Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine (ESEMAG) September-October 2015

www.esemag.comSept/Oct 2015

CANADA’S FIRST NATIONS

BOIL WATER ADVISORIES

STILL COPING WITH

Learning from California’s drought

Dealing with flushable wipes

Removing endocrine disruptors

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FEATURESISSN-0835-605X • September/October 2015 Vol. 28 No. 5 • Issued Sept 2015

6 Editorial comment

8 Non-invasive micromonitoring tool has changed the search for I&I

12 Analyzing digester heating requirements

16 New catalysts remove dangerous endocrine disruptor

18 What Canada can learn from California’s drought

22 How accurate are greenhouse gas emission estimates?

24 Port Moody flushes its way to better drinking water quality

26 Lead pipes - still a silent health concern

28 Shifting from sustainable to resilient pipeline systems

30 Unseen environmental issues with trenchless technologies

32 Conductivity testing allows for accurate subsurface lithography during EAs

36 Concrete cloth chosen for EPA Superfund mine site remediation

50 How the industry can take on flushable wipes in wastewater and win

54 Industrial wastewater quality monitoring in remote areas.

56 Industrial WWTP adopts new BOD determination technology

60 Understanding how flow distribution can help WWTF optimization

64 Middlesex Centre increases water security with new storage tower

73 Tourists flock to the Celery Fields stormwater system in Florida

ContentsEditor and Publisher STEVE DAVEY

Email: [email protected]

Assistant Editor PETER DAVEYEmail: [email protected]

Sales Director PENNY DAVEYEmail: [email protected]

Sales Representative DENISE SIMPSON Email: [email protected]

Accounting SANDRA DAVEYEmail: [email protected]

Circulation Manager DARLANN PASSFIELDEmail: [email protected]

Production EINAR RICEEmail: [email protected]

Technical Advisory BoardArchis Ambulkar, Jones and Henry Engineers Ltd.

Gary Burrows, City of London

Jim Bishop, Consulting Chemist, Ontario

Patrick Coleman, Black & Veatch

Bill DeAngelis, City of Toronto

Mohammed Elenany, Urban Systems

William Fernandes, Region of Peel

Marie Meunier, John Meunier Inc., Québec

Peter J. Paine, Environment Canada

Tony Petrucci, Stantec, Markham

Environmental Science & Engineering is a bi-monthly business publication of Environmental Science & Engineering Publications Inc. An all Canadian publication, ES&E provides authoritative editorial coverage of Canada’s municipal and industrial environmental control systems and drinking water treatment and distribution.

Readers include consulting engineers, industrial plant managers and engineers, key municipal, provincial and federal environmental officials, water and wastewater plant operators and contractors.

Information contained in ES&E has been compiled from sources believed to be correct. ES&E cannot be responsible for the accuracy of articles or other editorial matter. Articles in this magazine are intended to provide information rather than give legal or other professional advice. Articles being submitted for review should be emailed to [email protected].

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DEPARTMENTSProduct Showcase . . . . . 66-68Environmental News . . . 69-72Professional Cards . . . . . 69-72Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

SPECIAL SECTION ON CANADA’S FIRST NATIONS40 Evaluating the First Nations water management strategy

42 How Yellow Quill First Nation ended its nine year boil water advisory

47 Removing arsenic from the Nazko First Nation water supply

Page 36

Page 12

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This editorial and our special focus on First Nations water issues (page 40) is a small ex-amination of a complex and

pervasive problem that is out of line with Canada’s perception as a nation abundant in fresh water.

When we began outlining our section on First Nations water issues, I spoke extensively with Dr. Hans Peterson, who wrote “How did the Yellow Quill First Nation community end its nine year boil water advisory?” (page 42). Dr. Peterson introduced me to some mem-bers of the Safe Drinking Water Team, a Saskatchewan based organization that educates First Nation and remote com-munities about the production of safe drinking water. From these discussions I was able to learn about drinking wa-ter challenges facing First Nations in Saskatchewan.

Funding and budgetsRobert Pratt has been a water treat-

ment plant operator at George Gordon First Nation in Saskatchewan since 1988. Pratt knows first-hand how bad drinking water can get. “We had very high sul-fates; if you weren’t used to the water, it gave you a real bad case of diarrhea,” said Pratt. As well, George Gordon wasn’t told about high arsenic levels until 2000, and Pratt said, he doesn’t think they were the only ones that were never informed of the arsenic levels in their water.

The challenges Pratt’s facility fac-es are familiar to water operators and treatment plant supervisors: managing budgets and retaining skilled employ-ees. However, operating on a reserve in a remote area complicates matters.

Funding is a big problem says Pratt, as the Band only gets funded 80% of the cost to run the plant. It is supposed to pick up the other 20% by charging for water. Another obstacle is trying to build up a part supply line. According to Pratt, until only a few years ago, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development (AANDC) did not allow a budget sur-plus to be carried over. The only way for equipment to be sent out for service

was if it was broken. “They say we’re reactive and not proactive,” said Pratt. “How can you be proactive when you don’t have any money?”

Another problem is that money that could be spent on improving the causes of poor water may be allocated to ad-dressing its symptoms.

Rebecca Zagozewski is a Research Officer in the School of Public Health at the University of Saskatchewan. For years she has researched First Nations drinking water issues and worked with communities. She told me about one First Nation community in particular that had extremely hard water. People’s pipes and water heaters quickly built up scale and needed replacing.

“The community is spending all of their money fixing taps, pipes and wa-ter heaters because the water is so hard,” said Zagozewski. “You could take that money and invest it in a decent water treatment plant and you wouldn’t have that issue any more.”

To make matters worse, there is of-ten a disconnect between the operator and the community over finance issues. “There will be water treatment opera-tors who have no idea how much mon-ey is available for a new pump,” said Zagozewski. “They’re not privy to those conversations.”

Reserves are also facing an aging op-erator workforce and shortage of young skilled entrants. While George Gordon recently hired a 26-year old operator, other communities are not so fortunate.

“The biggest problem is when we lost a lot of older operators because they couldn’t meet the education standards, especially in the North,” explains Pratt. “Operators had very little education; when their families went out trapping, they did too.”

With the petroleum industry boom-ing until recently, many people would work in water treatment, until they could get a more lucrative job away from the community in the oil industry.

EngagementChallenges within reserves are

matched by the relationship between First Nations and AANDC, Health Canada, Environment Canada and the numerous private companies working for them.

Zagozewski explains that First Nations comprise hundreds of cultures. Government representatives and com-panies that work with them need to be respectful of their knowledge and their ways.

“Once you respect a person and respect a culture, you’ll be able to build a relationship with them,” said Zagozewski, adding that, “First Nations need to be open as well, but given the history, the government needs to be the first one to step up.”

For Brian Tralnberg, the lead treatment plant operator at Whitecap Dakota First Nation and President of the Safe Drinking Water Team, an effort needs to be made towards educating Chiefs and Councils about the water treatment plants being in-stalled in their communities.

“The bands and the communities that are getting these plants, they are the owners of these plants. They have to be educated so that they can go into a meet-ing with INAC [Indian and Northern Affairs Canada now called AANDC] and the engineering company and say ‘Just hang on a second. You want to give us this plant, and you know it doesn’t work?’”

The Canadian government has spent approximately $3 billion in water and wastewater system improvements since 2006. While additional funding is need-ed, it is more important that the way it is distributed and spent is changed.

We welcome comments and submissions on this topic for future

issues of ES&E.

Editorial Comment by Peter Davey

A special focus on First Nations drinking water challenges

Peter Davey is the assistant editor of Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine. Email: [email protected]

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Inflow and Infiltration

As sewer systems continue to age and deteriorate, munic-ipalities struggle to find a quick and cost-effective way

to identify high and low inflow and infil-tration (I&I) in sanitary sewer systems.

Stantec’s patented micromonitoring method is a new and emerging technol-ogy that helps agencies and engineers to perform focused field investigations and, in the end, reduce sanitary sewer evalu-ation survey (SSES) and rehabilitation program costs.

Micromonitoring improves sewer utility I&I reduction programs by focus-ing rehabilitation/repairs only on sewers that are contributing to wet weather peak flows. This approach uses the micromon-itor to narrow down sources, so that tra-ditional activities are only completed in areas where I&I is detected.

It is a flow monitoring process that focuses on small pipe segments to iso-late I&I sources in the system. A typi-cal micromonitoring program quickly identifies sewers with high I&I or, more importantly, sewers with no I&I, so that they can be eliminated from further in-vestigation by traditional SSES methods.

To achieve this, micromonitors are de-ployed in individual pipe reaches for just one or two storm events. The result is tar-geted sub-basins instead of system-wide solutions and recommendations. This reduces the extent of costly and invasive investigations. In some cases, micromon-itoring has saved 80% of the monitored area from further testing and rehabilita-tion. Interestingly, micromonitoring can identify whether the problem is an infil-tration issue or an inflow issue. This helps in accurately planning and budgeting re-pairs and rehabilitation methods.

Performing traditional SSES activ-ities based on micromonitoring results saves money and the problem area typ-ically is only 30% - 40% of the system.

In one pilot project, a $25,000 micro-monitoring project saved over $250,000 in avoided lateral replacement/rehabil-itation. In almost all cases, micromon-itoring pays for itself by reducing the number of detailed investigations. It al-

lows entities to locate I&I, which creates a whole new mindset when dealing with combined and sanitary sewer overflows. These sewer utilities are now focusing on the problem areas and not taking broad strokes to alleviate their I&I problems.

Micromonitor - the new SSES toolMicromonitoring is similar to con-

ventional flow monitoring, but with modified equipment. A micromonitor, a fibreglass weir insert with a defined rat-ing curve, is used. The weir is installed behind a standard area-velocity sensor on a street-level-insertion mounting ring. This eliminates confined space en-

try for installations.At low subcritical flows, the micro-

monitor acts as a weir with a primary rat-ing curve. At higher supercritical flows, the micromonitor offers no obstruction, and the AV sensor calculates flow directly from the continuity equation. The micro-monitor can be installed in any pipe, in-dependent of hydraulics, and can measure flows as low as 3.8 litres per minute (lpm), generally in low-flow sewer segments.

Micromonitors are designed for use in small diameter sewers, where low flows are common and traditional flow monitoring techniques are not effective.

Non-invasive micromonitoring tool has changed the search for I&I By Joseph Kamalesh and Gary D. Silcott, Jr.

A one-person crew can easily complete micromonitor installation and removal.

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Hence, the micromonitoring process defines areas within the collection system where conventional flow meters typically don’t perform well, such as small, upstream collection-system areas contributing to low base flows. In one case, the micro-monitor was used in a sewer with just 61 metres of pipe and less than a dozen homes connected. Usable data was collected at this site to verify positive I&I reduction in a pipe which was previously identified by micromonitoring to have I&I issues.

AdvantagesThere are several advantages to the use of micromonitoring:

• Short duration per site. It only takes one or two storms to gather sufficient data to deploy equipment to the next targeted phase. With six to eight good storms in a wet season, numer-ous locations are monitored in several phases.

• No confined space entry. Micromonitor installations and field calibrations do not require confined space entry. The weir and probe are mounted on the same fixed band and can be in-stalled and calibrated from the surface. A one-person crew can complete installation and removal easily and cost-effectively.

• No pre-inspections. The micromonitor changes the flow pattern so it is smooth and even. This allows it to be installed in sites with taps, offset joints and root balls. With a much wider range of sites open to micromonitoring, a lone operator does not have to go through a lengthy inspection process before each installation.

• Reduced maintenance. Micromonitors keep the AV sen-sors submerged at all times, minimizing debris accumulation during low flow conditions. This ensures that when a storm occurs, the equipment is set to collect good quality data.

• Non-intrusive. When used in conjunction with CCTV, micro-monitoring can isolate both public and private side contribu-tions. Identifying private side sources with real-time evidence allows a municipality to work with the individual owners in-stead of launching invasive “blanket” investigations.

Case studiesSince 2010, Stantec has performed more than 30 micro-

monitoring projects involving more than 650 installations. The reductions in investigation and rehabilitation costs were far more than the cost of the micromonitoring program. This is important since the systems vary in age, size and condition.

In Milford Center, the entire collection system was moni-tored in two phases using nine micromonitors. Only 7% showed a high response to storm events. I&I was isolated to 640 metres of sewer of the 9,144 metres in the system.

In 2013, the City of Jackson began conducting a small pilot mi-cromonitoring program in two sewer basins with a chronic history of I&I related operational problems. Results indicated that only 30% of the sewers contributed excessive I&I to the system.

In the spring of 2013, the City of Logan initiated a city-wide SSES project to identify sources of excessive I&I in the City’s wastewater collection system that had plagued it for many years. Approximately 13,944 metres of the system were found to need no further investigation through traditional flow monitoring work, while another 21,473 metres were considered minimal I&I contributors as a result of the micromonitoring work. Therefore, approximately 35,417 metres of sewers were eliminated from consideration for further investigation, which equated to approx-

imately two thirds of the system. This resulted in a significant cost savings to the City of nearly $232,000 - $350,000 at a $2.00 - $3.00 per 0.3 metre cost for television inspection work, which is the traditional method.

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Inflow and Infiltration

Micromonitors are designed for small diameter sewers, where low flows are common.

At low subcritical flows, the micromonitor acts as a weir with a primary rating curve.

Micromonitors keep the AV sensors submerged at all times,

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Biosolids Management

Anaerobic digestion is one of the key suspended-growth treatment processes wide-ly used for the stabilization

of organic materials and biosolids pro-duced at a wastewater treatment plant.

In order to efficiently stabilize organ-ic materials, an optimum sludge tem-perature must be maintained for a pe-riod of time. For mesophilic digestion, the temperature must theoretically be maintained between 30oC - 38oC. This is achieved by transferring heat from hot water to the sludge via a heat exchanger, followed by recirculation of the sludge back to the digester tank. This keeps it constantly suspended and prevents sol-ids and temperature stratification in the digester reactor.

WSP recently completed the design of upgrades to some primary digesters at Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay Wastewa-ter Treatment Plant. The project includ-ed digester clean out, sludge dewater-ing, rehabilitation of the digester tank structure, installation of new thermal insulation and membrane in the digest-er roof, new gas proofing process, and electrical, instrumentation and control upgrades to process and pumping equip-ment. Modification to the SCADA sys-tem for automated control of the sludge temperature in the digester was also part of the project scope.

In order to update the process control narrative and develop modifications to the SCADA system, an analysis of the digester heating requirement was con-ducted. This included understanding the seasonal trends of heat loss and sludge temperature variations, from the heat exchanger outlet port to the digester and back to the heat exchanger inlet port.

Summary of site findingsIn order to estimate heating require-

ments, the digester’s technical data was reviewed and analyzed.

It is a primary digester with a fixed concrete roof and conical floor slab, 33.5 m diameter, 10.8 m operating wa-ter depth, and 12.2 m side wall height.

The above grade wall height and below grade wall depth of the digester struc-ture is approximately equal. The above grade structure is thermally insulated. The below grade structure has thermal insulation installed to the frost line depth, only between the structure and the soil. There is no insulation in the deeper digester walls section or beneath the base slab.

A recirculation pump continuously withdraws sludge from the digester tank and discharges to the heat exchanger for heat transfer from the hot water source to the sludge and returns it back to the digester.

Applied assumptionsHaving reviewed the design of all

existing structural elements, the digest-er structure was divided into areas of similar heat transfer characteristics, in-cluding the roof and above grade walls, below grade walls and floor slab. To de-velop the overall picture of the digest-er’s heat requirements under seasonal variations, the outdoor temperature was assumed to vary from -35oC - 40oC (for winter and summer, respectively).

Soil temperature and sludge recircu-lation pump flow were assumed to be constant over the entire review period. It was also assumed that heat dissipation from the roof and above grade walls due to radiation was a relatively small value. It was, therefore, accounted for in the applied safety factor.

Analytical resultsThermodynamic analyses conducted

on the digester structure showed that

Analyzing digester heating requirementsBy Ivan Drako, Michelle Albert, Ron Cariglia, Sean Hutchinson and Edwin Ayson

Primary digesters at Toronto’s Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Ashbridges Bay WWTP digester heat exchanger.

September/October 2015 | 13 www.esemag.com


heat dissipation does not vary signifi-cantly under seasonal ambient tempera-ture variations. For proper functioning of the digestion process, recovery of the sludge temperature, due to digester structure heat loss, is the key factor. The temperature drop can be recuperated by transferring heat to the sludge in the heat exchanger.

Heat losses calculated for each sea-son’s temperature (from -35oC - 40oC, with a 5oC increment) were presented as sludge temperature rises that should be provided in the heat exchanger in order to compensate for outward heat dissipation.

The temperature rises needed when the recirculation pump is operating at the rated flow are shown in Figure 1. For comparison purposes, and in order to understand the heat loss trends, tem-perature rises were also calculated for several lower flows (85%, 80% and 70% of the rated flow).

A “24-hour shut-off” scenario, in which no heat is provided to the digester for 24 hours, was analyzed and is pre-sented in Figure 2.

Digester structure heat loss distribu-tion between the above grade and below grade structures was also estimated and presented in Figure 3. This shows the heat loss of the below grade structure throughout the year, as a percentage of

the total digester heat loss.

Discussions and conclusionsBased on the analyses conducted of

the heat input requirements, the digester

Figure 1: Heat exchanger temperature rise at varying pump flows.

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process control narrative was updated and utilized for programming the au-tomated control of the sludge tempera-ture. The proposed control system will quickly respond to the sludge heating needs and has the option of adjusting process set points when needed.

The analytical results have also led to some conclusions that may be used for digester design and operation purposes:

a) If sludge flow monitoring and re-cording is not available at a digester, the increase, in time, of the temperature rise needed to maintain the digester opera-tion temperature may be indicative of a decrease in the recirculation pump flow. This may be due to possible sludge ac-cumulation in process pipes, or exces-sive buildup developing on the heat exchanger “sludge” surface. In light of this, an increase in temperature rise de-mand should be a trigger point for de-tailed review of the system operation.

b) The heat requirement analysis should be completed for each digester and be part of the digester operation and maintenance data. Continuous re-cording of temperature changes in the digester reactor and further analysis may provide valuable information for long-term monitoring of the digester operation, and for scheduling mainte-nance and repair activities. Any visible changes in digester temperature should be analyzed and compared to the initial conditions, in order to review the digest-er operation and develop a troubleshoot-ing program.

c) In the case of a “24-hour shut-off” scenario, it appears that digester temperature drop is not significant (for the reviewed case). Availability of such data would be required for planning and implementation of maintenance or up-grades to the digester heating system. Such upgrades can be conducted with-out system interruption and have min-imum impact on the digestion process. However, the recirculation pump must remain in operation.

d) It is obvious that proper thermal insulation installed within the above grade digester structure provides sig-nificant heat savings. When the digester is offline for rehabilitation or upgrades, installation of new insulation with more efficient thermal characteristics would be a good practice.

e) The below grade structure appears to account for the major portion of to-tal heat loss. The value of heat loss is approximately 75% to 95% for winter and summer, respectively. The thermal-ly insulated above grade structure with an almost equal surface area contributes a smaller fraction to the total heat loss (less than 25%). This is attributable to the fact that, unlike the above grade structure of the digester, the below grade structure experiences constant exposure to a steady-state lower temperature en-

vironment throughout the year. f) Having assumed that the digest-

er’s below grade structure has been furnished with thermal insulation, the estimated heat loss reduction may be expected, for the reviewed case, to be in a range of 35% to 40%.

Ivan Drako, Michelle Albert, Ron Cariglia and Sean Hutchinson are

with WSP. Edwin Ayson is with the City of Toronto.



Figure 2: Digester temperature drop in a 24-hour shut-off scenario.

Figure 3: Digester below grade structure heat loss.

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In a paper published in Scientific Re-ports, Collins’ research team and collabo-rators, led by Brunel University London’s Susan Jobling and Rak Kanda, demon-strate that the catalysts could be a viable option for large-scale water treatment.

As pharmaceutical use has skyrock-eted, especially in first-world countries, the amount of drugs released into the water system through wastewater has dramatically increased. Medications de-signed to disrupt the endocrine system, such as birth control pills and some breast and prostate cancer drugs, can be found in close to 25% of the world’s streams, rivers and lakes. Studies have shown that these compounds have an adverse effect on wildlife health.

In many cases, researchers are find-ing that male fish in these polluted wa-ter sources undergo a process called feminization, which is an indicator that estrogenic contaminants are present. Prolonged exposure to these female hormones can cause males to develop eggs in their testes and leads to the de-cline of fish populations.

“Unfortunately, some synthetic chem-icals, including some everyday chemi-cals, are powerful endocrine disruptors and they often turn up as contaminants in water. These chemicals, called mi-cro-pollutants, can be bioactive at low en-vironmentally relevant concentrations and are typically tough to break down,” said Collins. “We need to get these micro-pol-lutants out of our water systems. Fish are indicators of what can happen when hormone control systems get hijacked by synthetic chemicals. We humans are also animals with endocrine systems.”

When a person takes a drug, it trav-els through their body and what isn’t absorbed or broken down is excreted as waste. Conventional wastewater treat-ment systems are unable to fully remove many of the harmful chemicals found in

today’s pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other products.

Advanced processes installed at the end of wastewater treatment plants, especially those that use ozone or acti-vated carbon, have been shown to be ef-fective options for reducing micro-pol-lutants. However, the high financial and energy costs of incorporating these have limited their adoption.

Collins has developed a group of cat-alysts called TAML activators that offer an alternative treatment option. TAMLs are small molecules that mimic oxidizing enzymes. When combined with hydro-

gen peroxide, TAML activators very ef-fectively break down harmful chemicals in water. To test the effectiveness and safety of these catalysts, Collins teamed up with the Brunel research team, who are world-class experts in aquatic toxici-ty and wastewater treatment.

In the current paper, the group demon-strates the efficacy and safety of TAML activators via a series of experiments. First, they showed that TAMLs were able to degrade, in pure water, 17alpha-ethinyl-estradiol (EE2), a synthetic estrogen found in oral contraceptives and a major cause of fish feminization. They then iso-

New catalysts remove dangerous endocrine disruptorBy Jocelyn Duffy

After TAMLs removed synthetic estrogen from the water, the amount of vitel-logenin, a female egg yolk protein, found in minnows significantly decreased, signaling a dramatic reduction in feminization. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Geological Survey.

The amount of drugs released into the water system through wastewater has dramatically increased.


lated the early intermediate compounds created as the TAMLs degrade EE2, and found that several of these were estrogen-ic and harmful, too. But, using chemical analysis, the researchers showed that the TAML process was able to effectively de-grade these intermediate compounds.

The research group also applied TAML activators to samples of water processed by municipal wastewater plants from the U.K. They found that the TAMLs were able to break down EE2 and other estrogenic compounds and micropollutants in the water.

The researchers were then able to demonstrate in the lab that water treat-ed with TAMLs was not harmful to fish. They exposed male fathead minnows, a common freshwater fish found in many inland waterways, to water containing EE2. Exposure to EE2 caused the fish to feminize.

After they used TAMLs to remove EE2 from the water, the amount of vi-tellogenin, a female egg yolk protein, found in the minnows significantly de-creased, signaling a dramatic reduction in feminization. Additionally, the fish did not have any detectable adverse effects from being exposed to the tiny traces of TAMLs in the water.

The researchers plan to test TAMLs against ozone and activated carbon treatment systems. They have shown that TAMLs will be at least as effective, and anticipate that the TAML process will come at a much lower cost. Collins estimates that a kilogram of catalyst could treat tens of thousands of tons of wastewater.

Jocelyn Duffy is with Carnegie Mellon University. For more information, visit

www.cmu.edu/news

When combined with hydrogen perox-ide, TAML activators very effectively break down harmful chemicals in water. Photo provided by Carnegie Mellon University.

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Water

California’s unprecedented and devastating four-year drought has received widespread, in-ternational media attention.

Its drought is so severe that the state has ordered cities and towns to reduce wa-ter use by 25%, and has begun literally turning the tap off on water rights hold-ers. This drought is profoundly affect-ing California’s communities and their quality of life, the economy, and the health and function of streams, rivers, lakes and aquifers throughout the state.

A new research report entitled “California’s Oranges and B.C.’s Ap-ples? Lessons for B.C. from California Groundwater Reform,” was released in June by the POLIS Water Sustainability Project, based at the University of Victo-ria, and Ecojustice. This report provides a detailed comparison between British Columbia and California regarding groundwater management. Drawing from California’s drought experience and recent groundwater reform efforts, this research provides a number of key findings and insights that reveal priori-ties for B.C. to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to sustainable groundwater management.

However, beyond specific lessons for B.C., the California experience also of-fers critical insights into drought plan-ning and water management that are relevant to communities across Canada.

1. Regional droughts can have se-rious national consequences – Cali-fornia’s Central Valley is one of the world’s most productive agricultural areas. The state produces nearly half of U.S.-grown fruits, nuts and vegetables and is considered to be the world’s fifth largest supplier of food. California’s ability to sustain this massive agricul-tural industry, however, is contingent on access to sufficient water for irriga-tion. It accounts for as much as 80% of the total human water use in the state. This year alone, drought is expected to cause agricultural losses of $3 billion in California.

Given the importance of California’s agriculture to food supply, the impacts

of the drought extend far beyond state borders. In today’s interconnected global economy, regional droughts aren’t just about local environmental impacts, they are matters affecting national economies.

Depending on the region of Canada, a drought could have significant effects on many different sectors, including ag-riculture, energy production, fisheries and tourism, as well as impacting cities and towns.

2. Once in a drought, it’s too late to

do many of the things that are most needed – Once an area is in the midst of a full-blown drought, many critical aspects of water management and plan-ning fall to the wayside as crisis response takes over. While emergency measures such as mandatory conservation require-ments are certainly important, they are too-little, too-late in terms of preventing ecosystem damage and implementing sustainable water management regimes.


What Canada can learn from California’s drought and groundwater laws By Randy Christensen, Oliver M. Brandes and Rosie Simms

The Uvas reservoir in Santa Clara, CA. Photo courtesy of Don DeBold.

Agriculture accounts for as much as 80% of total human water use in California.


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Drought preparedness in Canada must include proactive planning and governance measures implemented well before crisis hits. These measures in-clude establishing methods to determine and protect environmental flow needs, building robust water use monitoring and reporting systems, and implement-ing pricing regimes that encourage wa-ter use efficiency and conservation.

Requirements to build more wa-ter-efficient buildings and infrastruc-ture, as well as replacing wasteful fix-tures and appliances, take years if not decades to implement.

3. Groundwater and surface water need to be managed together – Ground-water has long been California’s safety net in times of drought, a resource to which water users have turned when surface water is in short supply. However, one of the most significant consequences of the state’s drought and diminishing surface water availability is that groundwater well drilling and pumping have been ramped up to unprecedented rates.

Surface and groundwater are one inter-connected resource that must be managed as such across Canada. Surface water per-colates into groundwater and recharges aquifers; groundwater upwellings in turn sustain base flows in rivers and streams, which is especially critical in summer months when there is little precipitation entering surface water sources.

Despite its vital importance, Califor-nia did not regulate groundwater until

2014, when the state enacted the Sus-tainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The damage to California’s aquifers from this “Wild West” approach to groundwater management is wide-spread. So much groundwater has been extracted that across the state, land is sinking and aquifers are at serious risk of being depleted.

4. Normal dry cycles will become much more exacerbated due to cli-mate change – According to the U.S. EPA, some long-term trends in water availability in the western U.S. are now becoming apparent. It has experienced less rain over the past 50 years, as well as increases in the severity and length of droughts.

Future hydrological projections tak-ing into account climate change suggest that the western U.S. will experience less total annual rainfall, less snowpack in the mountains, and earlier snowmelt. These impacts in turn, mean that less water will likely be available during the summer months when demand is highest.

Projections for changing hydrologi-cal patterns in western Canada are sim-ilar. Data show snowpacks and glaciers vanishing at record speeds and snow-melt occurring earlier in the spring. This again means less water available to sus-tain flows in the summer.

5. Each jurisdiction must develop planning processes suited to its unique legal, social and historical context – and that will take time – Increasingly

complex water problems point to a clear need for communities across Canada to develop water planning processes to help keep their ecology and economy functioning in times of shortage. Plans allow for watershed-specific solutions and structures that can liberate water for essential uses.

California’s SGMA includes robust groundwater planning provisions that of-fer three water planning insights for Ca-nadian communities to take into account.

First, California’s SGMA introduced a requirement for groundwater sustain-ability agencies to develop groundwater sustainability plans. Beginning in the 1990s, California encouraged planning exercises to protect groundwater, but there was no requirement to actually de-velop and implement plans. While some successful examples of voluntary plans do exist, this approach is generally inef-fective on a wider scale. The most effec-tive plans will be those that are manda-tory and enforceable.

Second, the SGMA requires that groundwater sustainability plans meet basic sustainability standards that avoid “undesirable effects,” including aquifer overdraft, land subsidence and saltwater intrusion. Canadian communities must also develop plans that include clear and enforceable targets and achieve some minimum performance standards.

A third point for Canadian jurisdic-tions to take note of is that California’s groundwater planning process has been

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extremely protracted. Almost fifty years will have passed between: • The creation of the first framework for

local planning (1991); • When the first groundwater manage-

ment plans are required to be in place and operating under the SGMA (2020 and 2022); and

• When groundwater sustainability plans must achieve sustainability criteria (20 years after the plans have been adopted - 2040 and 2042).With California’s groundwater sus-

tainability planning timeline in mind, Canadian communities must begin wa-ter planning processes now, with clear timelines for plan implementation. Crit-ical first steps include: piloting water sustainability plans that include drought management, linkage to environmental flows, and the application of minimum standards and water objectives on a re-gionally appropriate basis.

6. Water policy shortcomings and gaps create a vacuum that will be filled by litigation – Where loopholes and weaknesses in water policy exist, these policies are vulnerable to litigation. As

demonstrated in California, litigation is costly, confrontational and time consum-ing. Allowing courts to determine water rights, and, thus, water policy, is prob-lematic. Solutions that create satisfactory outcomes or agreed-upon tradeoffs for all parties, may not be within the court’s power to order.

Therefore, a planning approach that brings in all parties with a stake in the particular issue at hand and receives support, is preferable for many reasons, including the availability of a broader range of innovative solutions. Canadian jurisdictions should focus on develop-ing robust water planning processes to minimize confrontation and avoid the path of litigation.

7. Drought presents an opportuni-ty to dramatically reform water laws and policies, if governments are pre-pared to act – Four years into an unprec-edented drought, California is suffering and sacrificing. But it’s also evolving. The severity of this drought creates the motivation to change even entrenched things that couldn’t be changed without the sense of extreme vulnerability.

In addition to the groundwater man-agement regime, California has intro-duced other changes and reforms to create long-term sustainability. A rebate program for lawn removal initiated by the water district for Southern Califor-nia was so popular that it exhausted the budget for the program in just five weeks. San Francisco passed an ordi-nance to require that new buildings of a certain size have on-site water recycling systems and reuse their own wastewater.

Canada is fortunate in that no one re-gion in the country is experiencing a crisis situation at the scale of California’s state-wide drought emergency. However, the California situation does offer some key lessons and insights to Canadian jurisdic-tions. Canada has the opportunity to learn from what is happening south of its border and to accelerate planning and manage-ment processes that will proactively ad-dress emerging freshwater issues.

Randy Christensen is with Ecojustice and the POLIS Project. Oliver M. Brandes and Rosie Simms are with the POLIS

Project. Email: [email protected]

Water


GHG Emissions

Various Canadian regulatory jurisdictions, as well as in-stitutions such as the Inter-national Panel on Climate

Change (IPCC) and the Western Cli-mate Initiative (WCI), have published extensive guidelines on how to calcu-late reportable emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). They contain optional methods of calculation approaches de-pending on industry sector, government jurisdiction and adopted calculation approaches. This means that reported GHG emissions are rarely based on ac-tual direct measurement of these gases. Rather, they are just estimates based on “best conformance” with various dictat-ed jurisdictional guidelines.

There are pitfalls associated with conforming to jurisdictional guidelines versus assuring the utmost jurisdictional trust in the correct scientific estimation approaches, regardless of guidelines, protocols, etc. Examples of these are a wastewater treatment plant and a sour gas processing plant.

Anaerobic wastewater treatment plant

Figure 1 shows a basic process dia-gram of a modified anaerobic treatment plant for food processing wastewater. Modifications involved covering a re-ceiving wastewater lagoon to thermally enhance anaerobic treatment and cap-ture the resulting methane gas for mois-ture removal. The gas is then used as supplemental fuel at the food process-ing plant.

The modifications were made to obtain jurisdictional status as “a GHG emission offset project”. This status was granted on the principle of “best confor-mance” with a provincial guideline on offset emission project quantification protocol. However, many feel that the IPCC guideline is too broad and sim-plistic when applied to anaerobic waste-water treatment.

The IPCC principal approach is to use wastewater COD to estimate the methane mass generation rate. It factors

in continuously measured wastewater flow rate (Q) and periodic COD (C) sample data.

This approach is scientifically illog-ical as anaerobic wastewater treatment

is a biological process best monitored by means of the BOD characteristic. One provincial protocol uses a conservative default COD/BOD mass ratio of 2.4 to circumvent this IPCC COD approach.

How accurate are greenhouse gas emission estimates for the wastewater and sour gas sectors? By Kurt Hansen

Figure 1. A basic process diagram of a modified anaerobic treatment plant for food processing wastewater.

Figure 2. The various streams and available measurement points and data commonly used to estimate the annual GHG emissions from a sour gas pro-cessing plant.


GHG Emissions

Yet, a review of a wastewater engineer-ing handbook reveals that the 2.4 ratio is only typical for domestic wastewater. The ratio for various types of food processing wastewater ranges from 0.15 to 1.69.

This means that the IPCC-related protocol default ratio of 2.4 and other material balance calculations will result in over-estimated methane emissions captured and used as supplemental fuel.

An alternative to better quantify cap-tured methane emissions is to measure the biogas flow rate and biogas methane content and use it to estimate the cap-tured methane rate. The general prob-lem with this approach is that it requires additional monitoring equipment and periodic sampling and analysis. These are resources that a wastewater treat-ment plant operator may be hesitant to invest in, unless made a mandatory re-quirement by the regulating agency.

Also, the regulatory agency might not accept the calculated avoided GHG emissions based on this approach if they feel that baseline emissions should be subtracted from current measured and calculated methane emissions. The ratio-nal for this is that the average tempera-ture of the previously uncovered lagoon was likely lower than the covered and insulated wastewater lagoon. A warmer temperature means increased biologic activity and more methane generation.

The GHC calculation protocol uses a baseline lagoon fluid temperature. But,

in reality, the specified value can only be approximate, because lagoon tem-peratures are not normally measured. Also, unless the wet biogas is periodi-cally sampled and analyzed for moisture content, the calculated annual methane emission rate will be over-estimated re-garding captured methane emissions.

Overall, the regulatory options for calculating offset GHG emissions from an anaerobic wastewater treatment plant lead to great uncertainties.

Sour gas processing plant Figure 2 shows the various streams

and available measurement points and data commonly used to estimate the annual GHG emissions from a sour gas processing plant. It shows numerous locations of measurement points for stream volumetric flow rates (Q) and periodic sample and analysis concen-tration data (C) for various natural gas constituents like methane, ethane, etc. Most of these are combusted into CO2.

Most of the volume-measured gas plant streams are associated with rel-atively dry (moisture-free) streams, other than the wet acid gas and certain wet fuel gas streams. The wet acid gas stream, which contributes in the order of half of the facility CO2 emissions be-cause of the removed sour gas CO2 con-tent, may contain up to about 8 vol.% moisture. Using a wet flow rate and a dry gas CO2 content to estimate the

released CO2 mass rate will result in a larger than true release rate value.

The commonly used, and jurisdic-tionally accepted, estimation optional approach of using wet acid gas volume rates and dry compositional acid gas values results in over-estimated gas plant facility GHG emissions.

ConclusionsThese two examples show various

scientific pitfalls associated with con-forming to dictated jurisdictional and institutional guidelines on calculating and estimating GHG emissions. The uncertainty is so large that an informed scientist would have serious difficulties in ascertaining whether real emission reductions have occurred.

Global institutions and various regu-latory jurisdictions need to become less zealous about setting numerous detailed guidelines as to how to calculate GHG emissions. They need to fully recognize the value of independent scientific in-sight versus dictated broad approaches that are not scientifically defensible. Otherwise, GHG emission verification efforts will have no real reduction mer-its, other than tracking the monetary credit and penalty transactions.

Kurt Hansen, M.Sc., P. Eng., has been an environmental consultant since 1974

and contributes regularly to ES&E. Email: [email protected]

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Water Distribution

The City of Port Moody, Brit-ish Columbia is located at the head of Burrard Inlet and pro-vides its 34,000 residents with

water from Metro Vancouver’s Seymour Lake and Coquitlam Reservoir. With 120 km of water pipelines, the city has to monitor its water quality and accu-mulation of buildup in pipelines in or-der to supply good potable water to its customers.

Flushing is an industry standard pro-cedure that removes stagnant water and sediment. It also ensures that chlorine residual levels are maintained, which in turn reduces the requirements for addi-tional chlorination.

The City started to have problems with a few existing flushing stations, due to the lack of durability of a plas-tic 50 mm timer valve. Upon further inspection it became apparent that their entire purging system was not as du-rable as expected. This could result in costly maintenance issues in the near future. The current valve was hard to access, being one metre underground. It required regular visits to ensure it was operating correctly and that chlorine re-sidual levels were within their 0.20 ppm guidelines.

The plastic valve also had low capac-ity, so it had to run for a long period of time in order to flush the system. This meant that the potential for non-revenue water loss was higher than it needed to be. Another problem with low flow rates is insufficient velocity to keep lines scoured and clean, and the old water doesn’t always get completely flushed out of the system.

Upon inspection, Craig Bridger, project manager with Summit Valve, said: “The low circulation of water was resulting in lower chlorine residual. This is a common problem that is easily fixed with an optimal flushing solution that will pull water out of hard to reach places.” Chlorine residual has a decay rate, so when water becomes “too old” the chlorine decays.

Nick Cusano, utility maintenance

worker for Port Moody, identified Sing-er’s total automatic purging system (TAPS) as a good solution that could be expanded on throughout the city over the years. “TAPS is an attractive option as it uses durable components and prod-ucts that the operations staff are familiar with. It also fits nicely into existing en-closures,” said Cusano.

TAPS optimizes the flushing process by providing a programmable solution to automatically pull or draw fresh wa-ter into the system’s dead ends at any time of day. Also, because the valve has greater flow rates and velocities, it im-proves the removal of sediment in the piping system. It has a pressure-sustain-ing feature to ensure an adjustable min-imum upstream pressure is maintained for system needs such as fire flow.

Unlike conventional flushing valves that are either open or closed, TAPS has a hydraulically operated valve that introduces or releases water from the control chamber above the diaphragm to maintain accurate water flow. It is controlled by an externally mounted pilot system and can be programmed via a handheld unit if desired. This pro-

grammable flushing feature allows for scheduled flushing at select times when predicted demand is low. Flow regula-tion also reduces the volume of wasted water.

Prior to installing the valve, chlorine residual was almost zero (0.02 ppm – 0.04 ppm). With the new purging sys-tem, residual levels jumped to 0.17 ppm in one day and a further 0.28 ppm in the second. “This valve has actually given us better sample results because we can move more water with it,” said Cusano.

With more frequent flushing and good circulation of new water, Port Moody has been able to reduce the amount of time it takes to do a manu-al flushing from two hours to 30 min-utes. Each TAPS unit includes a water sampling port so that on-site clarity and testing can be easily seen and sampled without disrupting the process. An add-ed bonus is that the operation of the valve is now much quieter than the pre-vious solution, which is appreciated by nearby residents.

Clint Smith is with Singer Valve. Email: [email protected]

City of Port Moody flushes its way to better water quality By Clint Smith

Singer Valve’s total automatic purging system (TAPS) automatically draws fresh water into the system’s dead ends at any time of day.

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Drinking Water

According to the City of To-ronto, homes built before the mid 1950s are likely to have lead pipes. This originally

seemed like a good idea; lead is durable enough to resist pinhole leaks but also soft enough to be transformed into dif-ferent shapes for sufficient water flow.

As years went on, professionals be-gan to realize that lead from pipes was getting into the drinking water, which eventually started compromising the health of people who ingested it.

Each day, the average Canadian drinks more than 1.5 litres of water. This means the risk of drinking water with excessive amounts of lead is of concern. Children six and under are most at risk when consuming water with high levels of lead.

Since the brain is still in a crucial part of development, children can ex-perience delays in mental and physical growth and issues with attention spans and learning abilities. While adults may not have the same kind of reaction to the lead, they can still experience kidney is-sues and high blood pressure.

With so many health risks that come with the use of lead pipes, it is shock-ing the number of homes that still have them. In Toronto, there are still an es-timated 35,000 lead service pipes that houses may be connected to. Although the City replaces about 1,500 lead ser-vice pipes per year, it will take over 23 years to replace all of them at this rate.

While many may argue that this solves the problem, that isn’t the case. Only the lead pipes on public property will be replaced. Toronto homeowners must pay to replace all of the pipes in their home.

Although the average person doesn’t know which types of pipe are inside their home, it is very easy to find out. Cities like Toronto offer residents kits that can be picked up to test their wa-ter quality and determine lead levels. Once the water has been tested, the kit is dropped off and the City does the rest. The process is a simple way to find out if the pipes in your home are causing harm.

Once residents are aware there is a problem, the immediate reaction might

be to install a new piping system, a project that is expensive, disruptive and time-consuming. A new copper pipe system can cost upwards of $15,000 de-pending on the size of the home, plus the costs of repairing damaged walls, flooring and ceilings removed to access the pipes. However, one alternative is the Nu Line epoxy barrier coating pro-cess by Nu Flow.

Trenchless pipe lining technologies are not new; some of the technologies have been used for decades and have passed the test of time. Since the late 1980s, for example, all of the collec-tion, hold and transfer pipe systems in the U.S. Navy’s aircraft carrier fleet have been lined with Nu Flow’s blown-in epoxy coating.

Epoxy barrier coatings are typically more cost-effective and have a longer life expectancy compared to typical household pipes. They create a barrier between metal and the water flowing through it. The barrier coating prevents harmful materials such as lead from leaching into the water.

The Nu Line epoxy barrier coating

Lead pipes – the silent health concern By Catherine Spurrell

Sand-like garnet is blasted through piping systems by heated compressed air, then a two-part red epoxy is mixed and blown through.


Drinking Water

rehabilitation process begins by mapping the entire pipe work. This is followed by a thorough inside cleaning of the pipes. Sand-like garnet is blasted through the system by heated compressed air.

Once the pipes have achieved a suitable interior anchor tooth profile, a two-part red epoxy is mixed and blown through pipework with forced air to cre-ate an even coat. Once this is complet-ed, a camera inspection and leak test is performed.

Besides blocking lead from enter-ing the water, this epoxy lining also prevents pinhole leaks and pipe dete-rioration. Nu Line technology is typi-cally only half the cost of a traditional re-pipe. Lining lead pipes rather than replacing them is an alternative that can save homeowners time and money. Most importantly, since the epoxy has a life expectancy of nearly 100 years, owners don’t have to worry again about lead in their water.

Catherine Spurrell is with Nu Flow Technologies.


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Culvert Design

Construction of sustainable pipeline systems is desirable within the notion of sustain-able development and its three

social, economic and environmental pil-lars. Infrastructure materials and prod-ucts should be sustainable and resilient to natural and man-made catastrophic events such as changing climate and weather patterns, carelessness, vandal-ism and deliberate attacks on a system.

It is challenging for designers and specifiers to recommend materials and products for pipeline systems, if there are questions about their resiliency and sus-tainability over the design life of a project.

The culvert that channels Truro Creek under Portage Avenue, one of the busiest arterial roads in Winnipeg, Manitoba, was originally constructed with corrugated steel pipe (CSP). It is 2.6 m in diameter and runs 50 m under Portage Avenue. In 2010, as a result of heavy corrosion at the invert and joints, rehabilitation was recommended. A 2.1 m diameter HDPE liner was grouted into the culvert before the spring melt in 2011. The goal of the relining was to extend the culvert’s service life.

But the rehabilitation option created a concern with the hydraulic profile since the resulting velocities would exceed the requirements of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO), which is a maximum of 0.8 m/s for the three-day delay 10-year return period flow. To re-duce culvert velocities and meet DFO requirements for fish passage, an addi-tional 1200 mm concrete pipe culvert was added late in 2011, adjacent to the existing culvert.

The Truro Creek passage remained in service until October 29, 2013, when a 12-year-old built a “campfire” that caused the HDPE liner in the original CSP culvert to catch fire. The fire gener-ated toxic smoke, prompting evacuation of nearby residences. After the fire was extinguished, Portage Avenue remained closed for several hours until engineers were confident that the remaining struc-ture had sufficient integrity to withstand

the live loads, at least for the short term. Engineers later concluded that, with-

out a liner, corrosion of the steel would deteriorate the structural integrity of the crossing, so immediate rehabilitation was needed. Design engineers specified 1800 mm diameter reinforced concrete pipe to line the Truro Creek culvert.

Because of the need for lining, grout-ing, construction of a new secondary culvert and finally relining with jacked concrete pipe, it could be argued that the original culvert design was far from be-ing sustainable.

When a variety of materials and products are readily available in major urban centres, why must some design-ers and specifiers be limited to choices based on the lowest manufactured cost when there are volumes of anecdotal and scientific evidence about the per-formance of most materials in the short and long term? Why are materials and products being specified that are not sustainable, using the worldwide def-initions of sustainable? Now that the “R”-factor (resiliency) has entered the

pipeline design process, its implications are perhaps even more important than the sustainability of materials and prod-ucts used.

The Truro Creek culvert incident speaks volumes to the issue of building buried infrastructure that is resilient, and using materials and products that will meet the design life of a pipeline or culvert system. Thus, conversation has shifted from sustainable development only, to development that is both sus-tainable and resilient.

Derek Light, P. Eng. is with Inland Pipe. Email:

[email protected]

Shifting the conversation from sustainable to resilient pipeline systems By Derek Light

Crew filling annular space between liner and CSP culvert with grout.

Reinforced concrete pipe culvert being jacked under roadway adjacent to CSP culvert.

Think it is no big deal when contracts are awarded to a foreign or “here today, gone tomorrow” supplier? You may get treated well. You could save money. So what if they’re non-compliant? Nobody’s enforcing the standards, right? But compliance isn’t about enforcement. It’s about liability. When something goes wrong, are you sure you won’t be liable?

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Environmental Protection

There was a time when manu-facturing generated incredi-ble amounts of waste. But, to prevent the costs of compli-

ant industrial waste disposal, industry sought out efficiencies. These included new chemistries, in-house waste treat-ment, recycling and prevention strate-gies, to name a few. This has drastically reduced the volume of waste disposed of by many waste generators. However, new sources have emerged.

In years past, the installation of sew-ers, pipelines and other underground infrastructure required a trench to be excavated. Today, a number of “trench-less technologies” allow this necessary infrastructure to be installed without the need for trenches. This solves many problems, but does create new regulato-ry issues.

The fluids used in this drilling pro-cess are commonly referred to as drill-ing muds. These are engineered to have certain properties in order to protect the drill, seal the borehole, carry drill cut-tings, prevent fluid loss, etc. These prop-erties are achieved with non-native min-erals (typically sodium bentonite clay), polymers and other additives. Once liq-uefied, they are considered a regulated, liquid waste stream in most jurisdictions.

It is important to note that these flu-ids and their constituents are not hazard-ous to human health. They are, however, an environmental risk should they enter a watercourse and must be disposed of appropriately, once no longer in use.

Additionally, when working in previ-ously developed areas, it would not be unusual for these waste fluids to be con-taminated in varying degrees by other materials present from previous indus-trial or commercial activity. The number of sites contaminated by hydrocarbons, metals and other industrial materials is well documented.

In Ontario, contaminated soils have been in the news a lot recently. Sever-al stories have broken about soils from contaminated sites being dumped as “clean fill”. Whether through in situ

methods or ex situ bioremediation, some of this “dirty dirt” was probably treated, but not completely. The remain-ing contamination was then detected when samples were taken after the soil was dumped. Perhaps some of the soil was simply misrepresented.

There is much disagreement about who is to blame, but there is no dis-agreement that soil removed from a de-veloped area has significant potential for contamination. When liquefied during the drilling or hydroexcavation process, this soil is an even greater problem.

Many operators are reporting chang-es in the soil disposal marketplace. This is likely due, in part, to the highly pub-licized contamination of unwitting re-ceivers’ property. At one time, drilling fluid wastes would be easy to dispose of. Now, there is much confusion due to the conflation of true hydroexcavation mud. This inert waste, which is often a non-regulated waste stream, is some-times confused with other materials car-ried in hydroexcavation trucks.

Clean soil and water removed from a greenfield, as is often the case in hydro-excavation, is a resource many would

want. On the other hand, engineered drilling fluids, potentially mixed with pollutants from the job site, are not. The problem for any receiver is how to per-form the necessary due diligence to be confident of which loads are clean, and which loads are a future remediation project. Obviously, this is not possible without adding cost-prohibitive steps.

We are now experiencing the very predictable result of these issues. For-mer unlicensed dump sites for liquid or semi-solid drilling wastes are no longer willing to accept the risk. Those that have decided to continue receiving these fluids are becoming fewer and further between, and are doubling their rates or even more.

Quebec’s Ministry of Sustainable De-velopment, Environment and the Fight against Climate Change has recognized the risk of these industrial fluids. They are advising drillers and carriers of these fluids to dispose of them in accordance with industrial waste regulations.

On a recent pipeline installation, a major Quebec gas distributor worked with their horizontal directional driller to ensure compliance with these provincial

Unseen environmental issues with trenchless technologies By Michael MacDonald

Fluids used in drilling process are considered a regulated, liquid waste stream in most jurisdictions.


Environmental Protection

regulations. After reviewing a number of solutions to manage approximately 1,000 m3 of drilling fluids and cuttings, they determined their best option was to solidify on-site using an engineered reagent from MetaFLO Technologies. These solidified, non-hazardous drill spoils were much easier to transport and much less costly to dispose of, as they were able to send their waste stream di-rect to a solids receiver.

MetaFLO’s patented process and technology adds a measured amount of reagent to liquid waste streams produc-ing a homogeneous blend. This high-shear mixing method, combined with an engineered, solidification reagent blend takes up very little space and is very easy to operate.

Additionally, this method of creat-ing solid wastes at the job site allows a generator to go direct to disposal with larger loads, without the need for cost-ly vacuum trucks and double-handling at a liquids transfer station. While this generator didn’t measure their carbon footprint reduction, they know they had

drastically reduced the number of hours trucks spend moving the material.

Financially, logistically, and envi-ronmentally, the gas distributor bene-fitted from this innovative solution to

the regulatory challenge.

Michael MacDonald is with MetaFLO Technologies.


Liquid drill fluids collected in a sump before treatment.

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Site Remediation

In situ electrical conductivity (EC) testing has been utilized histori-cally to identify lithology during drilling operations. It provides a

detailed picture of the soils the probe encounters. Water trapped in pore spac-es transmits data to the EC probe, based on its ability to carry an electrical cur-rent. Factors that can affect the EC read-ings include soil structure, types and quantities of minerals found in the soil, degree of isomorphic substitution, con-nectivity of soil pores (soil density) and concentrations of exchangeable ions.

PINTER & Associates Ltd. realized the potential value of using field EC technology to accurately identify and delineate the impact of salt and fertil-izer. EC field testing is cost-effective when compared to a typical Phase II En-vironmental Site Assessment in terms of the amount and level of detail of in situ site characterization data. Traditional methods of delineating impacts can also introduce costly delays and re-mobiliza-tion costs into a project. The use of EC field screening enables decision making in the field, allowing projects to proceed efficiently and on budget.

A Geoprobe Systems® SC500 Elec-

trical conductivity logging system is used for the determination of soil con-ductivity. It injects a current across electrical contacts attached to the probe head and measures electrical current and voltage from the contacts to calcu-

late conductivity. It measures electrical conductivity, depth and the rate of probe penetration in both imperial and metric units. Real time results are efficient and have been proven to be reliable indica-tors for the impact of salt and fertilizer.

Conductivity testing allows for accurate subsurface lithology By Ryan Riess, Wesley Wizniuk, Jessica Cutter and Ty VanCamp

Field work using an electrical conductivity probe and computer for real time data.


Site Remediation

Data is provided in two centimetre in-crements, allowing for a high degree of vertical resolution.

The effectiveness of using EC field technology to characterize salt and fertilizer impacts was evaluated by PINTER using a SC500 soil conductivi-ty probe and FC4000 field instrument to log EC data.

Case study - SaskatchewanEC field technology was used to

identify the impact of salt on a proper-ty located in central Saskatchewan. The site was characterized by sloped topog-raphy. Its geology consisted of a shal-low layer of topsoil, underlain by sand to 0.5 m below ground surface (BGS) and a layer of clay till to 6.0 m BGS. Eleven EC test holes were made and the peak background EC value measured was 330 milliSiemens/m.

Screening results indicated that field EC readings above 600 milliSiemens/m were a strong indicator of exceeding conductivity criteria. An R2 value of 0.95 indicated an excellent correlation between field and laboratory analysis EC data.

Peak readings also correlated very well with elevated concentrations of chloride, sodium and sulphate. The site was in the midst of legal proceedings due to off-site impacts. Detailed data led to a quick and fair resolution between the two parties.

One of the key points was proving

that salt impacts were deeper than 1.5 m across the entire off-site plume. This would have been difficult to achieve using conventional methods, but was relatively straightforward using the EC data.

Case study - northeastern Alberta EC field data was used to character-

ize the impact of fertilizer on a site lo-cated in northeastern Alberta. Historical site activities indicated the presence of fertilizer throughout the property. Sub-surface geology encountered at the site included clay fill and debris to a depth

of 1.0 m. Firm clay was observed be-neath the fill to a depth of approximate-ly 3.0 m BGS and was underlain by a stiff clay till.

In order to delineate ammonium, nitrate and nitrite impacts on the site, EC analysis was performed on 16 test holes. Laboratory analysis demonstrat-ed a good correlation of field EC to lab-oratory EC values with an R2 value of 0.85. Based on the results of EC field analysis, a total of eight soil samples were submitted for laboratory analysis of nutrients.


Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine26 | May 2013

Sustainable Ecosystems

Green infrastructure and sus-tainability goals are of in-creasing importance, andachieving them requires tech-

nical knowledge and training in variedfields. Integration of soil and trees intourban areas substantially improves sus-tainability and helps alleviate some of ourmost pressing ecological challenges.These include air and water quality, risingtemperatures, flooding and erosion fromdaily rainfall events.

The West Don Lands, in Toronto, On-tario, is a community that is people fo-cused, family friendly, environmentallysustainable and beautifully designed forliving. It has a Stage 1 LEED ND GOLDcertification under the pilot program es-tablished by the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil.

One notable sustainable component,utilized in the design of the area’s streets,is a soil retaining system called SilvaCells™. Typical urban trees in the citycore die after approximately seven years.However, Silva Cells help extend theirlife spans, thus promoting the growth ofmature street trees.

Although the City of Toronto had pre-viously used Silva Cells as part of astormwater management pilot program inThe Queensway, their use as part of site

Installation of Silva Cells in Mill Street.

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development is new. In fact, the West DonLands streets are the first in a Torontosubdivision to be designed with this sys-tem installed under parking lay-bys andsidewalks.

Mill Street was the first subdivisionstreet in Toronto to be designed to includethis soil retaining system. As the leadengineering consultant, R.V.AndersonAssociates coordinated all plans and spec-ifications with the landscape architect.

About Silva CellsSilva Cells are a plastic/fiberglass

structure of columns and beams that sup-port paving above un-compacted planting

soil. The structure has 92% void spaceand is a stable surface for the installationof vehicle loaded-pavements.

When properly installed, they canachieve an AASHTO H-20 load rating.Canadian Highway Bridge Design Codeloading can also be achieved through ap-propriate design. This is the required loadrating for structures such as undergroundvaults, covers and grates in areas of traf-fic including sidewalks and parking lots.The cell structure transfers the force to abase layer below the structure.

Soil within the cells remains at lowcompaction rates, thereby creating ideal

May2013_ES&E_5_2010 13-05-29 9:41 PM Page 26

Figure 1: The format EC data is shown in. This can be viewed by field personnel.


Soils having an EC value above 4 deciSiemens/m (which is equivalent to field screening values of 400 mil-liSiemens/m) exceeded EC guidelines. Results of the laboratory analysis con-firmed that elevated EC screening val-ues could be used to accurately predict elevated nutrient concentrations.

EC field screening also allowed hor-izontal and vertical delineation of nutri-ent impacts. These were determined to cover an area of approximately 20 m by 30 m.

Field personnel can view EC data on the logging screen in the same format as that presented in Figure 1.

As the soil probe advances, the user is provided with a plot of real time in-formation on locations and concentra-tions of contaminants. Raw field data collected from the EC logger can be downloaded at a later date to plot con-ductivity data.

EC data from the site was used to plot conductivity results. It was then used to create cross sections which transected the site both horizontally and vertically.

Results from field screening indicat-ed peak EC levels near the surface, with impacts returning to background levels at approximately 4.5 m BGS. By com-

bining field screening results with labo-ratory data, the total volume of impact-ed soils on the site could be accurately determined.

Site Remediation

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Accuracy was vital, as the site owner was evaluating an offer to purchase the property against remediation costs.

The actual volume of soils removed from the site was 98% of the estimat-ed total. This demonstrated the effec-tiveness of EC technology, as well as the confidence that experienced practi-tioners place in the data.

Case study - eastern Alberta EC field data was used to charac-

terize the impact of fertilizer on a site located in eastern Alberta. Twenty-four EC test holes were made on a property used historically for fertilizer storage. Site stratigraphy consisted of a lay-er of gravel and fill to approximately 0.2 m BGS. This was underlain by a lay-er of stiff oxidized clay with some sand to approximately 3.0 m BGS, followed by a layer of stiff unoxidized clay.

In situ EC screening was utilized at the site to identify nutrient impacts and delineate the contaminant plume. Soil samples were submitted for labo-ratory conductivity testing and nutrient

testing. Soil laboratory analysis results confirmed that high concentrations of ammonium and nitrate were reported at the same depths below ground surface, where high EC measurements were re-corded in the field.

The results from the laboratory test-ing correlated strongly to the EC field screening data and a relationship of R2 = 0.89 was discovered. A strong correlation was also found between concentrations of nitrate and field EC measurements (R2 = 0.84) and total ni-trogen, sulfate, and ammonium concen-trations and field EC measurements (R2 = 0.96).

An innovative strategy involving a permeable reactive barrier was designed based on the EC data for the site. This project was the recipient of the 2014 na-tional award of excellence in remedia-tion from the Association of Consulting Engineers of Canada.

ConclusionsThese case studies illustrate the re-

lationship between field EC screening

and laboratory conductivity testing. PINTER has proven the usefulness of field EC testing in providing valuable in situ data in real time to field deci-sion makers. Such data enables field selection of test hole locations. It also provides the ability to map the extent of contaminants both horizontally and ver-tically while in the field for the initial mobilization.

Strong correlations between labora-tory EC measurements and in situ EC measurements prove that real time field data can be used as a strong predictor of contaminants in the subsurface.

In situ electrical conductivity testing provides valuable information about charged ions in subsurface soils and clearly demonstrates value to any proj-ect where assessment of charged con-taminants is involved.

Ryan Riess, Wesley Wizniuk, Jessica Cutter and Ty VanCamp are with

PINTER & Associates Ltd. For more information,

email: [email protected]

Site Remediation


Site Remediation

In a collaborative effort with the United States EPA, Nuna Innova-tions Inc. installed concrete cloth geosynthetic cementitious com-

posite mat to address an acid rock drain-age condition at the Sheldon Mine site near Walker, Arizona.

This site is identified as an EPA Superfund site and is located on unin-corporated private land within Prescott National Forest. It is close to the head-waters of Lynx Creek and the Lynx Lake reservoir.

When in operation from the 1860s to the 1950s, the mine produced cop-per, gold, silver, lead and zinc. Waste was left in two main areas: the Sheldon Mine tailings pile and the Sheldon Mine waste rock pile. Identified as a radioac-tive site by the U.S. EPA, it was suffer-ing from an acid rock drainage problem that was occurring due to stormwater becoming contaminated with lead, ar-senic and heavy metals. This not only posed a threat to nearby residents, but also to the Lynx Creek watershed.

In 1975, the Prescott National Forest and the University of Arizona, School of Renewable Natural Resources complet-ed a site recovery project. They regraded eroded banks, added limestone and top-soil and seeded native grasses. A ditch was created to capture the contaminated run-off water from four tailings piles at various points. Due to water and wind erosion over the years, the soil cap and drainage system was in disrepair and no longer isolated the contaminants. About 99% of the drainage ditch around the tailings piles was unlined. Shotcrete had been used at the top of the steep slope but was highly deteriorated.

The goal of this project was to line the entire ditch and prevent surface and stormwater from coming into contact with hazardous chemicals. Shotcrete was considered, but rejected due to cost and performance considerations such as cracking and undermining. An HDPE liner was also considered but required extensive excavation, which would increase trucking costs to remove

excavated materials. Also, specialist la-bour required to install the HDPE was expensive. After careful consideration, the EPA specified concrete cloth for this project.

Concrete cloth is a flexible, cement impregnated fabric that hardens when hydrated to form a thin, durable, water-

and fireproof concrete layer. This allows concrete construction without the need for plant or mixing equipment. The geo-synthetic cementitious composite mat consists of a three-dimensional fibre matrix containing a specially formulat-ed dry concrete mix. A PVC backing on one surface of the cloth ensures the ma-terial is completely waterproof. The ma-terial can be hydrated either by spraying

or by being fully immersed in water. Once set, the fibres reinforce the con-crete, preventing crack propagation and providing a safe plastic failure mode.

For this project, a simple profile was excavated on the upper portion of the drainage channel to accommodate clean drain rock surrounding an 18” perforat-ed pipe for the French drain. A simple vee ditch was excavated in the lower section. Roots were removed within the excavated area and a 30 cm anchor trench was excavated on either side of the French drain trench and vee ditch.

Concrete cloth was laid in a trans-verse layout with 100 mm overlaps, along the entire length of the excava-tion. Overlapping concrete cloth is the simplest method of joining two layers together. This is appropriate for the majority of ditch lining, erosion con-trol and ground surfacing applications. Overlapped joints are compressed along the entire length, while the material sets, to ensure there are no voids between layers. This can be done using screws, sandbags, water weights, loose fill, sta-ples, etc. In this case the joints were se-cured with 3/4’ screws every 15 cm.


Concrete cloth chosen for EPA Superfund mine site remediation By Randona Conrad

The goal of this project was to line the entire

ditch and prevent surface and stormwater from

coming into contact with hazardous chemicals.

Concrete cloth was laid in a transverse layout with 100 mm overlaps, along the entire length of the excavation.

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Staking or pinning is recommended for ground surfacing applications such as ditch lining, slope stabilization or erosion control. Typically, stakes are specified every 2’ - 3’ for most appli-cations, but this will vary depending on the ground conditions and application. Stakes should be used at joints where possible to secure adjacent layers to-gether. For this application, 12” galva-nized spikes were driven into anchor trenches every 1 m to secure the con-crete cloth to the outer edges of the ex-

cavation on both sides of the ditch.Installation time for the entire project

took three days. Actual time to install the concrete cloth was nine hours with a crew of four installers, allowing a time savings of 50% - 60%. The concrete cloth was hydrated using a 14’ tandem axle trailer with a 3.8 m3 water tank and a fire hose with adjustable nozzle. The client commented that concrete cloth was easier to use than they had antic-ipated and it was ideal that they could hydrate and continue working.

Ease of installationConcrete cloth is available in

man-portable rolls for applications with limited access or where heavy plant equipment is not available. There is no need for mixing or measuring, as the concrete is premixed and cannot be over hydrated. It will set in fresh and salt wa-ter. The material can be installed by per-sonnel with minimal training and can be cut and fixed with basic hand-tools.

Once hydrated, concrete cloth re-mains workable for two hours and hard-

Site Remediation

The site’s 18” French drain. Once hydrated, concrete cloth remains workable for two hours and hardens to 80% strength within 24 hours.

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ens to 80% strength within 24 hours. It can be installed at a rate of 200 m2 per hour by a crew of three workers. Accel-erated or retarded formulations can be produced to meet specific requirements.

FlexibilityConcrete cloth has good drape char-

acteristics, allowing it to take up the shape of complex surfaces, including those with a double curvature. It will conform to a range of ditch profiles and curves and, therefore, does not require that the surface be excavated to a specif-ic profile. It can be rapidly unrolled to form a lining.

Low wash outConcrete cloth traps dry concrete

powder in a three-dimensional fibre ma-trix. Testing, based on British Standard BS8443 to indicate the effect of under-water setting, shows that it only loses 3% by mass. By comparison, special-ized underwater concretes typically lose between 10% - 15%, while also requir-ing much larger volumes to be poured.

High flow ratesEight-millimetre concrete cloth

(CC8) has been tested by the TRI In-stitute up to flow rates of 8.6 m/s. At these speeds the test facility reached its maximum flow velocity and the material showed no signs of degradation. Anec-dotal evidence suggests the product can be used at speeds far in excess of 8.6 m/s. It has double the wear resistance of standard Portland cement and has passed over 200 cycles of freeze-thaw testing, giving it a minimum design life of 50 years in a U.K. climate.

Concrete cloth is an environmen-tally friendly alternative to traditional concrete. It can be laid directly into live water courses because it uses a special-ized high early strength concrete with a limited alkaline reserve. Unlike most concretes, it is not classified as an irri-tant and is less damaging to the environ-ment.

Additionally, material savings of 95% can be achieved for a typical con-struction project. This directly reduces the CO2 footprint of construction work

not only through material savings but also through reduced road transport and time on-site. This material is used by The Environment Agency in the U.K. where it originated.

Randona Conrad is with Nuna Innovations Inc.


Site Remediation

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First Nations Water Management

First Nation communities in Canada live with high-risk drinking water systems and ad-visories, and they experience a

health status significantly below that of the general population. The provision of safe drinking water is an important objective for all public health programs; however, it remains a persistent issue for many reserves in Canada.

The Auditor General of Canada’s re-view of drinking water in First Nation communities identified an imbalance in the provision of safe drinking water in Canada. In the public report into the contamination of Walkerton Ontario’s municipal drinking water supply, Jus-tice Dennis O’Connor identified reserve communities as having “some of the poorest quality water in the province.”

Currently, some 30% of reserve wa-ter systems are classified as posing a high risk to water quality. As of June 30, 2015, there were 132 drinking water ad-visories in effect in 91 First Nation com-munities across Canada, excluding Brit-ish Columbia (Health Canada, 2015). An average drinking water advisory duration of 343 days has been reported (Health Canada, 2009).

Although Canadian provinces have incorporated a number of regulatory changes to ensure that residents on pub-lic drinking water supplies are provided with safe drinking water from source to tap, provincial water regulations do not apply to reserve communities. A complex tri-departmental federal struc-ture of Aboriginal Affairs and North-ern Development Canada (AANDC) and Health Canada, with Environment Canada serving in an advisory role, has shared responsibility for safe delivery of drinking water for First Nations.

Additionally, Chief and Council are responsible for the design and construc-tion of water systems and must assume 20% of the cost. They are also tasked with operation and maintenance, in-cluding monitoring water safety and en-suring the presence of trained operators. As a result of this managerial complex-ity, uncertainties, inconsistencies and failed systems have been the norm in many First Nation communities.

Over the last decade, $2 billion has been invested to improve drinking wa-ter quality for First Nations by way of several key policies and action plans put in place by the federal government and

its agencies. The federal government’s response to water access and manage-ment issues on First Nation reserves has primarily been in the form of directing investment for improvements in their drinking water through the seven step First Nations Water Management Strat-egy (FNWMS).

The FNWMS was a five-year strategy implemented in May 2003. It stemmed from an initial baseline assessment of the state of water and wastewater infrastruc-ture in First Nation communities, con-ducted in 2001 and 2002 by Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC 2003). The FNWMS strategy involved a fed-eral investment of $1.6 billion between 2003 and 2008. Projected outcomes in-cluded increasing community capacities for water monitoring, sampling, analysis and reporting, decreasing the number of high-risk systems, and developing and implementing a comprehensive set of clearly defined standards, protocols and policies, utilizing a multi-barrier ap-proach (INAC 2007).

Several additional initiatives have been implemented since the inception of the FNWMS. These plans were applied between 2003 and 2013 and includ-

Evaluating the First Nations water management strategy By A. Morrison, L. Bradford and L. Bharadwaj

CANADA’S FIRST NATIONS

BOIL WATER ADVISORIES

STILL COPING WITH

40 | September/October 2015 Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine



ed the Plan of Action for First Nations Drinking Water (PoAFNDW), the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan (FNWWAP) and Bill S-8.

Bill S-8, the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, was the second legis-lative initiative introduced by the feder-al government to address safe drinking water on reserves. This bill was intro-duced in the Senate on February 29, 2012, and contained 15 clauses, the ma-jority of which speak to the Governor in Council’s power to make regulations governing the provision of drinking wa-ter and the disposal of wastewater on First Nation lands (AANDC 2012).

It establishes that federal regulations may incorporate, by reference, provin-cial regulations governing drinking wa-ter and wastewater in First Nation com-munities (AANDC 2012) and addresses the application of regulations to source water, the liability of on-reserve First Nations for non–band-owned water sys-tems, the liability of self-governing First Nations, and agreements with, and pow-ers of, third parties used for enforcement of the legislation (AANDC 2012).

Bill-S8 came into force on Novem-ber 1, 2013, and enables the federal government to work with First Nation communities on reserves, as well as oth-er stakeholders, to develop enforceable federal regulations to ensure access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water on reserves.

While legislation to provide for reg-ulations to govern drinking water in First Nation communities appeared to be a step forward, imposing them with-out clear understanding of the progress towards the objectives of the FNWMS, (i.e., adequate training and resources to meet regulations), placed the safety of First Nations drinking water at risk. Therefore, an evidence-based critical analysis of federal policies related to drinking water on First Nation lands and their associated follow-up progress reports and commissioned assessments was conducted. The goals and outcomes of policies since 2001 were noted and the scope and outcomes of each were compared.

An exploratory analysis of govern-ment–documented quantifiable indi-cators, assessing the progress made

through the implementation of the var-ied policies and recommendations, was also employed. The analysis highlights shortfalls in the collection of indicator data and demonstrates that commu-nities have the technical capacities to meet imposed policy requirements. The effectiveness of government policies to prepare communities for the imposition of regulations introduced through the passing of Bill S-8 was also discussed.

Critical and exploratory analyses of the federal strategies, action plans and progress reports indicated that: • Initial strategies were primarily de-

ployed and directed at solving urgent and localized problems and overcom-ing barriers as they arose, without working on a long-term plan created through the co-direction and cooper-ation of First Nations as full partners.

• There was inadequate information available on the progress made toward achieving the goals of government ini-tiatives to improve water quality on reserves.

• A patchwork of progress indicators, without the use of any unifying frame-work for reporting, and no system for judging progress or reviewing the util-ity of the indicators themselves, was utilized to assess progress towards ini-tiative successes.

• The measured progress reported on federal initiatives was not utilized to guide decisions on, or implementation of Bill S-8. In conclusion, the analyses indicate

that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that First Nations across Can-ada are ready to implement and be re-sponsible for the regulations following from Bill S-8.

A. Morrison, Msc., L. Bradford, PhD. and L. Bharadwaj, PhD, are with the University of Saskatchewan’s School

of Public Health. For more information, email: [email protected]

The full paper is entitled “Quantifiable Progress of the First Nations Water Management Strategy 2001-2013 –

Ready for Regulation?” The paper will be published in the Canadian Water

Resources Journal.



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TOGETHER, MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF CLEAN WATER

The first time I heard about Yellow Quill First Nation was in the spring of 1999. Carla Plotnikoff, an environmental

health officer working for the Saska-toon Tribal Council, had tracked me down and wanted to tell me about it. “Yellow Quill is a community some two and a half hours northeast of Saskatoon and I fear for the health of its communi-ty members because the tap water is so bad,” she said.

She then went on to describe con-ditions that I had only associated with developing countries. I was skeptical. I had been instrumental in forming the Safe Drinking Water Foundation (SDWF) two years earlier. I had toured rural China and Thailand looking for drinking water issues that needed cor-recting. But Canada? I must admit I knew nothing about First Nation com-

How did the Yellow Quill First Nation community end its nine year boil water advisory? By Dr. Hans Peterson

The late Robert Neapetung (inset) was the water treatment plant operator at Yellow Quill First Nation in 1999. The reserve’s modern IBROM plant is named after him.



munities or issues. But, how bad could it be? We drove to Yellow Quill on June 19, 1999, and talked to the three band councillors who demanded an end to the by then, four-year boil water advisory.

We then followed water operator Robert Neapetung and engineering company representatives down to the water treatment plant. Robert explained that it was necessary to open the door of the water treatment plant and wait 5 to 10 minutes before going inside, as the smell of hydrogen sulphide was so bad. But, even when Robert thought it was okay to go inside, the plant still smelled bad.

The PLC system for the plant had not worked properly in years. Robert explained that he had to short-circuit it to backwash and run the filter. Before leaving I took a sample of the raw water coming into the water treatment plant. Not only did it look unbelievably bad, it reeked of rotten eggs and algae.

A closer look at the chemicals Robert used in the water treatment plant made me very concerned. The first chemical added to the water was Elimin-ox. This is a chemical that removes oxygen from the water in boiler plants. It contains a chemical that is a known carcinogen.

The next day I phoned the supplier and they were horrified to learn that this chemical was used in a water treatment plant. After I found this out I phoned Carla to tell Robert to immediately stop using the chemical.

Gaining perspective: Saskatoon’s water versus Yellow Quill’s

The City of Saskatoon treats its wa-ter using many processes lasting about two hours to complete. At Yellow Quill the water treatment process took about five minutes. In that time Robert was expected to produce safe drinking wa-ter from a source that was more than 10 times poorer than the City of Saska-toon’s.

Saskatoon’s distributed water con-tains, on average, 25 particles per ml. Yellow Quill had distributed water that sometimes had more than 40,000 par-ticles per ml. Put another way, if you drank a glass of Yellow Quill tap water you would consume 10 million particles per glass! The particles would be made

up of dead algae, bacteria, protozoa and viruses.

Yellow Quill’s average particle lev-els were at times 1,600 times more than Saskatoon! Furthermore, Yellow Quill got its water from Pipestone Creek, a small watercourse that only flowed for a week or two in the spring. Also, an upstream community discharged its sewage lagoons into this creek at the

same time Yellow Quill filled its water reservoir.

Conventional treatment of poor quality raw water

Yellow Quill was using convention-al coagulation, upflow clarification and downflow granular filtration process-es to treat its horrific raw water. This

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and other conventional water treatment processes may work fairly well on rea-sonably poor quality raw water sources. But, they were never intended to treat such poor raw water sources as Yellow Quill’s.

If you try to use conventional water treatment processes on poor quality raw water, some of the contaminants get re-moved, but not all. The resulting mix of particles and dissolved compounds

is then chlorinated. The water flows into a treated water reservoir where it is pumped into the distribution system. Residual contaminants remain in the water. If they are suspended in the wa-ter you will have them in your tap wa-ter. If they settle to the bottom you will, at times of high water demand and low reservoir levels, again have them in your tap water as they get stirred up.

Dissolved contaminants will remain

in the water regardless of high or low water levels. When the treated water reservoirs at Yellow Quill were cleaned there was a foot of black ooze covering the bottom of the reservoirs which had passed through Yellow Quill’s water treatment plant.

I have suggested to Health Canada that examinations of treated water res-ervoirs should be part of their water testing. One easy way of making this a

A comparison of Yellow Quill’s raw water (L) with that of Saskatoon (R) in June 1999.

Roberta Neapetung, head IBROM operator at Yellow Quill. Since 2004 most valving has been computerized.



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part of routine testing is to toss a coin into each reservoir. Then, the operator can from time to time lift the hatch and note if it is visible. This can provide an estimate of water treatment process per-formance. If the coin disappears within a month, it is time for the community to get a retrofit or a new water treatment process.

Yellow Quill’s water woesIn total, Yellow Quill’s boil water

advisory lasted nine years. Four elderly community members filed a class action law suit against the federal government and their plight was discussed in the House of Commons and covered by na-tional media.

Ultimately, two federal government staff listened to Yellow Quill’s plight and took decisive action to do some-thing about it. With the involvement of Yellow Quill councillors, the commu-nity, the environmental health officer and a senior engineer and a scientist, solutions to Yellow Quill’s water woes were examined. Ultimately a 22-month

pilot and research project was started. This led to the development of the in-tegrated biological and reverse osmosis membrane (IBROM) treatment process, which produces water that meets all

global regulations and WHO recom-mendations.

Since Yellow Quill’s IBROM process lifted its boil water advisory, there have


The opening of James Smith Cree Nation’s IBROM plant in March 2015. Chief Justin Burns is third from the right. Photo: Ron Merasty, Prince Albert Grand Council Tribune



been more than a dozen other IBROM plants constructed in Saskatchewan and Alberta, including Saddle Lake and James Smith Cree Nations. “We are very happy in the community here that we have a facility such as this (the IBROM) to produce safe drinking water for our community. It is a stepping stone for the people of James Smith and also for oth-er reserves to come here and look at our plant and, hopefully, get something like this in their home communities so that unsafe drinking water will be a thing of the past,” says Justin Burns, the Chief of James Smith Cree Nation.

Moving drinking water issues forwardIn my opinion, the federal govern-

ment has a tremendous opportunity to move drinking water issues forward in First Nation communities. It has access to raw and treated water data from all Canadian reserves. It should not take long to compare raw and treated wa-ter data and determine what works and what doesn’t.

The federal government also needs

to obtain data on treated water that has gone through the water treatment pro-cess and after it has been chlorinated. This is before the water has been stored in the treated water reservoirs. With this information it will be possible to determine the impacts of water quality changes in the treated water reservoirs and distribution system.

Responsibility and liability for drinking water quality

A First Nation community has to demand that its new/retrofitted water treatment plant will meet the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality as there is no federal legislation requiring this. First Nation communities are left vulnerable to poor quality tap water. Most cities in Canada, in addition to meeting these guidelines, also aim to meet the more stringent U.S. EPA reg-ulations. And, cities treat much better quality raw water sources.

Community members that are ex-posed to unsafe drinking water can actu-ally take legal action against their Chief

and Council. This is because the federal government signed over responsibility and liability for First Nations drinking water to Chiefs and Councils in 2007. Since then, some First Nations have handed back responsibility and liability for water to the federal government.

Dr. Hans Peterson is the Safe Drinking Water Ambassador of the Safe Drinking Water Foundation and a member of the

Safe Drinking Water Team. Email: [email protected]

The Safe Drinking Water Foundation (SDWF) formed an Advanced

Aboriginal Water Treatment Team (AAWTT) more than 10 years ago. As water issues have grown so have the

activities of the SDWF and in 2014 the AAWTT was transformed into the Safe Drinking Water Team (SDWT) with its

own website. Its mission is to help First Nations and rural water operators with

water treatment issues. For more information, visit:

www.safedrinkingwaterteam.org

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In 2006, the Guidelines for Cana-dian Drinking Water Quality (GC-DWQ) lowered the maximum al-lowable concentration of arsenic in

drinking water from 0.025 mg/l to 0.01 mg/L, bringing it in line with global guidelines and regulations. As a result, many drinking water systems that did not previously require arsenic treatment were no longer in compliance.

In the decade since the guidelines were changed, many communities across Canada have constructed new facilities to remove arsenic to within allowable limits. Since arsenic is nat-urally present in some groundwater, it is not uncommon for drinking water sources to contain trace levels. For ex-ample, most of Nova Scotia and parts of British Columbia have arsenic in their groundwater.

Communities on a groundwater sup-ply are often rural and remote. This presents the challenge of how to provide effective and reliable treatment that is within the limited means of a commu-nity, and does not require the services of a full-time plant operator. One such community is the Nazko First Nation, with a population of approximately 200. Located in the central interior of B.C., it is 100 km west of Quesnel.

Historical raw water samples taken at its groundwater source indicated ar-senic levels of between 0.020 and 0.030 mg/l, a definite exceedance of the ar-senic guideline. In addition to high ar-senic levels, the water source also had elevated levels of total organic carbon and manganese. While there is no limit for total organic carbon, natural organ-ic material can interact with chlorine to form disinfection byproducts (DBPs). Some DBPs, such as trihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, are listed in the GCDWQ. The removal of organic mat-ter before disinfection is the preferred way to minimize DBP formation.

Manganese is currently listed as an aesthetic parameter in the GCDWQ, with a maximum concentration of 0.050 mg/l. At Nazko, raw water manganese

concentrations are almost 20 times over this guideline at approximately 0.9 mg/l. Manganese has a tendency to form a black precipitate and scaling, which stains sinks and bathtubs, and can also accumulate in hot water heaters. Before construction of the new water treatment plant (WTP) in Nazko, homeowners in the community reported frequent man-ganese precipitation and required more frequent replacement of their hot water tanks.

Engineers from Kerr Wood Leidal Associates conducted studies to deter-mine whether another groundwater or surface water source could be devel-oped that did not require arsenic treat-ment. However, it was concluded that treating the existing groundwater source for arsenic, manganese and organic matter was the best long-term option. A new WTP was designed to remove the three water quality parameters of con-cern and provide the community with great tasting water that met drinking water guidelines.

Passive treatmentA passive treatment process was de-

signed for the Nazko WTP because it

could effectively remove the contami-nants of concern without requiring daily operator input or adjustment. At the heart of this process is adsorption. Unlike a physical separation process such as sand filtration, adsorption is a chemical pro-cess where a specific contaminant is at-tracted to receptor sites on the media. A contaminant is adsorbed onto the media as long as the water is put in contact with the media for a sufficient amount of time. To target all three water quality parame-ters of concern, three separate adsorption media were required.

The first treatment step is granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, which removes organic matter and re-duces the formation potential of DBPs. The next step is chlorine injection, which does three things. First, it oxidiz-es the arsenic and manganese to make them easier to remove by adsorption filtration. Then, a chlorine residual in the water regenerates the manganese re-moval media, extending its service life. Finally, the chlorine also disinfects the water and provides a residual that will prevent microbiological regrowth in the distribution system.

Nazko WTP: a reliable and low-maintenance water treatment solution for arsenic removal By Mark Burger and Irfan Gehlen

Nazko WTP’s interior view with the manganese removal vessels at left and arsenic removal vessels at right.




After a few minutes of chlorine contact time, the wa-ter passes through adsorption filters with Filox, a manganese dioxide based media that re-moves manganese.

The final treatment step is contact with Bayoxide E33 media for arsenic removal. All the media vessels are pres-surized so the water is pushed through all three stages of treatment with the pressure from the well pumps. Treated water flows into a clearwell. From there, it is pumped to a reservoir, then distrib-uted by gravity to the community.

Automation and remote monitoringAlthough the Nazko WTP has a pas-

sive treatment process, it is equipped with the automation and connectivity expected from a modern facility in a larger centre. The control panel has a touchscreen HMI that allows the op-erator to adjust many of the operation-al parameters and alarms. Instrument

readings are logged and sent via Inter-net connection to a cloud-based server (FlowWorks). This allows the operator and other authorized personnel to view plant performance data online.

Using this data monitoring service, the operator can create and config-ure alarms, which can be sent by text or email. A traditional alarm dialer is also installed at the facility for critical alarms. The ability for any authorized person to view plant data online is very valuable in a remote area such as Naz-ko. It allows the operator to consult with

other operators, contractors, or engineers to troubleshoot issues that might otherwise have required a field visit.

Remote monitoring can identify not only water qual-ity issues but also potential water quantity issues. Chang-es in daily plant production volumes can be a sign of a problem in the plant or the distribution system. The on-line data monitoring allows the operator and others to an-

alyze flow data to pinpoint when water demands changed. This can help identi-fy the cause.

Operation and maintenanceAs is the case in many remote com-

munities, power outages are common in Nazko and sometimes take days to re-solve. The Nazko WTP is equipped with a propane generator that can power the plant during power outages. Unlike a diesel generator and its associated stor-age tank, propane will not pose a threat

Nazko Water Treatment Plant.

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to the underlying aquifer in the event of a spill.

Major operation tasks include regu-lar backwashing of all filters. Although backwashes are automatically pro-grammed, the operator can initiate one manually. Backwashing reduces pres-sure loss across adsorption filters, but it does not remove the contaminants that have been adsorbed.

Once all receptor sites on the media have adsorbed their target contaminant, the media is considered to be exhausted and must be replaced. Because the target contaminants will not leach out of the ad-sorption media after disposal, they can all be disposed of in a regular landfill. The time to exhaustion varies among media and is based on the raw water concentra-tion of the target contaminant and total volume of water processed.

At the time of commissioning, it was projected that the arsenic media would be exhausted and require replacement annually. The GAC media was project-ed to require replacement every one to two years, while the manganese remov-al media was projected to last up to 10 years before exhaustion. All of these media lifespans were based on esti-mates provided by the manufacturers of the media.

Plant performanceSince the Nazko plant was commis-

sioned in 2013, data collected show that it removes all target contaminants to lev-els that comply with the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.

The performance monitoring has also provided site-specific data to help deter-mine arsenic media life. By comparing treated water arsenic grab samples tak-en since the plant’s commissioning with historical flow data saved online, a pro-jected arsenic media life of just under 50,000 m3 was calculated. This knowl-edge allows the community to get the most out of its arsenic removal media between replacement intervals. It also helps the community plan for the logis-tics and costs of media replacement.

Based on current water demands, the arsenic media replacement interval is projected to be 14 months, or slightly longer than what was originally estimat-ed by the manufacturer.

SummaryThe Nazko water treatment plant re-

moves arsenic, manganese and organic matter, using a passive treatment pro-cess that does not require daily operator adjustment. At the same time, the data gathering and monitoring tools connect the operator to outside help, when need-ed. The Nazko plant is an example of a successful plant that can be left to run

on its own without a full-time operator.Advancements in technology offer re-

mote communities access to the resourc-es and expertise they need to identify and solve problems, keeping clean, safe drink-ing water flowing to their communities.

Mark Burger and Irfan Gehlen are with Kerr Wood Leidal Associates. Email: [email protected], [email protected]

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Wastewater Operations

Wastewater professionals are well aware that de-bris has changed signifi-cantly over the last ten

years. From the bus-sized “fatberg” fes-tering within London England’s sewer system, the pending “wipes” lawsuit in Minnesota and public outreach efforts to change consumer behaviour, munic-ipalities are frustrated by seemingly in-nocent flushables.

Not only is the waste running through our system tougher and more prevalent than ever before, our aging infrastruc-ture simply can’t keep up. Undersized, original equipment is especially prone to clogging and breakdown. Gradual pipeline and channel deterioration com-pounds that problem exponentially.

However, manufacturers and waste-water professionals can equip them-selves with the right tools to completely eliminate problems caused by non-dis-persibles in pump stations and resource recovery facilities, even if legal and public education efforts do not curtail the problem.

The waste evolutionThe prevalence of wipes in the waste

stream is a relatively new problem. Intro-duced in the early 2000s, they were com-mercially marketed for household clean-ing and “flushable” bathroom use. These products presented convenience, hygiene and performance benefits, along with an appealing price for consumers. While the early versions didn’t gain immediate, widespread popularity, the popularity of recent ones has skyrocketed.

Disposable wipes sales are rising at double-digit rates and are now a $5 – $6 billion product category. Those figures are only expected to increase. Accord-ing to a 2013 report by the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, wipes usage is expected to grow 16% year-over-year through 2017.

In the early days, these “flushable” products were merely resized versions of baby wipes. They were cloths made of a stretchy, ultra-durable plastic material

known as spunlace, impossible to break apart with water alone. In recent years, most commercial wipes manufacturers switched to a cellulose substrate, which offers slightly better dispersibility without sacrificing strength. However, this materi-al still causes clogging and requires inter-vention, in order to fully break down.

Wipes manufacturers contest that the fabrics causing the most damage at pump stations and treatment facilities are

actually non-flushable wipes, like paper towels and feminine care products, and disposable wipes products labeled as flushable. However, facility operators are seeing things differently. According to a debris evaluation study by the Maine Wastewater Control Association, 90% of the products pulled from the waste stream during the testing period were not flushable. Almost half of that total included so-called flushable wipes.

How the industry can take on flushable wipes in the waste stream and win By Kevin Bates

This 2-ton rag ball only took three weeks to form around this pump, and occurred while the site’s dual-shafted grinder was undergoing routine maintenance.



Along with increased durability, this new generation of wipes comes with confusing terms attached. “Flushable” is often assumed to mean “biodegrad-able”, so there is a misleading assump-tion that the material will behave like toilet paper and eventually dissolve. It’s only when problems from repeated flushing of these kinds of wipes leads to costly and unseemly consequences, usually in the form of a toilet backup, that consumers begin to think about how that material behaves within a pipeline.

The damage caused by wipes and other non-dispersible material to pumps, pipes and sensitive treatment equipment, such as membrane biore-actors (MBRs), is overwhelming. From public outreach campaigns to smarter pump station and treatment facility de-sign, industry professionals are begin-ning to combat this tough debris more thoroughly and successfully

Wipes education makes headwayMany municipalities and industry

non-profit groups have developed infor-mation for their residents regarding what

should and shouldn’t be flushed, from hu-morous videos to interactive infograph-ics. The goal is to change behaviour and educate consumers on how wastewater treatment systems are connected.

One of the best examples of pub-

lic outreach from a municipality is the “What the Flush” campaign from the Maine Water Environment Associa-tion (MEWEA). The campaign site in-cludes a parody game show series ask-ing contestants about what should and shouldn’t be flushed. Participants are given a score based on their answers.

While this campaign made signifi-cant headway in Maine during its initial launch, evidence suggests that public outreach campaigns work best in the short term only. The MEWEA collect-ed and sorted debris from a designated pump station in a suburb of Portland, Maine, for six weeks before the “What the Flush” campaign launch, and then six weeks after. The prevalence of wipes and non-dispersible debris within the pump station dropped off significantly for about four weeks after the campaign, and then resumed typical amounts in the period immediately after that.

This suggests that, while important, public advocacy isn’t enough to protect pump stations and resource recovery facilities. That’s where rethinking the


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INDUSTRIAL SCALE ODOR ABATEMENT

Example of a simulated rag ball within a testing facility.


system itself, and the equipment within these facilities, becomes critical. Some pump manufacturers have begun devel-oping and promoting non-clog pumps as the solution to this debris problem. Understanding the capabilities of these pumps, and their limitations, is critical for pump station engineers so they can make the best possible choice for their facilities.

Benefits and limitations of non-clog pumps

Non-clog pumps, like all submers-ible wastewater pumps, rely on an im-peller to move liquids These typically come in a two- or three-vane design to improve pump performance, while still allowing the passage of solids. In order to be classified as non-clog, these types of pumps must be able to pass a 75 mm diameter solid without fouling. An ap-propriately-sized spherical solid is usu-ally used during the design and testing phase, and if the object is able to go through the impeller passage, then the pump is deemed to be non-clog.

However, wipes behave completely differently than solid, spherical objects within a pump or pipeline. Long, stringy pieces of wipes and other fabrics can easily wrap around an impeller, causing it to become partially or fully blocked. Round, solid debris does not do this.

Wipes, especially in the volume that most municipal pump stations see on a weekly basis, are just too tough and

strong for a non-clog pump to handle. This means using new technologies within pump stations, collections sys-tems and headworks facilities to perma-nently deal with the wipes epidemic.

One approach has been to try to shred or cut up the stringy wipes with-in the collection systems. A variety of products, including chopper pumps, high-speed macerators and dual shafted grinders, have debris reduction capabili-ties. Dual-shafted grinders are simple to maintain, require little to no modifica-tion of an existing pipeline or channel, and are more economical than total sys-tem rehabilitation.

Regardless of what technologies are utilized to convey sewage to the head-works, all resource recovery facilities must also take a serious look at what is being employed for inlet screen-ing. Traditional bar, climber and other one-directional screening technologies have proven to be no match for the new challenge of wipes, and often allow sig-nificant quantities to bypass. Many fa-cilities are upgrading to two-directional finescreens that can capture both whole wipes, as well as non-dispersibles that have been ground in the collection sys-tems.

Powerful grinding offers protection

Proper preconditioning of wipes and other waste through grinding before they reach pumps is the most effective solu-

tion for preventing damage, eliminating safety risks, and reducing the time and energy costs associated with clogging. Some of today’s dual-shafted grinders are now designed specifically for quick and efficient reduction of wipes.

The added benefit of grinding the wipes, along with other solids, is that it separates the organic and inorganic ma-terials. This means that when the debris is finally screened out, it will be cleaner, and the essential organic materials will pass into the water resource recovery facility.

Dual-shafted grinders employ low-speed, high-torque grinding to break down troublesome solids. As the name indicates, they comprise two stacks with rows of hardened, steel cutters that ro-tate toward one another. Cutter teeth ac-tively grab solids and pull them through the cutter stack, shredding solids into smaller pieces. The shafts rotate at dif-ferent speeds, so the cutters interact like a pair of scissors, slicing the solids rather than crushing them. This slicing action helps ensure a consistently small particle size.

These grinders employ top and bot-tom shaft bearings and mechanical seals to prevent shaft deflection or seal failure when grinding high volumes of solids, like “flushable” fabrics.

Refined capture at the headworksFinescreens are defined as solids

removal devices that have a maximum



opening in one dimension of 6 mm. Bet-ter finescreen products employ screen-ing in two dimensions, using plates perforated with round holes as their pri-mary screening element.

In-to-out finescreen technologies such as band screens, or internally fed drum screens offer the best capture of solids due to their non-carry-over de-sign. These designs are better equipped to protect downstream high-tech treat-ment equipment, such as membrane bioreactors. MBR manufacturers fre-quently recommend a band screen or drum screen with 1 mm - 2 mm perfo-rations to prevent small trash and hair from fouling membrane pores.

While finescreening technology of-fers superior solids removal and pro-tection of downstream equipment, the screening plates can be sensitive to very heavy trash or first flush loading. This debris can damage the screening panels or overload the removal systems. One solution is to utilize an additional coarse bar screen in front of the fine screen. This is, however, a costly investment.

A more cost-effective option that elim-inates this risk to the fine screen is to use a high-flow dual-shafted grinder in front of it to precondition all solids. It shreds especially tough debris to a size that can easily be handled by a fine screen. The added benefit of a dual-shafted grinder is its ability to break down essential soft organics, so that they are more easily passed through the fine screen.

This also controls the particle size of the debris, so the screen can still effec-tively remove unwanted solids.

The future of flushablesWastewater industry professionals

cannot totally eliminate the impact of wipes and nondispersibles on influent waste streams in their pump stations and water resource recovery facilities. But they can dramatically improve the clogging and ragging situation with the right waste reduction equipment. While public awareness campaigns are effec-tive in the short-term, controlling how waste is managed within a pump station or resource recovery is more reliable

than anti-flushing campaigns.With continued incorporation of

proper screening and grinding technol-ogy, wastewater professionals can fully protect pumps and ensure that problems from flushables are manageable.

Kevin Bates is with JWC Environmental.

For more information, email: [email protected]


Controlling how waste is managed

within a pump station or resource recovery

is more reliable than anti-flushing

campaigns.


Wastewater Monitoring

Monitoring the quality of industrial wastewater is becoming increasingly important, due to higher

legal requirements and the need to op-timize industrial processes. For remote operations, field sampling and subse-quent laboratory analysis of the samples is the method commonly used to obtain information on relevant water quality indicators.

Laboratory analysis allows for the detection of a broad spectrum of pa-rameters through its high sensitivity and precision. However, the costs of high-ly-trained staff, travel time, accessibility of areas and laboratory costs limit sam-pling frequencies. Sampling provides snapshot-like information, with long in-tervals in between. Therefore, informa-tion is missing on the long-term history of indicators, such as the parameters

and time scale of industrial operations and process cycles.

Self-sustained autonomously oper-ating monitoring systems offer an alter-native approach for monitoring remote areas. These combine an increasing number of sensors for detecting envi-ronmental parameters, with energy-sav-ing, but powerful electronics and highly efficient micro-power stations.

A remote monitoring system of this kind must be able to withstand harsh weather conditions, with temperatures varying from -45°C - 30°C. It must also withstand the impact of roaming wildlife, and storms and ice flow if mounted in wa-ter. It has to operate without access to the power grid and with limited radio com-munication. The latter imposes restric-tions on the amount of data that can be transmitted from observation sites and the remote control capabilities of the devices.

The remote water quality monitoring system (RWQM), developed by INCAS in collaboration with INGU Solutions Inc., is a modular system designed for continuous all year remote operation under harsh conditions. It can house electrochemical, optical, physical and radiation sensor modules, measuring, for example, microbiological stability, the amount of nutrients and salts, the presence of radioactivity and the clarity of the treated industrial wastewater.

From July to December 2014, an RWQM with two sensor modules (water and radiation) was set up in a creek in Northern Saskatchewan to continually monitor wastewater released by a mill that processes uranium ore. The initial trial was intended for a period of one month, allowing for the required month-ly maintenance of the Intellisonde water sensor. However, during the trial it was

Industrial wastewater quality monitoring in remote areas By Victor Stoica, Erik Kallen, John van Pol and Heinrich Wortche



decided to run into the winter months. This meant that water sensor data de-graded over time and was switched off when the temperature went below zero. The radiation sensor remained opera-tional during the complete period.

The RWQM power and control mod-ule is designed to support self-sufficient operation over long periods of time. A tree mounted solar panel provided pow-er, and two large deep-cycle batteries were used to ensure continuous pow-er during the night and periods of bad weather. The power and control module was configured to allow for two modes of operation: a standard mode and an energy saving mode.

In the standard mode, operated during the summer period, the RWQM runs its own measurement program, but can also be remotely accessed to per-form enhanced measurements. During the winter period, the system is switched over to autonomous mode to minimize power consumption. Measurement fre-quency (typically several times per day) and the measurement period (typically 30 minutes per cycle) can be adjusted via remote access.

The system stores the data locally as well as uploading at regular intervals to the cloud. This allows for continu-ous data access without the need for accessing the RWQM and draining the system. All individual measurements and data transmitted by the RWQM are accessible at all times via a web inter-

face which also displays the status of the system.

ConclusionsDevelopments in sensing and com-

puting technology allow for novel wa-ter quality monitoring systems that are capable of year round monitoring in remote areas under harsh conditions. The remote water quality monitor is a system that has proven its functionality during a four month trial in Northern Saskatchewan. The embedded intelli-gence offers the flexibility to operate the

system under widely varying environ-mental conditions with consistent per-formance. The radiation detector meets the required sensitivity limits for radio nuclide detection on ppm level, with effective measurement times below 30 minutes.

Victor Stoica is with INCAS. Erik Kallen, John van Pol and Heinrich

Wortche are with INCAS and INGU-Solutions Inc.


The RWQM sensor module with an Intellisonde water quality sensor and horizontally mounted radiation sensor.

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Clean Harbors provides envi-ronmental, energy and in-dustrial services throughout North America. They offer

a broad range of hazardous material management and disposal services, in-cluding the collection, packaging, trans-portation, recycling, treatment and dis-posal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Clean Harbors recently acquired Safety-Kleen and Thermo Fluids Inc., companies involved in oil recycling and cleaning services, to expand their range of environmental services.

The company’s wastewater treatment facilities use highly refined, chemical precipitation processes to remove heavy metals, suspended solids and organics, in order to generate safe effluent for dis-charge into municipal sewer systems. Its Guelph, Ontario plant manages large quantities of industrial waste, including oily water and non-hazardous sludge from a wide range of industries.

This location has experienced steady growth, with 37 million litres processed in 2014. This meant applying for a per-mit amendment with the Ontario Minis-try of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) to increase holding and process capacity, and eventually plant expansion.

Ian Culverwell, general manager of Clean Harbors Guelph, explains the on-site treatment processes and challenges:

“We do primary chemical coagula-tion, physical separation of oils, aqueous phases and solids, and chemical coagula-tion to further remove heavy metals and organics. Biological oxidation and a final filtration step are performed before dis-charge. We also do biological oxidation, which helps with organic and BOD (bio-chemical oxygen demand) removal. Our discharge permit with the municipality includes a hard cap on BOD, so we re-quire accurate fast assessment.”

As a result of the discharge cap on BOD, samples are sent daily to an ac-credited laboratory. BOD is a ubiquitous measurement of overall water quality. The standard BOD test requires a five day incubation period, so it is unable to

provide continuous monitoring of organ-ic load. With trucks arriving throughout the day, Clean Harbors does not have the holding capacity to keep industrial wastewater in tanks for five days.

Dichromate chemical oxygen demand (COD) was, therefore, implemented to estimate BOD values. COD measures the amount of oxygen required to chemical-ly oxidize organic species in the sample,

and can be used to estimate BOD. The standard method for COD analysis uses hazardous and potentially toxic chem-icals, including potassium dichromate, mercury sulfate, and sulfuric acid. Sam-ples can be run in batches; however, the test takes up to three hours to complete.

Clean Harbors required a faster method to allow them to make quick de-cisions on how to treat wastewater sam-

Industrial wastewater treatment plant adopts new BOD determination technology By Ian Culverwell, Nicole Visaggio and Robert Menegotto

A scatterplot demonstrating a strong correlation between PeCOD and CODCr for treated effluent from a variety of industrial wastewater samples.

Clean Harbors Lab Supervisor John Stockton (L), and General Manager Ian Culverwell (R), in front of their automated PeCOD system.



ples, and for continuous monitoring of influent and effluent COD. As a result of the three hour dichromate COD test, trucks (some 16 per day) were not being unloaded in a timely fashion. Culver-well learned of PeCOD® from Robert Menegotto, of MANTECH. This tech-nology, recognized by the MOECC, is an alternative COD analysis method that overcomes the limitations of the tradi-tional dichromate method. Its patented photo-electrochemical COD analysis uses a nanotechnology based approach to oxidize soluble organics in the sam-ple in situ. PeCOD eliminates the use of harmful chemicals. It generates results in 15 minutes through the use of UV activated TiO2 (titanium dioxide) oxida-tion and an internal electrode, by direct-ly measuring electron transfer.

Clean Harbors and MANTECH ini-tiated a trial project at the Guelph treat-ment plant in November 2014. The goal was to establish a correlation between the PeCOD and the dichromate COD (CODCr) method, and with the BOD5

test. Samples were prepared in dupli-cate to test both COD methods. Samples were sent periodically to an accredited laboratory to gather BOD data. Results showed a strong correlation between the PeCOD and dichromate COD for both untreated truck delivered wastewater and treated effluent samples.

Across different industry wastewater samples, there was a stronger correla-tion between PeCOD and BOD5, versus CODCr and BOD5. Upon a successful 45-day testing period, Clean Harbors de-cided to invest in an automated PeCOD system to replace the CODCr method.

Culverwell explained that, “we run a 16-hour per day operation, so retention time on the majority of our waste is less than 24 hours. Timing on the PeCOD is critical for us. With the PeCOD we can get results in 15 minutes, allowing us to turn over our processing tanks much quicker, and process more waste without increasing the size of our tank farm.”

Clean Harbors ordered an automated system, which allows multiple samples to be run in a single batch and has the capability to add a priority sample when-ever required. Another advantage of the MANTECH system is that calibrations and quality control checks can be start-ed-up and run before the analyst arrives.

Regarding the positive effect on oper-ational efficiency, Culverwell says that, “it really helps drive the efficiency of the operators here. We run a batch process, with every batch being processed on an individual basis. Therefore, you have an operator determining what the dosage of chemicals and coagulants dispensed

into the tank is going to be. The more knowledge you can equip the operator with, the better the treatment result.”

Ian Culverwell is with Clean Harbors. Nicole Visaggio and Robert Menegotto

are with MANTECH. Email: [email protected]

A scatterplot demonstrating a strong correlation between PeCOD and BOD5 for composite daily sampling by the City of Guelph.

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To address the persistent issue of asphalt failure due to water in-gress at butt joints, the City of

Mississauga, Ontario conducted a pilot project using Denso Reinstatement Tape and DensoBand alongside a control to evaluate their effectiveness.

In June 2012, on a small residential street, five strips of new asphalt joints were installed, testing:• A step joint.• Full depth of Denso Reinstatement

Tape.• Patch Master Repair.• 50 mm DensoBand.• Shave and Pave full depth asphalt repair.

Personnel from the City of Missis-sauga reported that installation of the Denso Reinstatement Tape and Denso-Band is “easy” and “quickly installed.”

Inspection in July 2015 showed that the joints treated with DensoBand and Denso Reinstatement Tape, although not visually present, appeared to be sealed down the face and held no moisture.

This was compared to joints where no material was used. These joints showed a considerable amount of water infiltration and sitting moisture.

The pilot project concluded with a recommendation “that a joint sealing

tape of this kind be specified in any util-ity or trench restorations. It appears that it would be beneficial for any butt joint.”


Denso road products tested in Mississauga

After three years DensoBand still maintains the joint. Photo taken July 8, 2015 – three years after installation.

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Stormwater

More and more large indus-trial sites and branches of the military are leading the way in the use of true

double-wall wet well sumps with leak detection for stormwater pump stations.

Many fibreglass tank manufactur-ers are able to supply sumps that are designed to withstand the anticipated chemical properties of stormwater run-off. These tanks can also be configured to handle extreme temperatures and pH conditions. Stormwater, wastewater and industrial process water pumping sys-tems often have buried sumps, and many times a specification requires them.

After finding double-wall sumps to meet the water chemistry, temperature, and the above-grade loading and safety requirements, the correct pumps, piping, valves and associated electrical controls must be utilized. Romtec Utilities design stormwater pumping systems with true double-wall wet wells and leak detection.

They provide complete system design, as well as structural, mechanical, electrical and communications components.

A naval test facility required the han-dling and pumping of wash-down water at a rocket test facility. The water was specified to be up to 60oC and contained a variety of chemicals. This system utilizes a 1.8 metre internal diameter round wet well, which is three metres deep, with true double-wall and leak detection notifica-tion via SCADA. All the system piping is double-wall and triple-wall, and the entire hatch, with fall control, is aluminum. In this case, the control panel, which handles multiple pumps and systems, is located some distance from the pump station.

Merck Animal Health needed a true double-wall system for the wash-down/clean-up process in its pharmaceutical production. The water pH ranged from 2 to 12, with a wide variety of chemicals present. Working with Merck, Romtec designed and supplied a system which

delivers the wash-down/cleanup water directly and safely to the company’s on-site water treatment system.

Mark Sheldon is with Romtec Utilities Inc. For more information, visit

www.romtecutilities.com

Double-wall wet wells offer secure stormwater containment By Mark Sheldon

Pre-installed hatches meet the same traffic rating specified for the wet well.


Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment fa-cilities are typically designed to conserva-tive guidelines set by

environmental/governmental author-ities and are operated using historical practices. Generally, such facilities can achieve additional capacity, increased

effluent quality and reductions in oper-ating costs through optimization. This is a highly dynamic process, due to the substantial fluctuations in the flow and variable characteristics of municipal wastewater.

Procedures involved in the optimiz-ation of an activated sludge wastewater

treatment facility (WWTF) generally include frequent adjustment of sever-al process variables, including: solids retention times and wasting rates, air supply, chemical dosing rates and hy-draulic loading rates. One frequently underutilized component of wastewater treatment, with significant potential to

Understanding how flow distribution can help WWTF optimization By Muhannad Bagajati

Quebec will hold its first sale by mutual agreement of carbon allowances in late September, 2015. Un-der Quebec’s cap-and-trade system, regulated emit-ters have until November 1, 2015, to ensure that

their verified emissions do not exceed their greenhouse gas (GHG) emission allowances. Emitters regulated under the province’s cap-and-trade scheme must therefore surrender allowances on November 2 to cover their emissions over 2013-2014. Failure by regulated entities to cover their GHG emissions with a sufficient number of emission units can re-sult in severe sanctions.

Intended bids must be supported by a financial guarantee. Alternatively, regulated emitters may opt to privately pur-chase the required emission units.

Quebec launched its carbon market in January 2013, and linked it to California’s in January 2014 via the Western Cli-mate Initiative (WCI). Ontario announced this summer that

it will also join the WCI scheme next year. Compliance is split into three periods: 2013-2014, 2015-

2017, and 2018-2020. In the first compliance period, the cap is set at 23.2 million tonnes per year and covers the output of some 80 installations from the power and industrial sectors. In the second period, the scope is expanded to cover dis-tributors of fuel, including gasoline, diesel, propane, natural gas and heating oil. As a result, in 2015 the emissions cap is increased to 65.3 million tonnes, and is estimated to cover 85% of the province’s GHGs.

This Initiative will be covered during a one day course on December 2 in Mississauga. “Managing Air and GHG Emissions” is part of the 22nd annual Environmental Compli-ance Essentials conference, co-organized by Environmental Science and Engineering Magazine and Canadian Environ-mental Regulation & Compliance News.

For more information, visit www.envirogate.ca

Quebec carbon allowances go on sale



improve plant efficiency, is flow distri-bution.

Conventional WWTFs typically con-tain several units of each treatment pro-cess, including: primary sedimentation tanks, aeration tanks and secondary set-tling tanks. This design methodology supports maximum rated capacity when all tanks are operating. It also provides redundancy to remove a tank from oper-ation for maintenance procedures or for reduced operating costs at lower flow rates. Common practice is to collect and convey flow between these processes in a common conduit or channel.

Consideration must to be given to proper flow distribution to the inlet to each process. Uneven flow distribution can have significant impact on the treat-ment process. This includes reduction in treatment capacity and overloading of individual process units, which can affect overall facility performance.

Inflow distribution to primary sedi-mentation tanks and secondary set-tling tanks, which vary in dimensions, should be determined, based on the design surface loading rate (SLR) or surface “overflow rate.” In general, the SLR ranges between 30-50 m3/m2/day for primary clarifiers and 16-28 m3/m2/day for secondary clarifiers at average flow. Inflow into aeration tanks should be taken as a ratio based on the volume of each tank in the treatment train.

Norfolk County, in southwestern On-tario, retained R.V. Anderson Associates

Limited (RVA) to address flow distribu-tion issues at the Simcoe WWTF. The facility is rated at 15,400 m3/day, which is split 2,671 m3/day and 12,729 m3/day between Plant 1 and Plant 2 respective-ly. Plant 2 contains four primary tanks of equal sizes, and four secondary set-tling tanks of unequal sizes. Distribu-tion of inlet flows to the primary and secondary tanks were similar in design.

The existing primary distribution chamber was comprised of a common well, with one inverted inlet siphon and four inverted outlet siphons of equal siz-es, one for each tank. Submerged sluice gates were used for isolation of each clarifier tank, which housed centre-feed column-supported sludge collection mechanisms.

The chamber was located in the centre of the four tanks and oriented in square formation. With all four tanks having identical dimensions and de-signed for the same SLR, the chamber relied on hydraulic symmetry to provide equal flow rates to each one. Inflow to each tank was directly proportional to the outlet over the v-notch weirs in each clarifier tank. With this arrangement, the clarifier outlet weirs were the con-trolling point of the flow split.

After completing site investigations, it became apparent that the two south tanks received nearly twice the amount of sedimentation and sludge as the north pair. It was also discovered that the iso-


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Figure 1. Distribution chamber.


lation gates on the south pair were used as a method of flow control to the south pair. The investigation revealed the out-let weir elevations varied between tanks, with the largest discrepancy being 50 mm. These findings point to the diffi-culty in achieving effective flow distri-bution through hydraulic symmetry and utilizing clarifier outlet weirs as a meth-od of flow distribution.

The secondary distribution chamber was of similar design but with addi-tional complications. The chamber was comprised of one inverted inlet siphon entering a common well. Four siphons of unequal sizes conveyed the flow to their respective tanks. Plant 2 contained two round secondary settling tanks, and two square secondary tanks. Each square tank was approximately twice the size of each round tank. Simi-lar to the primary distribution chamber, the design relied on the outlet weirs for controlling flow distribution. The activated sludge from all four tanks was collected via siphons to a common

well. This well hydraulically connect-ed all four tanks, equalizing the level of the sludge blankets.

Based on their surface area, each

square tank should receive twice the amount as each round one. The ar-rangement made it difficult to deter-mine the actual influent flows as all inlet siphons were submerged. The sludge blanket was also not an accur-

ate measure as the four tanks were hy-draulically connected.

There are a number of ways to dis-tribute flow, including: inlet feed gates, flow distribution box, inlet control valves and hydraulic symmetry. Relying on hydraulic symmetry, although com-mon at many treatment plants, should only be used in treatment plants with two tanks of equal size. The pros and cons of each distribution method are summarized in Table 1.

After evaluating alternative flow splitting methods, it was determined that a flow distribution box, using v-notch weir gates, was the most prac-tical retrofit solution for hydraulic dis-tribution. The existing common feed-well was modified and divided into four dedicated wells, one for each tank. A common channel was constructed with four v-notch weir gates, each discharging into a feedwell. Flow was redirected into the common channel, where the height of the inlet v-notch weir gates is adjusted to control the


METHOD PROS CONS

A Inlet Feed Gates • May be utilized for large number of tanks with minimal additional cost

• Operator flexibility to adjust flows • Low operational costs• Future expansion possible

• Requires elevation drop• Head loss

B Flow Distribution Box • May be utilized for a large number of tanks

• Operator flexibility to adjust flows • Low operational costs• Ideal for siphons

• Requires elevation drop• Head loss• Future expansion difficult

C Inlet Control Valves • Accurate flow distribution and monitoring• Ultimate operator flexibility • Flow distribution can be monitored and

automated• Future expansion possible• Ideal for pumped flow

• Expensive capital cost• Increased operations and

maintenance costs• Not ideal for distribution

between tanks

D Hydraulic Symmetry • Inexpensive• Low operational costs

• Difficult to achieve, especially as number of tanks increase.

• Limited operator flexibility• Future expansion limited

Table 1. Pros and cons for flow distribution methods.

Testing involved monitoring the sludge

blanket, pumping durations, and volumes

from each tank to confirm flow is being

distributed evenly.


flow into each tank (See Figure 1). Flow distribution checks were con-

ducted by monitoring the sludge blan-ket levels of each tank. Modifications to each splitter box were completed and tested within a six-week period.

This option was selected as the most cost-effective solution, as it cap-italized on existing infrastructure by reusing the distribution chambers and underground siphon pipes, and reduced construction time. Facilitating the con-struction required complete bypass of the flows to maintain full operation of the treatment train for the duration of construction. By utilizing the existing chamber, the bypass pumping duration was minimized, directly reducing con-struction costs.

Testing involved monitoring the sludge blanket, pumping durations, and volumes from each tank to confirm flow is being distributed evenly. Oper-ators have the flexibility to adjust inlet flows to each tank independently. Staff are able to utilize the sludge blanket and pumping durations on a regular basis, as a measure of proper flow distribution. They also have the flexibility to adjust flows accordingly.

Under a previous project conducted by RVA, another method of flow dis-tribution was utilized to split the flow between Plant 1 and Plant 2. The Sim-coe WWTF utilizes a common vortex grit chamber for both plants. The outlet flow from the vortex runs in a common siphon towards Plant 2. Plant 1’s inlet siphon branches off through a Y-fitting. Flow to each plant was measured on the effluent side, using Parshall flumes. Relying on the hydraulics alone is usually insufficient and will result in inaccurate flow distribution between each plant.

RVA utilized the inlet control valve method effectively by installing a gate valve on the inlet line to Plant 1. Oper-ators monitor flow, and the inlet valve is modulated to allow the desired flow rate into the smaller Plant 1. Remaining flow is directed to the larger Plant 2.

In summary, flow distribution should be considered in the design of any pro-cess system to achieve the design treat-ment capacity. Considerations should be given to the type of flow distribution based on desired operator flexibility,

site-specific constraints, and costs of each method. Existing facilities should consider the optimization of individual tanks in addition to each process unit. Flow distribution optimization can be a relatively inexpensive and simple fix,

with significant benefits to the plant’s capacity and treatment efficiency.

Muhannad Bagajati is with R.V. Anderson Associates Limited.



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Water Storage

Visible far above the trees, visitors and residents of Ilderton, Ontario will be guided into town by a new

40-metre tall elevated water tank, em-blazoned with the municipality of Mid-dlesex Centre’s logo and the communi-ty’s name.

Built to improve the town’s water se-curity in the event of a water main break and handle the municipality’s growing

population, the tank’s 2,000 m3 capacity is capable of sustaining Ilderton’s water demand for up to six days. The town’s population is expected to reach 5,000 by 2030 and a number of developments are in the works.

Built by Greatario Engineered Stor-age Systems, the glass fused-to-steel tank will never need repainting, saving approximately $1.6 million in main-tenance costs over a 60-year lifespan.

This savings, combined with the capa-bility to increase the tank’s capacity, met the project criteria outlined by the municipality and Stantec Consulting.

“We really focused on needs of the community 15 to 20 years out,” said Nelson Oliveira who is with Stantec.

Members of both provincial and fed-eral parliaments, as well as Middlesex Centre’s Mayor Edmundson attended an open house for the water tank hosted by Greatario. Monte McNaughton, MPP for Lambton-Kent-Middlesex, thanked the Ontario government for its $2 million contribution to the project. The remain-ing $1.2 million was paid for by the mu-nicipality of Middlesex Centre.

Peter Davey is the assistant editor of Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine. Email: [email protected]

Middlesex Centre increases water security with new-elevated water tower By Peter Davey

Standing beneath almost 4,600,000 lbs of water stored in the elevated tank.


Park fined for failing to notify of spill

Bay Meadows Park Inc. and David M. Harrington pleaded guilty to one offence each and were fined a total of $30,000 for failing to report a liquid sewage spill, contrary to the Environ-mental Protection Act (EPA).

The company operates a Prince Edward County, Ontario campground. Harrington was manager at that time of the trailer park, which holds a ministry approval for an on-site sewage system.

The campground’s sewage system had been failing, resulting in liquid sewage discharges into the natural environment. The ministry requested that the park hire a consultant to conduct an assessment and to stop further discharge.The ministry is-sued an order which required the compa-ny to ensure that there would be no further sewage discharges to the septic beds or to the natural environment.

The ministry received a complaint from a resident, stating that liquid sew-age was continuously flowing from a holding tank onto the ground, and then pooling around her residence. The com-plainant informed the inspector that she had contacted Harrington and advised him of the spill several weeks prior, al-though ministry records indicated that the spill was not reported.

The ministry received a further com-plaint from another resident in a differ-ent area of the campground who indicat-ed that liquid sewage was pooling on the ground under her patio deck. She also complained of a strong sewage odour. The ministry observed a second liquid sewage spill, which resulted from a bro-ken sewage line near the complainant’s residence. The spill had created an area that was saturated with sewage, and ap-proximately 7 cm deep. This spill had also not been reported to the ministry.

news.ontario.ca

Edmonton man penalized for environmental offences

Hazardous waste violations under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act have resulted in a fine and a creative sentencing order against an Edmonton man. Peter J. Greenways pleaded guilty to two counts under the Act related to improper transportation of hazardous waste.

Greenways was fined $50,000 for the offences, of which $7,500 will be used to fund a two-sided poster on spill pro-cedures that will be distributed to Mill Creek-area businesses by the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton.

The conviction relates to events that occurred between August 2007 and May 2012. Greenways is also prohibited from possessing or transporting hazard-ous waste or hazardous recyclables in a public place, or purchasing or acquiring any hazardous waste or hazardous recy-clables, for a period of two years.

www.alberta.ca

New site for Kamloops air monitoring station

Construction is now underway on a new air-quality monitoring site for some Kamloops residents. The site will have a mobile monitoring station to contin-uously measure air quality and weather parameters. These include coarse par-ticulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), ozone, nitrogen oxides

(NOx), wind speed, wind direction and air temperature.

The Upper Aberdeen air station will be owned and operated by the British Columbia Ministry of Environment. A funding agreement was complet-ed in June 2015 between the Ministry of Environment and mining company, KGHM-Ajax, to cover costs associated with installing the station. KGHM-Ajax will cover the costs of maintenance and twice-yearly audits of the PM10, PM2.5 and NOx monitors at the new site.

The data will be used both for on-going air-quality research in the Kam-loops airshed, and for baseline data if the proposed Ajax mine receives an en-vironmental assessment certificate and other necessary approvals to proceed. The station will remain in this location for at least two years, after which the ministry will decide whether to keep it there, modify it, or move it elsewhere. This decision will be based on analysis of data collected.

www.news.gov.bc.ca

ES&E NEWS

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Connections for sodium hypochloriteChemFlare™ connections solve failure

problems on PVC threaded/solvent welds on sodium hypochlorite dosing panels. For ball, relief valves and dosing pumps, they are easy to install, disassemble and add no dead vol-

ume. Chemline offers entire system includ-ing PFA flare fittings and tubing.T: 800-930-2436, F: 905-889-8553E: [email protected]

Chemline Plastics

Steam and water analysis systems and panelsEnsure measurement quality with modular, flexible and customizable designs; standard panels for key parameters to ensure high

accuracy and simplified maintenance; and custom engineering for unique process and

material requirements. Increase process up-time by using Memosens technology. Simply exchange the sensor, put the measurement back in service, and move your calibration to the lab.www.ca.endress.com/analysis

Endress+Hauser Canada

Flowmeter with integrated web serverThe Proline Promag 400 flowmeter features

HistoRom secure automated device back-up which ensures high plant availability; Heart-beat Technology for continuous self- diagnostics and device verification; built-in web server

for fast and easy device configuration; and certified corrosion protection for use under-ground or under water without modifications.www.ca.endress.com/5L4C

Endress+Hauser Canada

Fluoride weigh scaleThe High Accuracy Carboy-Scale™ from Force Flow allows operators to very accu-

rately monitor how much chemical is being fed from small drums and carboys, even when daily feed rates are very low. The scale platform deck

is available in two sizes and is 100% PVC plastic, making it immune to the corrosive effects of spilled chemical. The SOLO G2® digital weight indicator displays the remain-ing chemical in increments as small as 0.1 lb and comes standard with a 4-20mA output for remote monitoring.T: 800-893-6723www.forceflow.com

Force Flow

Battery-powered open channel flow meterMonitor flow through open channels, par-tially full sewer pipes and surcharged pipes without a flume or weir. The new MantaRay

Portable Area-Ve-locity flowmeter is designed for mon-itoring stormwater, sewage, industrial effluent, irrigation water and natural streams. The Man-taRay uses a sub-merged ultrasonic

sensor which is hydrodynamically shaped and designed to shed deposits and stringers for reliable operation. Watch your flow in real time! It displays and datalogs flow rate and total flow. T: 888-473-9546 E: [email protected]://www.greyline.com/mantaray.htm

Greyline Instruments

Containerized bioreactors TILT is one of the lowest cost wastewater

treatment systems available on the market. Extremely compact, reliable and robust, it is easily transportable anywhere - ship by rail, truck and cargo ship. With a central control panel and

fully automatic, it offers easy operation and has low maintenance, capital and operating

costs. Assembly and start up are simple. T: 905-660-9775, F: 905-660-9744E: [email protected] www.h2flowTILT.com

H2Flow Equipment

Chlorine emergency shutoffThe Hexacon III Emergency Chlorine Valve Shutoff System adds a new level of safety

to your chlorine feed system. Stop a chlorine leak within seconds of detection by automat-ically closing the ton container or cylinder valve. The actuator quickly mounts to valve without the use of any tools, and still allows the

valve to be manually opened or closed. Halo-gen Valve Systems are the only systems that confirm that the valve was torqued closed to the Institute recommended standard, and all Fire Codes recognize and approve the shut-off system as an alternate to a scrubber. T: 949-261-5030 www.halogenvalve.com

Halogen Valve Systems

Compact weather stationsThe MaxiMet® compact weather station incorporates all the measurement parame-ters that meet the requirements of users in

demanding appli-cations where cost, quality and perfor-mance are essential. With features such as wind, precipi-tation, solar radia-tion, temperature, humidity, pressure, low power ‘Eco

Mode’, GPS, compass, Bluetooth and many more, MaxiMet is unique in its ability to pro-vide the widest number of measurements and output protocol options which makes it easy to install, easy to use and with zero main-tenance. It provides consistent high quality measurements; plug and play; is cost-effec-tive; and has no moving parts. Contact us for an onsite review of your requirement.E: [email protected], Burlington, ON E: [email protected], Burnaby, BC E: [email protected], Montreal, QCwww.hoskin.ca

Hoskin Scientific

Product & Service Showcase

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DC decouplerThe features of the Rustrol® DC-Decou-plerTM Model: DCD are based on the proven

Rustrol technol-ogy, utilizing solid-state design and test proven, quality compo-nents throughout construction. The

Model: DCD is innovative by design, where-by DC isolation is achieved and AC coupling is maintained, ensuring electrical grounding criteria remain effective. It is capable of reducing the potential difference across iso-lating flange assemblies and/or monolithic isolating joints to well below the industry accepted criteria (i.e.,<10 volts AC rms). T: 905-634-7751, F: 905-333-4313E: [email protected]

Interprovincial Corrosion Control

Compact pressure- boost pumpsKSB’s new COMEO multi-stage water pumps are designed to provide pressure

boosts in building services, HVAC, irrigation systems and light industrial applications. KSB COMEO pumps de-liver low total cost

of ownership through quality construction, low initial cost, maintenance-free operation and superior energy efficiency.T: 905-568-9200E: [email protected]

KSB Pumps

Sample tube systemConductivity, pH, and alkalinity readings are

now possible from a 15mL tube with MANTECH’s latest cost and space sav-ing innovation. The smaller tube size

allows for 212 analysis positions in an 18” x 24” space, while 50mL tubes allow for only 73 positions.15mL sample tubes are less expensive and produce less plastic waste, making this innovation environmentally and financially sustainable.T: 519-763-4245 E: [email protected] www.mantech-inc.com

Mantech

Smart phone appMueller Canada has released a free app

that provides competitive cross reference for service, certification requests, and resource links. The app is designed for distributors but engineers and water utili-ties will also find it handy. Locate download links on our website or search for “Mueller Co” in the Apple App or Google Play store.

T: 705-719-9965E: [email protected] www.muellercanada.com

Mueller Canada

Turbidity meterFeatures of the Oakton T-100 Turbidity Me-

ter include: water-proof and dustproof housing; auto-rang-ing from 0 to 1000 NTU; simple, display-prompted push-button calibra-tion; large, easy-to read display; ad-vanced power sup-

ply management; and a sturdy carrying case with accessories T: 1-800-560-4402F: 1-877-820-9667E: [email protected]

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Flow meterThe DulcoFlow flow meter from ProMinent

is the only device that provides accu-rate measurement of pulsating flow from metering pumps using ultrasonic technology. Dul-coFlow measures the volume of each pump stroke down

to 0.03 ml.T: 888-709-9933E: [email protected]

ProMinent Fluid Controls

Metering pumpThe gamma/ X metering pump introduces

new technology for continuous and very low flow dosing situations. Check out www.promi-nent.com/gammaX for videos, 360° viewer, specifica-tions, and dynamic

presentation.T: 888-709-9933E: [email protected]

ProMinent Fluid Controls

Smart device App The App Interface for Leveloggers uses

Bluetooth® wireless technology to connect your Levelogger water level dataloggers to your smart device, running the Solinst Levelogger App. The App Interface sim-ply attaches to the top end of your Levelogger’s Direct Read Cable. With the Solinst Levelogger

App, you can program Leveloggers, down-load data, view and save real-time data, and email data. T: 905-873-2255; 800-661-2023F: 905-873-1992; 800-516-9081E: [email protected]

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Engineered metal doorsUSF Fabrication, Inc. manufacture a com-

plete line of engi-neered metal doors for underground utility access. They have been ‘fabri-cating solutions since 1916 with over 160,000 sq ft of manufacturing space. This allows

them to offer the best lead times in the indus-try. Their friendly and knowledgeable staff is committed to providing customers with the right product for their application and ship-ping it when they need it.T: 604-552-7900, F: 604-552-7901E: [email protected]

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Trickling filtersWaterloo Biofilters® are efficient, modular

trickling filters for residential and communal sewage wastewaters, and landfill leachate. Patented, light-

weight, synthetic filter media optimize phys-ical properties for microbial attachment and water retention. The self-contained modular design for communal use is now available in 20,000L/d and 40,000L/d ISO shipping con-tainer units - ready to plug in on-site. T: 519-856-0757, F: 519-856-0759E: [email protected] www.waterloo-biofilter.com

Waterloo Biofilter

Multiparameter probeThe AP-2000 portable multiparameter

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High performance automationThe portable, electrically operated Hydro-

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requirements (standard, high and low flows).T: 905-238-5242, F: 905-238-5704E: [email protected]

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Power and enduranceThe PowerPump-2 is the most powerful

pump actuator manufactured by Waterra. Pow-ered by a Honda GX100, 3 horse-power, 4 stroke, gasoline motor, it generates a 6” stroke and can op-

erate both Waterra’s standard and high flow systems to their maximum effective depths. It is an excellent choice for those with ex-treme pumping requirements.T: 905-238-5242, F: 905-238-5704E: [email protected]

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Peristaltic pumpsThe Spectra Field-Pro is a state-of-the-art peristaltic pump that features a heavy-duty, all-in-clusive design. This means no external cables, chargers or batteries to worry about.

T: 905-238-5242, F: 905-238-5704E: [email protected]

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MANTECH continues to grow and expand its business. In its latest investment, MANTECH has moved into a 13,000 square foot facility with dedicated office, laboratory, training, manufacturing, R&D and warehouse spaces. The facility will enable MANTECH to meet growing export demand for its water quality analyzers that enable sustainability, safeguarding the environment and public health. “The new MANTECH building allows us to meet increasing global demand to deliver water analyzers that are green, fast and of high quality, while lowering the cost per sample,” says Robert Menegotto, President and CEO.

www.mantech-inc.com5473 Highway 6 North, Guelph, ON N1H 6J2 Canada

www.esemag.com

2016 Media KitES&E Magazine has covered Canada’s water, wastewater and environmental protection sectors since 1988. Our expert articles are “must reading” for some 20,000 consulting, municipal and industrial engineers, contractors and key government technical staff.

They are responsible for the design, construction and operation of water and wastewater treatment systems and environmental protection and compliance. In addition to print, ES&E is also available online in a fully interactive digital version.ES&E helps connect more advertisers with these important specifiers than any other comparable Canadian publication:

Consultants - Consultants are the main project and component specifiers, and are involved in all aspects of project design and construction.Municipal Sector - Each year, billions are spent on municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects. ES&E’s readers in this sector are responsible for managing these vital systems.Contractors - These professionals are responsible for constructing water and wastewater infrastructure projects and play an important role in equipment purchasing.

Industrial Sector - Industrial personnel are responsible for wastewater discharges, hazardous waste manage-ment, site remediation, air pollution and environmental compliance.

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Print • Digital Edition Website • Mobile Custom e-Blasts e-Newsletters

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Our 2016 Media Kit is

Now AvailableOnline.



ES&E NEWSObama addresses Alaska conference

President Obama traveled to Alaska in August to address the U.S. State Depart-ment’s conference on Global Leadership in the Arctic: Cooperation, Innovation, Engagement and Resilience (GLACIER). GLACIER aimed to consolidate support for an ambitious joint commitment at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change meeting (COP21) that will take place this December in Paris.

There is much debate over whether the president should allow drilling off the northern coast of Alaska because of the warming Arctic.

“Northerners are being asked to dispro-portionately bear the burden of mitigating climate change, even as they dispropor-tionately bear the burden of adapting to those changes,” writes contributing author Heather Exner-Pirot in Worldwatch’s State of the World 2015: Confronting Hidden Threats to Sustainability.

The rural regions of the Arctic have among the lowest human development outcomes in the developed world. Re-source extraction in the region is seen by some Northerners as a way to pro-vide much-needed livelihoods, revenues to fund public goods, and progress in achieving indigenous self-sufficiency. Yet, Southern powers perceive such extractive activity in the Arctic as par-ticularly harmful and dangerous for the climate. Many are calling for moratori-ums, bans, or heavy regulatory burdens on resource exploitation in the far North.

“Imagine how hypocritical and ar-bitrary this sounds to Northerners, who see oil production continuing unabated and uncontested in the rest of the world, including the lower 48 states, where so many of the carbon emissions that have contributed to climate change have aris-en,” says Exner-Pirot.

“It would be far more constructive for politicians to work on reducing fos-sil fuel use in their own regions, rath-er than seeking to manage the conse-quences of this energy use in others.”

www.worldwatch.org

WEF submits comments on wipes and claims of “flushability”

The Water Environment Federation (WEF) has submitted comments to the


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ES&E NEWS

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U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) concerning wipe manufacturers’ claims of their products’ “flushability” and about how these products should be labeled. WEF’s comments support the requirement that flushability claims be supported by “competent and reliable” evidence that includes the expertise of professionals in the plumbing and wastewater treatment sectors. Testing must be objective, reliable and transpar-ent, and wipes that are not designated as flushable must be clearly and prom-inently labeled, according to the FTC.

In its comments, WEF states that claims that wipe products meet flushabili-ty standards are misleading and should be prohibited until standards are established. WEF’s comments also note that any resolution must include a commitment to product stewardship, which includes proper labeling that clearly informs con-sumers when the nonwoven wipe product cannot be disposed by flushing.

WEF continues to work with other water sector organizations on this issue and has created a task force of members from several expert committees to work on this topic. It plans to continue to work with the nonwoven fabric industry and other partners to search for solutions.

Building communities resilient to climate change

The Ontario Coalition for Sustainable Infrastructure (OCSI) has released the Outcome Statement from the 2015 Coura-geous Conversations Infrastructure Forum.

Leaders from 20 organizations with-in the municipal and public works sec-tors in Ontario met in Toronto. This included representatives from the prov-ince who discussed some of the fund-ing and fiscal challenges to building resilient communities. The three main speakers were: Glen Murray, Ontario’s Minister of the Environment and Cli-mate Change; Mel Cappe, representing Canada’s Ecofiscal Commission; and Gerry Lashley from Intact Insurance.

The outcome of the day was four “Big Ideas” for building resilient communities: identifying the economic benefits of cli-mate change mitigation and adaptation; encouraging innovation by municipalities; supporting leadership by the Province; and, planning and funding for resiliency.

www.on-csi.ca


ES&E NEWSAlberta air quality results

of concernResults of the recent Canadian Am-

bient Air Quality Standards (CAAQS) report indicate the Red Deer region of Alberta has exceeded national standards and four other regions are approaching limits. This is the first year of annual re-porting by all provinces and territories. Without action, Alberta is on track to have the worst air quality in Canada in the coming years.

Under CAAQS, the Red Deer air zone now requires a mandatory response action plan to reduce levels below am-bient standards. The Lower Athabasca, Upper Athabasca, North Saskatchewan and South Saskatchewan regions require management plans to protect them from potential future exceedances.

Effective immediately, Alberta will implement action plans developed un-der the national Air Zone Management Framework. The Province is exploring a number of possible options to reduce air pollution emissions, including more strin-gent standards for industry, standards for vehicles and increased air monitoring.

The Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment agreed to new Ca-nadian Ambient Air Quality Standards for fine particulate matter and ozone in October 2012. CAAQS are part of a collaborative national Air Quality Man-agement System to better protect human health and the environment. Results are calculated using a three-year average of concentrations over annual, 24-hour and eight-hour periods from air monitoring stations. If a region has multiple stations, the one supplying the highest exceed-ance is used for the entire air zone.

www.alberta.ca

Investment in wastewater infrastructure in NB

Three projects totalling $5.4 million were announced recently in New Bruns-wick under the Small Communities Fund of the New Building Canada Fund. Under this Fund, provincial and federal governments are partnering to jointly in-vest about $85 million in infrastructure over the next 10 years. Each project also receives matched funding from the com-munity for a total investment of more than $118 million. The projects are:

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ES&E NEWS• $3.4 million for the installation of

3.5 kilometres of new sewer lines on Founders Boulevard in Saint-Isidore and the building of two new pump-ing stations to deliver sewage to the nearby treatment facility.

• More than $760,000 for the replace-ment of an aging sewage lagoon in

Paquetville which is prone to leakage and no longer meets the needs of the community.

• $1.2 million for a new and more effi-cient pumping station, sewer pipes and discharge line to the sewage lagoon in Lamèque. Areas of the town that are not currently served will also be con-

nected to the municipal sewer system.A total of 39 projects in New Bruns-

wick communities will receive funding for strategic infrastructure projects. This is the first round of investments under the fund. The Small Communities Fund was announced last year as part of the federal government’s 10-year infra-structure plan for communities with a population of less than 100,000. It was created under the New Building Canada Plan 2014-2024.

Eligible categories include highways and major roads, public transit, disaster mitigation, connectivity and broadband, innovation, wastewater, green energy, drinking water, solid waste management, brownfield redevelopment, local and re-gional airports, short-line rail, short-sea shipping and northern infrastructure.

www.gnb.ca

Spill results in $375,000 penalty for AB company

Panther Industries (Alberta) Inc. has pleaded guilty in Alberta Provincial Court and was ordered to pay a total of $375,000 in penalties for offences under the Fisher-ies Act, the Canadian Environmental Pro-tection Act, 1999, and the Environmental Emergency Regulations. The offences are related to a spill of hydrochloric acid (HCl) into the environment and into water frequented by fish. According to Environ-ment Canada, this is the first conviction for an offence under the Environmental Emergency Regulations.

Environment Canada’s investigation determined that on December 9, 2012, 150,000 litres of HCl spilled through a broken sight glass on a storage tank sys-tem at the Panther Industries site in Ed-monton, Alberta. Of the 150,000 litres spilled, an estimated 40,000 litres of HCl overflowed the secondary contain-ment and, of that amount, approximate-ly 5,000 litres entered a nearby creek, resulting in a fish kill. A valve between two HCl tanks had been left open, in-creasing the total amount spilled. An acid cloud formed as a result of the spill, necessitating an evacuation of the sur-rounding area to ensure public safety.

The company was ordered to pay a total penalty of $375,000, including a $5,000 fine and $370,000 to be paid to the Environmental Damages Fund.

www.ec.gc.ca

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14132 summalogoPMS 467.pdf 1 2014-10-16 1:42 PM

years1980 - 2015

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Travel Notes

On a recent trip to Florida, I visit-ed an award-winning collabora-tion between bird watchers and

stormwater engineers.Wildlife restoration scientists say: “If

you build it (habitat), they (the inhab-itants) will come.” However, the habi-tat they imagine is not often a 400 acre municipal flood protection zone. The Celery Fields Park in Sarasota County is just such an unusually successful mul-tipurpose project. It is now a refuge for more than 200 species of birds.

The Celery Fields Park was a typical Florida sawgrass marsh, called “muck,” until the Palmer family bought thou-sands of acres in 1910. The Palmers re-alized that the peaty muck was fine soil for growing vegetables, and dug a series of canals and artesian wells to manage water on the site. Celery was the most profitable crop and employed hundreds of local workers for decades. Sarasota was, for a while, the largest producer of celery in the U.S. Eventually, however, the soil nutrients were depleted, the land subsided and the celery fields lay fallow for years.

In the meantime, just beyond the abandoned muck lands,

Sarasota County’s population and water management needs grew. In 1992, an exceptional rain flooded 200 homes in the Phillipi Creek watershed and forced the County and munici-pal authorities to plan for better water management. Saraso-ta County purchased the Palmer lands and started building a massive system of canals, weirs, drains and wetlands. They

Water I’ve Seen: The Celery Fields, Sarasota, Florida By Connie Zehr

Some of the stormwater retention cells attract alligators, a hazard that Cana-dian water managers don’t usually have to worry about.


Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine

Travel Notes

hoped to restore some of the area’s original drainage patterns, reduce flood threats and improve the quality of the stormwater that eventually drained into the Gulf of Mexico.

More than $24 million later, the complex series of gates, ponds, pumps and retention cells at the Celery Fields Regional Stormwater Facility is almost unnoticeable to the average birder.

County Water Manager, Steve Suau, and local birders quickly noticed that many species of birds were attracted to the water feature structures in the new stormwater zone. Jeanne Dubi, repre-senting the local Audubon Society, per-suaded Suau and his design team to focus on a bird sanctuary as part of the public recreation component at the stormwater site. Audubon members helped select suitable aquatic plants, suggested land-scaping methods and recommended the best spots for viewing boardwalks. Some of the ditches connecting cells not only attract ducks but alligators as well, a hazard that Canadian water managers don’t usually have to worry about!

Florida’s geology, water table and weather patterns make it very vulnera-ble to damage from increasingly com-mon intense storms. Not surprisingly, a few changes were required. The orig-inal design could not handle the heavy storms experienced in 2000.

The modified plan called for deepened and rearranged retention ponds that solved the water management problems. But the County was left with 917,000 m3 of ar-senic contaminated soil that would have been very expensive to dispose off-site. The arsenic could have come from fer-tilizer, agricultural sprays or the anoxic soil itself.

Stanley Consulting, a local design participant, proposed a landscape fea-ture that solved the problem in an inge-nious way. They built a hill on the flat site and capped the arsenic laden soil with two feet of clean fill. This expen-sive waste became a 610 metre long ob-servation point and is now planted with thousands of native trees, plants and

palms to mimic the “Hammock “ eco-system type found in drier parts of the county.

The top of this hill is so dry that each row of local palms has a built-in water-ing system. The hill is 26 metres high so it is popular not only with fitness run-ners and hill climbers, but for viewing holiday fireworks.

When I visited early on a weekday morning, the place was already full of birders and hikers, enjoying the wide va-riety of birds that had made themselves at home. Sandhill cranes and glossy ibis were feeding in marshy spots while sev-eral kinds of ducks enjoyed the vegeta-tion growing in deeper ponds. The Cel-ery Fields has become so popular that the County has added restrooms and a larger parking lot. It is also part of the Florida Birding Trail, and the Audubon Society is working on a visitors’ centre.

The Celery Fields Regional Storm-water Facility is not only a haven for wildlife, but has met and even surpassed its water management objectives. Ac-cording to the local public works man-agers, Tropical Storm Debby of June 2012 filled the cells, but there was no flooding downstream.

The expected improvements in run-off chemistry that stress the Gulf of Mexico downstream have also been exceptional. Phosphorus levels, expect-ed to decline by 24% are down 50%. Nitrogen dropped, not by the predicted 5% but by 53%; and suspended solids fell by 85%, well over the original 21% target.

This creative and collaborative ap-proach to stormwater management has now become an important wildlife and tourist destination, as well as a critical part of Sarasota’s infrastructure. If you are ever in South Central Florida, I en-courage you to visit!

Connie Zehr is a professor of environmental protection technology

at Centennial College’s School of Engineering and Applied Science.


Have you visited an interesting facility or project while traveling? We want to hear about it! Send your article idea to [email protected]

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Company Page

ACG Technology ................................... 75

Aerzen .................................................. 43

American Public University ................. 27

Associated Engineering ....................... 32

BI Pure Water ....................................... 34

Chemline Plastics ................................ 58

Denso .................................................. 33

EcoInsight Instruments ....................... 41

Endress + Hauser .................................. 7

Engineered Pump................................. 65

Envirocan ........................................... 75

Force Flow............................................ 27

Greatario ............................................. 20

H2Flow ................................................ 46

Halliday Products ................................. 44

Hoskin Scientific ............................ 21, 35

Huber Technology ................................ 23

Hydro International .............................. 59

Hydroxyl ............................................... 51

IESO ...................................................... 25

IPEX ...................................................... 11

Kemira .................................................. 42

KSB Pumps .......................................... 49

Kusters Water ...................................... 45

Mantech ........................................ 61, 68

Markland Specialty Engineering ......... 63

Master Meter ........................................ 3

Monteco ............................................... 41

MSU Mississauga ................................ 29

Mueller ................................................. 46

NETZSCH Canada ................................. 57

Ontario Clean Water Agency ............... 76

Orival Water Filters .............................. 55

Osprey Scientific ............................... 58

Parsons ................................................ 52

Pro Aqua................................................. 9

ProMinent ............................................... 2

SciCorp ................................................. 17

Sentrimax ............................................. 53

Smith & Loveless ................................... 5

Solinst ................................................. 39

Spill Management ................................ 37

Stantec ................................................. 39

Toronto Hydro .................................Insert

USF Fabrication .................................... 65

Waterra Pumps .................. 13, 31, 38, 48

WTP Equipment .................................... 73

XCG Consulting .................................... 34

74 | September/October 2015


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Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine (ESEMAG) September-October 2015

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Transcript of Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine (ESEMAG) September-October 2015