax, Nova Scotia, andPortland, Maine, along with 10 other lo-cations in the United States and Canada.

For over forty years, Neill and Gunterhas provided consulting engineeringservices to heavy industry in the powerand utilities, oil and gas, pulp and paper,food and beverage, mining, and compos-ite wood products sectors.

www.stantec.com

Aqua Dam being installed.

November:2007 11/6/07 9:18 PM Page 96


Ad Index

Company Page E-mail Website

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ABS Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . .www.absgroup.com

ACG Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acgtechnology.com

Albarrie Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sorbwebplus.com

Alberta Government, Alberta Environment . . . . . .19 . . . . . [email protected]

AnoxKaldnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.anoxkaldnes.com

Armtec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26, 27 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.armtec.com

Assmann Corporation of America . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.assman-usa.com

Associated Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ae.ca

Atlantic Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ail.ca

AWI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.awifilter.com

BakerCorp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bakercorp.com

Business Information Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ecologeris.com

CAEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.caeal.ca

Canadian Safety Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cdnsafety.com

CH2M HILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ch2mhillcanada.com

Claessen Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.claessenpumps.com

Containment Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.containmentsolutions.com

Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cspi.ca

Davis Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . .www.daviscontrols.com

Degremont Technologies/Infilco . . . . . . . . .39, 41,43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.infilcodegremont.com

Delcan Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.delcan.com

Denso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.densona.com

Dewind Dewatering and Trenching . . . . . .(insert) 50 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dewinddewatering.com

Earth Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.earthtech.com

Export Development Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.edc.ca/utilities

Firestone Building Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . .www.firestonesp.com

Globe 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.globe2008.ca

Greatario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.greatario.com

Greenspoon Specialty Contracting . . . . . . . . . . . .79 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.greenspoon.net

Grundfos Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.grundfosalldos.com

H2Flow Tanks & Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.h2flow.com

Heron Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . .www.heroninstruments.com

Hetek Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hetek.com

Hoskin Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hoskin.ca/ysi600

Hoskin Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hoskin.ca/waterlevel

Hoskin Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hoskin.ca/weather

Hydro International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hydro-international.biz

Imbrium Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.imbriumsystems.com

ITT Flygt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.flygt.ca

John Wiley & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.wiley.ca

KMK Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.kmk.ca

Master Meter Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.mastermeter.ca

Newalta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.newalta.com

Northern Steel Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.northern-steel.com

ONEIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.oneia.ca

Ontario Concrete Pipe Association . . . . . . . . . . . .99 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ocpa.com

Parkson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.parkson.com

Rain for Rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rainforrent.com

RJ Burnside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rjburnside.com

Rocky Mountain Soil Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.rmsoil.com

Royal Roads University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.royalroads.ca

RV Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . .www.rvanderson.com

RV Anderson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . .www.rvanderson.com

Sanitherm Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sanitherm.com

Schlumberger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.swstechnology.com

Serpentix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.serpentix.com

Siemens Water Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . .www.siemens.com/water

Smith & Loveless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . .www.smithandloveless.com

SPD Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.spdsales.com

Stantec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.stantec.com

Terratec Environmental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.amwater.com

Toronto Water, City of Toronto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 . . . . . [email protected]

Victaulic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.victaulic.com

Water For People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.waterforpeople.org

Waterloo Barrier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.waterloo-barrier.com

Waterra Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.waterra.com

XCG Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.xcg.com

ZCL Composites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.zcl.com

November:2007 11/12/07 1:48 PM Page 97


Worker Safety

It’s three in the morning and Al isdoing his hourly inspection in thewater treatment plant. In additionto his PPE (Personal Protective

Equipment) he carries a cell phone tocall for help in the event of an emer-gency. As he enters the chlorinationroom his gas detector detects a smalllevel of chlorine in the air. It is too lowto be of major concern but as he investi-gates further he discovers a small leak ata gas fitting. Before he can assess thesituation further he steps in a smallpatch of lubricant on the floor and slipsbackwards hitting his head on a concretecontainment wall.

The fall results in a serious head lac-eration with substantial bleeding; heneeds immediate medical attentionwhich is not forthcoming simply be-cause no one knew he was hurt. As he isunconscious he is unable to use his cellphone to call for assistance and as he isworking alone no one was there to sum-mon medical help or render first aid.

Had this been a true story, it couldhave ended in a fatality. Scenarios suchas this occur in every type of industry –every day, but what can be done to pre-vent it?

Employees are working alone in waterand sewage treatment facilities acrossCanada, 24 hours a day – 365 days a year,without an effective means to summonhelp should they become injured or dis-abled. Any lone worker can be injuredthrough a variety of ways including per-sonal health problems. In recent yearsthere has been more emphasis placed on

“lone worker protection” in municipali-ties and industries across Canada. Fiveprovinces now have legislation whichspecifically addresses this issue.

What can be done to provide workerswith a reliable method of summoningassistance in the event that they are hurtor immobilized on the job?

Doubling the work force, so that twoworkers are on shift at any time is one an-swer – although not a very realistic onefor cash-strapped municipalities. As theabove example pointed out, a cell phoneis useless if the worker in distress is un-conscious and is unable to place the call.Checking in periodically to an outsideservice by phone or radio is only goodduring the minute that the worker is incontact with the offsite security, leavinghim or her with no protection until thenext call is made. A call every two hoursprovides ½ minute of protection every120 minutes and, if the frequency werecut in half, you would still only have cov-erage for ½ minute of every hour.

GRACE Industries, through their na-tional distributor Canadian SafetyEquipment, has introduced a very suc-cessful new product called the GEM(Grace Employee Monitor) system thatmonitors a worker and, in the event thatthey stop moving for a predeterminedperiod of time, can initiate local and re-mote alarms to provide that injuredworker with immediate help.

The GEM system is comprised of alocal receiver mounted in a central loca-tion. The worker wears a small devicecalled a T-PASS. The T-PASS is a mo-

tion-sensitive device that monitors a per-son’s movement. Should they stop mov-ing for a set period of time (typically 60seconds) then it emits a local audio pre-alert to warn the worker that it will soongo into full alarm. If the worker does notrespond to the pre-alert then it entersinto full alarm and, in addition to emit-ting a 95+ decibel local alarm (to helprescuers find the victim), it transmits awireless signal to the central receivingunit. Should the worker be injured butnot unconscious a panic button on the T-PASS allows the worker to activate thealarm instantly.

Although the T-PASS has a range of¾ mile line of sight, its unique type ofsignal allows it to cover a significantarea. In larger areas, repeaters can be in-stalled to pick up the signal and pass iton to the receiver or in very large facili-ties a number of repeaters can be used.Like a cell phone system, the more re-peaters you use, the larger an area thatcan be covered.

The GEM receiver has local audioand visual indication of the worker introuble. In addition it can activate in-plant alarms and, using a telephone di-aler, can call out to offsite security or thesupervisor who is “on call”.

GRACE has also introduced a mobileversion of this device that, whenmounted in a works truck, can call outfor help using the cell phone networkshould that worker get into distress. Asatellite version for areas without cellphone coverage is also available.

In an emergency, “minutes saved”equates to “lives saved”.

For more information, [email protected]

Lone worker monitoring

November:2007 11/6/07 9:18 PM Page 98

November:2007 11/6/07 9:18 PM Page 99

November:2007 11/6/07 9:18 PM Page 100

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine November-December 2007

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