Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine May 2007

www.esemag.com

May 2007

Toronto to host ACE 2007

Halton Region’s new $22 millionwater intake project

Peat filtration of sewage

Operator training more vital than ever

Waterproofing wastewater tanks

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:28 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 8:50 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 2:27 PM

7 What have we done with our environmental legacy?Editorial comment by Tom Davey

10 Capturing stormwater pollutants in Southern Alberta

12 Engineering a new drinking water management system

16 $22 million water intake project protected the ecosystem duringconstruction, while its highly innovative design saved money

22 Environment to benefit from advocacy by Town of Ajax

24 Looking back on a vision for the future of stormwater managementin Mississauga

26 Metals in groundwater immobilized using multiple-mechanismin situ approach

28 Report finds ministries of Environment and Natural Resources starvedof funding for core functions

30 Peat filtration of sewage meets municipal treatment objectives

32 Joint BC committee takes an “integrated” approach to universalmetering

34 Stormwater retention pond filtration project saves Countymillions of dollars

36 Manitoba town’s taste and odour problems cured by the use ofchlorine dioxide

40 Recycling fluorescent lamps can be affordable and easy

42 Optimizing aerobic digester performance

46 Understanding theoretical gypsum requirements for soil remediation

48 Engineered wetlands provide community benefits and treatmentfor industrial wastewater

51 Operation and regeneration of ion exchange water softeners

54 Using nuclear energy to turn Canadian oil sands to black gold

58 Toronto to host ACE 2007 – Special preview section

76 Effective mixing of stored potable water deters harmfuldisinfection byproducts

78 Ontario’s Reg 153/04 provides protection from environmental liability

82 Operator training more vital than ever

84 On-site hypochlorite system provides consistently high concentrations

87 A new regulation to protect workers from hearing loss

88 Water For People wins prestigious award for arsenic removal innovation

90 Improving water quality nets professor the 2007 StockholmWater Prize

97 Filter offers reliable cooling water for pump seals with fast payback

106 Ontario’s decision to ban incandescent light bulbs will have unseen effects on the environment

FEATURES

ES&E invites articles (approx. 2,000 words) on water,wastewater, hazardous waste treatment and otherenvironmental protection topics. If you are interestedin submitting an article for consideration in our printand digital editions, please contact Steve Davey [email protected]. Please note that EnvironmentalScience & Engineering Publications Inc. reserves theright to edit all text and graphic submissions withoutnotice.

DEPARTMENTS

Environmental News . . 98-104

Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . 98, 99

Product Showcase . . . . . 92-96

Professional Cards . . . 100-104

Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

ISSN-0835-605XMay 2007Vol. 20 No. 2Vol. 20 No. 2Issued May 2007

68 Permastore tanks used inenergy from household wastepilot project

69 Water tank construction in adversesite conditions

70 Glass-fused-to-steel tanks used foranaerobic digestion process

72 Elevated water tanks– always looking ahead

74 Waterproofing system forwastewater tanks

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 2:32 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/23/07 1:55 AM

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:06 PM

May 2007 | 7www.esemag.com

on the solid base of the OntarioWater Resources Commissionwhich had been created by PremierLeslie Frost and run by Dr. AlbertEdward Berry for years. TheOWRC developed an internationalreputation for both research and im-plementation of huge water andwastewater projects and ecologicalstewardship. If my luncheon com-panion was not aware of Dr. Berry,the American water professionalscertainly are.

Dr. Berry is the only person,American or Canadian, to serve asPresident of both the AmericanWater Works Association and theWater Environment Federation.

For eons, the environment wastotally ignored until a few decadesago. Canada, along with Britain,France, and the United Statesbrought forth some formidable envi-ronmental pioneers such as WillisChipman, Lt. Colonel Naismith andAlbert E. Berry during the last twocenturies.

That their history is unknown tothe societies they served so well canonly be a blight on some Canadianhistorians. Too many think that his-tory is merely the unraveling of thetenures of Kings, Queens, Popes,Generals and Prime Ministers, thebattles they presided over, and insome cases, the economies they re-stored and - on too many occasions- ruined.

The absolute epitome of histori-cal neglect is Dr. John Snow, whose

findings that cholera was a waterborne disease in London were bothignored and tragically neglected.Having published and financed hisfindings, he is reputed to have soldonly 12 copies of his work whichused the Broad Street water pumpas an experimental model.

We live in an age whereenvironmental issueshave dominated ourmedia like no other.

There cannot be a child born duringthe last 20 years who has not beenbombarded with environmental in-formation; indeed the very wordgreen has mutated from an adjec-tive, defining a primary colour, intoa powerful adjective denoting ac-tivism, politics, products, compa-nies or even nations which havebeen perceived to have achieved en-vironmental responsibility.

Walk close by any Canadian uni-versity and you will see numerousbillboards calling for action on be-half of the environment. Inside ourschools, colleges and universities,notice boards are covered with di-verse green messages along withstrident calls for environmentalawareness. The number of lectures,protest meetings, university courses,faculties, books, newspaper andmagazine articles on environmentaltopics has grown exponentially overthe last two decades.

But, increasingly, it is clear thatfor all the stress on environmentaleducation, for all the politicalspeeches and media coverage, theactions of much of today’s youngpeople often fail to match their stri-dently emotional environmentalism.

There remains an appalling igno-rance of environmental history andthe realities of both remediation andstewardship. I recall a recent and

very pleasant luncheon with a sen-ior cabinet advisor. He cut an im-pressive figure as he eloquentlyoutlined political initiatives Ontario.Amazingly, he did not know that theOntario Ministry of the Environ-ment was, in historical terms, afairly recent creation, being founded

Now the environment is nolonger neglected but it is, ratherironically, over-represented by peo-ple who would not, by federal orprovincial laws, be allowed to ana-lyze or treat drinking water, waste-water or biosolids.

This serious and costly problemis most palpably demonstrated bythe 150 truckloads of Toronto areagarbage being trucked almost dailyto a Michigan landfill site - thisfrom a province which might rivalthe European Common Market inactual landmass.

Contact: [email protected]

Dr. Albert Edward Berry in his garden.

Photo by Tom Davey.

What have we done with ourenvironmental legacy?

Comment by Tom Davey

Dr. Berry is the only person, American or Canadian, to serve as President of both

the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:06 PM

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine8 | May 2007

Environmental Science & Engineering

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

Managing Editor SANDRA DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Sales Director PENNY DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Sales Representative DENISE SIMPSONE-mail: [email protected]

Circulation Manager VIRGINIA MEYERE-mail: [email protected]

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

Publisher STEVE DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Technical Advisory Board

Jim BishopStantec Consulting Ltd., Ontario

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

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

Bill DeAngelis, P.Eng.Associated Engineering, Ontario

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

Stanley Mason, P.Eng.British Columbia

Marie MeunierJohn Meunier Inc., Québec

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

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

Information contained in ES&E has been compiled fromsources believed to be correct. ES&E cannot be respon-sible for the accuracy of articles or other editorial matter.Although the information contained in this magazine isbelieved to be correct, no responsibility is assumed. Ar-ticles in this magazine are intended to provide informa-tion rather than give legal or other professional advice.Articles being submitted for review should be e-mailedto [email protected].

Canadian Publications Mail Sales Second Class MailProduct Agreement No. 40065446 Registration No. 7750

Undeliverable copies, advertising space orders, copy, artwork, film, proofs, etc., should be sent to: Environmental Science & Engineering, 220 IndustrialPkwy. S., Unit 30, Aurora, Ontario, Canada, L4G 3V6,Tel: (905)727-4666, Fax: (905) 841-7271, Web site: www.esemag.com

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

Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), the licensing body for engineers in theprovince, has introduced a new program to encourage engineering graduatesand newcomers to Canada to apply for licensure as a professional engineerby removing any potential economic hurdles.

Under the Engineering Intern Training Financial Credit Program (FCP), gradu-ates of bachelor of engineering programs accredited by the Canadian EngineeringAccreditation Board (CEAB) and international engineering graduates with a bache-lor of engineering or a bachelor of applied science degree may be eligible to apply forthe professional engineer (P.Eng.) licence at no cost. They may also be registered inthe Engineering Intern Training program for the first year at no cost, provided theymeet eligibility criteria established by PEO. The program was introduced on May 1,2007.

“This program further demonstrates our commitment to ensure that all qualifiedapplicants in Ontario are given a fair and equal opportunity to obtain their P.Eng. li-cence,” said PEO 2006-2007 President Patrick J. Quinn, P.Eng., who championed theprogram’s introduction.

Graduates of programs accredited by the CEAB are eligible for the FCP if theyapply at www.peo.on.ca/FCP/FCP1 within six months of the date their degree wasconferred. Within this six-month application window, PEO must also receive:

• acceptable academic documents;• an acceptable proof of age document;• acceptable documents proving their status in Canada;• a valid email address for all PEO communications with them;• and a signed declaration of application as per the online Engineering Intern Training Financial Credit Program form.

Those who graduated between November 1, 2006 and April 30, 2007 will haveuntil October 31, 2007 to apply, so as not to disqualify graduates whose degrees wereconferred in the six months immediately prior to the launch of the program.

International engineering graduates are eligible for the program if they have a bach-elor of engineering degree or a bachelor of applied science degree acceptable to PEO,and apply online for the program at www.peo.on.ca/FCP/FCP1.html within six monthsof their landing in Canada. Within this six-month application window, PEO must alsoreceive:

• acceptable academic documents;• an acceptable proof of age document;• acceptable documents proving their status in Canada;• a valid email address for all PEO communications with the applicant;• a signed declaration of application as per the online Engineering Intern Training Financial Credit Program form;

• a work experience summary, if the applicant has obtained at least five years of engineering experience since graduation.

Those who arrived in Canada between November 1, 2006 and April 30, 2007 willhave until October 31, 2007 to apply, so as not to disqualify those who arrived in thesix months immediately prior to the launch of the program.

PEO’s Registrar reserves the right to determine at his sole discretion if an appli-cant for the Engineering Intern Training Financial Credit Program meets the programrequirements.

For additional information, contact David Smith, Email: [email protected]

Foreign-trainedand Canadianengineeringgraduates tobenefit fromnew licensingprogram

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:10 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:08 PM


Stormwater Management

Capturing stormwater pollutants in Southern Alberta

As well, stormwater from the towns ofHigh River, Okotoks, Black Diamond,and Turner Valley drains into the High-wood and Sheep Rivers, which flow intothe Bow River.

In early 2003, the Interra Water Qual-ity Group organized an educative, inter-active conference, focusing directly onwater quality improvements for the BowRiver Basin Region. It was this confer-ence that assembled individuals fromvarious disciplines in the Parks Canadaregion to attempt to address some of thekey water quality issues within the BowRiver Basin Region. A number of poten-tial options were discussed with the focuson non-point source pollution controlmeasures.

One of the chief options uncovered,was the Abtech Ultra Urban Filter Tech-nology. The rationale behind pursuingthis distinctive BMP system was the abil-ity of removing contaminates at the pol-ishing level, with limited compromisingof flow through rates, coupled with lowinstallation and maintenance costs. Dur-ing storm sewer flow through periods,the trash and sediment accumulates inthe upper chamber while the hydrocar-bon-based pollutants are absorbed withinthe sponge media in the lower chamber.The structure is primarily made of highstrength corrugated recycled contentplastic, to offer protection against corro-sion with structural integrity.

Servicing the unit is also quick andconvenient.

Pollutant loading from urbanrunoff occurs from varioussources following rainstormsand snow melt. A listing of the

contaminates are about as diverse as theweather conditions in Southern Alberta.However, some of the most commonlyrecognized pollutants are hydrocarbons,compounded with a good dose of sedi-ment. As a result, this is the most signif-icant source of pollutants to the riversand streams.

The greatest contributor to contami-nate loading into waterways has histori-cally been runoff from urban parkinglots, streets and industrial sites flowinginto storm sewer catch basins. A selectfew municipalities who recognize thisform of waterway pollution as a key con-tamination contributor have made at-tempts to resolve the issue; however, themajority of the time, the systems utilizedfail in performance due to improper in-stallation and ongoing maintenance.

The costs of the project may also sim-ply be too prohibitive to get off theground. Unfortunately, these attemptscompromise any chance of resolving wa-terway contamination concerns and asthe stormwater runoff flow volume in-creases, the greater the pollution load tothe natural water bodies.

As a matter of interest, it is estimatedthat non-point source pollution withinstormwater flows, now accounts for 80%of the total pollution in North America. Ithas become clear that urban stormwatervolume and quality have a major impacton the streams, rivers, and lakes intowhich it flows, necessitating new ap-proaches to urban stormwater manage-ment.

Bow River Basin RegionUpon reviewing various regions in Al-

berta, it has become apparent that one ofthe most sensitive areas to focus on waterquality issues is within the Bow RiverBasin. The Bow River Basin has a uniquecombination of a cold, arid to semi-aridclimate, frequent Chinooks, which bringforth immediate and adverse weatherchanges, quite often, all in the same day.

During light and heavy rainfall,stormwater runs directly into the BowRiver from the towns of Banff, Canmore,Cochrane, and especially the City of Cal-gary - runoff from the latter exceeds thetotal runoff from all other communities.

Future commitments By monitoring and assessing the

practices that are developed within moresensitive communities such as the upperBow River Basin area, similar efforts canbe implemented within larger cities andmunicipalities such as the City of Cal-gary. Municipalities and cities mustapply stormwater management standardsor guidelines, to more clearly identifyspecific practices that are either requiredor recommended by regulating authori-ties in the planning, design, and con-struction of stormwater management anddrainage works.

The Province of Alberta (Alberta En-vironmental Protection) is already mov-ing towards a Loading Limit approach tocontrolling urban pollution in the City ofCalgary. This approach may be the tem-plate in applying this method at all levelswithin the Province in the future.

For more information, email:[email protected]

Installation of Abtech Ultra Urban Filter

within Banff Townsite.

Quick, convenient maintenance is an

important feature.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:17 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:13 PM


Drinking Water

Hershel Guttman Brett McDermott

By Hershel Guttman and Brett McDermott

Engineering a new drinking water management system

ation, maintenance, and management ofthe drinking water system).

The Ontario government plans to ac-credit operating authorities based on anaudit process. This process will involvecomparing operational plans for a drink-ing water system, which will include aquality management system, with the re-quirements of a new Drinking Water Qual-ity Management Standard (DWQMS).

In the Part Two Report of The Walk-erton Inquiry, Justice O’Connor recom-mended the adoption of qualitymanagement for drinking water systems,as a means of assuring:• The adoption of best practices and

continual improvement;• “Real time” process control such as

the continuous monitoring of turbidity, chlorine residual, and

Recent debates about drinkingwater management have empha-sized the need to have appropri-ate standards and monitoring of

not only drinking water itself, but alsothose who manage and operate the systemswe rely upon. In the context of this debate,the Ontario government passed the SafeDrinking Water Act, 2002 (SDWA). TheSDWA addresses drinking water manage-ment systems, training and oversight head-on.

One of the highlights of the SDWAwill be the introduction of a new munic-ipal drinking water licensing regime. Partof this new regime will be a requirementfor municipalities to designate an ac-credited operating authority (a person(s)or entity(ies) named by the owner andgiven overall responsibility for the oper-

disinfectant contact time, wherever feasible;

• Effective operation of robust multiplebarriers to protect public health;

• Preventive rather than strictly reactivestrategies to identify and manage risksto public health; and,

• Effective leadership.The proposed DWQMS, which is still

under review with the Ministry of theEnvironment, represents a progressiveapproach to the standard of care fordrinking water systems and the waterthat is delivered from them. Operatingauthorities who demonstrate compliancewith the new DWQMS can expect to re-ceive a Certificate of Accreditation.

Current government proposals sup-porting implementation of the DWQMS

continued overleaf...

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:13 PM

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:13 PM


Drinking Water

Implementation Lead – This role isthe key to successful delivery of theDWQMS. The individual designated as“Implementation Lead” will have over-sight responsibility for ensuring compli-ance with all aspects of the qualitymanagement system. To do that, the Im-plementation Lead will have to beacutely familiar with, among others:• The drinking water system itself;• Best practices for drinking water

systems;• The Drinking Water Quality

Management Standard (DWQMS);

include the creation of several new posi-tions and tasks. With over 680 watertreatment plants in Ontario, the new po-sitions represent tremendous opportuni-ties for water industry professionals,particularly professional engineers, totake a leading role in protecting and en-hancing public health.

Professional Engineers who work inthe design, maintenance, and manage-ment of drinking water systems have theexpertise that makes them ideal to as-sume the following new roles and re-sponsibilities:

• How to properly document andmaintain records;

• Audit principles and what demonstrates that the DWQMS is being properly implemented;

• Standard operating procedures and any regulatory requirements; and,

• Risk assessment and management principles.By training and experience, and

through their obligations under the Pro-fessional Engineers Act to protect thepublic welfare, professional engineersare an obvious choice for the role of Im-plementation Lead.

Quality Management System Rep-resentative – This individual will be re-sponsible for assuring that processes andprocedures stipulated in the quality man-agement system for the drinking waterfacility are properly implemented. Thisperson is also expected to ensure that allfacility staff are aware of legislative andregulatory requirements associated withtheir duties.

Preparation of a Gap Analysis –The new DWQMS is expected to requirean assessment of the differences betweencurrent system management and man-agement enhancements that will beneeded to demonstrate that water treat-ment and distribution facilities are beingmanaged in compliance with theDWQMS. The gap analysis will result inan action plan, including tasks and time-lines, for implementing the enhance-ments.

Risk Assessment – A fundamentalunderlying principle of any quality man-agement system is prevention. The taskwill entail identifying potential threats tothe drinking water system and the meas-ures necessary to remedy those threats.This report and the risk assessment areintended to determine the possibility formicrobiological contamination and toplace checks in the system to ensure nocontamination takes place. In manyways, the risk assessment represents afollow-up to the first Engineer’s Report,which was completed for all Ontariodrinking water systems after passage ofthe Ontario Drinking Water ProtectionRegulation in August 2000. And it’s ex-pected that the Ontario government willcontinue to require Engineer’s Reports aspart of the new licensing regime. Engi-neers would be especially suitable tooversee the risk assessment, given theirrole in the preparation of the first Engi-neer’s Reports.

Drinking Water System Descrip-tion – Before undertaking any risk as-

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:14 PM


Drinking Water

virtue of training and experience. To dootherwise or to err in any of these posi-tions is to risk disciplinary action by theregulator, Professional Engineers Ontario.

The involvement of professional en-gineers in the delivery and implementa-tion of the DWQMS and the newdrinking water system licensing regime

would serve to build on the significantand effective role that engineers haveplayed, and continue to play, in the plan-ning, design, delivery and oversight ofOntario’s drinking water systems.

Starting with Dr. Albert Berry, whowas a strong proponent of chlorinatingdrinking water in the early part of the20th century, through the efforts of engi-neers at the Ontario Water ResourcesCommission who oversaw the financing,

sessment, there will be a need to estab-lish baseline information about the drink-ing water system. This is expected toinclude not only details about the physi-cal assets – the processes and ancillarysystem components, such as reservoirsand booster pumping stations – but alsoinformation about the raw water source.

Annual Infrastructure Review –Owners and Operating Authorities willbe mandated to conduct an annual reviewof their drinking water system infra-structure. The purpose of the review is toensure that the infrastructure in place isthe infrastructure necessary for the sys-tem to operate properly.

The significant responsibilities in-vested in these positions and activities de-mand individuals who are not onlyaccountable to management of the facil-ity and the provincial government, but willperform those duties to the highest ofstandards. For professional engineers, theProfessional Engineers Act provides forthis high standard. Specifically, O. Reg.941 made under the Act describes the en-gineer’s clearly defined duty to society,and that is to regard duty to the public wel-fare as paramount. Moreover, professionalengineers are obligated to only undertakework for which they are qualified by

building and operation of drinking watersystems in the 1960s and 1970s, to de-velopment of Ontario Provincial Stan-dards by the Municipal EngineersAssociation, engineers have had a sig-nificant and positive impact on Ontario’sdrinking water works and services.

Implementation of the new drinkingwater licensing regime with its emphasison quality management will provide acontinuing opportunity for engineers toprovide expert advice and assistance onmatters related to drinking water supply.

Municipalities can be assured that,when the DWQMS comes into effectlater this year, professional engineerswill be ready to take on the key roles toassure drinking water systems are de-signed, operated, and managed in thebest interests of the people of Ontario.

Hershel Guttman, M.Eng., P.Eng., is aprincipal at R.V. Anderson Associates

Limited and chair of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers’ Safe

Water Task Force.Brett McDermott, M.A., is a policy analyst at the Ontario Society of

Professional Engineers.Contact: [email protected]

O. Reg. 941 made under the Act describes

the engineer’s clearly defined duty to society,

and that is to regard dutyto the public welfare

as paramount.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:18 PM


$ 22 Million contract for raw water intake incorporates innovation and new technology

at the shoreline. The initial design con-cept envisioned a tunnel starting at thesite of the treatment plant and ending atthe intake. This concept required a verydeep shaft at the plant, a second deepshaft at the lake, and construction of ariser shaft at the intake location that hadto be bored under 17 metres of water.The tunnel would run for more thanthree kilometres from the plant to the in-take and had to use gravity flow andallow for frictional losses. The depths ofboth the initial design concept and thefinal design eliminated the possibility ofconstruction by open cut method onshore.

RedesignA design change proposed by the

C&M McNally team suggested con-structing most of the intake’s lakesidesection as a trenched pipeline. This de-sign would allow a shallower tunnel, re-duced depth of the shafts at the plant andlakeshore sites, and a connecting verti-cal shaft to be drilled in much shallowerwater, thereby eliminating drilling ashaft in deep water at the inlet. Thischange resulted in significant construc-tion cost savings and a shortened con-struction schedule. Despite theadvantages of the pipeline option, prox-imity to Petro Canada’s shipping pier re-quired any marine pipeline to be buried

When designers speak of rawwater intakes for water pu-rification plants, the Bur-loak intake tunnel may

come to mind as a project characterizedby innovative engineering and productapplications that advanced the know-ledge of marine pipeline construction.

Halton Region’s $22 million design-build contract to draw water from LakeOntario to the new 240 ML/d BurloakWater Purification Plant in Oakville,Ontario, differed from the conventionaldesign and tender approach. The projectwas awarded to the design/build team ofC&M McNally Engineering Corpor-ation, marine contractor Dean Cons-truction Company Limited, andconsulting engineer R.V. Anderson As-sociates Limited for its innovative alter-native that differed significantly fromthe initial design concept. Halton Regionhired Associated Engineering (Ont.) Ltd.for the design review, but the design forthe project was developed by the con-tractors and R.V. Anderson. The newplant will provide drinking water fromLake Ontario for the municipalities ofOakville, Burlington, and some areas ofMilton.

The environmental assessment for theproject determined that there was no ac-ceptable location for a pumping station

below the lakebed so that it would notbe damaged by ship anchors. Since thelakebed is exposed bedrock, blastingwas required to prepare the trench.

Dean Construction was concernedabout constructing and protecting thepipeline where it crossed the shoreline,and Conservation Halton had concernsabout near shore spawning beds and therisk of erosion where the trench wouldcross the breaking wave zone. The con-tractors decided to tunnel the first 320metres of the lake pipeline to avoid dis-turbing the shoreline or near shorelakebed. This decision also allowed con-struction of a riser shaft that connectedthe pipeline to the tunnel in five metresof water rather than the 17 metres pro-posed to connect the tunnel to an intakeshaft in the preliminary concept.

The gravity flow-based intake is acombination of tunnel and concretepressure pipe designed to last a hundredyears. The tunnel extends for 1.7 kilo-metres from the lakeshore shaft to theplant, and the concrete pressure pipelineextends for 1.4 kilometres into the lake.The concept for the riser shaft was de-veloped by Dean Construction, and R.V.Anderson worked with them to prepareits detailed design. The concrete cylin-der pressure pipe used for the marinepipeline was produced by Munro Con-

By Tom Richardson and Jim Tully

Pumping unit designed in bulkhead to give the desired pressure differential between the pipeline interior and surrounding

marine environment to pull pipe together. Photo provided by Dean Construction Company Limited.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:14 PM


crete Products Ltd. to American WaterWorks Association specification C301Prestressed Concrete Pressure Pipe,Steel Cylinder Type, for Water and OtherLiquids.

To produce concrete pressure pipe, awatertight steel cylinder with steel belland spigot rings is fabricated, then con-crete is cast on the inside and outside ofthe steel cylinder. Once cured, the con-crete pipe surface is wrapped with pre-stressing wire and then coated withmortar. The marine pipe units weredrawn together and joints tested using atechnology application new to Canadacalled the H&R Hydro-Pull. MunroConcrete. supplied 1100 metres of sixmetre-long, 1800 mm diameter C301concrete pressure pipe and fittings. Theycustom-designed the precast chamber atthe top of the riser shaft with bell andspigot joints, in collaboration with R.V.Anderson.

TunnelConstruction of the intake began with

a 12-metre diameter by 15-metre deepentry shaft sited 30 metres north of thelakeshore in the Town of Oakville’sSouth Shell Park. The shaft was sunk bybreaking the Queenston shale with a hoeram. The wall of the shaft was stabilizedwith 200 millimetres of pneumaticallyapplied concrete, after each successivefive-metre lift. The shaft was used tolaunch the tunnel-boring machine(TBM) for both the north and lakesidetunnel headings.

The first tunnel heading set off in anorthward direction toward the site ofthe new plant. The diameter of the tun-nel bore was 3 metres, and C & M Mc-

Nally used their patented roof supportsystem to ensure stability. Six temporaryalignment holes (400 mm diameter)were drilled along the tunnel route to ex-haust air, and to supply concrete for thetunnel lining. A Model 104121A Rob-bins main beam TBM was used to borethe northern tunnel in just over ninemonths. The tunnel reached depths of 23metres along the route of the alignment.

A second shaft was excavated at thetreatment plant site while tunneling wasunderway. The shaft was 23 metres in di-ameter for the first 6 metres of excava-tion and 20 metres in diameter for thenext 19 metres. The shaft served as anexit shaft for the TBM, and will be usedfor the plant’s low lift pumping station,awarded under separate contract.

When construction of the riser shaftwas completed, the same tunnel boringmachine was moved back to the SouthShell Park shaft to bore a three-metretunnel, 320 metres under the lakebed tothe intermediate riser shaft. At the com-pletion of boring, the TBM was backedout of the tunnel into the access shaftand removed from the site.

Intermediate riser shaftWhile C & M McNally was boring

the tunnel to the north, Dean Construc-tion began work on the riser shaft andmarine pipeline. The first task was todrill a 3.5-metre diameter vertical shaft,10 metres into the lakebed from the deckof the jack-up barge. Known as the In-termediate Riser Shaft, this structurewould form the connection between themarine pipeline and the tunnel. Deanfabricated a custom core bit, completewith airlift and rock breakers to snap off

Water Supply

sections of core, as the shaft was beingdrilled. The core bit was also used to ex-cavate the first ten metres of the pipelinetrench with overlapping bores to create asecant trench to avoid blasting directlybeside the riser shaft.

The riser shaft consists of a sectionof 1800 mm diameter concrete pressurepipe installed vertically into the boredshaft. The bottom of the vertical pipestopped above the elevation of the ob-vert of the tunnel that would be boredlater. The annular space between thepipe and the drilled shaft was filled withtremie concrete. A custom precast cham-ber was required to house temporaryshaft plugs and chamber cover, and con-nect the shaft to the marine pipeline. Theprecast chamber was connected to thevertical unit of concrete pressure pipe.This custom chamber piece uses con-crete pressure pipe joints for sealing theplugs and cap and making the connec-tion between the vertical shaft and ma-rine pipeline.

Two levels of protection were pro-vided in the design of the chamber pieceto prevent the tunnel operation frombeing flooded. Two separate plugs wereincorporated into the bottom of the pre-cast chamber using two nested plugs ofdiffering diameters that used the sealingbell and spigot rings of the concretepressure pipe. Once the plugs were inplace, the seals were tested for leakagewith a temporary standpipe connection.

Within two metres of the riser shaft,the tunnel boring machine was haltedand two small holes were drilled fromthe tunnel into the shaft to allow the


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:15 PM


water to drain from the plugged shaft ina controlled manner and to check thatthe seals were holding. When the waterhad drained from the shaft, the TBMwas advanced through the bottom of theshaft to connect it to the tunnel.

The precast chamber was finishedslightly above the level of the lake bot-tom with a second, specially-designedcap that accommodated an access holeto the riser shaft. In addition, the designincluded duckbill checkvalves (one-wayrubber valves) that allow trapped air inthe riser to escape into the lake to avoidbuild up of an air pocket. Once the risershaft was in place, installation of thepressure pipe began.

Marine pipelineDean Construction fabricated and in-

stalled a traveling twin tower drill plat-form on the jack-up barge to drill theholes for the explosive charges needed

for excavating the trench for thepipeline. The position of each explosivehole was set using a GPS receivermounted on top of each tower. Using aGPS, each drill hole was located withina 20 cm level of accuracy. The holeswere drilled along each side of thetrench at two-metre intervals over alength of 16 metres. Generally, one dayof favourable weather conditions was re-quired to drill, load and blast each 16-metre length.

Two barges are being used through2007 for most of the installation of thepipeline. The drill barge precedes the ex-cavation and pipe-laying barge by ap-proximately 300 metres. Crushed stoneis placed in the bed of the trench and thepipe lowered by cable. A diver guidesthe pipe home and completes the con-nection of the bell and spigot using apatented technology called Hydro-Pull.

Once in place, the pipe is covered bycrushed stone to the elevation of thelakebed.

The Hydro-PullMunro Concrete worked with Dane

Hancock, of H&R Hydro-Pull in FortLauderdale, Florida, to introduce thetechnology to Canada for homing unitsof concrete pressure pipe in a marine en-vironment. Hydro-Pull technology takesadvantage of the incompressibility ofwater where an extremely small changein volume can create large pressurechanges.

The pipe to be added to the pipelinehas a sealed bulkhead attached on theopposite end of the joint to be made.Contained within this bulkhead is apumping unit designed to give the de-sired pressure differential between thepipeline interior and surrounding marineenvironment. When the pipe is loweredinto position and close to the existingpipe to which it would be connected, thespecial pumping unit is activated. Thiscreates a hydrodynamic flow throughthe open end of the pipe and the attachedbulkhead pumping unit, which reducesthe pressure inside the pipe. As the pipemoves closer to the pipeline, the differ-ential pressure continues to rise. The hy-drodynamic flow through the open jointalso helps to flush the bell and spigotand remove any debris from the fittingsand gasket.

When 100 percent gasket contact isreached, the pressure differential be-tween the inside of the pipe and the out-side of the pipe rises to around 20 to 24in/hg. To complete the insertion of thespigot into the bell, the only amount ofwater that needs to be removed is thecross sectional area times the depth ofthe joint. With the amount of waterbeing pumped, jointing times are 4 to 6seconds. Since jointing takes only a fewseconds, considerable time can be savedover traditional methods of homing pipein a marine environment. The diverneeds only to direct the placement of thejoint with the equipment supporting thepipe. Since the pressure differential canbe monitored on deck, the joint integrityof the pipe added – and all previousjoints installed – is known as soon as thejoint is made.

Because the pressure outside of thepipe is greater than that inside, the gas-ket experiences a net force in the oppo-site direction of the frictional forceduring gasket compression. These op-posing forces help to stabilize the gas-

Water Supply

TBM removal after breakthrough at Burloak Shaft.

Photo by Tom Richardson, R.V. Anderson Associates Limited.


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:15 PM


Water Supply

ket and reduce the possibility of a gasketbeing displaced from its seat. Once thepipe is properly supported on the bed-ding, the pumping unit is turned offwhich equalizes the pressure inside thepipe with the outside pressure. The bulk-head is then removed and placed on thenext pipe to be installed.

Nothing needs to be added to anypipe before it arrives and any standardconcrete pressure pipe joint can be used.Before the pipe is to be submerged, achain binder is installed around the pipe.This chain has two chain tails at springline on either side of the pipe to whichthe Hydro-Pull bulkhead is attached.The chain binders and bulkhead are re-moved by the diver, then used on thenext pipes to be installed.

Raw water inletAt the end of the pipeline, a precast

concrete elbow will be attached to thelast unit bending toward the surface. The6.8 metre diameter x 3.5 metre tall pre-

cast concrete intake structure is beingconstructed in Hamilton Harbour byDean Construction and will be trans-ported to the end of the pipe where itwill be lowered into position and joinedat the elbow. The connection will beburied so that all that can be seen is theupright intake that looks somewhat likea mushroom cap. Water will be drawninto the pipe through stainless steel trashscreens. Following the length of thepipeline will be four 75 mm diameterPVC pipes that will be used for chlori-nating the intake to discourage zebramussels and also enabling sampling ofthe quality of the raw water.

Environmental considerations and measures taken

Securing the necessary permits andapprovals from the Department of Fish-eries and Oceans, Ontario Ministry ofNatural Resources and ConservationHalton to accommodate the need forblasting was a formidable task. Con-

cerns of these agencies were settled withthe application of a combination of tech-nology, design of the project itself, andtiming of construction of the pipelineand riser shaft.

The greatest concern was the extentof fish kill during blasting operations.Mitigating measures included placing aconcrete vibrator inside a steel pipe tofrighten fish from the blast area. On-board scanners were used to time theblasts when no fish were detectable inthe blast zone.

A unique air curtain was devised toenclose the blast zone in a wall of bub-bles that reduced the overpressure shockwaves from the blast, and at the sametime reduced the amount of turbidity byup to 50 percent outside of the curtain,depending upon wind and wave condi-tions. The air curtain is expensive to op-erate and difficult to place. Thecontractor may attempt to lower its fre-quency of use, if it becomes apparentthat very low numbers of fish are beingkilled by the blasts.

Construction of the raw water intakebegan in September 2005 and will endin December 2007 to coincide withcompletion of construction of the waterpurification plant that began in April2006.

Tom Richardson, P.Eng. is with R.V. Anderson Associates Limited.

Contact: [email protected] Tully, P.Eng. is with Munro

Concrete Products Ltd., Contact:[email protected]

Riser shaft chamber piece being prepared on deck for placement in lake.

Dean fabricated a custom core bit to snap off sections of core, as the shaft was

being drilled.

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:19 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:16 PM


Environment to benefit from advocacy by Town of Ajax

Wastewater

limitations of the existing outfall/dif-fuser, clearly signal that further studiesand assessment are needed to addresskey environmental concerns and the im-pacts of such a large-scale project. TheTown will work with the Regions to en-sure the project is implemented in accor-dance with the Minister's order.

The Town has been working with theRegions since November 2005. The Re-gions requested that the Water PollutionControl Plant (WPCP) operate at a ratedcapacity of 630 million litres per day(MLD). The Minister's order says that theRegions must not operate the WPCP at arated capacity above 520 MLD. No ap-proval to operate above 540 MLD will begranted until the outfall EA is complete.

The Regions requested continued useof an effluent compliance limit for phos-phorus of 1 milligram per litre (mg/L)but the Minister's Order was revised toachieve an objective of 0.6 mg/L withina compliance limit of 0.8 mg/L for phos-phorus.

The Regions previously had no com-

As a direct result of due dili-gence by the Town of Ajaxalong with concerned envi-ronmental groups, the Duff-

ins Creek Water Pollution Control PlantExpansion (also known as the Big Pipeproject) will be subject to additionalemission controls, project design and op-erational requirements.

In making her decision, LaurelBroten, Ontario Minister of the Environ-ment, agreed with the Town that there re-mained outstanding concerns notaddressed in the original EnvironmentalStudy Report (ESR) filed by the Regionsof York and Durham. These covered po-tential odour impacts and the feasibilityof extending the end of the Big Pipe fur-ther into Lake Ontario; it is currently onekm in length.

Despite not ordering an IndividualEnvironmental Assessment (EA), the listof conditions is very comprehensive. Thenew conditions that the Minister is im-posing, including the immediate com-mencement of an EA to address the

mitment to conduct an EA to expand theWPCP outfall/diffuser further into LakeOntario to avoid nearshore contamina-tion. The Minister's response was that theRegions must initiate a new EA withinsix weeks of obtaining all approvals forthe WPCP expansion and provide a com-prehensive timeline for this EA process.Construction of the preferred outcome ofthe EA must begin within one year ofnecessary approvals.

In response to the Regions requestingcontinued use of the existing limit of 420kilograms of phosphorus per day, theMinister's Order revised the limit onphosphorus loading during the interimperiod, prior to outfall extension, to amaximum average of 311 kg/day on anannual basis, although the phosphorusloading compliance limit will remain420 kg/day.

The Regions have committed to takepart in a number of initiatives to helpmanage phosphorus and algae.

Other Minister's Orders were that,within six months of the decision, theRegions should design and implement arevised approach regarding monitoring,evaluating and controlling emissionsfrom the WPCP, including a revisedodour management plan and an odourcomplaint log.

The WPCP is located on the border ofPickering and Ajax and is expected tohandle sewage from up to 1.3 millionpeople in both York and Durham Re-gions.

In addition to addressing environmen-tal issues associated with the WPCP, theTown is developing a five year plan toimplement measures that will effectivelytreat storm runoff from Ajax lands beforeit enters Lake Ontario and curb potentiallocal sources of contaminants. The firststep is to complete detailed monitoringand analyses of Duffins Creek, Car-ruthers Creek and the Lake Ontarioshoreline; this is currently being con-ducted by the Town, the Region ofDurham, and the Toronto and RegionConservation Authority (TRCA). The ob-jective of the program is to conduct andassess appropriate samples, identifysources of contaminants, and determineeffective treatment measures.

ES&E May:2007 5/23/07 3:45 PM


Looking back on a vision for the future ofstormwater management in Mississauga

zens both new and old to the area. I re-member taking photographs ofCooksville Creek for a group presenta-tion. The valley was forested and de-serted farms were littered with old farmimplements and overgrown with grassand scrub.

I left Cooksville in 1973.When I cameback thirty-four years later I saw a dif-ferent Mississauga. At first glance it is acity of sprawling growth with vast areasof development. Cooksville Creek is nowat the City Centre. The once desertedfarms are now residential subdivisions,shopping centres and industrial com-plexes. There is an amazing downtowncore of modern skyscrapers.

A closer look reveals that this growthis not random. It has been carefullyplanned and executed to preserve the as-pects of community that have alwaysbeen valued here. Cooksville Creek is

When I was a young lad Ilived in a new subdivisionnot far from the EtobicokeCreek. Today the creek

forms the border between two ofCanada’s largest cities, Toronto and Mis-sissauga. My friends and I would spendhours playing in Silverthorne’s Bush andwould often drink from a natural creekside spring. One year we were luckyenough to see the creek at springbreakup. This was before the flood con-trol structures were built upstream andwe could stand on the old bridge andwatch blocks of ice, the size of trucks,race past just inches below our feet.

In 1972 I moved to Cooksville, myfirst home as a married man. NearbyStreetsville, with its young Mayor HazelMcCallion, helped us maintain our com-petitive spirit in Cooksville as the amal-gamated City of Mississauga was beingcontemplated.

Amalgamation and record growth didhappen. The deserted farms of my youthwere becoming new subdivisions. Ijoined a local group known as “Save OurTrees and Streams” to lobby for sustain-able growth. The group included con-sulting engineers, drainage specialists,environmentalists, politicians and citi-

still forested and flows much as it did inthe past. I find myself standing in a chil-dren’s playground just west of the CityCentre, overlooking a natural wetlandarea. In the near distance the city’s tallestresidential landmark tower is under con-struction at One Park Tower. A shortwalk beyond is the clock tower of CityHall and all of the amenities of a mod-ern and vibrant community.

Since 1978, Mississauga has had thesame Mayor. Hazel McCallion’s long-term vision has allowed the city to growwithout some of the pains seen in othercities of this size. There is an urban leg-end amongst sewer contractors thatclaims Hazel instructed her designers toestimate the diameter needed for sewersand then double it to satisfy futuregrowth. Just as the 1954 storm HurricaneHazel changed the way stormwater ismanaged in Canada, Mississauga’s “Hur-

1700 mm diameter CSP stormwater detention tank below

One Park Tower.

One Park

Tower under

construction, and

the Clock Tower

Mississauga

City Hall.

By David J. Penny

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:22 PM


ricane Hazel” took it to the next level.Mississauga continues to have some ofthe most stringent stormwater manage-ment requirements in Canada. All newconstruction must detain runoff in orderto maintain predevelopment flow levelsand thus minimize flooding, erosion,pollution and other issues. This hascalled for creative designs involving onsite temporary storage of stormwater.

One Park Tower is a superb exampleof creative design in stormwater man-agement from top to bottom. As is thecase with many of the world’s most spec-tacular landmark structures, Gargoylesstand on guard near the top of this 38storey architectural masterpiece. Tradi-tionally these waterspouts direct wateraway from the building they are designedto protect but here the water is caught inrooftop gardens where it is detained forperiods of its descent. Eventually thewater reaches ground level where it is di-rected with surface runoff into under-ground stormwater detention tanks,made of large diameter corrugated steelpipe. Water control devices on thesetanks slowly release the stormwater intothe city’s storm sewer system at the pre-development rate.

By managing stormwater at all levelsa relatively small footprint for develop-ment can be maintained while maintain-ing the stringent drainage requirementsof the city. A smaller development foot-print allows the residents of the tower toenjoy the closeness to the amenities ofthe community and the controlleddrainage system helps to protect the treesand streams that bring nature to an urbanenvironment.

The Stormwater Management Planfor One Park Tower was developed byEarth Tech Canada Inc. for the project’sdeveloper, Daniels Corporation. Thechallenge was to create a high-densityresidential development on 1.57 hectaresof land within the Cooksville Creek wa-tershed. In accordance with a City Coun-cil resolution, stormwater managementwas required for the site and proposeddevelopment to the northeast of the siteto limit post-development stormwaterdischarge for the two-year event to pre-development levels with storage up to,and including, the five-year storm event.

Stormwater quantity control was pro-vided for the development through theimplementation of on-site storage onrooftops and in underground corrugatedsteel storage pipes. The two-year pre-de-velopment peak flow from the entire1.57 ha drainage area is approximately65 L/s. The uncontrolled five-year post-

development peak flow is approximately264 L/s. The rooftops and elevated gar-dens of the Tower and other buildings onthe site represent .32 ha of the total sitearea. All are designed to provide rooftopstorage. Oversized pipe will be used toprovide peak flow storage for the re-maining 1.25 ha.

The pipes were installed at two loca-tions on the site. The first is a 1700 mmdiameter CSP tank 24 metres in length. Itdischarges through a control device anda 300 mm pipe to the storm drain systemat less than the pre-development rate.


The second is a 1200 mm diameter CSPtank, 84 metres in length that dischargesto the storm sewer system by gravitythrough an inlet control device.

If I were to return in another 34 years’time, perhaps I would once again marvelat the foresight of those who determinedthat the future of Mississauga should befirmly linked to the past.

David Penny is with theCorrugated Steel Pipe Institute.


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:22 PM

Metals in groundwater immobilized using multiple-mechanism in situ approach

Groundwater Treatment

ducing conditions (an excess of free elec-trons) that are helpful for the precipita-tion of metals such as chromium. Thepresence of sulphate, combined with thestrong reducing conditions, will lead tothe formation of a significant amount ofmetal sulphides, such as arsenic, zinc,and lead sulphides. Iron, in its elementalstate, will slowly corrode which rein-forces the reducing conditions and fur-

Until someone invents a way todestroy elemental metals ingroundwater, environmentalpractitioners only have a cou-

ple of ways of dealing with them. Watercan be extracted from the ground to betreated, or the metals can be immobilizedin the ground. The problem with pump-ing the water from the ground is thatsuch pump-and-treat systems can be op-erated for many years, if not decades,with minimal improvement in ground-water quality unless the source of themetals is removed. This can lead to veryhigh operation and maintenance costs asmachinery must be maintained over along period of time. Generally, the morecost-effective solution is to prevent themetals from moving past a given area inthe subsurface.

An innovative material for the immo-bilization of metals in groundwater,called EHC-M, is a combination of threemain components: controlled-releasefood-grade solid organic carbon, zero va-lent iron (ZVI) and sulphate. The combi-nation of these reactive materials resultsin multiple mechanisms through whichmetals are removed from the waterphase.

Native microorganisms that are al-ready present in the water will, over time,consume the organic carbon, creating re-

ther promotes the formation of metal sul-phides. The iron corrosion by-products,in particular iron oxides and iron oxyhy-droxides, provide surfaces to which met-als such as mercury will strongly adsorb.

A key aspect to the effectiveness of anin situ treatment method such as this oneis the emplacement of the materials inthe ground. There are many ways of ac-complishing this task, such as the con-

By David Hill, Alan Seech, and James Mueller, The Adventus Group

Figure 1. Concentrations of copper, cobalt, and nickel in groundwater as

influenced by EHC-M and reactive gas application over time.

Drill rig, auger, and packer system used to inject EHC-M slurry.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:24 PM


struction of a trench that is filled with re-active media, direct soil mixing usingaugers, and, most commonly, through theinjection of a slurry of the material usingany of a number of different injection ap-proaches.

The most common approach to thistype of injection is called direct injection,where a borehole is driven via a directpush or drill rig and a slurry of the prod-uct in water is injected into the ground atvarious depths. Several factors can be ad-justed to provide many variations on thistheme such as injection tip design, injec-tion pressure, and delivery agent type(water or gas), for example.

The innovations that have come fromthe drilling industry over the past decadehave provided significant improvementsin quality and costs to perform in situ re-mediation of this type.

Forward-thinking environmental con-sultants, contractors, and site owners areable to take advantage of the cost savingsoffered by in situ remediation. Dealingwith these issues proactively allows siteowners to decrease their liabilities. Forexample, a groundwater plume contain-ing metals that could potentially flow toa neighbouring property can be elimi-nated quickly with such an approach.

Case Study One such forward-thinking site owner

in southern Ontario was faced with achallenge. Groundwater was contami-nated with metals from what was be-lieved to be an off-site source. Copper,cobalt, and nickel exceeded the OntarioMinistry of the Environment (MOE)groundwater criteria and a solution wasneeded quickly.

Vertex Environmental Solutions Inc.,based in Cambridge, recommended thenovel approach of injecting a slurry ofEHC-M along with a reactive gas to pro-mote immobilization of the metals nearthe site boundary. Bruce Tunnicliffe,company founder and environmental en-gineer, decided on this approach becauseof the multiple removal mechanisms thatwould be in effect and because of thefive-year life expectancy of the treatmentproduct.

A total of 600 kg of material was in-jected over twelve locations using a bore-hole and packer injection approach. Thevolume treated was approximately 9 mlong by 7 m wide by 7 m deep. This re-sults in an application rate of approxi-mately 0.08% mass of treatmentcompound by estimated dry mass of soil.

The oxidation reduction potential(ORP), which measures the degree to

which the groundwater is oxidized or re-duced, changed by -355 mV over thecourse of the treatment, which indicatesthat the treatment resulted in signifi-cantly strong reducing conditions as ex-pected.

The concentrations of copper, cobalt,and nickel are shown in Figure 1 for themost highly impacted well in the treat-ment zone. This chart shows that the con-centrations of all the metals decreasedover time. All of the metals met the re-quired MOE remedial criteria one hun-dred and thirty-nine days after treatment

was initiated. The success of the remedial approach

allowed a Record of Site Condition to beobtained from the MOE.

Alan Seech is Director of TechnologyContact:

[email protected] James Mueller is Director of Remedial

Solutions & Strategies. Contact:[email protected]

David Hill is Director of Operations. Contact:

[email protected]

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:24 PM


Government Affairs

The Special Report notes that opera-tional budgets of MOE and MNR havedeclined significantly since 1992, in realinflation-adjusted terms. Over the sametime period, the mandates of the min-istries have steadily expanded, with manynew environmental laws requiring en-forcement and with environmental issuesbecoming much more complex. The reg-ulated communities have also grown innumber, with many more facilities need-ing approvals and inspections. As Millernoted, “the ministries have tried to copethrough repeated restructuring and repri-oritizing exercises to stretch resourcesever more thinly, to download and off-load some activities, and to discontinueothers.”

The implications for the environment– as illustrated by numerous examplesand case studies in the Report - are realand wide-ranging. They include far toofew regular inspections of facilities thatdischarge pollutants to air and water,

Under successive governmentssince the early 1990s, the twoOntario ministries that bearthe main burdens for environ-

mental protection have suffered a grad-ual but steady erosion of funding,staffing and expertise. As a result, theministries of Environment and NaturalResources are faltering in a number ofcore functions such as inspection, com-pliance, enforcement and monitoring.These are the findings of a Special Re-port submitted to the Legislature in Aprilby Ontario’s Environmental Commis-sioner, Gord Miller.

“At a time of unprecedented publicconcern for the health of the planet, On-tarians may find it hard to believe thatthese two ministries are today strugglingwith fewer resources than in the early1990s, but that is unfortunately the case,”commented Miller. “These declines haveoccurred under governments formed by allthree major political parties in Ontario.”

chronic compliance problems at sandand gravel operations, neglected provin-cial parks, inadequate monitoring ofwildlife and sport fisheries and weakoversight of municipal sewage infra-structure.

Since the early 1990s, MNR andMOE together have received less andless of the overall operating budget of theOntario government.

“Most large-scale spending decisionsare set by the Finance Minister duringthe budget process, and ministries likeMOE and MNR simply have to managesomehow within their assigned budgetenvelopes,” commented Miller. “I thinksuch a top-down directive needs to bebetter informed by an analysis of thefunding and support the ministries needto be effective stewards of our environ-ment and natural heritage.”

Currently, the operating budgets ofMNR and MOE together amount to justbarely one per cent of the provincial op-erating budget. Miller also pointed outthat Alberta and British Columbia bothallocate a bigger share of their overallbudgets towards their environmentalministries.

The operating budgets of MOE andMNR have also not kept pace with On-tario’s growth, the Commissioner’s reportnoted. Development brings with it ever-increasing pressures on the province’snatural resources, through increasingwater use, increasing air emissions and amultitude of other development pres-sures on natural ecosystems.

Although pressure on ecosystems hasbeen growing, Ontario’s spending on en-vironmental protection has declined on aper person basis; for example, MOEspent $39 per person in 1992/1993 andin 2006/2007 spent about $22 per per-son. MNR spent $72 per person in1992/1993 and in 2006/2007 spent about$49 per person.

The Commissioner is urging the On-tario Government to undertake a step-wise, strategic rebuilding of capacity atMOE and MNR, to ensure that the min-istries can fulfill their mandates.

For further information, contact:[email protected]

Ministries of Environment and Natural Resources starved of funding for core

environmental functions

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:25 PM


Wastewater Systems

planned, called Shadow Ridge Estates.Greely’s leaders wanted to provide cost-effective housing for young families, butwere stymied by the fact that there wereno water or sewage services available, and

the message was clear from City Hall thatnone would be forthcoming. Without asuitable water body available for dilution,investing millions of dollars on a waste-water treatment system when the com-

Peat filtration of sewage meets municipal treatment objectivesBy Doug Thompson and Stephen Simmering

AQUA GUARD®

Self-Cleaning Bar/Filter Screen

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

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

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

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Tel 514-636-8712 • Fax 514-636-9718

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

Artificial wetlands such as this are proving to be a valuable part of the sewage-

treatment "toolbox". An artificial wetland may include an impervious barrier to

protect groundwater.

Small communities in rural muni-cipalities often face serious chal-lenges in providing affordablesewage treatment that protects

both health and the natural environment.Increasingly, more stringent treatmentstandards and decreasing financial assis-tance have made it very difficult formany communities to grow or to addressserious health concerns facing residents.

These communities often rely onbasic treatment systems (i.e., lagoons,leaching beds) that need large water-courses or groundwater to dilute par-tially-treated wastewater to meetprovincial requirements since complexwastewater systems are too expensive toconstruct and operate. This is not practi-cal for communities without these waterbodies or with water bodies that cannottolerate the added contaminant loads.

These were the issues facing Greely, arural village now part of the newly-ex-panded City of Ottawa, where a new resi-dential subdivision of 567 homes was

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:28 PM


munity will start with a single home andgrow slowly was not financially viable.

This meant that every residence, otherthan those in two mobile-home parkswhere there are communal services,must use on-site wells, septic tanks andleaching beds. Any planned house lotsmust be on large lots with at least 100foot frontages, to provide enough areafor wells and septic systems to operatesafely. This kept costs too high for youngfamilies to afford, and also was counterto the need to preserve farmland throughproviding more dense development, in-cluding townhouses.

This is a common problem in manyrural communities, where the need tokeep lot sizes large for wells and septictanks for each house, has preventedproper growth and planning.

The solution to these issues wouldneed to be low-cost, simple to operate andprovide a high quality effluent that doesnot require dilution to meet provincialstandards for factors including reliability,effluent quality and other environmentalimpacts.

The staff from the Ottawa office ofGolder Associates Ltd. proposed a bio-logical treatment method that wouldmeet the community’s needs. This in-volves primary sewage treatment at eachbuilding, small diameter gravity sewersthat transport the settled sewage to a cen-tral site that includes treatment modulesconsisting of sphagnum peat filters fol-lowed by subsurface (dry) constructedwetlands, with selected plantings. Thetwo-stage process works partly becausethe product of the sphagnum peatprocess is an excellent input for the sub-surface wetland process. The treated ef-fluent drains into a low wet area, andfrom there into the ground. Treatmentarea requirements are approximately 0.3hectares for each 45 homes.

Golder staff has successfully usedthese processes for almost two decadesat many locations across Canada includ-ing harsh climates near permafrost loca-tions.

This process met Greely’s needs forseveral reasons, including very high lev-els of treatment without the need for di-lution and very low cost as a result of thesystem’s simple construction, operation,modularity and long life. The systemprovides treatment for typical parameters(biochemical oxygen demand and sus-pended solids) to the most stringent stan-dards as well as very high treatment forother parameters including phosphorus,nitrates, ammonia, bacteria, etc.

The more unique and remarkable as-

pects are the very high reductions ofchallenging parameters such as nitratesand bacteria in a passive system that re-quires no chemicals. Both parametersoften meet drinking water standards and,at least, meet conditions that are safe forswimming.

The peat and wetland require essen-tially no operation and maintenance; sep-tic tanks need to be pumped every threeto five years and, in many cases, a simpleeffluent pump is needed.

Also important for Greely, theShadow Ridge system can be built in amodular way, with modules installed ashouses are built, to match the capital re-quirements to the growth of develop-ment. This alone is estimated to savehundreds of thousands of dollars in in-terest charges.

Other advantages of the system are:• There is no water, odour or noise

involved, which means that treatment modules can be installed right next tohouses.

• There is no need for chemical treatment, which reduces the risk ofenvironmental problems.

• The system has a long life – similar systems have operated without maintenance for 20 years so far, and

there is no indication that their functionality has a time limit.

• Since this is a passive treatment system, maintenance needs are minimal over conventional treatment plants, so that centralized control is easier.The Shadow Ridge development has

created employment for many of thesmall, locally-owned construction com-panies and trades in the area, as well asbrought much-needed population growthwith other economic spin-offs. One re-sult of this growth has been interest froma developer of retail properties, who isplanning to provide retail options that gobeyond the single general store now inthe village.

This passive sewage treatment systemcan be considered a proven example ofthe effectiveness of this technology inhelping meet municipal needs, particu-larly in areas that do not have easy ac-cess to conventional municipal services.

Doug Thompson is a City of Ottawa councillor.

Contact: [email protected]. Stephen Simmering is a Principal withthe Ottawa office of Golder Associates.

Contact: [email protected].

Wastewater Systems

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:28 PM


Joint committee takes an “integrated” approach to universal metering

Water Metering

2005, the Westbank Irrigation District,Lakeview Irrigation District, District ofPeachland, Westbank First Nation and Re-gional District of Central Okanagan cametogether to form the Westside Joint WaterCommittee (WJWC).

The Westside Joint Water Committee

Located in the Okanagan Valley inthe Province of British Colum-bia, the five major water utilitiesserving the Westside, near

Kelowna, are working together to ensure asustainable, affordable and high qualitywater resource for future generations. In

is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, public edu-cation partnership dedicated to inform-ing Okanagan Westside residents abouttheir water needs and resources. The ideaof forming a water management leader-ship group came out of the TrepanierLandscape Unit Water Management Plan(TLUWMP), which looked at the fivemain watersheds serving the Westsideand made recommendations in light ofclimate change and population growth,for sustaining water resources over thenext two decades.

The WJWC serves approximately40,000 people and was modeled after theKelowna Joint Water Committee(KJWC) which has functioned well formany years.

Water challenges in the Okanagan Valley

Water purveyors in the Okanagan Val-ley are faced with rapid growth andwater demand is expected to grow at thesame rate as development. To complicatematters, the Okanagan Valley is one ofthe hottest areas in Canada, with semi-

Neptune Project Manager Matt Stoltz, with Carol Zanon, Westbank Irrigation

District Chairperson.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:29 PM


Water Metering

arid conditions. In terms of water use thistranslates into high water consumptionand poses difficulties managing peak de-mand. Furthermore, on the Westside,agricultural customers represent approx-imately 30% of water demand.

Customers use up to 900% morewater on a monthly basis during thehighest demand month (typically July)when compared to the lowest demandmonth (typically February). Prolongedhigh demand use can compromise thepurveyors’ ability to provide water forbasic needs like drinking, washing, andfire fighting.

A concerted plan for changeLike its fellow WJWC members, the

Westbank Irrigation District (WID) iscommitted to water conservation. TheDistrict has developed a Capital WorksPlan to ensure the sustainability of theirwater resources and has implementedstrategies to overcome the water chal-lenges in its service area representing13,000 people. Their Plan includes theconstruction of the Powers Creek WaterTreatment Plant (commissioned inMarch 2007) and implementation of uni-versal water metering for all 4,300 serv-ice connections.

In conjunction with other WJWC

members, the WID performed a com-prehensive assessment of water meterreading technologies and their final de-cision was to implement a radio fre-quency automatic meter reading (RFAMR) system. Neptune TechnologyGroup was selected as the preferred sup-plier for several reasons.

In addition to the WID, other mem-bers of the WJWC committed to univer-sal water metering projects are theDistrict of Peachland (2,000 services),scheduled to start in the spring, followedby the Regional District of CentralOkanagan (1,800 services), and West-bank First Nation (2,500 services). Theseprojects are currently ongoing and arescheduled for completion by October2007.

The RF AMR system is comprised ofNeptune’s residential and commercialwater meters equipped with Neptune’s E-Coder)R900i technology, Neptune’sMRX920 mobile data collector, andEquinox meter reading software. TheWJWC project is the first of its kind inCanada using 100% E-Coder)R900itechnology.

Benefits to the District will be imme-diate:• Reading efficiencies: Meter readings

are transmitted via radio frequency fromthe E-Coder)R900i and received by theMRX920 located in the utility vehicle. ADistrict employee will be able to read allof the meters in the service area in just afew hours. • Wireless: Neptune’s E-Coder)R900i in-tegrates the E-Coder meter register andthe R900 radio transmitter into a singlepackage, eliminating the need for wirebetween the meter and the RF transmit-ter. Difficult wire runs are a thing of thepast. Future system operation and main-tenance costs are reduced because of theease of installation, elimination of dam-aged wires and accidental wire discon-nects.• Value-added features: The WJWC util-ity members’ decision to move forwardwith E-Coder)R900i was based on Nep-tune’s leak detection and backflow de-tection features. The District canproactively notify a customer in the eventof a leak, backflow, or tamper condition.The goal of WID is to present the E-Coder value-added data directly on thecustomer’s water bill.

For more information, contact: [email protected]

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:29 PM


Stormwater retention pond filtration projectsaves County millions of dollars

would occupy 60 acres of the landfill’svaluable land. Since the landfill is con-sidered a Class 3 hazardous landfill, theland is considered to be extremely valu-able on a square foot basis. Another op-tion was to filter the water in the existingsettling pond, preserving the unusedacreage for future use to bury trash fromthe rapidly growing county.

To avoid millions of dollars of lostrevenues, Manatee County contractedwith the engineering firm Post, Buckley,Schuh & Jernigan to develop a solution.They specified the installation of an au-tomatic disc filter system capable of han-dling two million gallons of water perday (2 MGD). The automatic Turbo-DiscFilter system was designed and manu-factured by Miller-Leaman, Inc. of Day-tona Beach, Florida.

The system consists of two 24-podsystems, complete with booster pumps.As the water in the leachate, or settlingpond, rises to a particular level, sub-mersible pumps activated by a floatswitch will engage. The water is then di-rected through the Turbo-Disc Filter sys-tems and discharged into neighboringwaterways, meeting the Florida EPA re-quirements. The filters can accommodate1,400 gallons per minute (GPM) of con-

Located off Highway 64 inBradenton, Florida, the LenaLandfill in Manatee County hasfaced many obstacles in an ef-

fort to control their hazardous waste.Manatee County has a population of over310,000 residents and collects over350,000 tons of trash per year. Occupy-ing over 330 acres of land, the landfillmust bury the trash while preserving andprotecting the environment in the sur-rounding area.

One way of protecting the environ-ment is to keep leachate from enteringgroundwater or surrounding rivers andponds. To accomplish this, the landfillhas a system to direct all run-off waterand stormwater to a 120 acre settlingpond. However, in 2005, ManateeCounty’s Lena Landfill was facing finesand penalties which had to be addressed.

The Florida EPA (Environmental Pro-tection Agency) requires that all waterdischarged to stormwater ditches anddrains meets a quality standard of 29NTU (Nephelometric Turbidity Units) orless. The Lena Landfill was operatingwith a turbidity of 35-40 NTU.

There were limited options on how toremedy the problem. One option was tobuild an additional settling pond, which

taminated particles and sediment. Each filter pod is made up of a stack

of polypropylene discs offering three-di-mensional filtration capability. As thedirty water passes through the discmedia, contaminated particles are trappedin the disc grooves, allowing clean waterto flow from the system’s outlet.

When the filter pods require cleaning,an automatic backwash cycle is initiateddue to a pre-set differential-pressuremeasurement across the filter. Duringthe backwash, the filtration system’sbooster pumps engage, producing theoptimal pressure to thoroughly clean thedisc media using a minimal amount ofbackwash water. Only two filter pods aresequentially backwashed at a time; there-fore, the downstream flow is uninter-rupted during the duration of thebackwash cycle.

Filtering existing stormwater reten-tion ponds is a very cost-effective solu-tion for other high value real estatedevelopments, such as shopping centersand commercial properties, where theavailability of land is scarce or non-exis-tent.

For more information,visit www.millerleaman.com

Outlet Water Piping

from Miller-Leaman’s 1,400

GPM Turbo-Disc Filtration System.


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:31 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:31 PM


Taste and odour problems cured by the use of chlorine dioxide

Disinfection

corporating an alternative disinfectionoxidant, chlorine dioxide (ClO2).

Research material and chemical in-formation states that ClO2 can be an ef-fective disinfectant. However, it had notbeen previously approved for use inManitoba water plants, nor had it beenused in any Canadian water treatmentplants. The R.M. and Manitoba WaterStewardship approved the ClO2 Demon-stration Project, which paved the way fora Canadian technological advancementin water treatment.

Protocol for a ClO2 DemonstrationProject was established through JRCCand various government agencies. TheProject Team consisted of the R.M.,Manitoba Water Stewardship, ManitobaWater Services Board (MWSB), Osorno(the supplier of the equipment and chem-ical), and JRCC.

The goals of the Demonstration Proj-ect were:

Located 130 kilometres west ofWinnipeg, the Community ofHolland (Holland) in the RuralMunicipality of Victoria (R.M.)

has a population of 450 people. For manyyears, Holland was impacted by unpalat-able water quality. Residents were tiredof the unpleasant taste and odour, as wellas the continuous staining of fixtures andlaundered clothes. The poor taste was at-tributed to by-products produced whennatural ammonia combined with chlo-rine, while staining was primarily due toelevated manganese levels in the water.

Residents wanted better. They took topurchasing bottled water and many visi-tors, including sports teams, broughtwater with them, as they would not drinkthe Holland tap water.

The R.M. wanted these problems ad-dressed. J. R. Cousin Consultants Ltd.(JRCC) took an innovative approach andsuggested a Demonstration Project in-

• To improve the taste and odour of Holland’s drinking water supply;

• To provide effective oxidation of the raw water, thereby improving effectiveness of filtration to eliminatethe staining problems of the water;

• To determine the ability to retain a ClO2 residual in the water distributionsystem;

• To work with MWSB and Manitoba Water Stewardship to establish protocol, operational criteria and testing procedures on the potential use of ClO2 in the water plant, as the use of ClO2 could be beneficial to many water plants in Manitoba;

• To evaluate operational characteris-tics of ClO2 generator equipment from different manufacturers;

• To determine the economics, practicality and safety of the use of ClO2.Although not an issue at Holland,

ClO2 has the added benefit of not form-ing trihalomethanes (THMs), which areknown carcinogens.

Chlorine dioxide generationClO2, in gas form, is extremely toxic,

corrosive and cannot be compressed orstored commercially, therefore it must begenerated onsite. “Traditional” methodsinvolved the generation of ClO2 gas,whereas current technology creates a di-lute liquid solution of ClO2. Much of theavailable literature extols the dangers as-sociated with ClO2 formation because ofthe dangers of ClO2 gas.

To address safety concerns, onsitegeneration of a dilute, aqueous ClO2 so-lution was used in Holland. ClO2 is gen-erated on-demand by automatedequipment through the reaction ofsodium chlorite (NaClO2) solution andhydrochloric acid (HCl), based upon thefollowing equation:

5 NaClO2 + 4 HCl → 4 ClO2 +5 NaCl + 2 H2O

This differs from “traditional” ClO2generation systems, which use toxicchlorine gas.

Although NaClO2 and HCl are haz-ardous at higher concentrations, theprocess used in Holland involves diluteconcentrations. Furthermore, the chemi-cal containers remain sealed at all times,and the operator does not handle the

By Jeff Dyck

ProMinent® chlorine dioxide generation equipment.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:33 PM


chemical itself, just the sealed contain-ers. Thus, ClO2 generation, once consid-ered a hazardous procedure, has beenimplemented in a safe manner at the Hol-land water treatment plant.

Demonstration projectThe initial phase of the Demonstra-

tion Project commenced in April 2003,utilizing a ProMinent® ClO2 generatoron the raw water ahead of the existingfiltration system. The chlorine feed wasmaintained after filtration at a reducedfeedrate. The rationale was to determinethe initial effectiveness of the ClO2 onimproving filtration and on reducing thechlorine demand, thereby improving thetaste of the water. Three different targetconcentrations of ClO2 were used: 0.7mg/L, 0.5 mg/L and 0.3 mg/L. Thedemonstration was completed withoutmajor changes to the plant process and,for the initial phase, without eliminatingthe chlorine residual in the distributionsystem.

The results of the initial phasedemonstrated an improvement in thetaste of the treated water. The iron (Fe)in the water was reduced below require-ments. Although the manganese (Mn)levels were not sufficiently reduced tomeet the aesthetic objective of theGuidelines for Canadian Drinking WaterQuality (GCDWQ), residents did not re-port staining concerns.

Further chemical assessments werecompleted to determine why the usualstaining concerns were not being raised.The testing indicated that the Mn formeda colloidal particle when oxidized, andwas not impacting residents. Results ofthe initial phase were analyzed and proj-ect testing parameters were determinedfor the second phase of the demonstra-tion.

Second phaseThe second phase of the Demonstra-

tion Project, which commenced in No-vember 2003, utilized an Alldos® ClO2generator on the raw water ahead of theexisting filtration system and again,chlorine was maintained after the filtra-tion. Changes in the scope for the secondphase involved addition of a coagulant;chlorate, chlorite and hypochlorite test-ing; and testing of alternative filtrationwith paper filters and sand/anthracite fil-ters.

The results of the second phasedemonstrated an undeniable improve-ment in the taste and odour of the treatedwater. The taste concern when only chlo-rine disinfection was used was caused bythe combination of chlorine feed and nat-ural ammonia in the water. The Fe in the

water was reduced below GCDWQ re-quirements. The Mn levels remainedabove GCDWQ, although results fromthe second phase were lower than thoseof the first phase. Again with ClO2 feed,residents did not report staining concernsas ClO2 oxidized the Mn (analogous tothe Mn being “inactivated” to a colloidalform).

A re-assessment of chlorine as theonly disinfectant was performed once thesecond phase of demonstration testingwas completed. With more knowledge ofthe Holland water chemistry, and to en-sure that “no stone was left unturned”with the use of chlorine, the plant wasonce again operated with chlorine only.In a final attempt to improve the watertaste, Manitoba Water Stewardship per-mitted Holland, on a trial basis, to oper-ate the chlorine in the monochloraminerange, without any ClO2.

With success, a variance on the oper-ation would have been solicited, howeverresidents immediately realized that theundesirable taste and odour were back,and voiced their concerns to the R.M.

Implementation projectBased upon the successful demon-

stration project, approval was attainedfrom Manitoba Water Stewardship to use

ClO2 as the sole disinfectant. JRCC pre-pared plans and specification for theR.M. to upgrade the water plant, a com-ponent of which was ClO2. BesidesClO2, the Implementation Project in-cluded installation of a sand filter, elec-trical upgrades, an electrical fire pumpand genset, laboratory facilities and up-graded lighting.

The complete transition to ClO2 oc-curred gradually. Initially, the chlorinedosage was lowered to a level that stillmet regulatory requirements, while at thesame time the dosage of ClO2 wasslowly increased. ClO2 levels were mon-itored to verify the settings on the auto-matic generation system against actualmeasured concentrations. Eventually, theR.M. completely terminated the use ofchlorine, becoming the first communityin Canada to use ClO2 as their sole dis-infectant. Chlorine feed equipment wasonly maintained as a stand-by disinfec-tant.

With ClO2, residents overwhelminglyindicated that the taste and odour of thewater dramatically improved, and werepleased with the outcome. Regular on-site testing has shown that a chlorinedioxide residual is maintainable through-

Disinfection


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:33 PM


out the distribution system, and the sys-tem consistently passes the required bac-teriological tests.

Economic benefitThe overall cost of the ClO2 system

was much less than that of other pro-posed water treatment processes. An-other system, membrane filtration, couldhave potentially provided an even higherwater quality, but at a significantlyhigher cost. The ClO2 system provided amethodology to address the concerns ofthe residents, without the economichardship that is often associated withwater treatment system improvements.

Water quality and resident satisfaction

The initial goal of decreasing stainingfrom the effects of manganese haslargely been accomplished. The end re-sult of the new chlorine dioxide disin-fection system also resulted in morepalatable, less odorous water for theCommunity of Holland. In fact, commu-nity residents have overwhelmingly indi-cated that the taste and odour of thewater have improved significantly, andare pleased with the results.

During the testing phase of the proj-ect, the R.M. conducted a survey whereresidents were asked to rate their re-sponse to four comments regarding thequality of their water supply on a scale

of 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (stronglyagree). The comments and the results ofthe survey are shown in Figure 1. Thenumber of high ratings of 5 at the right ofthe graph clearly indicates the residentsfelt that their need for better water treat-ment was met.

The Winnipeg Free Press sums up theproject success as follows:

“The water in this town was so badpeople wouldn't even use it to boil cof-fee. It left a scum on the top. … The im-provement was dramatic. People actuallystarted drinking Holland water. Stainingwas eliminated, or at least dramaticallyreduced, depending on who you talk to.”

Due to the project’s success, both theclient (the Rural Municipality of Victo-ria) and the design engineers (J.R.Cousin Consultants Ltd.) have receivedawards for this project. The R.M. re-ceived the 2006 Municipal InnovationAward from the Association of ManitobaMunicipalities, while J. R. Cousin Con-sultants Ltd. received the Award of Ex-cellence in Resource Development fromthe 2007 Manitoba Awards of Excellencein Consulting Engineering.

Jeff Dyck, P.Eng., is a Municipal Engineer with J.R. Cousin

Consultants Ltd. Contact: [email protected]

Disinfection

Figure 1

Water quality was improved with the new water treatment process.

The chlorine smell of the water disappeared during the testing phase.

Water colour improved during the testing period.

The taste of the water improved with the use of Chlorine Dioxide.

ES&E May:2007 5/23/07 2:05 AM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:34 PM

Hazardous Waste

Spent fluorescent lamps increas-ingly cannot be trashed in dump-sters as a solid waste, becausethey contain mercury. This is a

major challenge for facilities acrossNorth America since nearly every facilityuses them and over 650 million lamps aredisposed of each year.

Mercury is linked to severe health is-sues such as blurred vision, numbness inlimbs, speech impairment, severe con-vulsions, developmental problems, lossof consciousness, insanity, birth defects,possibly autism, and more. Some singlefour-foot fluorescent tubes contain from5 to 50 milligrams of mercury. Whenconventional disposal methods are used,

mercury vapors can travel over 200miles. So the US Environmental

Protection Agency (EPA) regu-lates fluorescent lamps andstipulates strict guidelines fortheir disposal.

Facilities that do not complywith these regulations not only

harm the environment, they riskcostly restitution. In fact, if fluores-

cent lamps are found in US land-fill sites and traced back to the

offending parties, they can bepenalized with the cost of the

landfill clean-up, in addi-tion to any other fineslevied. Hence, it greatlybenefits companies andinstitutions to adhere toEPA guidelines and dis-

pose of fluorescent lampsappropriately.

Many companies havefound such disposal to beboth labor-and cost-inten-sive, but have endured theburden in an effort to remaincompliant. These hurdleshave caused the market-place to develop newmethodologies. As a re-

sult, fluorescent

Backen adds. “That was another cost-ef-fective factor that we were looking atwhen we bought this machine.”

Mark Funkhouser, Custodial ServicesManager with The Chumash Casino Re-sort in Santa Ynez Valley, California, washaving similar problems disposing of flu-

orescent lamps. His method was througha local waste hauler, who would removethe lamps in bins.

“It required a lot of attention,”Funkhouser says. “It required labor be-cause we had to pack the bulbs in differ-ent kinds of bins and place themwherever the truck pickup was going tobe. We also were never sure of the out-side contractor’s schedule, so we reallydidn’t know when he was going tocome.”

Funkhouser then found a removalmethod online that greatly reduced theattention and labor - a pre-paid recyclingprogram, called EasyPak. “EasyPak is agreat system because we can just put thebox in a corner of the warehouse, andthen, as the engineers bring the bulbsback, they put the bulbs in the box andit’s ready for shipping. When it gets full,we just close up the top, stick a label onthe box and ship it off and our part isdone. It’s definitely reduced our labor.”

This prepaid service allows lamps tobe shipped in custom-made secure con-tainers, via FedEx Ground, to licensedrecycling facilities.

The program also provides online ac-cess to recycling certificates, shipmenttracking, and ordering replacement con-tainers. Orders can even be set up fornew containers to ship automatically asfull containers are received at the recy-cling centers.

Sheela Backen is especially con-scious of which recycling

lamp disposal is far easier and less costlythan ever before.

Prior to coming across these newmethods, Sheela Backen, IntegratedSolid Waste Program Manager at Col-orado State University, had to supervisea complex and costly method of fluores-

cent lamp disposal - packing used lampsback into original cartons and loadingthem onto a truck. The truck would thentransport the lamps to a recycling facility.

“That method presented a lot of prob-lems,” Backen says. “We couldn’t getpeople to make sure the cartons werefull, taped and marked with the date.When the truck was coming to pick themup, we would have anywhere from six toeight people filling boxes, taping themback up, and then loading this truck. Itwas not cost-effective at all.”

Not long ago, Backen happenedacross the Bulb Eater®, from Air CycleCorporation, of Broadview, Illinois. “Thebulbs are brought to a specific location.I send one person over there for a coupleof hours a week to crush the tubes. It’svery quick and efficient, and I don’t haveto waste so much time trying to load atruck.”

This OSHA and EPA-compliant ma-chine crushes over 1,000 fluorescentlamps (amount depends on size oflamps) and packs them into a 55-gallondrum. The process is fully enclosed andfiltered, so that the glass, aluminum, andharmful vapors are contained. When full,the drums are picked up and transportedto an EPA permitted lamp recycling fa-cility where the contents are separated,treated, and ultimately reused.

“The cost of shipping a truckload ofboxed tubes is a whole lot more

than shipping a drum ofcrushed tubes,”

Recycling fluorescent lamps can be affordable and easy

By Bruce Boyers, freelance writer

If fluorescent lamps are found in US landfill sites andtraced back to the offending parties, they can be penalized with the cost of the landfill clean-up, in

addition to any other fines levied.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:35 PM


Hazardous Waste

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company is being used. This companyhas allowed her to specify destination re-cycling companies based on her own re-search of current EPA ratings andlicensing.

Recycling Certificates can be auto-matically sent to Mark Funkhouser so heknows the bulbs were indeed recycled.He also has the periodic need for recy-cling batteries and ballast, which he isable to handle through the same EasyPakprogram.

The decision on which type of serv-ice to use is dependent on the facility’ssize and the quantity of lamps needingdisposal. A facility totaling over 200,000square feet in size is a great candidate forthe Bulb Eater, especially when theyhave limited storage space. Smaller fa-cilities are typically more attracted to apre-paid program like EasyPak. Theywant the same convenience, but usuallydon’t generate enough lamps to justify aBulb Eater.

Finally, the expensive necessity ofproper fluorescent lamp disposal hasbeen made less tedious and far morecost-effective.

For more information,visit www.aircycle.com

The Bulb Eater can crush 1,000 fluorescent lamps and pack them into

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:35 PM


Optimizing aerobic digester performanceBiosolids Management

Operators struggling to meetthe requirements for Class Bsludge using aerobic digesterswill welcome the news that

volatile solids destruction of up to 85%in aerobic digesters is possible. There areseveral practical strategies operators canemploy to increase volatile solids de-struction in their aerobic digesters. Thebenefits to optimizing an aerobic di-gester include:• More room to waste solids.• Greater volumes of cleaner decant.• More sludge storage during the

winter when sludge cannot be land-applied.

• Sludge will settle better.• More sludge can be applied to less

land area for land application or land-fill savings.

• Digester capacity can double.• Odors are controlled.

Endogenous respirationTo optimize an aerobic digester, op-

erators must first understand one impor-tant term and some basic processchemistry. Let’s first cover the term en-dogenous respiration.

Endogenous respiration occurs whenthe food supply runs out and a microbebegins to consume its own body mass tosurvive, reducing mass, and destroyingitself in the process. Faster, more com-plete, endogenous respiration will resultin fewer solids to dispose of, and greaterdigester capacity.

Because new food is not “typically”added to aerobic digesters, the destruc-tion of bacteria in waste activated sludge(WAS) prevails over growing new bac-teria because the food supply is ex-hausted.

We will see, however, that by addingprimary solids to an aerobic digester anoperator grows new bacteria with the re-sult of producing new volatile solids inthe digester.

Aerobic digestion chemistryUnderstanding the process chemistry

of aerobic digestion is helpful in con-trolling aerobic digesters. With a goodunderstanding of these reactions, an op-erator understands why and where tomake operational changes to leveragethe digester’s own chemistry to get theresults they want. See Table 1for a fewof the important biological reactions tounderstand.

Every nitrate converted to nitrogengas results in the production of one bi-carbonate. For every 1-ppm of nitrateconverted, alkalinity increases by 3.57ppm. If the aeration in a digester runs 24hours a day 7 days a week, much of thealkalinity in the digester is consumed.This condition will stop nitrification be-cause alkalinity is in short supply. Thisleaves large amounts of ammonia and ni-trate and little alkalinity, causing very

low pH. Many aerobic digesters allowedto run continuously with the air on, testaround 5 pH.

In an environment of 5 pH, not muchis alive except for acid tolerant mi-crobes. The bacteria added to this acidicenvironment are killed before they get achance to eat themselves alive to reducetheir mass. Digesters operated at low pHwill not reduce volatile solids very well.

Aerobic digester alkalinity and there-fore ammonia and nitrate concentrationscan be managed by adding lime, magne-sium hydroxide or simply turning theaeration off and then on again. This al-lows the digester to nitrify and denitrifyin a sequential manner.

When the air is off, and before thesettling and decant cycle, the digestercontents mix without air. This allows formaximum nitrate/denitrifier contact inan anoxic environment and optimizes ni-trate conversion to nitrogen gas.

Recovering alkalinity by turning the air off

Turning the aeration off creates ananoxic (low oxygen) condition where ni-trates are consumed and alkalinity isgenerated as the system denitrifies. Lookat the chemical reactions under denitri-fication. Imagine the denitrification re-action shifting to the right as the air isturned off and the digester is mixed. Asthe reaction shifts to the right, more al-kalinity (HCO3) is generated along withnitrogen gas (N2), CO2 and H2O.

When nitrates reduce to about 8-12mg/l the air is turned back on. Nitrateconcentrations can be correlated usingan ORP meter to develop air on and offtimer set points after some testing. Cor-relating nitrate levels with ORP, and thenoperating the digester air on/off cycles

By Steve Harris


Table 1

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:50 PM

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:50 PM


using ORP is a faster and cheaper way totrack nitrate levels than constantly meas-uring nitrate itself.

Monitoring alkalinity is another wayto keep the system from going tooanoxic. Alkalinity should be kept above100mg/l.

When the air is onWhen the air is on and the pH drops,

an operator knows he has generatedenough nitrates and then turns the air off.When alternating the aeration on/off, thepH must be maintained in the 6.8 to 8range with air being turned off when pHdrops below 6.8 and on when the pHraises above 8. Air off for a day will typ-ically recover alkalinity.

Lime or Mg (OH) can be added to in-sure alkalinity does not drop below 100mg/l. Keep alkalinity above 150 mg/l.

Dissolved oxygen concentrationsDissolved oxygen concentrations are

critically important during the aerationcycle. A minimum of 2 lbs O2 / lb VSSremoved should be allowed and suffi-cient air should be provided to ensurethat 2 mg/l of oxygen is maintained dur-ing aeration. Be careful when usingclean-water oxygen transfer values fromthe aeration manufacturer when aeratingthickened aerobic sludge. These valuesare often understated and more air willbe required than the calculations suggest.Fine bubble aeration will probably notprovide sufficient mixing under condi-tions of thickened sludge and may causediffuser clogging.

When ammonia concentrations startto rise, septic conditions are setting in.This is a signal to turn the air back on.

Importance of aeration and mixingin aerobic digesters

• At 3 to 3.5 % solids concentration oxygen transfer in the digester suffers.The maximum solids concentration sent to a digester should be 3.5%.

• 20 to 30 scfm per 1000 ft3 is requiredfor normal operations.

• With primary sludge added, 40 to 45scfm/1000 ft3 is required.

• Mixing should occur throughout the digester not just in the middle.

• For solids concentrations above 2% use coarse aeration.

• Undigested sludge is thicker than digested sludge by four times.

• Newly added sludge is thicker and requires more oxygen.

• Intense mixing is essential to ensure good oxygen transfer.

• Newer aerobic digesters are deeper (20 ft). This reduces temperature loss,and improves oxygen transfer and mixing. Newer digester systems use

staged digestion where primary or freshly thickened sludge is treated separately.

Aerobic digestion of primary and thickened sludge

Primary sludge contains fresh new or-ganic matter that will feed and rejuvenatethe dying biomass in an aerobic digester.If possible, primary sludge should behandled in a separate digester or holdingtank and aerated vigorously to convertthe new food to bacteria to begin the en-dogenous respiration process. • Staged digestion is where freshly

thickened sludge is added to a separate compartment and hit with lots of oxygen. This first digester is where most of the volatile solids are destroyed.

• Subsequent digesters aid in volatile solids destruction but serve primarilyas pathogen reduction digesters and assist in nitrogen removal.

• Primary sludge changes thecharacteristics of the processes occurring in the digester. Primary sludge undergoes aerobic conversion into simpler soluble organic compounds which is converted to new biomass causing an increase in VSS.

• Primary sludge requires more energyfor O2 transfer and mixing. It takes about 30 days to process primary sludge at 20oC and only 10 days to process WAS.If possible, thicken sludge before it

goes into the digester. This conserves di-gester heat during the winter and in-creases sludge retention time.• Prethickening sludge to 3.5 to 4%

reduces flow rate and provides for greater sludge retention time. Be aware that it also reduces the oxygen transfer efficiency. Fine bubble diffused air may make it

difficult to transfer oxygen with thicker sludges.

• Thickening also conserves heat because there is less water added to the digester cooling it off. (Important in winter).

Accelerating endogenous respiration

New bio-chemical compounds arenow available that affect the cell wallsand metabolism of microbes to acceler-ate endogenous respiration. One of thesechemicals, called Bio Energizer, can im-prove respiration rates by 900 times forvolatile solids destruction up to 89%.

For many operators this means moresludge applied to less acreage or lesssludge hauled to the landfill. It alsomeans more storage in the winter andbetter settleability.

ConclusionOperators can cut costs and increase

digester capacity by:• Pre-thickening: for longer sludge

retention times and heat conservation.• Staging operations: for more efficient

O2 transfer, pathogen kill, nitrogen removal and volume reduction up to 50%.

• Controlling air on and air off for alkalinity control.

• Ensuring adequate dissolved oxygen is present.

• Making sure there is enough mixing energy to transfer oxygen, alkalinity, digestion products, and nitrates evenlythroughout the digester.

• Adding Bio Energizer to enhance cell-wall permeability, speed up metabolism, and accelerate the rate ofendogenous respiration to cut sludge removal and processing costs.

Steve Harris is Director of WastewaterOperations for Probiotic Solutions.Email [email protected]

Percent Volatile Solids in the city of Wentzville, Missouri, Aerobic Digesters after using BIO ENERGIZER

Biosolids Management

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 9:50 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:27 PM


Understanding theoretical gypsum requirements for soil remediation

Soil Remediation

soil. Models for the calculation of TGRhave evolved over recent decades asmore is understood about these soil con-ditions.

ALS laboratories in the PrairieProvinces now have a new TGR packagethat includes the traditional TGR calcu-lation that was designed for naturallysodic soils, plus a new TGR calculationmore applicable for use with brine spills.

For a detailed description of the TGRcalculations, refer to “A Comparison ofMethods for Gypsum Requirement of

Gypsum is frequently applied tosodic or saline-sodic soils asan amendment to displace orcounteract sodium, thereby

improving soil structure or preventingfurther deterioration. Over time, highlevels of sodium in the soil will lead to aplastic-like structure when soils are wetand a cement-like structure when dry.This poor structure inhibits movement ofwater and air in and out of the soil pro-file, and prevents normal growth of plantroots. Plant growth on sodium impactedsoils is generally very poor.

The two situations commonly en-countered in the Canadian Prairies wheregypsum (CaSO4) amendments would berecommended are:

• Natural salt contamination – Mostnaturally occurring sodic soils found onthe Canadian Prairies are solonetzicsoils. These soils contain a high level ofnaturally occurring sodium salts (mostlysodium sulphate and bicarbonate) andhigh clay content in the B or C horizon.After centuries of accumulation, thesodium occupies a substantial percentageof the soil’s cation exchange capacity.

• Man-made salt contamination -Spills of produced waters or brines (usu-ally high in sodium chloride) from the oiland gas sector and other industries im-mediately increase the electrical conduc-tivity of a soil solution, damaging seedsand hindering root uptake of water bygrowing plants. Initially, most of thesodium is in the soil solution and dis-placement of calcium and magnesiumfrom cation exchange sites by sodium isminor. Over time, the displacement con-tinues, as does the deterioration of thesoil structure.

The main differences between thesetwo commonly encountered sodic soilsituations is that solonetzic soils havesubstantial exchangeable sodium, sub-stantial levels of sulphate, and a round-top columnar structure of the lowerhorizon, whereas produced water spillshave the sodium in the soil solution, sub-stantial levels of chloride, and (initially)little change in the soil structure.

Theoretical gypsum requirement(TGR), as the name implies, is a calcu-lated estimate of the amount of gypsumrequired to amend a sodic or saline-sodic

By John Ashworth

Brine-Contaminated Soils”, by J. Ash-worth et al (Cdn J. of Soil Science,1999), which may be downloaded fromwww.alsenviro.com. Method A from thispaper is recommended for brine spill sit-uations, and Method B is recommendedfor naturally sodic soils.

John Ashworth is a Senior Soil Scientistwith ALS Laboratory Group,

Edmonton. For more information, contact [email protected]

Over time, high levels of sodium in the soil will lead to a plastic-like structure

when soils are wet and a cement-like structure when dry.

ES&E May:2007 5/23/07 2:08 AM

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ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:29 PM

Engineered wetlands provide community benefits and treatment for industrial wastes

Wastewater Treatment

formance. Because water levels are con-trolled in these systems with imperme-able liners and specific placement ofinfluent and effluent points, the system’sperformance can be controlled like an en-gineered reactor.

Subsurface wetlands are filled withgravel media, which is cleaned and sizedto optimize hydraulic treatment. Theloading rates of the wetlands are estab-lished so as to exploit bacterial growthwhile minimizing impacts on the subsur-face hydraulics. An aeration system is in-stalled at the bottom of the gravel thatcreates an aerobic zone within the wet-land where water is recirculated to opti-mize treatment. Mulch is used forinsulation.

With these various control measures,what may seem to be a passive, uncon-trollable technology actually has aprocess schematic similar to advancedsewage plants. This design flexibility al-lows for engineered wetlands to treat awide spectrum of pollutants.

Lowering ammonia to benefit water reuse

Farms have long been involved withcradle-to-cradle practices for managingwastes. Feed is produced from the fieldcrops, animals eat the feed and generate

Treating industrial wastewater isa complex and often costly mat-ter. Finding new methods thattake a natural approach can en-

able companies to accomplish environ-mental clean-ups and provide potentialassets to communities. Industrial treat-ment wetlands, with their simple me-chanics, ease of operation, and lowmaintenance costs, are becoming a lead-ing choice for high quality treatment andremediation in a number of industries.Waste streams from airport deicing op-erations, concentrated feed lots, landfills,and other contaminated sites are all can-didates for this natural treatment, whilecomplying with strict environmental reg-ulations.

What makes this approach even moreenticing is the rate of acceptance by sur-rounding communities. This is due to thepotential to integrate these industrial wet-lands with community amenities such asrecreational areas, nature centers, trailnetworks, and natural habitats that theresidents can enjoy.

How does it work?A wetland cell can be rigorously engi-

neered to be a stand-alone treatmentprocess or it can be coupled with otherprocesses (like lagoons) to augment per-

By Mark Liner

manure, and manure is returned to thefields for crop production – a virtuousand sustainable nutrient cycle. Waste-water reuse is also commonly practiced.Christensen Farms of Sleepy Eye, Min-nesota, owns and operates a number offarms in the Midwest. Like many live-stock production facilities, ChristensenFarms reuses water at the facility. To im-prove the quality of water for reuse, farmmanagers contracted with Jacques Whit-ford NAWE to create a wetland-basedtertiary treatment system.

In the Christensen Farms wetlandtreatment system, earthen storage basinsat four farms were re-engineered withtertiary treatment designed to reduce ni-trogen levels in the reuse stream. Super-natant from the anaerobic lagoons isdischarged to a pre-aeration cell for pre-treatment. Following this, flow is intro-duced into a free-water surface wetlanddesigned to polish the water and providea natural habitat for water fowl. Treatedwater is pumped from the wetlands andreused for barn washwater.

Engineered wetlands for glycol removal

Another innovative use of engineeredwetlands for industrial wastewater treat-ment is the use of subsurface, aerated

The wetland system provides tertiary treatment for the Christensen Farms.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:03 PM


Wastewater Treatmentgravel beds to treat stormwater contami-nated with glycol from airport deicingoperations. These engineered wetlandsare currently under design for Buffalo Ni-agara International Airport (BNIA). Thebelow-grade beds are designed to sustaina resident, attached community of bacte-ria acclimated for the specific task of gly-col removal. The stormwater isdistributed uniformly over the beds andflows vertically through the gravel to asystem of underdrains. Air is pumped tothe beds through a network of aeratingtubing. The bed is insulated on top with alayer of peat mulch, which has beenproven to be an important means to con-serve heat.

Key to executing the design was thesuccessful off-site treatability testing ofpropylene glycol-spiked stormwater from

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Airport managers are looking at wetlands for treatment of deicing fluid.continued overleaf...

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:03 PM


the airport. Pilot work at wetland test fa-cilities was conducted to evaluate theperformance of the system and to deter-mine process kinetics. The results of thepilot-scale testing determined that therewas very good treatment (96 - 97% re-moval of target pollutants) at both thehigh and low design basis temperatures.

Ultimately, the wetland will consist ofeight wetland cells excavated from an ex-isting open area near the airport’s mainrunway and will encompass roughly 10acres. At ground level, only a field ofwetland grasses will be observable,growing from a “dry” mulch surface. Animportant factor of the design is the sizeof the gravel used and the porosity of thebed. Detailed analysis of biomassgrowth, storage, and decay was under-taken to ensure that the bed could sea-sonally accommodate the transientnature of the bacterial community.

Wetland use in landfillleachate treatment

Due to the variable nature of landfillleachate, a treatment system must be ableto receive and properly treat a wide rangeof parameters over a wide range of con-centrations. For this reason, a completeleachate system must include a numberof unit processes that target removal of acertain group of parameters.

Wetland treatment systems are usedin concert with other processes to com-pletely treat a full range of leachate pa-rameters. In particular, wetlands are usedfor bacterial-mediated degradation ofsome of the more difficult to degrade or-ganics. Aerobic and anaerobic zones canbe engineered in the wetland to expeditethe degradation of xenobiotic com-pounds. Subsurface wetlands with prop-

erly sized gravel media provide a stablesurface for attached growth bacteria,which allows the bacteria to be residentin the wetland and acclimate to the vari-able load.

For the Anoka County Landfill inMinnesota, a bioremediation system wasdesigned for 288,000 gallons per day ofleachate-contaminated groundwater. Thedesign included eight 50,000 square-foothorizontal subsurface flow wetland treat-ment cells. In order to provide year-roundtreatment, the wetlands are insulatedusing energy balance design methods.Use of mulch as an insulation layer onsubsurface wetlands has proven effectivein permitting cold weather operations ofwetlands. Forced bed aeration is also em-ployed within the wetland cells to createalternating aerobic/anaerobic zones fordegradation of complex organic com-pounds, including tetrahydrofuran.

Detailed pilot work on an engineeredwetland has also been conducted at theJones County Landfill, Anamosa, Iowa.The pilot is designed for the remediationof up to 500 gallons per day of landfillleachate and is operated as a research fa-cility by the University of Iowa Depart-ment of Civil and EnvironmentalEngineering. Results from the pilot havefocused on the ability of the wetland totreat for ammonia during cold weatherand have dramatically illustrated the ben-efits of wetland aeration.

Engineered wetlands used for petroleum remediation

Treatment for benzene, toluene, eth-ylbenzene, and xylene (BETX) occursthrough volatilization and aerobicbiodegradation. The microbial commu-nities in wetlands have been proven to

break down many of these and othervolatile organic compounds that are as-sociated with petroleum products. Thechallenge is to engineer a system thatprovides the right and consistent envi-ronment to allow such microbial com-munities to flourish. In these cases, anaerated, subsurface wetland is an effec-tive, stable means for achieving BETXdegradation.

A wetland system implemented byBritish Petroleum (BP) in Casper,Wyoming, is the largest and most recentremediation wetland in the United States.This treatment system needed to handleup to 3,000,000 gallons per day of gaso-line-contaminated groundwater, blendinto the middle of a premier golf course,and operate for over 100 years. The siteincludes an office park, river front trails,and a whitewater kayak course.

The system includes a cascade aera-tion system for iron oxidation and airstripping, a soil-matrix biofilter for gas-phase benzene removal, surface flowwetland cells for removal of ferric hy-droxide precipitates, stormwater reten-tion wetlands, and radial subsurface flowinsulated wetland cells for BTEX re-moval. Support of the design requiredconducting a pilot, which permitted thederivation of site-specific rate constants.Also, nonequilibrium gas/liquid benzenephase change calculations were neces-sary in addition to the heat balance.

ConclusionTo most, wetlands are a wet piece of

land with plants. To an engineer, a wet-land is a complex reactor that facilitatesnumerous chemical and biological reac-tions, and these reactions can be ex-ploited to remove pollutants. For remotefacilities, engineered wetlands can pro-vide a valuable, low maintenance treat-ment system that can be easilyconstructed on-site. Using state of the arttechniques, wetland engineers are able tocreate systems that effectively clean upthe dirtiest of wastewaters – from landfillleachate to spent deicing fluid.

Environmental managers and engi-neers are looking for treatment solutionsthat work for the long haul. Designingsystems to handle future flows withlower life cycle costs is a goal in mostcases. Engineered wetlands deliver onthis goal and integrate the treatment nec-essary into the facility, often enhancingthe site for plants, animals and people.

Mark O. Liner is a Senior Engineerwith Jacques Whitford NAWE, Inc.

Email [email protected]

Wastewater Treatment

Subsurface flow constructed wetland near completion at former BP site. The wet-

land is being covered with a tan mulch layer to ensure cold-weather operation

during the winter months.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:04 PM


Water Treatment

nominator so that several ions, all ex-pressed the same way, can be added to-gether and used collectively. Similarly, inmathematics, we use common denomi-nators to calculate fractions. The use ofcalcium carbonate equivalence is themethod of converting the value of eachelement to a common denominator.

Total hardness is the sum of calcium

Water is often referred to asthe "universal solvent" as itwill dissolve small amountsof everything it touches.

Water collects or dissolves a variety ofmineral salts, organic compounds and sus-pended solids as it flows over the earth'ssurface and through the ground. These im-purities make water undesirable for use inmany applications. It is, therefore, impor-tant to properly treat or condition thewater before using it.

Ion exchange is most often employedto remove mineral salts in solution and insome cases is used for removal of lowmolecular weight organic contaminantssuch as tannins or lignins. The most com-mon mineral salts found in solution arebicarbonates (HC03-), sulfates (SO4-),chlorides (Cl-), nitrates (N03-) or sili-cates (Si2O5-) of calcium (Ca++), mag-nesium (Mg++), sodium (Na+) orpotassium (K+).

Hardness in waterHardness, one of the most common

impurities in water, is defined as any-thing that will react with soap to form ascum or curd. Calcium, magnesium, andiron are common minerals that will forma soap curd and, therefore, are defined ashardness. Conversely, water devoid ofthese specific minerals is referred to as“soft” water.

Calcium and magnesium may bepresent as part of several salts and whenassociated with bicarbonate (HC03-) orcarbonate (C03-) this is called carbonatehardness. Carbonate hardness can pre-cipitate (become insoluble) and formscale simply by heating it (tea kettle,water heater, etc.). Because of this chem-ical characteristic, the carbonate hard-ness is often called temporary hardness.

When calcium and magnesium saltsare present as sulfate (SO4-), chloride(Cl-) or nitrate (N03-), the hardness iscalled non-carbonate. Non-carbonatehardness will not precipitate by simplyheating and thus is sometimes called per-manent hardness. Both temporary andpermanent hardness can exist together ina water supply.

Each different mineral ion has uniquecharacteristics and reacts uniquely. Ananalysis of a solution containing severaldifferent ions cannot be used to predictchemical reactions unless the individualions are expressed in similar terms.Equivalence serves as a common de-

and magnesium. A typical water analy-sis will show calcium, magnesium, andtotal hardness in milligrams per litre(mg/l) or grains per US gallon (gpg).When the term hardness is used, thevalue is always expressed in terms of cal-cium carbonate equivalence (as CaC03).Most water analysis will report calcium

Operation and regeneration of ion exchangewater softeners - Part one By Derek French


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:07 PM


Water Treatment

ments. In addition they will report eithertotal hardness in grains per gallon ex-pressed as a calcium carbonate equiva-lent or as Total Hardness which is a totalsum of hardness in mg/l as CaC03. Toconvert Total Hardness to grains per gal-lon simply divide by 17.1 .

Principles of ion exchangeWater softening by ion exchange uses

highly efficient sulfonated polystyrenebase cation exchange resin. As waterpasses through a bed, or column, of resinthe hardness ions are removed and re-placed with sodium ions. Thus, whenhardness is removed, the hard water ischanged to soft water.

Cation exchange water softeningresins are actually insoluble compoundsof polystyrenedivinyl benzene sulfonate.It may be visualized as a plastic spherehaving tiny pores or microscopic chan-nels through which water can pass. Thebead itself is an anion with negativelycharged exchange sites. The exchangesites hold positively charged cations,such as sodium, potassium, calcium,magnesium, iron, manganese, hydrogen,ammonium, and other metal ions.

Due to the charge characteristics in-herent in ion exchange resins, water soft-ening resin does have preferences forions. This preference is called selectiv-ity, or affinity. In general, cation (soften-ing) resin has the greatest affinity forcations which have the largest number ofpositive charges. Secondly, within agroup of ions having an identical num-ber of positive charges, affinity will in-crease with increasing atomic numbers.For example, cation resin will have agreater affinity for aluminum (three pos-itive charges) than for calcium (two pos-itive charges), or for sodium (onepositive charge). The sequence belowshows the order of affinity of standardcation resin:

AI> Ba > Ca > Cu > Zn > Fe > Mg >Mn > NH4 > Na > H

In general, any ion in the sequence willdisplace any ion to its right. This charac-teristic of ion exchange resins can serveas a useful tool in processes aimed at sep-arating one ion from another. But it alsocreates a problem, commonly referred toas breakthrough or leakage. It is quite pos-sible that one ion can be released from theresin bed while another is still being takenon. The release of any unwanted ion canlimit the extent of the softening applica-tion. For example, the most commoncation resin holds calcium more tena-ciously than it holds magnesium, so mag-nesium hardness will break through first.

So far we have discussed the watersoftening process in relation to only oneresin bead. In reality, a softener tank con-tains millions of resin beads in a bed, orcolumn, which in industrial applicationscan be several feet thick.

As water passes downward throughthe resin, the ion exchange reactionsbegin at the top of the resin column in athin reaction zone. As the top layers be-come full of hardness - as the beads be-come exhausted - the reactions continuefarther down the column where beads arestill in the sodium form. As this reactionzone progresses downward it increasesin thickness. The actual thickness of thezone is determined by water velocity(flow rate), water hardness, and resinbead size. The reaction zone will varyand may be only a few inches thick underthe right operating conditions.

When the leading edge of the reactionzone is close to the bottom of the resincolumn, hardness leakage will occur andwill continue to increase. When leakageincreases to a predetermined level, usu-ally dictated by the application, the col-umn is considered exhausted and theresin must be regenerated. Ideally thesoftening process would go off line to re-generate just moments before hardnessleakage could be detected.

Recalling the order of affinity dis-cussed earlier, the first hardness leakagewill be primarily magnesium with some

calcium present. Calcium displaces mag-nesium in the upper exhausted beads,forcing this magnesium to move furtherdown into the resin column to find a newexchange site still holding sodium. Thiscalcium-magnesium exchange continuesuntil water flow is stopped.

If a vertical sample of the resin bedwere analyzed in the lab, the top layerswould be rich in calcium, the lower lay-ers would be rich in magnesium, and theresin in between would contain both.This selectivity phenomenon is some-times called stratification and is similarto chromatographic separation. If watercontinues flowing through the softener,all magnesium in the bed can eventuallybe replaced with calcium.

The exchange processThe number of exchange sites occu-

pied by a single cation depends upon thenumber of positive charges on the cation.For example, calcium and magnesiumeach have two positive charges so eachoccupies two ion exchange sites.Sodium, potassium, ammonium, and hy-drogen have only one positive charge soeach occupies only one site.

Before the softening process begins,sodium ions occupy all the exchangesites. As hard water passes around theresin beads, the hardness ions displacethe sodium ions and occupy the ex-change sites previously occupied bysodium. This interchange of ions is

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:23 PM


Water Treatment

called ion exchange.The process works best when the influent water is less than

1,000 mg/l total dissolved solids (TDS) because the resin beadhas a greater affinity for hardness than it does for sodium. Asthe TDS concentration goes above 1,000 mg/l, the water mostoften contains higher values of naturally occurring sodium. Inraw waters with high sodium levels, the chance for hardnessleakage increases.

Each resin bead has a fixed number of exchange sites. Aswater is processed, all the sites will become filled with calciumand magnesium ions. At this point the bead is exhausted andthe calcium and magnesium ions have to be replaced withsodium so that the softening process can be repeated. Theprocess of removing hardness ions and replacing them withsodium ions is called regeneration.

As explained, cation resin has a natural preference for hard-ness ions. While ion exchange resin beads are porous and willallow water transport through the structure, there is little actualwater flow through the bead itself. Rather, most of the hardnessfirst attaches to the outside or shell area of the resin and, as thebead surface becomes saturated, hardness migrates towards thecore of the resin in a transfer phenomenon that goes from out-side to inside.

Once the resin is fully saturated with hardness minerals, wemust recondition or “regenerate” the resin back to the sodiumform. The resin has a preference for hardness minerals, there-fore, to overcome this preference we must use a strong solutionof sodium ions forcing the hardness off the resin beads. Themost common and economical sodium salt is sodium chloride(NaCl), therefore it is used most often in the regeneration ofwater softeners.

Remember that hardness removal occurs best when total dis-solved solids are less than 1,000 mg/l (ppm). A 10% salt brinesolution is 100,000 mg/l and this high concentration of brine isstrong enough to overcome the resin's affinity for hardness andwill place sodium ions back on the exchange sites.

The exact number of exchange sites that sodium can occupyis called the stoichiometric quantity. Regenerating with thisexact number of sodium ions that the resin holds will not placesodium on all the exchange sites. It takes three times the stoi-chiometric quantity, or 300%, of sodium in a 10% salt brine so-lution to place sodium on all the sites. Obviously, 100% of thestoichiometric amount is consumed and 200% is wasted. Thisexplains why the softener regeneration waste contains salt.

CapacityCommon cation resin has an ultimate (theoretical) capacity

of about 43,000 grains per cubic foot. However, only about 75%of this capacity can be used efficiently through normal regen-eration procedures when installed in treatment equipment. Touse any of the remaining 25% of capacity requires excessiveamounts of salt and increased regeneration time to obtain verysmall capacity increases, making such efforts economically un-desirable.

The most common method used to regenerate water softenerresin is called “co-current” or down-flow regeneration. Singletank softeners or co-current units use raw (hard) influent watermixed with the brine to regenerate resin in the down-flow di-rection. This requires the brine to displace all the hardness in theupper parts of the resin bed and “push” that hardness to draindown through the entire bed. Care must be taken to ensure hard-ness does not get retained in the lower portions of the bed;therefore, a generous amount of brine is used to minimize thispossibility.

Conversely, there are newer technologies that use an up-flow

or “counter-current” brine process. This means that soft watercontaining brine solution is introduced at the bottom of the sof-tener vessel during regeneration. This up-flow regenerationeliminates the potential for hardness to be trapped at the lowerportion of the bed. The counter current regeneration using softwater improves regeneration efficiency, resulting in salt savingsas well as improved water quality from the softener system.

Water softening resin is most economical to regenerate whenit is not completely exhausted. The most efficient setting for re-generation utilizes 66% of the resin’s total capacity and will re-generate with 60% less salt than if run to exhaustion. Inco-current or down flow regeneration systems the resin has amaximum capacity of 30,000 grains of hardness removal (asCaC03) per cubic foot when regenerated with 15 pounds ofsodium chloride (salt) per cubic foot. When operated at its mostefficient level the resin will give 20,000 grains of hardness re-moval while regenerating with only 6.0 lbs of salt per cubic footof resin. Running a system at its most economical settingsyields definite savings to the owner of the system.

The use of counter current regeneration further lowers thesalt used per cubic foot, thus yielding savings for the operatorof the water softener while simultaneously providing betterwater quality and co-current regenerating units.

Part 2 will explore the different regeneration methods to op-timize capacity and reduce brine discharge from ion exchangewater softeners.

Derek French is with Hydrus Kinetico Incorporated.Contact: [email protected]

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 2:54 PM


Energy

much energy to produce end products asthe end products themselves contain. Inother words, it is equivalent to burning athird or half of all the recoverable oil con-tained in the deposits to get the other por-tion out. These current and expandingpractices have global consequences dueto extremely high greenhouse gas emis-sions along with other types of pollutionand environmental damage.

The current oil rush is being fueled byworld oil prices that initially peaked atUS$70 per barrel after crossing the $40mark in 2004. Prices have not fallen topre 2004 levels and so long as they re-main above the threshold, the interest indeveloping the oil sands will remain high.Current production levels are at theequivalent of about 1 million barrels perday and expected to triple or quadruple to3 or 4 million barrels per day in a fewyears, around 2015. Currently, there areabout $90 billion in projects announcedand in various stages of development andconstruction for the region.

Only about 7% of the oil sands ex-traction can be carried out by surfacemining with the remaining bulk portionbeing too far underground for it to bepractically surface mined. The world’s

With oil prices over US$50per barrel, the world’s at-tention has turned to FortMcMurray, a tiny hamlet in

the northern part of the oil-rich Provinceof Alberta. Oil companies, contractors,investors and speculators, along withmany thousands of oil patch and con-struction workers, are coming to town indroves.

“Fort Mac” is located in the centre ofthe world’s largest known oil sands regionthat contains more recoverable oil thanSaudi Arabia – approximately 200 billionbarrels using current technologies. This isless than 10% of the total amount of en-ergy in the ground, the remaining beingunrecoverable using current technology;otherwise it would be enough asphalt tocover most of the moon in pavement. Thearea includes three deposits, each aboutthe size of Switzerland. But there is nocheap or easy way to get the stuff out ofthe ground and into a user-friendly form.

Nuclear energy options need to beconsidered because the current processesof extracting and producing liquid fuelsand other oil products from these oil sanddeposits are terribly wasteful, pollutingand expensive; and it takes almost as

largest mine of any type is the Syncrudeoperation located near Fort McMurraythat is sometimes called “Mount Doom”,a name taken from the black, smoky, andflaming mountain in the evil heartlanddescribed in the popular J.R. TolkeinLord of the Rings trilogy of books andmovies.

The oil sand is dug using several ofthe world’s largest dump trucks and ex-cavators and brought to an onsite sepa-rating facility where vast quantities ofheated water are used to cook usable ma-terial out of the black sand. The productskimmed from the top is not crude oil butrather a thick, smelly tar-like substancecalled bitumen that is upgraded to syn-thetic crude oil in a series of energy-in-tense downstream processes.

The upgrading process requires largequantities of hydrogen currently pro-duced from natural gas. Currently, about5% of all the natural gas produced inwestern Canada is consumed in oil sandsproduction with that expected to increaseto 15% by 2015 as production of syn-thetic crude oil increases to over 1 billionbarrels per year.

The remaining bulk oil sands located

By Peter P. Roosen & Tatsuya Nakagawa

Using nuclear alchemy to turn Canadian oil sands to black gold


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:28 PM

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ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 2:56 PM


deeper underground employ a variety ofin place or in situ techniques to force thebitumen out of the sand and to the sur-face. The most popular in situ technique,called “Steam Assisted GravityDrainage” or SAGD involves boring twoL-shaped wells that go horizontally intothe oil sands with one above the other.Massive quantities of steam are forcedinto the upper one that causes the bitu-men to separate from the sand and flowinto the lower chamber from which it isbrought to the surface for further pro-cessing into synthetic crude oil and otherproducts. Other techniques may evolve toreplace SAGD, but this is the best pres-ent method for extracting the bulk of the200 billion recoverable barrels of oil.

For every billion barrels of bitumenextracted using SAGD and upgraded tosynthetic crude oil, about 100 milliontonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted intothe biosphere. Canada’s Kyoto commit-ment limits Canada’s national carbondioxide emissions to 500 million tonnesper year so it is readily apparent that sim-ply getting usable oil out of northern Al-berta represents a major part of Canada’smeasured greenhouse gas emissions.

Nuclear energy may be the only viableway of meeting the tremendous and

growing energy demands at the scale re-quired to efficiently harvest the resourcewhile producing zero emissions of car-bon dioxide. Nuclear plants can also pro-duce the hydrogen needed for theupgrading process without consumingfossil fuels or producing carbon dioxide.

There is no practical alternative. Thereis no realistic way to develop sufficienthydroelectric or wind powered electricalgeneration capacity and installing coal-fired power plants simply shifts the pro-duction of carbon dioxide from the oilsands operations to the coal-fired powerplant locations. It takes thousands ofwindmill generators consuming enor-mous materials to make up for a singlenuclear plant.

Carbon dioxide sequestration is an ap-proach being considered but it is difficult,very energy-intensive and potentiallydangerous with possibilities of this heavygas leaking out of underground storagegeological formations and killing largenumbers of animals and people. An ex-ample of this occurred on August 26,1986, when 1700 people and severalherds of cattle were killed at Cameroon’sLake Nyos by a carbon dioxide release.

The negative aspects of nuclear powergeneration are widely known, with the

largest real problem being the fuel man-agement issue, preserving integrity onboth the supply side and the output sideof the generating process.

The second generation plants built inthe 1970s and 1980s, the vast majority ofwhich are still operating today, use lessthan 5% of the energy available from thefuel that goes into these plants. Many ofthese old plants require the fuel to befairly rich and once the fuel becomescontaminated by waste products, the par-tially spent fuel gets put into a waste stor-age area. Since the physical amount offuel that goes through a plant is minisculerelative to energy output, often the con-taminated fuel is kept sitting at the plantsin storage ponds and never gets taken offsite.

The partially spent fuel still containsover 95% of the available energy in it, isusually highly radioactive, and can bestored on site after use, get sent out forrecycling or placed into long term stor-age.

The American and Canadian nuclearagencies prefer the idea of building andoperating long term storage bunkersrather than recycling the fuel materials be-cause uranium is abundant and is cheaperto dump and replace than to recycle.

Energy

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:03 PM


France produces 80% of its electricalenergy using nuclear power plants and re-cycles its fuels. The French approach ismore costly in the short term but yieldsbetter long term results. The Americansand Canadians are coming around to theFrench approach with the CanadianCANDU reactors being well-suited toconsuming lower grade recycled fuels asthey are now doing this at an increasingrate.

The recycling program is based on theidea of recycling not some but all thefuels used, stripping out the dead wasteproducts and topping up any ingredientsneeded to make the fuel operationalagain, then sending it back to a powerplant for another pass. After at least 15such cycles, the original fuel would havebeen burnt to the ground so there is nomajor storage issue and little available forcriminals looking for radioactive fission-able material.

The dead waste products that arestripped out during the reprocessing op-erations will have some residual radiationbut of a fairly low grade and there wouldbe no significant amount of fissionableenergy content left in it. These recyclingactivities would also result in a substantialreduction of the current amount of wasteproducts being produced.

The fully fissioned or truly ‘spent’materials would lose their residual ra-dioactivity after no more than a few hun-dred years – not the many thousands ofyears for some higher grade wastes cur-rently sitting in various places. The com-pletely burnt-out waste products could behandled more like the waste from old ex-pired hospital or airport x-ray machines.

There is an inexhaustible supply ofnuclear fuels. with Canada currentlybeing the world’s largest exporter of ura-nium. The Japanese have found a way toobtain it from seawater for about US$150per kilogram which is not much moneyconsidering a kilogram of uranium con-tains as much energy as several tonnes ofa fossil fuel.

Modern third generation and upcom-ing fourth generation nuclear reactors donot need to use high-grade fuels. This re-sults in the newer nuclear fuels beingmuch more difficult to turn into weapons.There are new designs that are impossibleto have go into a meltdown condition dueto different physics and engineering ap-proaches having been taken to eliminatethe possibility of them melting down asthe older Three Mile Island and Cher-nobyl reactors did decades ago.

Many leading scientists and engineershave been working on these challenges as

the nuclear power industry has been de-veloping since the first nuclear powerplant called EBR-1 (Electron BreederReactor) lit up a string of 4 light bulbs ina small building out on the AmericanIdaho desert on December 20, 1951. Theindustry has come a long way in a shorttime.

Employing CANDU reactors in theoil sands region for extracting bitumenfrom the oil sands and upgrading it tosynthetic crude oil and other oil productswould provide the means to bring thisvaluable resource to market without wast-

ing our valuable natural gas resource andwithout producing any substantial carbondioxide emissions toward the globalwarming problem. It would also allow usto put the whole recoverable oil sands re-source to better use than doing the equiv-alent of burning a third or half of it to getthe other half to market.

It might be a good time for nuclear al-chemists to find their way to Fort Mc-Murray to turn the sand to gold.

Energy

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:04 PM


Delegates attending ACE 2007will find Toronto is a vibrant,modern city, well endowedwith cultural amenities,

restaurants, sporting and theatricalevents. The city is also well served bysome notable water and wastewater treat-ment facilities. In 1954, Toronto becamethe first major city in the world to legis-late a metropolitan approach to watertreatment and distribution, wastewatercollection and treatment.

Bold initiatives like this, were thanksto such industry pioneers as Dr. AlbertEdward Berry, who was the first personto be elected president of both the Amer-ican Water Works Association and theWater Environment Federation. Dr Berrywas the first Chief Engineer of what isnow the Ontario Ministry of the Environ-ment, whose headquarters are located indowntown Toronto.

Over time, 18 small sewage treatmentplants were phased out and the City ofToronto is now served by the AshbridgesBay, North Toronto, Highland Creek andthe Humber Wastewater Treatment Plants.

Drinking water facilities include the

R.C. Harris, the R.L. Clark and the F.J.Horgan Water Treatment Plants, plus atreatment facility on the Toronto Islands,just offshore in the downtown area.

Toronto’s Rogers Centre (formerlycalled SkyDome) was the world’s firstmajor stadium with a mechanical re-tractable roof. I was present when theDome officially opened in 1989, during arain storm. Ironically, it opened to let therain in on its debut, not keep it out! The or-ganizers could not resist a demonstrationof their retractable roof. It is now a focalpoint of the city, attracting millions of vis-itors annually. Baseball games routinelydraw over 45,000 fans, and crowds in ex-cess of 50,000 regularly attend other di-verse entertainment attractions. It is largeenough to encompass St. Paul’s Cathedral,yet so flexible it has multi-use capabilities.And it is within short walking distance ofthe city’s main convention hotels.

The site was occupied by a 144-year-old water pumping complex. A new,award-winning pumping facility consol-idated the old 2.5 hectare network ofpipes and sewers into a modern facilitytaking up less than .25 hectares of prime

downtown real estate, to make room forthe Centre. The resulting award-winningJohn Street pumping station was com-pleted without any loss of water serviceto users, and its distinctive architecturecan be seen at the front of the RogersCentre.

The Rogers Centre has emerged as acultural, sporting, and theatrical success.Frank Sinatra has played there; so hasElton John, and many other popular en-tertainers. Verdi’s opera Aida was stagedin the Dome, comprising a huge cast, alarge orchestra, live elephants, and apyramid so large it had to be bargedacross Lake Ontario from the UnitedStates.

Dominating the Toronto skyline is theslender CN Tower, the world’s tallest free-standing structure soaring 533.33 metres.From the observation level, it is possibleto see across Lake Ontario to the Ameri-can side, watch the mists rise from Niag-ara Falls, or have a panoramic view of thecity – all while dining at the revolvingrestaurant and night club. Virtually in theshadow of the CN Tower at Old Fort York,the gravestones of British soldiers can

By Steve DaveyACE 2007 - Welcome to Toronto

ACE 2007

ES&E May:2007 5/23/07 3:46 PM


still be viewed by those with a penchantfor history.

Not too long ago, Toronto Harbourwas a wasteland of abandoned docks andindustrial facilities. Today, the downtownwaterfront has evolved into a complex ofyacht moorings, craft studios, boutiques,high-end condominiums, restaurants, anddiverse facilities for the performing arts.

In the last two decades, there hasbeen a surge of theatrical and artistic en-deavours taking place in Toronto. World-

renowned actors, such as Peter O’Toole,Glenda Jackson, John Gielgud, andMaggie Smith have trod the boards at itsmany theatres. Toronto has become ahome-away-from-home for numerouswell-known Broadway style theatricalproductions, such as We Will Rock You!(currently playing at The Canon The-atre), Wicked, Mamma Mia!, The LionKing, Cats, Joseph and The AmazingTechnicolour Dreamcoat, Miss Saigon,Beauty and the Beast, and The Phantom

of the Opera.Toronto is also home to many film-

making endeavours, earning its nickname“Hollywood North”. During any givenweek, at least one or more big-budgetHollywood productions may be seenfilming on Toronto’s many streets.

Steve Davey is the Publisherof Environmental Science

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Justin Trudeau to address the waterworks industry at ACE 2007 Preview by Steve Davey

The world’s water communitywill gather in Toronto, June 24-28, 2007, to explore the futureof safe water, gain knowledge

of and insight into research and bestpractices, and experience the latest prod-ucts and services available to the watercommunity. The event, to be held at theMetro Toronto Convention Centre, willfeature a professional program consist-ing of approximately 100 sessions, com-prised of more than 500 presentationsgiven by more than 1,000 experts in thewater industry, plus 14 in-depth work-shops. This is the first time the Ameri-can Water Works Association has held itsannual event in Toronto since 1996.

Topics covered will include engineer-ing and construction, water resourcesmanagement, conservation and reuse,distribution, legislative and regulatoryaffairs, public communication, andemerging issues. ACE07 attendees willhave the opportunity to earn CEUs forthe Distribution & Plant Operations,Small Systems & Water Quality tracks,most Sunday workshops and facilitytours.

The ACE07 Exposition will feature500 exhibitors showcasing the latestproducts and services available to help

Justin Trudeau

Archie Manning

ACE 2007

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:40 PM


ensure safe water. These exhibitors willoffer expert insight and hands-on under-standing for everything from pipes tovalves, meters to hydrants, engineeringservices to tank-related companies,membrane filtration systems to labora-tory equipment, and security to waste-water. The New Product TechnologyShowcase will return to highlight thenewest and most innovative products andtechnology available.

Additionally, ACE07 will feature spe-cial opportunities for international atten-dees and young professionals, sessionson the AWWA “State of the Industry” re-port, the new Only Tap Water DeliversCampaign, the always entertaining Pipe-Tapping Contest and Top Ops Competi-tion, and the “Best of the Best” ACE07Water Taste Test.

Justin Trudeau, who has been in themedia spotlight recently, following hisdecision to follow in his father’s politicalfootsteps, is a keynote speaker. The edu-cation and empowerment of youth arepriorities that have dominated JustinTrudeau’s professional and personal life.Shortly after completing a degree atMcGill University, Trudeau moved toVancouver to earn a Bachelor’s of Edu-cation degree from the University ofBritish Columbia. For the next fouryears, he devoted himself to teachingchildren of all ages. He is now complet-ing a Master's degree in EnvironmentalGeography at McGill University.

Mr. Trudeau is actively involved withKatimavik, Canada’s leading nationalyouth volunteer-service program. Heworks to increase the engagement ofCanada’s youth towards their country,their communities and their environ-ment. He is also involved with the Cana-dian Avalanche Foundation, promotingintelligent risk-taking and safety aware-ness, and wilderness groups such as theNature Conservancy of Canada and theCanadian Parks and Wilderness Society.

Also addressing the ACE07 keynotesession will be Bob McDonald, host ofCBC's Quirks & Quarks. Mr. McDonaldhas been communicating science inter-nationally through television, radio, printand live presentations for more than 30years. CBC Radio's Quirks and Quarksis an award-winning science programheard by a national audience in Canadaof nearly 500,000 people. He is con-stantly in demand to speak for a varietyof audiences across Canada, and is bestknown for making complex issues ac-cessible to the general public.

The ACE07 Water Industry Luncheonwill feature an address by former NFL

Pro Bowl quarterback, Archie Manning. Mr. Manning is recognized as an am-

bassador of good will and a molder ofpeople. He was an All-American Quar-terback at Ole Miss. before the New Or-leans Saints made him their No.1 draftchoice. During his 14-year NFL career,Archie set the most Saints passingrecords, played in two Pro Bowls, andwas the league's Most Valuable Player in1978. He's a member of several Halls ofFame, including the National FootballLeague. As a player, Archie won numer-ous humanitarian awards and was named

one of 10 outstanding young Americansby the US Jaycees.

Archie currently serves in a public re-lations and consulting capacity for severallocal, regional, and national companies.He shares his time with countless charityand civic boards, primarily in Louisianaand Mississippi and is the proud father ofthree sons: Cooper (an institutional bro-ker in New Orleans), Peyton (quarterbackfor the Indianapolis Colts and namedMVP in the National Football League in2003 and 2004) and Eli (quarterback of


ACE 2007

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:40 PM


the New York Giants and No. 1 selectionin the 2004 NFL Draft).

Technical Session Information• Distribution & Plant Operations —

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drinking water treatment plants and dis-tribution systems are the primary activi-ties of a water utility. This track revealsthe latest innovations and improvementsin distribution and plant operations.

• Engineering & ConstructionThis segment delivers the nuts and

bolts on the latest design trends, projectdelivery management concepts, and tra-ditional engineering for anyone involvedin building and maintaining a water-re-lated facility.

• ExecutiveEnhancing the technical topics, the

Executive Track brings all the "need-to-know" managerial, leadership and work-force insights critical to the success ofevery water profession executive.

• InternationalIn this track, managers, engineers,

and consultants around the world willshare what they are doing to make waterdelivery safe and efficient. Gain a globalperspective with these insights into cur-rent methods, procedures and practices.

• Legislative & RegulatoryWith constantly evolving regulation,

compliance and policy issues, there is al-ways something new to tackle on the leg-islative and regulatory front. This trackpresents all you need to know about cur-rent issues while outlining how you canmanage federal, state, provincial andlocal issues to affect change on water is-sues.

• Management for Water & Waste-water

Focusing on excellence in all areas ofperformance, this track will enable youto look beyond the traditional manage-ment approach and explore concepts thatwill bring maximum benefits to your op-erations.

• Manufacturers/Associates — EarnCEUs!

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water professionals. General managers,public affairs personnel, and other waterworkers can hone their media relationsskills, explore public outreach strategies,share best practices, and identify emerg-ing water industry trends through this se-ries of sessions.

• ResearchThese sessions focus on the latest re-

sults and approaches to meet drinkingwater industry-related issues and re-quirements, with consideration given tosource, treatment, and distribution sys-tem topics.

• ResidualsToday's regulatory agenda has pro-

vided a structure for reconsidering watertreatment residual processing and dis-posal. Learn cutting-edge concepts thatwill help you be more fully informedonce you're faced with these issues onthe job.

• ReuseWater, wastewater, and joint

water/wastewater utilities are closely tiedwhen it comes to water resources at thelocal level. Hear the latest on reuse as analternative source of water supply andassociated advanced wastewater treat-ment practices.

• Small Systems — Earn CEUs!These sessions address source devel-

opment, treatment, storage, distribution,operations, engineering, managementand HR needs - everything you need toknow to build and maintain a success-fully integrated system.

• Special TopicsThis track encompasses the water

supply topics that will round out yourprofessional program experience.

• Universities ForumUniversity students are the voice of

the next generation of water profession-als. Take this opportunity to hear a freshperspective and learn from published andpreviously unpublished research fromacross the country.

• Water ConservationDemand reduction and supply exten-

sion are goals of every water conserva-tion program. Hear how you can start awater conservation program and get thefacts on the best communication meth-ods to use. Learn which water efficiencytechniques can lower demand, how theyaffect revenue, and how to best manage aprogram.

• Water Quality — Earn CEUs!Keep up-to-date with the latest tech-

nological advances for keeping drinkingwater safe. The water quality technicalprogram covers all aspects of drinking

water quality and technology, includingdrinking water treatment (whether con-ventional or membrane), water analysis,corrosion issues, UV applications, DBPcontrol, EDCs and pharmaceuticals, andlaboratory operations.

• Water ResourcesThis track addresses the technical and

institutional practices and public policyfor sustainable development, protection,and management of water resources forpublic water supply.

ACE is also offering a number of fa-cility tours including the John Street

Pumping Station, Toronto Island WaterTreatment Plant, High Level PumpingStation, FJ Horgan Water TreatmentPlant, RC Harris Water Treatment Plant,Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Hamil-ton Museum of Steam & Technology,Lakeview Water Treatment Plant andLakeview Wastewater Treatment Plant.

For further information on ACE 2007,visit www.awwa.org.

ACE 2007

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:06 PM


Exhibitor Name Booth #

3D Instance 7013M Company 5093N International, Inc. 2803A.R.I. USA, Inc. 2439A.Y. McDonald Mfg. Co. 1017AA Thread Seal Tape, Inc. 309ADS LLC 2050APCO Willamette Valve & Primer 1902ARNCO Corp. 245AWI 807Abloy Security Inc. 751Actaris Metering Systems 2244Adesta LLC 27Advance Products & Systems Inc. 2300Advance Tank Construction Co. 1043Advanced Valve Technologies 606Advantica, Inc. 237Akron Porcelain & Plastics Co. (The) 1451AllMax Software 723American AVK Co. 2423American Cast Iron Pipe Co. 1722American Concrete Pressure Pipe 923American Leak Detection 1940Ameron International 1906Amiad Filtration Systems 2643Analytical Technology Inc. 950Angus Flexible Pipelines 1007Anthrafilter Inc 1011Aqua Smart Inc. 906AquaSensors, LLC 2743Aquacell Water, Inc. 503Aquatic Informatics Inc. 517Aquatic Life Ltd. 323Aquionics 1845Arcadis 612Arch Chemicals, Inc. 2606Ashcroft Inc. 1747Asia Water Refining Corp. 43Asphalt Zipper, Inc. 408Association of Boards of Certification 2904AWWA Research Foundation 1203BASF Corporation 2728Badger Meter, Inc. 1511Basin Water Inc. 1443Bentley Systems, Inc. 707Bermad Inc. 1123Best Sulfur Products 8Bingham & Taylor 1811Birks Company (The) 849Birmingham Fastener Mfg. 1432Bisan Trading & Industrial Services 1649Black Bear Valve 307Blacoh Fluid Control Inc 538Blue-White Industries 315Brentwood Industries Inc. 911Bureau Veritas 939C.I.M. Industries Inc. 2127CB&I 1231CEI Carbon Enterprises Inc. 437CUES 2324Caldwell Tanks Inc. 450Calgon Carbon 543Cambridge Brass 2523Canada Colors and Chemicals Ltd 953Canadian Environmental Protection 1648Canbar Inc. 2345Cancoppas Limited 742

Canusa CPS 242Carbon Activated Corporation 321Carson Industries LLC & Adapter, Inc. 1Carus Chemical Company 1815Cascade Waterworks Mfg. Co. 2322Caterpillar Inc. 2615Cellnet 1448Central Plastics Company 345Certainteed Corporation 331Channell 312Charlatte of America 328Charter Plastics Inc. 443ChemScan Process Analyzers div. 337Chemline Plastics Limited 1953Chemtrac Systems Inc 801Chlorinators Incorporated 223Cla-Val 2031Cogsdale Corporation 1552Collector Wells Intl. Inc. 2607Columbian TecTank 1207Con-V-Air 519Conbraco Industries Inc. 2222Conservatek Industries, Inc. 2416Contazara SA 221Control Microsystems 1217Corrpro Companies, Inc. 2201Crispin-Multiplex Manufacturing Co. 2131Crom Corp. (The) 1042Cummins Power Generation 908DFW Plastics Inc. 1110DHI Water & Environment 826DLM Industries Ltd. 945DYK Incorporated 2226Dalian Boto Cast Iron Foundry 2545Danfoss Flomatic Corporation 743Data West Corporation 1536Datamatic, Ltd. 2043DeZURIK Water Controls 1807Delta Cooling Towers, Inc. 734Derceto, Inc. 2811Diamond Plastics Corporation 2151Diamond Waterworks 2807Dow Chemical Co (The) 1908Dresser Piping Specialties 2301Droycon Bioconcepts, Inc. 7Dryco Drying Services 622Dynasonics 2313EAWater Pvt. Ltd. 724EBAA Iron Inc. 1302EMA Inc. 1437EMCO Corporation 2349EMEC Americas, Ltd. 26ENPAR Technologies Inc. 648EPA Technical Assistance Centers 518EPMAR Corporation 2351ESRI 903Eagle Microsystems Inc. 2048Eagle Picher Filtration & Minerals, Inc. 432Earth Science Laboratories Inc 30Easily Moved Equipment Inc. 2540East Jordan Iron Works Inc. 1322Echologics Engineering Inc 412Electric Guard Dog (The) 9Electrolytic Technologies Corp 2243Elster AMCO Water Inc. 1901Emerson Process Management 1730Endeavor Tool Company LLC 2815Endress & Hauser Inc. 2442Engineered Storage Products Co. 1314

ACE 2007As of May 01, 2007 Companies shown in red are advertisers in

this issue (see ad index on page 105)

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:07 PM


Enviroline Group 28Environmental Science & Engineering 6Enviroquip Inc. of Austin TX 1129Exotec 2450F.B. Leopold Company 1400F.S. Brainard & Co. 2203Fairmount Minerals 434Fernco Inc. 2350Fiber Technology Corporation 2611Fibox Enclosures 2204Fibrwrap Construction Inc 2809Filtronics Inc. 243Filtros, Ltd. 1751Fisher Research Laboratory 2109Flomotion Systems, Inc. 409Floran Technologies Inc. 428Flow Metrix, Inc. 812Flowline Inc. 512Floyd S. Salser Jr. & Assoc.DBA Mars Co 1529

Fluid Conservation Systems 2115Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc. 425Fluoride Safety Corporation 2646Fontaine USA, Inc. 1538Force Flow 1839Ford Meter Box Co. Inc. (The) 1317FreeWave Technologies 2817French Creek Software, Inc. 16Fuji Electric 2409Future Pipe Industries, Inc. 413GE Water & Process Technologies 1637GFS Chemicals 248GMI Composites 2911GP 50 811GPK Products Inc. 1344GPM Pumps, Inc. 2242

Galaxy Plastics Ltd. 2649Gallagher SecurityManagement Systems 1152

General Chemical Corporation 1106Geodome 1247Geomembrane Technologies, Inc. 1539Global Poly Systems, Inc. 2805Global Water Instrumentation 2148Golder Associates 506Good Water Warehouse, Inc. 600Government Engineering Journal 2051Grand Haven Meter Couplings 1645Gray Matter Systems/GE Fanuc 42Griffin Pipe Products Co. 1422Grundfos Pumps Corporation/Paco Pumps 2507

Gutermann Leak Detection 1545H2O Innovation (2000) Inc. 302HARCO Fittings 1912HF scientific 1117HOT BOX 1842Hach Company 1408Hach Company 1409Hach Company 1417Halogen Valve Systems Inc. 818Hanley Wood/Public Works Magazine 1047Hanna Instruments Canada Inc. 301Hansen Information Technologies 1228Hanson Pipe & Products, Inc. 429Heath Consultants Inc. 2318Hedwin Corporation 209Hendrick Screen Co. 922Hersey Meters 1943Hetek Solutions Inc. 25Hexagram Inc. 2451Hoffman Agency (The) 1045

Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition 420Hungerford & Terry Inc. 2900Hurco Technologies, Inc. 714Hydra-Shield Mfg. Inc. 1331Hydranautics 1746Hydro Gate 2023Hydro-Guard 1644Hydromantis, Inc. 703Hyprescon, Inc. 2346IC Controls 2343ICWT/CALIFT 1647IDEXX Laboratories 1541IEH Laboratories Consulting Group 508INFICON 2633IPEX 544ISCO Industries 446ITRON 1609ITT Advanced Water Treatment 837ITT Flowtronex 837ITT Goulds Pumps 837Illinois Department of Commerceand Economic Opportunity 31

Independent Pipe Products 447Induron Coatings Inc. 1439Industrial Pipe Fittings, LLC 628Industrial Test Systems, Inc. 2910Infilco Degremont Inc./OzoniaNorth America 1831

InfoStream, LLC 2053Insituform Technologies, Inc. 123Int'l/Interprovincial Corrosion Control 538International Dioxcide Inc 2107Intuitech, Inc. 32J & S Valve, Inc. 732J-M Mfg. Co. 1001JCM Industries Inc. 1223

pumps • filters • tubing • www.waterra.com • bailers • water level sensors

(WSP-12V-2)

(Canada) Waterra Pumps Limited [email protected] • tel: 905.238.5242 (USA) Waterra USA Inc. [email protected] • tel: 360.738.3366

Groundwater Monitoring Equipment & Supplies

12 volt submersible pumps

IMPROVED FEATURESSignificant improvements have been addedto Waterra's 12 Volt Submersible Pumps —designed to make your well purging and sampling even easier.

Standard Performance12 Volt Submersibles • new features added to entire

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• more sturdy hose connector

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NEW! WSP-SS-85NCStainless Steel 12 Volt Submersible• no controller required, runs directly off of 12 volts DC

• can pump the most turbid water with no damage to pump

• can even be used for low flow sampling

• provides lift up to 85 feet

• easily decontaminated

ACE 2007

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:07 PM


JMAR Technologies 1149JUMO Process Control, Inc. 304John Meunier Inc. 1239Johnson Screens 2145KP Electronics Inc. 414KPSI Transducers, PressureSystems Inc. 1938

KWH Pipe 342Karcher Canada Inc. 407Keller America Inc. 1551Kemiron Companies Inc 620Kinetico Incorporated 535Klear Blue Technologies LLC 1150Koch Membrane Systems 2323Koraleen Enterprises 2547Krohne,Inc. 416Kruger Inc 1239Kubota Corporation 1151Kupferle Foundry Co. 550LaMotte Company 802Lab-Bell, Inc. 319Landmark Municipal Services 501Landmark Structures 2237Layfield Geosynthetics & IndustrialFabrics Ltd. 2445

Layne Christensen Company 2501Leggette, Brashears & Graham Inc. 2504Liquid Analytical Resource, LLC 2543Longwatch, Inc. 1743Lowell Corporation 2208Lutz-Jesco America Corp. 1852M.E. Simpson Co. Inc. 1245M.T.Deason Company, Inc. 726MAB Paints 536MFG Water Treatment Products 324MIOX Corporation 1037MRO Software Inc. 2745MS Filter Inc. 926MWH Laboratories 624MWH Soft, Inc. 912Mabry Castings LTD 435Madison Chemical Industries Inc. 250Magna Filter Media 215Magna Flow Environmental 1353MainSaver 11ManSci Inc. 1951MarMac Construction Products 2703Master Meter Inc. 1523

Matco-Norca, Inc. 229Matrix Imaging Solutions 925Mazzei Injector Corporation 2502McCrometer, Inc. 1230McElroy Mfg. Inc. 442McGard Inc. 2036McWane, Inc. 1103Measuremax, Inc. 725Merrick Industries, Inc. 2610Metrotech Corp. 1430Meurer Research, Inc. 2415Microwave Data Systems 233Milliken Valve Co. 2123Milton Roy 2412Mission Communications 941Mitsubishi Electric PowerProducts, Inc. 1038

Mueller Co. 2015Municipal Solutions 218Munro Concrete Products Ltd. 318Munters Corporation-MoistureControl Services 1213

Myron L Company 351NAPAC Inc. 2705NEO Valves 316NRC Research Press 214NRC/Institute for Research& Construction 216

NSF International 817Napier-Reid Ltd. 2632Natgun Corporation 1216National EnvironmentalServices Center 525

National Fire SprinklerAssociation Inc. 421

National Pump Company, LLC 1548Neptune Technology Group Inc 1503Norit Americas Inc 2037North American Fire Hose 424North American Pipe Corp. 1051Northrop Grumman InformationTechnology 1848

Northtown Co. 948Northwest Pipe Company 251Nu Flow 2441OCV Control Valves 1914OPTA Minerals, Inc. 947ORBECO-HELLIGE 2344

Occlude 1146Ontario Clean Water Agency 516Ontario Ministry of the Environment 1652Optellios 2253Oracle-SPL 451Orica Watercare 1851PACO Pumps/Grundfos Pumps 2511PAX Water Technologies, Inc. 2642PBS&J 2644PEPSO Advanced Filtration 1453PVS Technologies Inc 2709Pacific Ozone Technology 430Palintest 313Pall Corporation 2229Panasonic Computer Solutions Co. 212Panton McLeod Americas 505Pathogen Detection Systems, Inc. 850Pentair Water/Pentair Filtration 1309Pepcon Systems 236Performance Meter, Inc. 2207Performance Pipe 2130Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, Inc. 1308Pioneer Water Tanks-A BlueScopeWater Co. 2901

Pipeline Pigging Products Inc. 1112Pipeline Seal & Insulator Inc. 2213Pittsburg Tank & Tower Co. 2801Plas-Tanks Industries, Inc. 2247Plast-O-Matic Valves, Inc. 2515Plastic Trends Inc. 1343Pollardwater.com 549Pollution Equipment News/RimbachPublishing Inc. 231Poly Pipe, Inc. 542Poly Processing Co. 2238PowerSeal Pipeline Products Corp. 406Pratt Company (Henry) 2023Preload Inc. 2544Pressure Pipe Inspection Co. (The) 1349Prince Sultan Int'l. Prize For Water 320Pristine Water Solutions Inc. 1312ProMinent Fluid Controls, Inc. 931Process Solutions, Inc. 733Proco Products, Inc. 2731Procorp Enterprises LLC 2637Promium LLC 36Public Works Marketing Inc. 2706Purafil Environmental Systems 2225

ACE 2007

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:09 PM


Pure Air Filtration, LLC 2347Pure Technologies 1651PureLine Treatment Systems 1742Pureflow Filtration Div. 213Purifics 1643Purolite Company (The) 2628Qingdao Everbright MachineryCo. LTD. 35

Qingdao Pipeking MachineryCompany Limited 246

QuakeWrap, Inc. 1949R-Can Environmental Inc. 822REHAU Industries Inc. 1346RIVA Online 13Raco Mfg & Engineering Co Inc. 1436Radio Satellite Integrators 1142Real Tech Inc. 1052Red Flint Sand & Gravel 1209Reed Manufacturing Co Inc 1803ResinTech, Inc. 534Rhino Linings 1143Robar Industries Ltd. 2446Roberts Filter Group (The) 2307Robo-Control 2049Rockwell Automation 330Romac Industries Inc 1022Ross Valve Manufacturing Co. Inc. 2217Royal Pipe Systems 1343Rural Community AssistancePartnership 523S&B Technical Products 2529SJE-Rhombus Controls, Inc. 1148SW Services 1215Saehan Industries Inc 2342Saf-T-Flo Chemical Injection 2713Samberken Enterprises, Inc. 2915Samjin Precision Co., Ltd. 731Sanexen Environmental Services, Inc. 234Savant Measurement Corp. 1250Schlumberger Water Svcs/WaterlooHydrogeologic Inc 2519Schneider Electric 2551Schroeder Industries 1550Sensicore, Inc. 33Sensus Metering Systems 2001Serampore Industries dbaSIP Industries 2249

Severn Trent Services 1922Sewerin USA, LLC 513Sherwin-Williams 2337Shimadzu Scientific Instr Inc 1910Siemens Water Technologies 1615Sigma Corp. 1911Singer Valve Inc. 1431Smart Gadgets, Inc. 2711Smith Flow Control (USA) 325Smith-Blair Inc. 2103SolarBee - Pump Systems, Inc. 217SonicSolutions, LLC 827Specified Fittings Inc. 254Stanley Hydraulic Tools 744Star Pipe Products 1137Statiflo Corporation 2739Stealth Valve & Controls 2636Strategic Diagnostics Inc 2902Straub Tadco 740SubSurface Leak Detection Inc. 252Sulzer Chemtech 531Sulzer Pumps (US) Inc. 529Superior Tank Co. Inc. 924Swan/Analytical Instruments 1251Syncroflo Inc. 2747T.D. Williamson Inc. 831

TEMCOR 1530TGO Technologies, Inc. 2537TNEMEC Co. Inc. 2009TT Technologies Inc. 2312Taisei Kiko Co. Ltd. 1144Tank Connection 422Tank Industry Consultants 1337Taylor Kerr Couplings Ltd. 748Team Industrial Services, Inc. 2111Technical Associates 4Tecnidro S.R.L. 1049Tek-Rap Inc. 346Telog Instruments Inc. 5Tideflex Technologies 830Tonka Equipment Co. 2139Total Piping Solutions, Inc. 2436TraceDetect, Inc. 816Transparent Technologies 1029Trenton Corp. 2640Tric Tools, Inc. 951Trihedral Engineering Limited 823Tripac Fasteners 1753Trojan Technologies 1408Trojan Technologies 1409Trojan Technologies 1417Troy Valve 453Trumbull Industries 2202U S Department of Agriculture, RUS 521U S EPA Office of Water 522U S Pipe Valve & Hydrant Division(USPVH) 2314

U S Underwater Services Inc. 1 438U S Water News 520U.S. EPA's Water Sense Program 423U.S. Saws & Blades 2715URS 436US EPA ETV 419US EPA NHSRC 417USABlueBook 2531UV Pure Technologies 1650Ultraflote Corp. 927Underground Solutions 2601Underwater Construction Corp. 727Underwriters Laboratories 2317Uni-Bell PVC Pipe Assn. 2403

Unifilt Corp. 401United States Pipe & Foundry Co. 1700Urecon Ltd. 333VAG Armaturen GmbH 2741VITA-D-CHLOR Company 2629Val-Matic Valve & Mfg. Corp. 1023Vanguard Utility Service, Inc. 1752Vassallo Industries 1638Veritec Consulting Inc 23Videx Inc. 2152WL Plastics 343WQAAquatech USA 207Wachs Company (E.H.) 1917Wachs Company (E.H.) 2223Walkerton Clean Water Centre 1248Wallingford Software 737Warminster Fiberglass Co. 1115Wasser Corporation 2143WateReuse Association 717Water & Wastes Digest 306Water & Wastewater Products 225Water Efficiency & Onsite WaterTrmt Magazine 1046

Water Environment Federation 720Water Online 1252Water Systems Optimization, Inc. 1153WaterTrax 507Waterloo Biofilter Systems, Inc. 12Waterman Industries 713Waterworld 1449Watson-Marlow Bredel Pumps 129Watts Water Technologies, Inc. 1508WennSoft 2914WesTech 2623Western Environmental Liner 2517Western Mule Cranes 800Westfall Manufacturing Company 2723Whitford Corporation 1549Whitlam/Plumb-Pro 1452Wilkins, A Zurn Company 1937Wonderware 29WorldWater & Power Corp. 335Zebron Corporation 329eWaterTek 618

ACE 2007Visit historic CASALOMA while in Toronto.

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:09 PM


Permastore tanks used in energy from household waste pilot project

A diverse range of case histories and new developments is reviewed in ES&E’sES&E’s

semi-annual look at tanks, containment systemsand spill management.

stones; some sulphur that can be used tocondition soil; and some heavy metals,that will have to be taken to a landfill. Atonne of garbage will produce 150 kilo-grams of slag, five kilograms of sulphurand 1.3 kilograms of heavy metals.

H2Flow Tanks & Systems suppliedthe project with a 330m3 raw water tank,a 160m3 wastewater tank, as well as in-sulation, cladding, heat tracing, a doublewalled below grade storage tank with in-terstitial monitoring, a solids and oils fil-tration system, and a mercury removaland polishing system.

The tankage installation was not with-out its difficulties. Estimated time linefor delivery and construction was fromNovember 1 to December 31, 2006.However, the tanks did not arrive on-siteuntil mid-December, which meant a win-ter build. This involved using a shelterand heating, and a number of mechanicaland weather delays were experienced.However, the Permastore bolted steeltanks were erected and leak tested with-out any leaks, allowing for the wholeproject to continue on schedule.

When finished this fall, the facilitywill process up to 75 tonnes per day ofunsorted municipal solid waste and gen-erate electricity to power the entireprocess and approximately 3,600 Ottawahouseholds. It covers a three-acre siteand is scheduled to run for at least twoyears.

For more information, contact DarrinHopper, H2Flow Tanks & Systems Inc.

[email protected]

160m3 wastewater tank

The Plasco Energy Group pilotproject in Ottawa, Ontario, willuse plasma gasification tech-nology to generate electricity

from municipal household waste. Plasmagasification is used in industrial applica-tions, such as the disposal of medicalwastes. The challenge for Plasco is tomake the technology efficient and cost-effective enough to treat the householdwaste, while providing a return on the in-vestment.

This gasification process breaks downgarbage and turns it into a fuel gas thatgenerates electricity. The system is de-signed with no smokestack and thechambers are sealed. A similar test plantis operating in Spain.

SERVING YOUR INDUSTRY FOR OVER 60 YEARS

Protecting you and the environment is our top priority! As an

industry leader in fuel storage systems,

offers a complete line of storage tank systems built to the

latest ULC and Transport Canada standards, ensuring your

compliance with all the latest regulations.

HASSCO Industries

Committed to producing quality products.

is an ISO 9001-2002 registered company.HASSCO Industries Inc.

Built to CGSB 43.146-2002450L Rectangular Mobile Refuelling Tank

223 Ashland Ave, London, ON N5W 4E3

Tel. 519-451-3100 1-800-668-0814 Fax 519-451-3102 E-mail: [email protected]

For more information on all of our products visit us on the web at www.hassco.ca

TOMORROW'SENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

TODAY!

The process will produce three by-products: an inert slag that can be usedas road aggregate or to make paving

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:59 PM


Building a new water tank in adifficult location may not beall that uncommon, but build-ing a water tank on a coal min-

ing site is unique and offered someinteresting geotechnical and engineeringchallenges.

That was the situation faced byGreatario Engineered Storage Systemsand Dillon Consulting Limited when de-signing and erecting a new water storagetank to meet the need for added fire pro-tection capability for the Town of Steller-ton, Nova Scotia.

The tank, measuring 37.5 m diameterby 4.7 m high, has a capacity of 4,800cu.m and was supplied by EngineeredStorage Products Company; it will beused mainly for fire flows. The structureis situated on a former strip mine sitecomprised of coal mine tailings. Whilethe site was advantageous from an initialcost standpoint, it presented a challengewhen it came to the design for the foun-dations. Not only was the foundation ontailings an issue, the site elevation, re-quired for head pressure, was exposed tothe extreme cold winter winds and therewas a need to ensure freezing did not be-come a problem.

Pioneer Coal commenced the sitepreparation work in May 2005 and thiswas completed in three months. Two me-tres of tailings, acting as a surcharge toconsolidate the underlying fills, were leftin place for nine months and settlementreadings were taken on a monthly basis.Since the cost of piles was prohibitive,the foundation would need to be closelymonitored for settlement to ensure uni-

form settlement took place.The answer to being able to correct

any differential settlement problem wasto use the addition of grout tubes underthe foundation. This provided a systemby which grout could be added underpressure to adjust the tank for any differ-

Water tank construction in adverse site conditions

ential settlement. Survey bolts wereplaced on the foundation to accuratelyrecord the position of the tank.

The tank was constructed with a ring-wall foundation, but equipped with asteel floor, which has the ability to flex2” to 3”. However, a special concrete raftslab was designed around the interiorperimeter underneath the steel floor toprevent any flexing where the tank wallmeets the steel floor.

Since the main use for the tank is forfire flows, it meant there would be min-imal water movement. In order to avoidfreezing, the tank is completely insu-lated, including the interior of the Tem-cor aluminum geodesic dome. Inaddition, the tank is equipped with a TideFlex mixing system to mitigate any icebuild-up and prevent water stagnation.

“The tank has been in service for sixmonths and is performing well” accord-ing to the Town of Stellerton Engineer,Tony Addis. “The project was designed,tendered, constructed and commissionedon time and within budget. The fact thatthe tank components were manufacturedin advance simplified the on-site con-struction process.”

For more information, visitwww.greatario.com

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 10:59 PM


By Darrin Hopper

Glass-fused-to-steel tanks used foranaerobic digestion process

E-mail: [email protected]

Science and technology innovation for emerging issues

Looking for help managing a complex environmental issue or new technology? Call 780 . 632 . 8211

Partnership opportunities• Instrumentation and method development

• New technologies in waste and water management

• Risk assessment and management systems

Emerging issues• Heavy metals and mercury• Particulate matter• VOCs• Personal care products in water• Disinfection by-products• Mould in indoor environments

Have us join your team.

Anaerobic digestion uses wetwastes to produce energy in theform of a methane-rich biogas.The process involves the bac-

terial fermentation of effluent materials ata temperature of around 30-35ºC(mesophilic fermentation) or 55ºC (ther-mophilic fermentation), during which60% or more of the organic material maybe converted into biogas. Anaerobic di-gestion (AD) takes place in large, heated,insulated tanks and the rate of fermenta-tion will depend on the nature of the feed-stock and the operating temperature.

The methane involved may be con-sumed locally, partly for the digestionprocess or used in a generator to produceelectricity for export into a grid. The ‘di-gested’ sludge may then be separated intoliquid and solid components with the liq-uid element being used as a fertilizer andthe solids being used as a soil conditioneror, with further processing, as highervalue organic compost.

Biogas production is becoming thepreferred method of dealing with largequantities of organic wastes to provide a

• Contribution to national and international measures for the control of ‘greenhouse gases’. A UK-based glass-fused-to-steel tank

manufacturer has been designing, manu-facturing and building both aerobic andanaerobic digester tanks for the agricul-tural, municipal and industrial sectors forsome 30 years. With hundreds of tankssupplied to treatment plants over this pe-riod, it has a substantial knowledge of di-gester tank design considerations.

In the UK, anaerobic digestion is nowthe predominant method for treatment ofeffluents in the municipal sector. In main-land Europe and Scandinavia, glass-fused-to-steel tanks are also used inanaerobic digester processes dealing witheffluents from several sources includinglivestock slurry, domestic sewage, and in-dustrial waste materials from meatpack-ing and other food processing plants.Typical sizes for such digester tanks rangefrom 600m3 to over 5,000m3 capacity.

Alternative materials for digester construction

The development of glass-fused-to-steel as a leading material for modernanaerobic digestion plants is a result ofconsiderable experience with alternativematerials and technologies. The structuralintegrity of the tank, and especially the in-terface with the roof, is essential to main-tain constant operating pressures andtemperatures. Ingress of oxygen into thegaseous zone of the anaerobic digesterwill change the nature of the process andmay result in the excessive production ofseverely corrosive materials such as hy-drogen sulphide and sulphuric acid.

Darrin Hopper is with H2Flow Tanks & Systems Inc.


sustainable management system. It hasbeen extensively adopted in the UK,mainland Europe and Scandinavia, withthe construction of many large-scaleanaerobic digestion plants in the past 10years. The mainly European technology isnow being exported to the Far East andNorth America where it is increasinglyseen as the most environmentally-friendlyand cost-effective method of processinghigh volume effluents, offering substan-tial benefits to owners, local communitiesand to society as a whole, including:• Reduction of CO2 emissions.• Reduction of methane and nitrous

oxide emissions. • Control of odours. • Prevention of nitrate leaching to

groundwater. • Return of organic matter to the land. • Reduction of pathogens in raw

effluents. • Saving on landfill capacity. • Conservation of limited fossil fuel

resources.• Saving on limited resources for

production of commercial fertilizers.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:00 PM

Containment Solutions

Protectolite Inc. ZCL Composites


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

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

Greatario Engineered Storage Systems

Stan-Deck’s interlocking cover system isdesigned for tanks of all shapes and sizes.Featuring the industry's highest load rat-ings, the all fiberglass FRP, modular con-struction provides a lightweight, easy toinstall, low maintenance cover solution toodor control or freeze up challenges.

Tel: 416-444-4484, Fax: 416-444-4485E-mail: [email protected]: www.protectolite.com

Interlocking cover system

When underground tanks need to be re-placed but site conditions make replacementcostly and difficult, then retrofit your tankswith a new corrosion resistant secondarycontained lining system. The new system isa unique installed on-site internal fiberglasssystem that allows you to upgrade in-ser-vice steel or fiberglass single wall tanks to asecondary contained lining system.Tel: 800-661-8265, Fax: 780-466-6126 E-mail: [email protected]: www.zcl.com

Secondary lining system

Sto

rag

e/C

on

tain

me

nt &

Sp

ills Pro

du

ct Sh

ow

case

Portable storage systems

For storage of liquid manure, Cadman car-ries the complete line of portable storagebladders by Albers Alligator. The bladderhas a capacity of up to 53,000 gallons, andis constructed of PVC coated polyester fab-ric. Each bladder comes with three 6" con-nection points, three vent tubes, and a 10 ftsquare piece of patching material. The blad-der allows for continuous operation of adrag hose or tanker in the fields that are lo-cated far from the pit or lagoon.Tel: 866-422-3626Web: www.cadmanpower.com

Flowtite® Water Tanks are the ideal reser-voir for potable and non-potable water ap-plications. They are lightweight andnon-corrosive and come in sizes rangingfrom 2,000 –190,000 liters. The Flowtite lineof tanks includes septic, fire protection, rain-water harvesting and more.

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

By meeting the latest UN/CGSB regula-tions, we offer the latest products designedfor the safe transportation of fuel. Thesemobile tanks are available from 50 to 2,200litre capacity and will withstand the rigoursof both on and off road conditions. Contactus for further information on these andother HASSCO products.

Tel: 1-800-668-0814E-mail: [email protected]: www.hassco.ca

Cadman Power Equipment

LADEN Steel Fabrication

Contained pallet modelsCGSB approved mobile

IBC tanks

PRO-TEC Contained Pallet Models areideal when location and space are min-imal. Our CPD35 model is 9’10” W x37’3” L x 11’9” H, holding 96 drums! Designed for forklift access, standardmodels include door placards, chemi-cal resistant paint, sump, large doorswith 3 point locking hardware and nat-ural ventilation. ULC/FM listed andapproved. Tel: 403-227-5400, Fax: 403-227-4073E-mail: [email protected]: www.protecstorage.ca

Spill Management offers On-Site Site-Specific, All-risk and All-hazard Re-sponse Training for chemical spills usingworkshops with hands-on training, class-room instruction, Emergency ResponsePlanning and Incident Command. Otherservices also include Emergency Re-sponse Equipment, and Supplies Assess-ments using video.Tel: 905-578-9666, Fax: 905-578-6644E-mail: [email protected]: www.spillmanagement.ca

Specialist training

Spill Management

H2Flow Tanks & Systems

Field erected process

and storage tanks

Permastore glass-fused-to-steel tanks aremanufactured to published quality stan-dards, tested to zero defects and have anaccredited 30-year design life. They han-dle a pH range of 1-14 and are well suitedfor high strength industrial effluents andflexible tank designs.

Tel: 905-660-0649, Fax: 905-660-9744 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.h2flow.com

HASSCO Industries

Water Tanks

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:00 PM


Elevated water tanks - always looking ahead

KMK strives to provide maximumoperator flexibility, while minimizing thepiping and valving required for each el-evated tank to minimize costs and oper-ation and maintenance issues.

Elevated tanks can be designed to in-clude a main valve and control centre,chemical room, washroom, communica-tions room, separate inlet and outlet pip-ing arrangements, control valves on theinlet and outlet piping, bi-directionalflow measurement, monitoring equip-ment, portable generator with a manualtransfer switch, exterior lightning pro-tection and tank illumination, and exter-nal flushing lines for the elevated tankand distribution system, to name a few.We work closely with our clients to pro-vide a facility that is fully customized tomeet their needs.

Elevated tank sites are also prime lo-cations for bulk water depots that can beused by water haulers, particularly in themore rural agricultural areas, and canprovide a small source of additional rev-enue for municipalities. These depotscan be fitted with keyless control sys-tems, much like credit cards, wheremoney can be deposited on the accountin advance. The user swipes the card andinserts the amount of water required,which gets dispensed if there are suffi-cient funds on the card.

KMK has been able to develop a com-

By Mike Elliott

As elevated tanks have evolved,from standpipes to multi-legsteel tanks to composite steeltanks, so has our ability to

provide a complete service from initialplanning studies, hydraulic analysis, de-sign, construction management, testing,commissioning, right through to demoli-tion of old structures.

In the planning stages we workclosely with clients to establish the mostappropriate location and size of propertyfor a new elevated water tank, usuallythrough the Municipal Class Environ-mental Assessment process. We oftenprovide a 3D rendering of the proposedelevated tank, superimposed onto a pic-ture of the existing site, to illustrate howthe tank will look and what visual andshadow impacts the tank may have on ad-jacent properties.

During the planning and design stagesit is also important to confirm system hy-draulics so that water can be moved intoand out of the tank with minimal headlosses, and without compromising waterquality. It has become increasingly moreimportant to ensure that water quality ismaintained and this can be accomplishedthrough extended water modeling runs todetermine water age, piping and valvingarrangements, water recirculation andtop-up chlorination or chloramination re-quirements.

3D rendering of proposed elevated tank for Baden, superimposed onto picture of

existing site.

ES&E May:2007 5/23/07 2:15 AM


prehensive set of drawings and specifica-tions that reflect current codes, standards,safety requirements and constructionmethodologies. The level of detail estab-lished on the drawings and in the specifi-cations ensures that our elevated tanks areconstructed with few problems or unex-pected cost overruns.

It is also important that the construc-tion of an elevated tank is closely moni-tored, with concrete testing, welding andcoating inspections, so that the finishedproduct will stand the test of time.

In our Canadian climate, ice forma-tion is a challenge during the wintermonths. KMK's designs typically incor-porate a separate inlet and outlet riserand recirculation pump, along with rec-ommended operating levels to helpmaintain good water quality and circula-tion conditions in the tank to mitigate icebridging.

It should be noted, however, that iceformation can also depend on waterusage, drawdown levels in the tank,water quality, water temperature, outsideair temperature and, of course, the loca-tion of the tank. If mechanically inducedwater circulation is over-designed, it ispossible that water inside the tank couldbe “supercooled” which could also causeice formation when it is not intended.

Therefore, the above noted items must betaken into consideration for each tank onan individual basis when determining thebest way to mitigate ice formation.

We have also assisted clients in up-grading or retrofitting older elevatedtanks with improved fall arrest equip-ment, miscellaneous piping and valveimprovements, new interior and exteriorcoatings systems and circulation sys-tems. The City of Hamilton's Dundastank was one such project where a TMS(Tideflex® Mixing System) was in-stalled to assist in water circulation andmitigate ice formation.

Municipalities have also asked KMKto complete 25-year present-value life-cycle cost analyses of rehabilitating ex-isting elevated tanks versus constructingbrand new elevated tanks. For a life-cycle cost analysis it is prudent to con-sider capital upgrade costs, property ac-quisition costs (for a new tank),operating costs including hydro, mainte-nance costs including regular inspec-tions, engineering fees, an averageinflation rate and an average interest rate.The result of the analysis would identifyhow much money a municipality wouldhave to invest at an average interest rate,to cover the required capital upgradescosts and operation and maintenance

costs over 25 years, including inflation.Although elevated water tanks are de-

signed to last a long time, too often wesee municipalities that have allowed theirelevated tanks to deteriorate over 20 – 30years without completing routine in-spections and/or repairs, resulting inmajor costly upgrades. Elevated watertanks are becoming increasingly moreexpensive to rehabilitate.

We would strongly urge municipali-ties to implement regular inspection pro-grams at least every five years, to helpidentify intermediate repairs or upgradesand inspect the general condition of theirtanks. When caught early, most repairsand/or upgrades can be completed forminimal cost and can extend the opera-tional life of the elevated tank until thenext inspection or beyond.

Mike Elliott, P.Eng., is project engineerfor KMK Consultants Ltd.Contact: [email protected]

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:01 PM


Waterproofing system for wastewater tanks

By Ivan Razl

Nano-Shield OSP is a one-componentinorganic system, which is completelyimpervious and chemically resistant to in-water emulsified hydrocarbons, includingpolar or non-polar organic solvents suchas benzene, toluene, xylene, ketons, min-eral spirits, and any other organic solvent.The material is a result of Gemite’s de-velopment of nano-technology, in thiscase 100-200 nano-metres, and advanced“particle packing”, over the course of sev-eral years. It has been extensively labora-tory tested and field evaluated.

Nano-Shield OSP is applied by spray-ing, brushing or troweling directly toclean concrete in new construction, orwith Fibre-Prime as a bonding agent,when repairing and waterproofing exist-ing oil contaminated concrete tanks.

First large applicationThe first large application was the wa-

terproofing and protection of a waste-water treatment facility in the Slovnaftpetrochemical plant and refinery inBratislava, Slovakia. Built in the early six-ties, it is one of the largest oil refining andpetrochemical facilities in Central Eu-rope. The wastewater contains largeamounts of emulsified aliphatic and aro-matic hydrocarbons (oils) of various mo-lecular weights, with solids contentvarying from 10%-15%. Often, highlypolar solvents, e.g. ketons, escape withthe wastewater.

The wastewater treatment facility hasa large number of reinforced concrete

Wastewater from petrochem-ical industries and refiner-ies contains high amountsof emulsified aliphatic or

aromatic hydrocarbons and their treat-ment facilities have large reinforced con-crete tanks. These tanks deteriorate anddevelop cracks over time, allowing thecontaminated effluent to escape, poten-tially causing a serious environmentalhazard.

The repair and waterproofing of dete-riorated tanks is problematic, mainly dueto the difficulty of surface cleaning ofconcrete substrate, which is covered witha thick layer of oil and grease. Even afterremoving these deposits, the concrete re-mains saturated with oil, which is impos-sible to remove.

Gemite Products Inc. has developedan integrated system that has proven to bevery successful in the repair and water-proofing of contaminated concrete tanksin petrochemical and oil refining facili-ties. The waterproofing and repair sys-tem, using Fibre-Prime and Nano-ShieldOSP (organic solvents protection), is eco-nomical and easily applied by qualifiedwaterproofing contractors.

Fibre-Prime is a two-component,polymer-modified, cement-based slurryformulated to bond to oil contaminatedconcrete and to provide an adhesivebridge between the waterproofing mem-brane (or repair mortar) and the existingsubstrate.

tanks approximately 140 metres (460 ft)long, 40 metres (131 ft) wide and 6 me-tres (20 ft deep). The tanks have devel-oped leaks through cracks, constructionjoints and expansion joints and present aserious ecological problem.

The key challenge presented in the re-pair and waterproofing of the reinforcedconcrete tanks was the deep oil contami-nation of the concrete, with the interiorsurface of the concrete tanks covered byan approximately 12 – 18 mm (½ - ¾ in)thick layer of black oily residues. A fur-ther challenge was to span the existingmoving cracks and expansion joints. Thesolution to the problem was to waterproofthe reinforced concrete tanks using Fibre-Prime Slurry as a bonding agent to thesurface prepared, oil contaminated con-crete and the application of Nano-ShieldOSP to the wet Fibre-Prime.

Crack repairs All cracks exposed by cleaning were

cut out to form a groove, approximately 2cm (¾ in) wide and 12 mm (1/2 in) deepand filled with one componentpolyurethane. The polyurethane was ap-plied to the entire area. After curing thepolyurethane, Fibre-Prime was applied tothe polyurethane as a bonding agent, andthe grooves were filled with micro-silicaenhanced, fibre reinforced mortar (Spray-Con WS ST).

Expansion joints treatment The repair of the bottom slab joint

started with milling off an approximately

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:03 PM


Sealing of cracks by application of one component polyurethane intothe cut out grooves.

20 cm (8 in) wide and 12 mm (1/2 in)deep groove over each expansion joint.The expansion joints were cleaned usingwet sand-blast and repaired with Spray-Con WS ST mortar bonded with Fibre-Prime. The 20 cm (8 in) wide area,including vertical sides, was then coatedwith one-component polyurethane. Thiswas followed by placement of a 2 mm

thick layer of oil resistant rubber sheetembedded into the joint. The joint wasthen covered with a sheet of stainlesssteel metal mechanically fastened to oneside of the joint. The vertical joints wererepaired using the same system.

Waterproofing and chemicalprotection

Fibre-Prime was applied to the surface

of the concrete, including the polyure-thane treated surface of repaired cracks.Nano-Shield OSP was then applied intwo coats to the wet bonding slurry ofFibre-Prime for a total thickness of 3 mm(1/8 in) and wet cured for three days.

Testing of the repair procedures wascarried out in 2004 and 2005, with thefinal repair and waterproofing of the fa-cility carried out during the 2006 con-struction season. After filling the repairedtank with water, a thorough inspectionidentified two small wet spots on the ex-terior walls, each approximately 5 cm (2in) diameter. There were no water leaksand the repair was a complete success.The key problems - bonding to a heavilyoil contaminated concrete substrate, wa-terproofing, providing chemical protec-tion and spanning the moving cracks andjoints - had been successfully resolved.

Ivan Razl, Ph.D., P.Eng., is TechnicalDirector for Gemite Products Inc.


ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:11 PM


Stage 2 Disinfectants and DisinfectionByproducts Rule, the EPA refers to theneed for effective mixing of stored waterto prevent the formation of DBPs (disin-fection byproducts), particularly as it ap-plies to chloramines introduced aschlorine and ammonia:

“When chlorine and ammonia areadded simultaneously, good mixing canreduce the time free chlorine has to reactwith NOM [natural organic matter] . . .This eliminates the free chlorine almostimmediately and reduces the potentialfor DBP formation . . . At lower temper-atures, the reaction can take longer andmixing becomes more important.”

So, quick and thorough dispersion ofboth chlorine and ammonia determinesthe extent of free chlorine exposure, andthereby substantially impacts the forma-tion of DBPs.

As DBPs contribute to the deteriora-tion of water quality, the question formany system operators is: How does oneaddress this deterioration in potablewater storage tanks when one can’t even

gauge, much less control, how long thewater stays in the tank? The answer is tomix the tank continuously so that waterage is minimized and actual detentiontime will be as low as possible. And, ifproblems occur even though the tank isbeing thoroughly mixed, the mixing ca-pability gives the operator a good tool forsolving the problems – by injecting ad-ditional disinfectant or by taking the tankthrough breakpoint chlorination.

Now solar-powered circulation sys-tems are in wide use for improving waterquality in lakes and reservoirs. These cir-culators are floating units that drawpower from PV modules mounted on topof the tanks. They self-adjust for allwater levels in the tank and, dependingon size, can pump up to 37,854 litres(10,000 US gallons) of water per minute.

The long-distance flow pattern ema-nating from these solar-powered circula-tors has been shown to thoroughly mixtanks ranging from 757,082 litres(200,000 US gallons) to 378,541,180litres (100 million US gallons). These

Effective mixing of stored potable water detersharmful disinfection byproducts

In efforts to improve and protectdrinking water quality, the US EPAperiodically announces new disin-fection byproduct (DBP) rules. In

the past the emphasis was on the watertreatment facility, but more recent atten-tion is being placed on the distributionsystem. Because about 30 percent ofdrinking water in the US resides inpotable storage tanks for some time pe-riod, current rules in effect require thatwater managers take new steps to main-tain good water quality in their potablewater storage tanks.

Many systems are now in a “catch up”mode in preserving water quality in suchreservoirs. For instance, since a growingnumber of potable water suppliers haveswitched from chlorine to chloramines todisinfect water, they need to performmore sampling in the tanks to closelymonitor nitrites caused by ammonia-ox-idizing bacteria (AOB). But some chlo-ramines system operators are not yetaddressing this problem.

Also, in a recent paper on the Final

Disinfection

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:04 PM


mixers work for both chlorinated andchloraminated water. They facilitatethorough breakpoint chlorination, evenin very large tanks, whenever necessary,and can also be used for “boosting” byinjection of chlorine or chloramine(chlorine and ammonia), or chlorite ions.SolarBee machines operate 24/7 and canbe monitored through the operator’sSCADA system. Installations are ac-complished through the hatch and with-out draining the tank or taking it offline.

The problems in treating potablewater come from the need to constantly

and thoroughly replace the disinfectantthat is being used up at all the boundarylayers of the tank (floor, walls and sup-port members) to keep bacterial growthunder control. This is especially criticalin warm weather, when bacterial growthrates are the highest and bacteria canquickly deplete the disinfectant at theboundary layers.

Diffusion alone cannot always becounted on to keep fresh disinfectant atthese surfaces; it is too slow and is hin-dered by stratification caused by tem-perature gradients as low as 0.01C. But

the new style of mixers, which have near-laminar flow, will reach out up to 244metres (800 feet) in all directions so thatall boundary surfaces are getting a con-stant flow of replacement disinfectant.

One of the most problematic areas forbacterial growth is at the floor of thetank, where there is usually a layer ofsediment, which, in a chloraminated sys-tem, is especially troublesome becausefree ammonia is always present in chlo-raminated water. AOBs (nitrifying bac-teria) thrive when attached to sediment,and also AOBs are more resistant to thechlorine component of chloramines thanmost other bacteria. The result of no cir-culation across the sediment is often theformation of nitrite, especially in warmsummer months, that exceeds the MCL(maximum contaminant level) of 1.0mg/l.

The new long-distance mixers have apatented design that allows for constantreplacement of the disinfectant at the sed-iment-water interface (without disturbingor re-suspending the sediment) to keepAOBs in the sediment under control.

For more information,contact H2O Logics Inc.

E-mail [email protected]

Disinfection

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:13 PM

O. Reg. 153/04 provides protection from environmental liability

Site Remediation

In order to complete the RSC, con-taminant levels remaining on the sitemust fall below soil and groundwaterstandards established for the site. Thesestandards may be generic, as provided inthe Regulation (Tables 1 though 6, SiteCondition Standards), or may be riskbased and site-specific (Property Spe-cific Standards). The Property SpecificStandards (PSS) can be based on the im-plementation of a Risk ManagementPlan that may involve site restrictions.The development of PSS involves theuse of a scientific tool known as risk as-sessment. Risk assessment has beenbroadly defined as “the process of es-tablishing information regarding ac-ceptable levels of a risk and/or levels ofrisk for an individual, group, society, orthe environment.”

Risk assessment (RA) is one of sev-eral options available to site owners withrespect to evaluation and clean-up ofcontaminated sites. It can be more cost-effective than a full-scale clean-up, andallow for clean-up to site-specific stan-dards (PSS) and/or the use of risk man-agement measures and land-userestrictions. RA can be useful whenclean-up is not technically feasible ormay take time, raising concerns regard-ing adverse impacts during the time ofthe remedial activity. RA can also beused to evaluate the impact of remedia-tion and to examine the effect of the re-medial measure on health and theenvironment as compared to leaving

Ontario Regulation 153/04 (O.Reg. 153/04), the Records ofSite Condition legislation,provides protection from en-

vironmental liability and details the re-quirements that property owners mustmeet in order to file a Record of SiteCondition. Contained within the regula-tion are several approaches to addresscontamination issues at a site. Risk as-sessment is one of the options available.Since its inception in October of 2004,many proponents have found the risk as-sessment process difficult and slow. Suc-cess can be facilitated through a qualityand complete assessment, conducted byan experienced team of consultants.

O. Reg 153/04 is particularly relevantto owners of Brownfield sites. Brown-fields are generally defined as aban-doned or under-used industrial orcommercial properties with valuable de-velopment potential where redevelop-ment is complicated by actual orperceived environmental contamination.

Contained within the regulation areseveral approaches to address contami-nation issues at a site. A site owner may‘clean up’ or remediate a contaminatedsite at any time throughout the Recordof Site Condition (RSC) process. TheRSC is the administrative process usedto document clean-up activities at con-taminated sites in Ontario. The Environ-mental Protection Act requires that anRSC be completed in situations whereproperties are being converted to a moresensitive land-use. For example, achange in property use from a commer-cial or industrial use to a residential orparkland use requires the submission ofan RSC. Many municipalities have iden-tified other circumstances where sub-mission of an RSC is required.

contamination in place. Importantly, therisk assessment must provide the samelevel of health protection as the genericsite condition standards.

O. Reg. 153/04 incorporated risk as-sessment procedures and standards fromits predecessor, the Guideline for Use atContaminated Sites in Ontario (theGuideline). Risk assessment require-ments and guidance are contained inseveral documents: 1) “Schedule C” of O. Reg. 153/04 Part I - Mandatory Requirements Part II - Alternative Procedures com-plexity linked to timelines2) “Procedures for the Use of Risk As-sessment for Use Under Part XV.1 of theEnvironmental Protection Act”3) Technical Updates provided by theMinistry to assist proponents in the suc-cessful completion of their risk assess-ments. These updates have addressedtopics such as:• Laboratory Accreditation

Requirements under the Record of Site Condition Regulation (O. Reg. 153/04)

• Environmentally Sensitive Areas: pH levels

• Equivalent Method Option for Analytical Testing of Brownfield Samples Regulated Under the Recordof Site Condition – Part XV.1, Ontario Regulation 153/04

• Environmentally Sensitive Areas: Property within 30 metres of a water body.O. Reg. 153/04 made some signifi-

cant improvements in risk assessmentguidance as compared to the Guideline.The Regulation has helped to clarify riskassessment provisions included in the

By Elliot Sigal

Former industrial site slated for

redevelopment into a multi complex for

research, development and educational use.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:06 PM


Site Remediation

.

Guideline; it included the definition ofQualified Person for Risk Assessment(QPRA) and required sign-off by theQPRA; it included a Pre-Submissionprocess and removed need for thirdparty peer review; it developed statutoryreview timelines; and, offers some lim-ited liability protection to site owners.

O. Reg. 153/04 defines a number ofQualified Persons, including QualifiedPersons for Risk Assessment (QPRA). Inorder to be considered a QPRA, the fol-lowing requirements must be met:1)Education requirement:

• Minimum 4-year degree in science,engineering or applied technology.

2)Experience requirement:• with a doctoral degree, 5 years of

experience;• with a master’s degree, 7 years

of experience;• otherwise, 8 years of experience.

3)Within the 5, 7 or 8 year periods of required experience, at least 2 years of experience are required in the field of risk assessment.

4)Professional Liability Insurance Required:• $1M for all types of QPAll risk assessments submitted to the

Ministry must be signed by the QPRA.The QPRA must also sign a number ofmandatory certifications related to therisk assessment, including the following:• The RA was conducted in accordance with the regulation

• Certification of QPRA

qualifications• Insurance requirements met• RA team includes expertise in

all required disciplines• Opinions are engineering or

scientific opinions made in accordance with generally accepted principals and practices

• All certification and statementsare true

• The QP makes no express or implied warranties or guarantees.The Pre-Submission process involves

the completion of a standardized Pre-Submission Form (PSF). O. Reg.153/04requires that risk assessments includethe preparation and submission of a Pre-Submission Form (PSF) under the su-pervision of a qualified person. The PSFcontains background information re-lated to the site, the risk assessment thatwill be completed and the risk assess-ment team undertaking the work. ThePSF and accompanying MOE review is

in essence the preconsultation stage ofthe RA process and provides importantinsight into the intended RA.

Once the PSF has been submitted andreviewed, the proponent can then pro-ceed to the RA. Following completion,the RA is submitted to the Ministry forreview. RA review times are mandatedby the Regulation:1) short track review - 8 weeks:

• elevated local background concentrations

• limited scope risk assessments- ground water flow-through- justify generic assumptions at sensitive sites

- modified generic risk assessment

2) standard review - 16 weeks3) long track review - 22 weeks:

• no existing generic standard• proprietary models orprobabilistic assessment (new science).

Since its inception in October of2004, many proponents have found therisk assessment process difficult andslow. Overall time will be longer thanthe statutory timelines due to the itera-tive process that includes the PSF re-


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:06 PM

The Water Quality Event

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Small Island Nations: Water, Wastewater and Environmental Issues (International Issues)

Stormwater Management and Wet Weather Flows

Surface Water Quality and Ecology

Sustainable Water Resources Management

Utility and Asset Management

Water and Wastewater Disinfection

Water Reuse and Reclamation

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:06 PM


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Former industrial site slated for commercial redevelopment.

view, the RA review and responses toMinistry comments which can be diffi-cult and time-consuming. Some com-mon problems that need to be avoidedhave included:

• Poor quality RA• QPRA has limited experience• Inadequate team (no toxicologist;

risk management engineer)• Missing elements (Risk

Management Plan; Conceptual Site Model)

• Environmentally sensitive site not properly considered

• Ecological Risk Assessment lacking

• Insufficient site characterization data

• PSF not followed• Human health and ecological

standards lacking.In the end, success is possible and

can be facilitated through a quality andcomplete risk assessment that is scien-tifically sound, adheres to the regulatoryrequirements, and is conducted by anexperienced team of consultants. Thatsaid, there remains a need for moreMOE Guidance on many issues (re-member to check for new technical up-dates www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/land/decomm/condition.htm) and proponentsmust take advantage of the opportunitiesthat you have (regional office; PSF re-view) to dialogue with the Ministry.

Elliot Sigal, Intrinsik EnvironmentalInc, is a QPRA, with more than

18 years of experience in toxicology and risk assessment.


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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:07 PM


Operations

now required to submit documentationthrough the Ontario EnvironmentalTraining Consortium (OETC) in order tobe recognized as “legitimate”. This doc-umentation includes information to ver-ify the credentials of instructors, coursedevelopers and management personnel.Courses submitted for approval are nowsubject to the review and scrutiny of theOETC and upon being approved, eachcourse is listed on their web-site for op-erator referral. These are all good stepsto ensuring the validity of content for op-erators.

The degree by which adults retain in-formation is directly related to the totalclassroom experience and can be maxi-mized through application of three dis-tinct elements: transfer of knowledge,review, and practice. Retention statisticsreflect that, while strictly classroom-based theoretical “presentations” willachieve a retention level of between 30and 50%, those programs that includehands-on practice can achieve retentionof up to 70%. Simply put, would you

In no other industry has the word“training” become so predominantin day-to-day operational dialogue.From a municipal economic per-

spective, it often causes the “bean coun-ters” to cry out in despair whereas, froman operation perspective, some mightsuggest it has become of equal impor-tance to the accumulation of field expe-rience.

Though driven in the water/waste-water industry by increasingly aggressiveregulations, no one can argue that itdoesn’t make a significant contributionto the developing skill base of operators.As a result, training will, in fact, help toprotect the public which was exactly theintention of Justice Dennis O’Connor aspart of his 93 Walkerton Inquiry recom-mendations.

It is projected that the accumulatedyears of veteran experience is shrinkingthe industry resources beyond the scopeof any proactive counter recruitment ef-fort, so the collective partners must takeimmediate action to draw the interest ofpotential newbies and hammer them withtraining, training, and more training. Thisopportunity wasn’t as accessible back inthe past!

Private training providers have beenresponding to the needs of municipalwater and wastewater departments foryears and, in spite of their generally soft-competitive relationship, the demand fortraining still exceeds the combined re-sources of the collective organizations.With recent regulatory changes intro-ducing mandatory courses such as the re-newal course, Preventing Water-borneIllness and the new “Entry-LevelCourse”, comes a new opportunity forthe Ontario Ministry of Environment(MOE) or Walkerton Clean Water Cen-tre to better utilize the resources of pri-vate training providers. They could helpfill the holes where training might be lessaccessible and aid in the delivery oftraining in new technologies.

When O.Reg 128/04 came into effect,so did the increased standards of accred-itation for training providers. They are

rather achieve 30 cents return on yourtraining dollar or 70 cents?

Education is what you remember…after you have learned something! Ergo,education = retention!

It is for this reason that MacViroTraining has invested in its hands-oncentres. Having established the originalhands-on centre in Windsor in 2002, asecond centre was established in 2006 ina private-public partnership venture withthe forward-thinking and very proactiveHamilton Public Works Department.This is just one of many new initiativesHamilton has undertaken to demonstrateits industry leadership in water andwastewater. To our knowledge, there isno other centre in North America thatcan provide access to both on-site waterand wastewater operations and a fullyfunctional water distribution systemmodel.

The degree by which industry ven-dors are contributing new technologiesand expertise is astounding and a truetestament to their support for operator

By Doug Cooper

Operator training morevital than ever

Doug Cooper conducts one of many children’s tours at the hands-on centre.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:14 PM


training. With the current focus on ex-panding our “hands-on” capabilities inwater treatment and wastewater treat-ment, we have already been receiving en-dorsements and commitments from theleading industry vendors. The goal ofMacViro Training/Ontario Water Opera-tor Training Centre (OWOTC) has al-ways been to provide as broad exposureas possible to the numerous equipmentand technology alternatives.

How many “one-year” experiencedoperators does it take to replace a 30-year veteran? The investment in neweroperators through extensive training willhave a direct result on the answer to thatquestion, and it is the only way to mini-mize the ratio. A concerted effort isneeded to attract new people into the in-dustry, be it through career presentationsat high schools or similar recruitmentcampaigns, followed by an intensifiedtraining program to raise the bar onentry-level practical skills.

The water/wastewater industry facessignificant challenges given the state ofOntario’s aging infrastructure, com-pounded by unbalanced employeeturnover.

To proactively respond to this latter

Operationsdilemma, MacViro Training/OWOTCwill soon be launching a new “OperatorDevelopmental Certificate” program toimprove and fast-track the developmentof new operators and provide them withheightened entry-level skills. Workingcollaboratively in partnership with postsecondary school institutions, this cer-tificate program aims at adding theequivalent of at least one-year’s experi-ence through the provision of both theo-retical and hands-on practical training.

Much deeper and significantly moreparticipative in nature than the MOEmandatory “Entry-Level Course”, thiscertificate program will include commoncore courses such as: Safety (ConfinedSpaces/WHMIS/Book 7), Administra-tion (Log books, Procedures, Reports),and Regulations (Operator Certification,128/04, 129/04, 170/03, Safe DrinkingWater Act). The certificate program willalso include very “Process Specific”courses in the field of water treatment,water distribution, wastewater collectionand wastewater treatment.

Doug Cooper is General Manager,MacViro Training/OWOTC. Contact

[email protected]

Tighten your processcontrol and loweryour chemical costs

For more information about thedelta® with optoDrive® visit

www.prominent.ca/delta, or callour Customer ServiceDepartment today at1-888-709-9933 ,or

email [email protected]

ProMinent Fluid Controls Ltd. ispleased to announce the availabilityof the new delta® diaphragm meter-ing pump with optoDrive®.

Realize reduced capital and op-erational costs through the delta’sexclusive features and benefits.Covering the capacity range of 12l/h at 16 bar (3.2 gph at 232 psi) andup to 80 l/h at 2 bar (21 gph at 29psi), with an extraordinary 120,000:1 Turndown Ratio.

Providing maximum process re-liability, this intelligent field de-vice’s optoDrive® and optoGuardmonitors and alerts to potentialproblems through hydraulic moni-toring functions built into the drive(detection of blocked or fractureddosing lines and airlock). The deltais designed for maximum dosingquality with a choice of continuousor pulsating dosing. Featuring pro-grammable suction and dischargestrokes (discharge duration of up to3 minutes) – always with maximumprecision.

The delta with optoDrive resultsin maximum economy courtesy ofits practically wear-free drive, itswide range of application capabili-ties, and its operating capabilitywithout the need for separate flowmonitors, relief valve assembliesand pulsation dampeners.

The delta® with optoDrive® of-fers maximum flexibility for yourchallenging chemical feed applica-tions plant-wide – delivering maxi-mum reliability, quality andeconomy – all the advantages in onedevice.

The Environmental Division of theALS Laboratory Group is one ofthe largest and most geographi-cally diverse testing companies inCanada. With 16 locations acrossCanada (Vancouver to Halifax),ALS can provide full analyticalsupport for all your project needs.Our comprehensive range of envi-ronmental testing services, includ-ing trace-level organic, inorganic,microbiological, and toxicologicalanalyses, is complemented by asolid commitment to quality andcustomer service.

1-800-668-9878www.alsglobal.comTel: (905) 547-3251, Fax: (905) 547-7369

E-Mail: [email protected]: www.canadapipe.com

Canada Pipe Co. Ltd. is the premiersupplier of Ductile Iron WatermainPipe in Canada. Hamilton, Ontario isthe headquarters and distribution fa-cility for Ontario, Quebec andAtlanticprovinces. An office in Vancouver anda pipe yard in Abbotsford B.C., Que-bec’s Laval office and yard inBerthierville along with our 10-mem-ber regional sales force, spread outacross Canada, provide a strong dis-tribution network. Many municipalitiesspecify only Ductile Iron Pipe be-cause of its strength, flexibility andcompatibility with existing pipe.

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:14 PM


Drinking Water

The Des Moines Water Works(DMWW) is an independentlyoperated public utility serving apopulation in excess of 300,000

in Des Moines, Iowa, and the surround-ing metropolitan area. The utility wasoriginally established as a private com-pany in 1871 and became a customer-owned utility in 1919. Today, DMWW isthe largest water utility in Iowa and isone of the largest 100 utilities in the US.

Des Moines Water Works' Fleur Drivefacility is a surface water treatment fa-cility rated for 100 million (US) gallonsper day (mgd) and pumps, on average, 43mgd. It draws water from three sources,the Raccoon River, the Des MoinesRiver and an infiltration gallery.

Powdered activated carbon is first fedinto the selected river water for removalof man-made and naturally occurring or-ganic chemicals. The water is thentreated to remove dirt and debris andcombined with water from the infiltra-tion gallery system. The combined waterthen flows into softening basins. The pHof the water is then adjusted before thefinal filtering process. The water ispassed through layers of sand and vari-ous sizes of gravel to remove any re-maining particles.

During periods of possible increasesin nitrate levels, Des Moines WaterWorks activates its nitrate removal facil-ity to remove this contaminant. Next, flu-oride is added to aid in the prevention oftooth decay and then chlorine (in theform of solution sodium hypochlorite) isadded as a disinfectant to kill bacteria.Finally, the now clean water is stored ina clear-well until pumped into the pipesof the distribution system.

In order to replace their liquid chlo-rine system which consisted of multipleone-ton cylinders of compressed ele-mental chlorine gas, DMWW performedan economic evaluation of the varioustechnology alternatives that were avail-able.

Alternatives evaluated included:• A high strength (12.5%) sodium

hypochlorite (“bleach”) storage system dependent on frequent deliveries from third party suppliers using large tank trucks;

• On-site electrochemical generation of commercial strength

On-site hypochlorite system provides consistently high concentrations

Table I.

Table II.

Table III.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:17 PM


Drinking Water

(12.5%) bleach using common salt; • On-site generation of low strength

bleach (0.8%) that also used salt.DMWW made the decision in favour

of a Klorigen™ on-site electrochemicalsystem manufactured by ElectrolyticTechnologies Corporation for the fol-lowing reasons:a. Production cost was projected and

remains to be significantly less than

prevailing market price of commercially supplied bulk hypo;

b. On-site generated bleach produced bythe Klorigen system was compatible with conventional commercial strength monitoring, measurement, pumping and storage systems;

c.The Klorigen on-site sodium hypochlorite system produced hypo that was of equal if not better quality

than that which is commercially available and provides a consistentlyhigh concentration (at least 12.5%);

d. Compared to the low strengthalternative, storage requirements for the high strength solution were less bya factor of 15.The final selection comprised a

Klorigen system rated at 1,500 gpd of

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:17 PM


Drinking Water

12.5 trade % sodium hypochlorite andtwo 5,000 gallon storage tanks. Due tothe modular design, DMWW designedtheir own OSG facility and managed theinstallation with internal personnel. Thesystem at DMWW was commissioned inthe first quarter of 2004.

Data on the performance of the Klori-gen system was compiled usingDMWW’s SCADA system. The data col-lection began in the third quarter of 2004and the results in this study have beencompiled to the fourth quarter of 2006.

Table I shows the DMWW hypochlo-rite system production for a period of 30months. The water plant hypochloriteusage varies according to the time ofyear, with the highest hypochlorite pro-duction requirement during the summermonths.

Table II and Figure 1 show the com-bined chemical and power operating costof the DMWW Klorigen system per gal-lon of 12.5 trade% hypochlorite for a 10calendar quarter (30 month) period. Thechemical raw material pricing increased

by about 20% in 2006 (salt, NaOH, HCl,and bisulfite) and is shown in the in-crease in $/gal (2006) column.

Table III shows the calculated quar-terly Klorigen system operating cost andthe cost savings over purchasedhypochlorite that the DMWW facilityhas had over 10 calendar quarters of op-eration. The cost savings have beennearly $360,000.

For more information, contact:[email protected]

Figure 1. DMWW Hypochlorite Mfg cost on quarterly basis.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:19 PM


Work Safety Legislation

and fluctuating noise levels over a standard 8-hour working day.

• Reduction of Ontario’s exposure limit from 90 dBA to 85 dBA.

• Posting of “clearly visible warning signs” at every entrance to area where the sound level exceeds 85 dBA.

• Use of 3 dB exchange rate versus the5 dB exchange rate currently used.

• Use of commercially available noise averaging device, e.g. noise dosimeter that gives a single exposure value and integrating soundlevel meters.

• Measurements performed in the workplace to determine protective measures shall be done without regards to any use of personal protective equipment.

• Protective measures include engineering controls, work practices and personal protective equipment.

• Requirement that employers shall protect workers from exposure to a sound level greater than the limit without requiring the use of personal protective equipment, except under specific conditions, e.g. engineering controls are not obtainable, not reasonable or practical to adopt, ineffective due a temporary breakdown or because of an emergency.

On July 1, 2007, Ontario Regu-lation 565/06 will introducesignificant changes in theworkplace regulatory frame-

work for the prevention of hearing loss.Among other changes, the new regula-tion will introduce a time-weighted av-erage exposure limit of 85 dBA forworker exposure to both steady state andfluctuating noise levels over a standard8-hour working day.

BackgroundThe noise provisions of O. Reg. 851

have not been amended since they werefirst introduced in the early 1970s.

The government has committed to re-duce workplace injuries by 20 percent by2008. To achieve this goal the Ministryof Labour has been reviewing exposurelimits to both chemical and physicalagents and hired 200 new health andsafety inspectors.

Exposure to elevated noise levels maycause hearing loss, reduce productivity,create stress, and impact the quality oflife for workers and their families. TheWorkplace Safety and Insurance Boardsestimate that $100 million in compensa-tion costs have been paid out in the lastdecade.

Eleven other jurisdictions in Canadause the 85 dBA Leq noise limit and in-clude British Columbia, Alberta, Mani-toba, Saskatchewan, and the Governmentof Canada. In eight of these jurisdictionsa 3dB exchange rate is used.

Who is impacted?The new regulation applies to every

worksite in Ontario that is covered underthe following regulations: Industrial Es-tablishments, O. Reg. 851, Oil and Gas -Offshore, O. Reg. 855.

All employers will be required to putinto practice industrial noise controlmeasures where noise levels exceed 85dBA. Employers must show that engi-neering controls are not in existence ornot obtainable; or not reasonable or notpractical to adapt, install or provide duethe nature of the process or durationand/or frequency of exposure before theuse of hearing protection.

ChangesThe new elements introduced with

Ontario Regulation 565/06 include:• Introduction of a time-weighted

average exposure limit to assess worker exposure to both steady state

The new regulation can be found at www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/DBLaws/

Source/Regs/English/2006/R06565_htmFor further information, contact

Steve Hawkins, [email protected]

A new regulation to protect workers from hearing loss

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:19 PM

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine

Water Treatment

Water For People has beenawarded a prestigiousGrainger Award by the Na-tional Academy of Engi-

neering (NAE) for its innovative work inarsenic removal from potable water in theWest Bengal region of India, where mil-lions of people are at risk from naturallyoccurring arsenic that is prevalent in thegroundwater supplies.

The NAE, with the generous supportof The Grainger Foundation, awardedGold, Silver, and Bronze awards of$1,000,000, $200,000, and $100,000, re-spectively, to the winning systems. WaterFor People shared the Silver Award withLehigh University, which collaborated onthe development of the sustainable ar-senic removal technology that is beingapplied by Water For People in India.Members of the development team in-cluded Arup K. SenGupta, John E.Greenleaf, Lee M. Blaney, Owen E.Boyd, and Arun K. Deb. Also, SudiptaSarkar, a post doctoral associate, andPrasun Chatterjee, a doctoral student,both currently working in Prof. Sen-Gupta’s laboratory at Lehigh University,made significant contributions during theperformance evaluation of the engi-neered system.

Dr. Arup SenGupta and Lehigh Uni-versity partnered in the submission of theapplication for the Grainger Award. Dr.SenGupta and his research assistantsbuilt a model of the filters that are usedin West Bengal, India, so that NAE couldtest the filter under laboratory condi-tions. Dr. SenGupta worked with BengalEngineering and Science University inIndia to develop the technology whichcontinues to be improved with an in-creased operational simplicity and mini-mal environmental impact.

The system developed by Water ForPeople and its collaborators is being ap-plied at community wellheads. Water ishand-pumped into a fixed-bed column,where it passes through activated alu-mina or hybrid anion exchanger (HAIX)to remove the arsenic. After passing

through a chamber of graded gravel toremove particulates, the water is ready todrink. Each arsenic removal unit servesapproximately 300 households. The sys-tem is used in more than 160 locations,providing arsenic-safe potable water tonearly 170,000 villagers in West Bengal.

The filters are installed on top of ar-senic-tainted wells where villagers haveno other source of drinking water besidesarsenic-laced groundwater, ensuring thatthe people in remote villages will con-tinue to have safe drinking water sup-plies. Arsenic removal units aremanufactured using solely indigenousmaterials in cooperation with Bengal En-gineering and Science University. Vil-lagers are responsible for their upkeepand day-to-day operation. The activemedia are regenerated for reuse, and ar-senic-laden sludge is contained in an en-vironmentally safe manner withminimum leaching.

The 2007 NAE Grainger ChallengePrize competition sought innovative so-lutions for removing arsenic from drink-ing water that is slowly poisoning tens ofmillions of people in developing coun-tries. The winning systems had to be af-fordable, robust, reliable, easy tomaintain, socially acceptable, and envi-ronmentally friendly. As sustainabletechnologies, they also had to be withinthe manufacturing capabilities of thecountries in which they are deployed andcould not degrade other water qualitycharacteristics.

The first place award went to AbulHussam, a professor at George MasonUniversity for his household treatmenttechnology. The third place award wentto Procter and Gamble for their Chil-dren's Safe Water Drinking Programwhich uses PUR, a coagulation and floc-culation agent that removes bacterial andchemical pollutants from the drinkingwater.

For more information, visit www.waterforpeople.org

Water For People wins prestigious Grainger Award for

arsenic removal innovation

An Indian woman gathers arsenic-free water at a tap stand in West Bengal, India.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:21 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:20 PM


Improving water quality netsAmerican professor the 2007Stockholm Water Prize

Water Research

for municipal and industrial waste-waters, biological nutrient removal, andthe development and use of biofilm re-actors.

In its Citation, the Nominating Com-mittee wrote: "Professor Perry L. Mc-Carty is awarded the 2007 StockholmWater Prize for pioneering work in de-veloping the scientific approach for thedesign and operation of water andwastewater systems."

He has established the role of funda-mental microbiology and chemistry inthe design of bioreactors. Professor Mc-Carty has defined the field of environ-mental biotechnology that is the basisfor small-scale and large-scale pollutioncontrol and safe drinking water systems.

Being an environmental engineer,Professor McCarty has combined deepknowledge in physical, chemical, bio-logical and microbiological processes

Professor Perry L. McCarty fromStanford University, California,a pioneer in the development ofthe understanding of biological

and chemical processes for the safe sup-ply and treatment of water, has beennamed the 2007 Stockholm Water PrizeLaureate. His work has led to more effi-cient biological treatment processes, inparticular anaerobic treatment systems

and transferred the results into out-standing technical development widelyused all over the world as the basis fordesign and operation of wastewatertreatment systems.

Professor McCarty’s other importantcontribution was the identity of mecha-nisms for biodegradation and the fate ofhazardous and anthropogenic tracechemicals as well as appropriate engi-neering for water quality improvementof ground- and surface water and soils.

All of his earlier research findingsand theoretical developments have beenincorporated into these recent studiesand culminated in his fundamental the-ory of water quality improvement in sur-face and groundwater as well asbiological treatment of polluted soils(bioremediation). This is an enormousaccomplishment and brings together aunified concept derived from physical,

Fluid Dynamics, Inc.Boulder, CO

Tel: 303-530-7300 or 888-530-7300E-mail: [email protected]

www.dynablend.com

Fluid Dynam-ics, Inc. intro-duces the LSeries dyn-aBLEND®polymerblending andactivation sys-tem. The dyn-aBLEND®units feature

the patented HydroACTION® non-mechanical, high-energy polymermixing chamber, with a choice of di-aphragm metering or progressingcavity pumps. Control optionsrange from simple manual systemsto fully instrumented PLC-basedunits with an unlimited variety of in-puts and outputs. Standard unitsare available to provide activatedpolymer solution from 30 gphthrough 21,000 gph. Custom unitsalso available.

dynaBLEND® polymer makedown units

ES&E May:2007 5/23/07 3:48 PM


chemical and biological phenomena intointegrated management for water qual-ity improvement.

Purifying the invisible Professor McCarty has furthermore

tackled the important problem of or-ganic compounds and pollutants inwastewater and underground aquifersystems. His work has led to the devel-opment and practical implementation ofmethods to treat toxic chemicals ingroundwater, especially chlorinated pol-lutants from industry.

He has published over 300 papers inwater science, environmental engineer-ing, and microbiology science journals,with 50 papers just in the last 10 years.His two textbooks on the chemistry, bi-ology, and design of treatment systemsfor municipal and industrial wastewaterare used daily by engineers all over theworld.

Professor McCarty has been an edu-cator and researcher at Stanford since1962. His ability to attract and developoutstanding doctoral students at Stan-ford University is unmatched. ProfessorMcCarty, furthermore, was for 14 yearsthe director of the Environmental Pro-tection Agency-sponsored Western Re-gional Hazardous Substances ResearchCenter. He is also a member of the Na-tional Academy of Engineering and anHonorary member of the American

Water Works Association and the WaterEnvironment Federation, and a Fellow ofthe American Association for the Ad-vancement of Science, the AmericanAcademy of Arts and Sciences, and theAmerican Academy of Microbiology.

The Stockholm Water Prize is aglobal award founded in 1990 and pre-sented annually by the Stockholm WaterFoundation to an individual, organiza-tion or institution for outstanding water-related activities. The activities can bewithin fields like education and aware-

ness-raising, human and internationalrelations, research, water managementand water-related aid. The StockholmWater Prize Laureate receives USD150,000 along with a glass sculpture,which will be presented August 16 dur-ing the 2007 World Water Week inStockholm. H.M. King Carl XVI Gustafof Sweden is the Patron of the Stock-holm Water Prize.

For more information, visitwww.siwi.org

Water Research

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:23 PM

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine92 | May 2007Pro

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ABB

ACG TechnologyABS Canada

ABB ABS Canada

Armtec AWI

Armtec

Atlantic Industries

HST Turbocompressor

Fast sure priming

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

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

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

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

Videographic recorder

The newSM500F fromABB is theworld’s firstfield mountvideographicrecorder (pipe,panel, wall),

rapidly processing and clearly display-ing vital data. From furnaces and coldstorage facilities to effluent and HVACmonitoring, the SM500F delivers max-imum performance with minimum has-sle and high return on investment withlow cost of ownership.Tel: 800-461-0980, Fax: 905-333-7502E-mail: [email protected]: www.abb.com/instrumentation

• Available incarbon steel,stainless steel,FRP andpolypropyleneconstruction.• Standard sys-

tems include air operated diaphragmpump, air filter and floating skimmer. • Adjustable weir and skimmer heightfor optimal oil removal and minimaldisposal volume. • Standard sizes available for flowsfrom 1 to 75 USGPM.Tel: 905-856-1414, Fax: 905-856-6401E-mail: [email protected]: www.acgtechnology.com

Armtec provides BEBO concrete archbridges in Quebec, Ontario and WesternCanada. Based on technology devel-oped in Switzerland, BEBO arches arean economical alternative to cast-in-place concrete or structural steelbridges. They are available in a range ofshapes with spans up to 31m.Tel: 519-822-0210, Fax: 519-822-1160E-mail: [email protected]: www.armtec.com

Stormwater solutions

Armtec provides awide range ofCONTECHstormwater qualitymanagementsystems through-out Canada. Prod-ucts includeVORTECHS hy-drodynamic

separation systems and VORTFILTERfiltration systems. These systems areamong the best for capturing suspendedsolids, oils, grit and trash from stormwa-ter run off.Tel: 519-822-0210, Fax: 519-822-1160E-mail: [email protected]: www.armtec.com

CalMaster 2 is theworld’s first in situsuite of field vali-dation and verifi-cation tools forboth MagMasterand AquaMasterflowmeters. It iscomprised of Cal-Master IRIS (Intelligent RecognitionInformation System), a stand-alonebattery powered device that provides insitu verification of both ABB mainsand battery powered flow meters. Tel: 800-461-0980, Fax: 905-333-7502E-mail: [email protected]: www.abb.com/instrumentation

Phoenix Panel System

• Upgrades and optimizes all types of filters

• Removal of existing underdrain not required

• Eliminates the need for filter gravel• Improves backwash distribution• Longer filter runs and lower turbidity effuent

Tel: 403-255-7377, Fax: 403-255-3129E-mail: [email protected]: www.awifilter.com

Corrugated metal structures

Super•Cor isAIL’s smart alter-native to conven-tional bridges.Super•Cor’s bot-tomless streamcrossings, com-bined with lowerimpact installa-tions, will elimi-

nate streambed interference enablingunobstructed stream and fish passage.The geometry of its corrugations re-duces the intrusiveness traditionally as-sociated with man-made structures.

Tel: 1-877-245-7473Web: www.ail.ca

Atlantic Industries

Field validation and verification

Coalescing oil/water separators

Concrete arch bridges

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:22 PM


AWI Canadian Standards Association Con Cast Pipe

Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute Davis Controls

Davis Controls Denso Dwyer Instruments

Pro

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The GHG Clean-Projects™ Reg-istry is a fullysearchable website, accessibleworldwide. Itshowcases green-house gas (GHG)emission reduc-tions or removals

projects and each listed tonne of Veri-fied Emission Reductions/Removals(VERRs) has a unique serial number. Itis based on ISO 14064, the new inter-national standard for quantification, re-porting and verification. Please visit,www.ghgregistries.ca/cleanprojects

New web site

Con Cast Pipe announces its new website with easy-to-use technicalreference and product specificationtools; in addition there is a host ofother improvements. Please visitwww.concastpipe.com

Weighing in at 25tonnes this 45metre length of3050mm diame-ter SPCSP com-pleted achallengingnorthern railway

crossing in just 26 hours. “Floating like abutterfly” the long and strong pipe wasswung onto the soft foundation. Soil steeldesign provides engineered strength tocarry fill heights to 27 metres. Call for aCD of “The Handbook of Steel Drainageand Highway Construction Products”.Tel: 866-295-2416 Fax : 519-650-8081 E-mail: [email protected]: www.cspi.ca

Flowline intro-duces EchoPod®,an innovative levelsensor that re-places floats, con-ductance andpressure activatedlevel switches that

fail due to dirty, sticking and scalingmedia in small tanks 49.2” (1.25m) orless. EchoPod, a general purpose sen-sor, combines non-contact switch, con-troller and transmitter capabilities in onepackage. Specifications include – beamwidth 2” (5 cm), temperature -20 deg Cto 60 deg C. CSA approved. Tel: 905-829-2000, Fax: 905-829-2630E-mail: [email protected]: www.daviscontrols.com

EMCO's Sono-Trak™ TransitTime ultrasonicflow meter com-bines advancednon-invasive flowmeasurementtechnology with a versatile transmitterdesign to provide an accurate, mainte-nance-free, easy-to-install, and easy-to-use measuring system. Using only oneset of transducers, it measures liquidsin pipe sizes from 2” to 100". CSAClass I Div II Grps A,B,C,D, Class IIand Class III Grps. E, F approved.Tel: 905-829-2000, Fax: 905-829-2630E-mail: [email protected]: www.daviscontrols.com

Pump controller

The New Mer-coid SeriesMPCJR PumpController pro-vides one or twopump controlwith built-in al-ternation;process input re-

transmission; high and low alarm con-tacts in a standard 1/4 DIN package.The unit features additional analog out-puts that can be used with externalpump run-time meters.Tel: 800-872-9141, Fax: 219-872-9057E-mail: [email protected]: www.dwyer-inst.com

Phoenix Underdrain System

• Optimizes vertical and horizontal pressure filters

• Low profile, filtered water pick-up lateral orifice is <25 mm

• Manufactured from corrosionresistant stainless steel

• Custom hydraulic distribution• Guaranteed uniform air scour

distribution.Tel: 403-255-7377, Fax: 403-255-3129E-mail: [email protected]: www.awifilter.com

Every year thou-sands of tonnes ofsteel are salvaged,recycled and re-used in new con-struction. Steel isthe most recycledmaterial in the

world. It is easily regenerated, withoutlosing its remarkable qualities. An old caris melted down to produce soup cans,bridge beams and corrugated culverts.Steel recycling is second nature and al-most invisible to the average citizen.

Tel: 866-295-2416, Fax: 519-650-8081E-mail: [email protected]: www.cspi.ca

Reusable, recyclable,

remarkable

Proven worldwidefor well over 100years, DensoPetrolatum Tapesoffer the best,most economical,long-term corro-

sion protection for all above and belowground metal surfaces. Requiring onlyminimum surface preparation and envi-ronmentally responsible, Denso Petrola-tum Tape is the solution to your corrosionproblems in any corrosive environment.For applications in mines, mills, refineries,steel mills, pulp & paper, oil & gas, and thewaterworks industry. The answer is Denso!Tel: 416-291-3435, Fax: 416-291-0898E-mail: [email protected]: www.densona.com

Denso Petrolatum Tapes

Welterweight contender Ultrasonic level sensor

Ultrasonic flow meter

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:24 PM


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Metcon Sales & EngineeringMetcon Sales & Engineering Minotaur

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Dwyer InstrumentsDwyer Instruments

Hetek Solutions Hoskin Scientific

HOBO water level logger

The HOBO Water Level Logger is a high-accuracy, pressure-based water levelrecording device that combines research-grade accuracy and durability with a pricetag that is roughly half the cost of mostcomparable solutions.

Available from Hoskin Scientific Ltd.www.hoskin.ca

Minotaur offers allthe Stormceptor serv-icing you need to becompliant with regu-latory authorities, in-cluding proactivesupervision, site-in-spections, field re-ports, certificates ofinspection, small spill

removal, large spill pump out, lab analy-sis of particulate & oils, consultation.Simplify your responsibility.

Tel: 888-648-6828, Fax: 519-647-3198E-mail: [email protected]: www.minotaurltd.com

Stormceptor monitoring

Submersible level transmitter

The Mercoid Division ofDwyer Instruments is of-fering the Series PBLT2Submersible Level Trans-mitter for wastewater ap-plications. Manufacturedfor years of trouble freeservice in the harshestapplications it is ideal forwastewater, sludge, andslurries. Incorporated inthe PLBT2 is a large diameter 316 SSdiaphragm that is non-clogging anddamage resistant to floating solids.

Tel: 800-872-9141, Fax: 219-872-9057E-mail: [email protected]: www.dwyer-inst.com

Dwyer Instru-ments’ new2007 catalog isin a convenientand easy-to-useformat, featur-ing a broadrange of meas-uring and con-trol instrumentsfor pressure,temperature,level and flowapplications.

Tel: 800-872-9141, Fax: 219-872-9057E-mail: [email protected]: www.dwyer-inst.com

Hanna’s new HI93414 provides con-sistently reliableand precise meas-urements of turbid-ity and free/totalchlorine in one unit.

It is EPA approved, utilizing a tungstenlight source and a state-of-the-art opti-cal system to offer superior accuracy atlow ranges (below 0.05 NTU). Turbidityis measured up to 1000 NTU and freeor total chlorine measurements can bemade in the 0.00 to 5.00 mg/L (ppm)range.Tel: 905-738-2355, Fax: 905-738-5520 E-mail: [email protected]: www.metconeng.com

Pieralisi centrifuges

Pieralisi technology is available to solveany problem of clarifying, dewateringand separating with safety and reliabil-ity. Pieralisi centrifuges utilize apatented sludge scraper for continuousdischarge of dewater sludge from thesolids discharge chamber. Tel: 905-738-2355, Fax: 905-738-5520 E-mail: [email protected]: www.metconeng.com

Heron water tape

The Heron WATER TAPE is a tougheconomical water level meter. The lowcost and durability of the Kevlar rein-forced tape make it an ideal choice forwell drillers, pump installers and othersevere service users. Call for yourLOW COST quote today.Tel: 800-331-2032

Ultrasonic level sensing

SonicSens™ isideal for remotewater level moni-toring applica-tions. Thesensor’s very lowpower consump-

tion enables its internal battery toachieve a 5-year life. The ultrasonicsensor can be supplied with local ortelemetry communications data logger.Cellular (SMS) communications ver-sions can be configured to provide dataand alarms to office PC or cellularphone / pager.Tel: 519-659-1144, Fax: 519-453-2182E-mail: [email protected]: www.hetek.com

2007 Controls & Gages Catalog

Turbidity & chlorine measurement

Heron Instruments

Chopper pumps

Landia chopper pumps solve the tough-est problems whenpumping difficult-to-handle liquids with highsolid contents. Chopand reduce solids parti-cle size while pumpingwith our special knifesystem. Eliminate clog-ging problems and pre-vent costly breakdowns.Landia chopper pumpsare operating in: rawunscreened effluents,food industry effluents,paper mills, slurries and sludges, andmuch more. Tel: 604-552-7900, Fax: 604-552-7901 E-mail: [email protected]

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:24 PM


North American Green Ontario Concrete Pipe Association

Parkson

Rudi Kovacko & Associates Rudi Kovacko & Associates

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ProMinent Fluid Controls

Ontario Concrete Pipe Association

Orival OWOTC

Pipe Pac version 3, has arrived. For moreinformation or to obtain a copy of thePipe Pac version 3, contact the OCPAtoday. Tel: 905-631-9696, Fax: 905-631-1905 E-mail: [email protected]: www.ocpa.com

New Pipe Pac version 3 now available

Learning objectives are designed by oper-ators for operators. The surge in course de-mand is a testament in itself to thepopularity and value of our courses. Thecontinuous introduction of new water andwastewater courses and increased accessi-bility speaks to our unrivaled commitment.Visit our Hamilton or Windsor hands-oncentres or call today to inquire about ouron-site capabilities. Tel: 866-622-6535Web: www.owotc.com

Water and wastewater operator training

Sigma series metering pumps

Feature-richand depend-able Sigma se-ries meteringpumps fromProMinenthelp keep yourchemical feedunder control.

Sigma pumps operate in capacities of upto 1000 LPH and pressures up to 174psi. Easy-to-use microprocessor controlwith a backlit LCD for rapid and reliableadjustment.

Tel: 888-709-9933, Fax: 519-836-5226E-mail: [email protected]: www.prominent.ca

Double your pump life with the innova-tive M Champ. Thinking outside the boxhas created this new Wastewater Marketstandard pump by incorporating a com-pact flexishaft design and an integralspare stator.Tel: 610-363-8010, Fax: 610-363-0971E-mail: [email protected]: www.netzschusa.com

New progressive cavity pump

The NETZSCH M-Ovas solid grindingmachine is used in awide variety of indus-tries where solids inthe product interferewith process safety.The solids are suffi-ciently ground by theM-Ovas to preventclogging of pipelines

and of subsequent equipment. The M-Ovas offers easy and fast disassemblyof cutting tips and cutting unit and selfadjusting cutters.Tel: 610-363-8010, Fax: 610-363-0971E-mail: [email protected]: www.netzschusa.com

New grinder from Netzsch

Erosion control blankets

North AmericanGreen’sBioNet® Seriesof 100% naturalbiodegradableerosion controlblankets pro-vides effectiveand all-natural

erosion control and vegetation estab-lishment assistance. They can be usedfor high-performance erosion controlon bioengineering projects, wetlandmitigation, riparian area protection,shaded areas, streambank restoration.Tel: 800-772-2040, Fax: 812-867-0247E-mail: [email protected]: www.nagreen.com

Filtration systems

Orival, Inc. fabri-cates completemanifolds formultiple water fil-tration systems toensure protectionof heat exchang-ers, spray nozzles,

pump seals, air compressors, I.E. andR.O. units, and other instrumentation,to suit a wide variety of industry andwastewater applications. Each mani-fold is designed to meet the specific requirements of your project.Tel: 800-567-9767, Fax: 201-568-1916E-mail: [email protected]: www.orival.com

The Ontario Concrete Pipe Associationpromotes the high standards of busi-ness practice and the product quality ofits members, and provides technical in-formation to specifiers, regulators,contractors and educators. Please con-tact us for a presentation including:Protecting Yourself as a Gravity PipeDesigner; Best Practices for New Infrastructure; Concrete Pipe Design;PipePac.

Call 905-631-9696 for details and beentered to win an iPod.E-mail: [email protected]: www.ocpa.com

Fine screen

The Helisieve® Fine Screen combinesscreening, conveying and dewateringinto one reliable, automatic, compactand cost-efficient system. Shaftlessspiral technology helps dewater screen-ings up to 30% dry weight to lower dis-posal costs, and the spiral is enclosedto minimize odorsTel: 514-636-8712, Fax: 514-636-9718E-mail: [email protected]: www.parkson.com

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:24 PM


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Smith & Loveless

Imbrium Systems USF FabricationSPD Sales

Sanitherm Engineering

Waterloo BiofilterWaterloo Barrier Waterra Pumps

Sanitherm Engi-neering Ltd. hasperfected con-tainerizing theirSaniBrane®MBR. The containerizedSaniBrane® isportable, pro-

vides excellent effluent on start-up, isoperator friendly and comes pre-wired,pre-plumbed and tested. The system foranywhere needing reliable waste treat-ment with a small footprint!Tel: 604-986-9168, Fax: 604-986-5377E-mail: [email protected]: www.sanitherm.com

Membrane bioreactor Grit chamber

The Smith & LovelessPISTA® Grit Chambermaintains the highestproven grit removal effi-ciencies over a widerange of daily flows be-cause of its exclusive

forced vortex design. It removes grit andother discrete particles, separates organicsand inorganics, and reduces grit accumu-lation in downstream basins, channels,weirs and piping. This results in reducedwear on mechanical equipment. Completegrit pumping, dewatering and washingcomponents are available.Tel: 913-888-5201, Fax: 913-888-2173E-mail: [email protected]: www.smithandloveless.com

Stormceptor® System

Stormceptor removesmore pollutants fromstormwater, main-taining continuouspositive treatment oftotal suspendedsolids (TSS), regard-less of flow rate.Patented scour pre-

vention technology ensures pollutantsare captured and contained during allrainfall events, even extreme storms.

Tel: 800-565-4801E-mail: info@stormceptor. comWeb: www.imbriumsystems.com

Waterra's two Inline Disposable 0.45 Mi-cron Filter options — the high turbidityFHT-45 and the NEW medium turbidityFMT-45 provide an economical alterna-tive for lower turbidity sampling, whenthe highest possible capacity is not re-quired.Tel: 905-238-5242, Fax: 905-238-5704 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.waterra.com

Greater capacity inline filters

Waterloo Barrier is alow permeability cutoffwall for groundwatercontainment and con-trol. It is a new designof steel sheet piling, fea-turing joints that can besealed after the sheets

have been driven into the ground, andwas developed by researchers at the Uni-versity of Waterloo. It has patent/patentpending status in several countries.Canadian Metal Rolling Mills assisted indeveloping the product. Tel: 519-856-1352, Fax: 519-856-0759 E-mail: [email protected]: www. waterloo-barrier.com

Controlling contaminated groundwater

Trickling filters

Waterloo Biofilters® are efficient, modulartrickling filters for residential and commu-nal sewage wastewaters, and landfillleachate. Patented, lightweight, syntheticfilter media optimize physical propertiesfor microbial attachment and water reten-tion. The self-contained modular design forcommunal use is now available in20,000L/d and 40,000L/d ISO shippingcontainer units - ready to plug in on-site. Tel: 519-856-0757, Fax: 519-856-0759E-mail: [email protected] Web: www. waterloo-biofilter.com

Hatch safety netThe lightweightHatch Safety Net isdesigned to be per-manently installedand easily re-tractable in floorand roof openings where the risk of fallthrough is present. When closed, thenet system allows people to movefreely around confined space openingswithout fear of falling into the opening.It also allows visibility of inspectionsand accessibility for limited mainte-nance and float adjustments. Whenentry/exit is required, the net can beeasily unhooked on all but one side ofthe opening. Tel: 604-552-7900, Fax: 604-552-7901E-mail: [email protected]

Complete chemical treatment

package

SPD Sales Limited can offer you a com-plete chemical treatment package for re-mote sites housed in an insulated / heat-ed fiberglass building, including meter-ing pumps, tanks, analyzers and datastorage systems ready for field installa-tion.Tel: 905-678-2882, Fax: 905-293-9774E-mail: [email protected]: www.spdsales.com

Schlumberger Water Services has releasedthe Mini-Diver, Micro-Diver, Baro-Diverand Cera-Diver to the line of Diver ground-water dataloggers. Divers are engineeredin a compact, durable housing to provideaccurate, long-term monitoring and record-ing of groundwater levels. Groundwatermonitoring made easy.E-mail: [email protected]: www.water.slb.com

Groundwater dataloggers

Schlumberger Water Services

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:25 PM


Filter offers reliable cooling water forpump seals with fast payback

Filtration

The filter is running very well and thepayback was just over six months. A bigplus for the project was the conservationof potable water in the community.

Using Figure 1, one can follow howthe ORG-030-LE filter operates:

Dirty water enters the filter inlet (1),where it quickly moves to the centre ofthe fine screen (2). The water then passesthrough the fine screen from the insideout and exits the filter outlet (3).

All organic and inorganic particles 25microns and larger are instantly stoppedby the screen. As this debris accumulateson the inner surface of the fine screen itforms a “filter cake” that acts as a filteraid, trapping many particles muchsmaller than 25 microns. This imparts asubstantial degree of filtration finer thanthe weave-wire media alone can provide.This filter cake creates a pressure differ-ential across the screen, which, uponreaching a preset level of 7 psi, initiatesthe automatic self-cleaning rinse cycle.All functions of this rinse cycle are con-trolled by the factory-supplied controlsystem. The control system begins byopening the rinse valve (4) to an atmos-pheric drain.

As a result, pressure drops in the hy-draulic motor chamber (5) and dirt col-

lector assembly (6). The pressure dropcreates a backflush stream of over 50 feetper second at the nozzle openings of thedirt collector assembly. These openingsare within a few millimetres of the screensurface and suck the dirt off the screensimilar to a vacuum cleaner. The back-wash water is carried through the collec-tor and ejected out of the holes in thehydraulic motor (7). All debris is ex-pelled through the rinse valve.

The water being ejected out of the hy-draulic motor causes the collector to ro-tate, similar to some types of lawnsprinklers. In addition, the pressure dropin the hydraulic motor chamber forcesthe collector assembly to move upward.This combination of rotational and lin-ear movements ensures that every squareinch of the screen area is thoroughlycleaned during each rinse cycle.

St. Catharines Hydro Generation is awholly owned affiliate of St. CatharinesHydro, Inc. licensed by the Ontario En-ergy Board.

Brent Baiden is President,Avoca-Tec Environmental Services.Contact: [email protected]

Dr. Marcus N. Allhands, PE, is withOrival, Inc. Contact: [email protected]

By Brent Baiden and Marcus N. Allhands

Figure 1. ORG Cut-A-Way.

ORIVAL filter installed at St.

Catharines Hydro Heywood

Generating Station.

As a “Green Power Certified”producer of electricity, St.Catharines Hydro Generationis proud of its two generation

stations: the Port Weller Digester GasCogeneration Facility, and the HeywoodGenerating Station located at the en-tranceway to the Port Dalhousie Harbour.

Stan Heywood saw his hard work inpromoting the latter power station pay offwhen the plant became commercially op-erational in the spring of 1989. Produc-ing 40 million kilowatt-hours per year,this plant provides enough electricity tolight up over 2,000 homes in the area. Itwas built beside an existing control struc-ture formerly owned by Ontario Hydro.This control structure, along with twonew Escher-Wyse water turbines, makeup the Heywood Generating Station. Thestation generates approximately 6.5 MWof electricity, utilizing water flowingfrom Twelve Mile Creek and Martindalepond.

The turbines generate power from themovement of the water but no mechani-cal/electrical device is 100% efficient.Extreme amounts of heat result from thisprocess. The station originally purchasedcity water to cool the turbine pump seals,costing over $6,000 a year. While “free”water was available, the quality was in-sufficient for cooling pump seals. Debrisin the water, whether sand, grit, algae orclams, had the potential to destroy theseals being cooled or grind away at theturbine shafts.

In 2006, a decision was made to in-stall a filtration system and utilize the“free water” surrounding the HeywoodGenerating Station. After investigatingthe options, an Orival ORG-030-LE Au-tomatic Self Cleaning Water Filter wasinstalled with a 25-micron stainless steelweave-wire screen element capable offiltering up to 175 gallons per minute(gpm). To give some understanding ofthis filtration degree, a normal humanhair is about 100 microns in diameter.Put another way, the smallest black doton a piece of white paper visible to theunaided eye is between 40 and 50 mi-crons.

The ORG filters use line pressure topower the self-cleaning mechanism forhigher efficiency and lower capital cost.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:25 PM


NEWS

20 Sharp Road, Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L8 • Tel: (519) 751-1080 • Fax: (519) 751-0617E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.anthrafilter.net

• ANTHRACITE • QUALITY FILTER SAND & GRAVEL • CARBON • GARNET ILMENITE • REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

AppointmentsThe publisher of Environmental Science& Engineering, Steve Davey, has beenappointed to the Board of the OntarioPollution Control Equipment Associa-tion.

Steve is a past president of Water En-vironment Association of Ontario andcurrently serves as a Director of Cana-dian Business Press.

His sister, Penny Davey, Sales Direc-tor of Environmental Science & Engi-neering, was appointed to the Board ofthe Ontario Water Works Equipment As-sociation during the OWWA AnnualConference. She has previously servedon the Board of the Ontario PollutionControl Equipment Association.

Steve and Penny are shown in Wash-

ington DC while attending a WEFTECconference.

Alberta first province to legislate greenhouse

gas reductionsAlberta is the first province in Canada tointroduce legislation to reduce green-house gas emission intensity from largeindustry. Bill 3, Climate Change andEmissions Management Amendment Act,and its accompanying Specified GasEmitters Regulation, state that compa-nies that emit more than 100,000 tonnesof greenhouse gases a year must reducetheir emissions intensity by 12 per cent,starting July 1, 2007.

The Specified Gas Emitters Regula-tion details how companies can reducetheir emissions intensity. These compli-ance options include making operatingimprovements, buying an Alberta-basedoffset to apply against their emissiontotal, or contributing to a new govern-ment fund that will invest in technologyto reduce greenhouse gas emissions inthe province.

Projects that qualify as offsets mustbe located in Alberta and spending fromthe technology fund will occur in theprovince. The technology fund could be

used to further the development of car-bon capture and management - an optionwhich has great potential to reduce emis-sions of greenhouse gases worldwide.

Alberta was the first province to in-troduce specific climate change legisla-tion in 2002 and the first to require largeindustrial facilities to report their green-house gas emissions.

www.gov.ab.ca

Progress continues to ensure safe drinking water

The Government of Newfoundland andLabrador remains committed to workhard to ensure clean, safe and securedrinking water, and has released its2005-06 annual drinking water report en-titled, Drinking Water Safety in New-foundland and Labrador.

Highlights include: the designation of11 new protected water supply areas; 359on-site training sessions provided by mo-bile training units for municipal waterand wastewater system operators; ap-proximately 21,000 bacteriological sam-ples collected and analyzed; over 3,000samples collected and analyzed for vari-ous chemical parameters, including tri-halomethanes (THMs) and haloaceticacids

The report is available atwww.gov.nl.ca/Env/env/waterres/

Reports/Reports.asp

Public input is essential toprotecting local drinking

water sourcesOntarians must have a say in local deci-sions about protecting their water. That’swhy the Ontario government is askingthe public to comment on the rules thatwill guide the preparation of local drink-ing water source protection plans, ac-cording to Environment Minister LaurelBroten.

“We listened to Ontarians. We tookaction based on what we heard fromthem. And today we are taking the nextstep in implementing the Clean WaterAct by asking for public feedback on theregulations that will permit local plan-ning to begin,” said Broten. “It’s impor-tant that everybody in a community havetheir say in determining the best way toprotect their own drinking water sup-plies, their health and their livelihoods.”

Ontario’s new Clean Water Act deliv-ers on 12 of Justice Dennis O’Connor’srecommendations resulting from the ju-

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:25 PM


NEWSdicial inquiry into the Walkerton taintedwater tragedy. It ensures communitiesare able to protect their drinking watersupplies through developing collabora-tive, locally driven, science-based pro-tection plans.

The first step is to set up a committeerepresenting the broad range of interestsin a source protection region to lead theplan’s preparation. This committee willbegin by preparing terms of referenceoutlining the work to be done and whowill do it. The draft regulations that pro-vide the details needed to get localsource protection planning started areavailable on the Environmental Bill ofRights registry at www.ontario.ca/envi-ronmentalregistry.

Drinking water quality results now available onlineAlbertans can now view online reportsthat outline water quality indicators suchas turbidity, microbiological quality andresidual disinfectants. Results are postedby Alberta Environment when testingand analysis are complete. The websitegives Albertans access to informationthey need to feel confident in the sys-tems in place to ensure a safe, securedrinking water supply, as promised underthe government's Water for Life strategy.

The Alberta government's drinkingwater website will provide Albertanswith more timely information on regu-lated drinking water facilities. AlbertaEnvironment regulates municipal sys-tems that serve more than 80 per cent ofthe province's population, about 2.75million Albertans.

www.environment.gov.ab.ca/water/dwq/regulated

Ontario phasing out use ofpotent ozone depleting

substanceThe Ministry of the Environment has an-nounced new improvements to Ontario’sRefrigerants Regulation O. Reg 189/94.The new amendments will phase-out theuse of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) inlarge refrigeration equipment andchillers, and ensure surplus stocks areproperly handled.

Ontario has been working with in-dustry to update the regulation since2003. The new regulatory amendmentsdesignate them hazardous waste in 2012.

The new regulatory improvementsalso promote increased energy conserva-tion as industry replaces old outdated

chillers and large units with more effi-cient equipment. By partnering theseregulatory changes with energy conser-vation incentive programs such as theBuilding Owners and Managers Associ-ation (BOMA) program, there is an op-portunity for more than 50 megawatts(MW) in savings in energy demandacross the province.

The BOMA program represents a $75million investment by the Ontario PowerAuthority (OPA) and is part of a largerinitiative being led by the OPA to con-serve 330 MW of energy in Toronto by2010. Funding will be available from theBOMA program for heating and coolingsystem upgrades, equipment replace-ment and alternative heating and coolingsystems as well as lighting upgrades andconservation measures.

www.ene-gov.on.ca

Clean-up completed at Newfoundland military site

The environmental clean-up of the for-mer USAF Pinetree site at St. Anthony isnow completed. The final phase wasawarded to Marine Contractors ofPasadena in the amount of $363,425 andwork was completed in November 2006.

The work involved the excavation and

removal of 300 tonnes of PCB-contami-nated soil and debris. The total amountof contaminates removed since the startof the remediation efforts in 2004 wasapproximately 1,500 tonnes of soil and200 tonnes of debris. Approximately $1million was spent at the former militarysite in 2005, bringing the total cost of theenvironmental remediation to more than$3 million.

www.gov.nl.ca

New projects called for to advance wind

development strategyManitoba Hydro has publicly released arequest for proposals (RFP) for newwind projects totalling up to 300megawatts of wind or enough to power100,000 homes. The deadline for sub-mission of proposals is July 17, 2007.

Manitoba’s 1,000-megawatt windstrategy is expected to generate $2 bil-lion in investment, $100 million in wind-rights payments to landowners and $150million in property taxes to local munic-ipalities. In addition to the request for300 megawatts, three further allocationsof 200 megawatts each are currently tar-geted for 2013-14, 2015-16 and 2017-


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:25 PM


NEWS18, based on economic viability.

There have been several key develop-ments in Manitoba’s wind strategy overthe last several years including beginningwork on the first industrial wind farm inManitoba in St Leon; completing the 99-megawatt, $210-million St. Leon project;receiving over 40 expressions of interestin Manitoba wind development fromFirst Nations communities, turbine man-ufacturers, wind developers and consult-ants; making available wind monitoringdata collected throughout the province inpast years by Manitoba Hydro; launch-ing the first urban wind-test site at TheForks to assess the viability of having awind turbine at one of Winnipeg’s majortourism attractions.

The 63 wind turbines around St. Leonhave quickly become a Manitoba tourismhotspot, attracting bus loads of visitorseager to see the giant towers that boastblades longer than the wingspan of a 747aircraft.

www.hydro.mb.ca. or www.gov.mb.ca

Hydro project approvedin BC

Plutonic Power Corporation has receivedprovincial environmental certificationfor two integrated run-of-river hydro-electric power plant facilities in BritishColumbia. The project, which will have acombined capacity to produce 196megawatts of clean, renewable electric-ity, will be located on two sites upstreamof the Toba River in Toba Inlet, north ofPowell River.

If completed, the project will help re-duce British Columbia’s reliance on im-ported electricity, without producinggreenhouse gas emissions, by generatingenough electricity in an average year tomeet the needs of 70,000 homes. Plu-tonic Power was offered an electricitypurchase agreement to supply BC Hydrowith electricity for 35 years as a result ofthe 2006 BC Hydro open call for power.

Before the project can proceed, Plu-tonic Power will still need to obtain thenecessary provincial licences and leases,as well as regulatory approval from theresponsible federal authorities.

The provincial environmental assess-ment certificate contains 77 commit-ments that the proponent mustimplement throughout the various phasesof the project. The project’s capital costsare approximately $450 million and it isexpected to create 650 person-years ofemployment during construction and 20permanent positions during operations.

www.eao.gov.bc.ca

“Specialists in non-intrusive ground investigations”

• UST's, buried metal, debris & fill

• Former excavations & structures

• Leachate plumes

• Voids and fractures

• Stratigraphy

• Pipes and utilities

Tel: 905.458.1883 Fax: 905.792.1884E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.geophysics.ca

Get a clear view of:

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:26 PM


NEWSProvince invests in clean-up of contaminated sites

Manitoba’s Conservation Minister StanStruthers has announced a $39-millionplan to clean up contaminated sites anddeal with their impacts across theprovince, starting with an alternativewater supply for the community ofGrosse Isle.

The minister has signed a memoran-dum of understanding with the rural mu-nicipalities of Rockwood and Rosserwhich will lead to a new water supply toaddress groundwater contamination inthe community of Grosse Isle. An alter-native water supply plan will be devel-oped along with a site remediationagreement to determine financial re-sponsibilities and a long-term manage-ment plan for the site.

Leaking underground petroleum stor-age tanks contaminated the groundwateraquifer in the area. The currentlandowner did not cause the contamina-tion and no other potentially responsibleparties exist. The province is now man-aging the site under the ContaminatedSites Remediation Act.

www.gov.mb.ca

Ottawa fined for violation of Environmental

Protection ActThe City of Ottawa has been fined a totalof $65,000 after pleading guilty to dis-charging contaminants into the naturalenvironment that caused adverse odours.

Ottawa owns and operates a sewagepumping station in the village of Rich-mond which is within the City’s bound-aries. In the spring of 2005, Ottawaupgraded the pumping station and in-stalled an odour control system that usesa biofilter to destroy hydrogen sulfideodours.

Beginning in June 30, 2005, the Min-istry of the Environment started receiv-ing complaints from numerous residentssurrounding the Richmond pumping sta-tion of septic odours. Residents indicatedthat the odours were extremely unpleas-ant and made their outdoor propertiesunusable during that summer. Theodours were confirmed by a Ministry in-spector on July 11, 2005 and determinedto be consistent with odours associatedwith hydrogen sulfide.

Following an investigation by theMinistry’s Investigations and Enforce-ment Branch, the City of Ottawa was


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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:26 PM


NEWScharged under section 14(1) of the Envi-ronmental Protection Act with discharg-ing a contaminant into the naturalenvironment. The Court heard that byfailing to properly maintain the biofilterat the Richmond pumping station, theCity had allowed odours to be dis-charged. The Court also heard that theCity of Ottawa later installed furtherodour control equipment to address theissue.

www.ene.gov.on.ca

Adventus wins 2007 UK innovation award

The Adventus Group, implementers ofremediation technologies for soil, sedi-ment and groundwater, announced re-cently that its Funnel & Gate Design forthe Capping and In Situ Treatment of Im-pacted Sediments won the coveted "2007ICU Innovation Award". This award ispresented annually at InternationalClean-Up (ICU) in Birmingham, Eng-land, a contaminated land solutions con-ference and exhibition.

The company also announced that ithas rejoined the Association for Envi-ronmental Health & Sciences (AEHS) torecognize talented, emerging environ-mental scientists during the "17th An-nual AEHS Meeting and West CoastConference on Soils, Sediments andWater" held in San Diego. Dr. JimMueller, President of Adventus Ameri-cas Inc., led the panel of judges to selectthe winners.

www.adventusgroup.com

Environmental companiesrecognized for outstanding

HR practices

ECO Canada announced the winners ofthe 2007 Environmental Employer of theYear Awards. The awards were presentedto two outstanding Canadian environ-mental companies in two categories.Summerhill Group won in the small-to-medium sized company category, whileWater and Earth Science AssociatesLtd.(WESA Group) won in the largecompany category.

Summerhill Group and WESA wereboth chosen as the winners of this year’sawards primarily because of how satis-fied each company’s employees are withtheir working environment and the wayin which their company operates.

The annual Environmental Employerof the Year Awards are key in highlight-ing companies that are successful in at-

Bio-Environmental Specialists since 1977

LAB Division• Environmental Microbiology• Biotreatment Optimization• Fungi, Bacteria & Algae ID• Contract R&D, UV Efficacy

TEC Division• Bioremediation• Air & Water Biofilters• Site Investigations• Aquatic Spill Surveys

67 Watson Rd., Unit #1Box 1385, Guelph,Ontario, N1H 6N8Tel: (519) 822-2608Fax: (519) 822-3076E-mail: [email protected]

Consulting EngineersConsulting Engineers

Hydromantis, Inc.Experts in Water, Wastewater, Environmental Planning, and Simulation Software

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420 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge, Ontario, N1T 2H9Tel: (519) 624-7223 Fax: (519) 624-7224

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1 James Street South, Suite 1601, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 4R5

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:29 PM


NEWStracting and retaining their employees.This is critical to the success of an in-dustry that’s growing 60% faster than theCanadian workforce as a whole, whilealso experiencing a growing shortage ofqualified workers.

www.eco.ca

Survey finds environmentalanxiety related to size of

urban populationThe Canada West Foundation has re-leased public opinion data on how resi-dents of Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary,Edmonton, Regina, Saskatoon and Win-nipeg view environmental issues.

“The data show that urbanites caredeeply about the urban environment,”says Robert Roach, the Director of Re-search at the Canada West Foundation.“For the residents of Canada’s big cities,addressing environmental issues is notjust about things like protecting naturalhabitat, clean coal technology, or betterforest management practices. It is aboutdealing with quality of life in large urbancentres”, he added.

The survey illustrates that many envi-ronmental concerns are related to thesize of the urban population. The largerthe population of a city, the more con-cerned its residents are about the urbanenvironment. This correlation likely re-flects perceptions of lower environmen-tal quality in larger cities.

The report’s author, Dr. LoleenBerdahl, writes: “As cities grow larger,air quality drops and the surroundingcountryside is consumed, and what be-comes rare, becomes more precious.The survey findings suggest that Canadamay become increasingly environmen-tally conscious—especially in terms ofthe urban environment—as the country’scities continue to grow.”

Key findings:Regina and Saskatoon residents are

the most satisfied with environmentalprotection in their cities; Toronto resi-dents are the least satisfied.

Air quality is a high priority issue inToronto and Vancouver, but less of anissue in the smaller prairie cities.

Protecting the city’s environment is ahigh priority in all cities, particularlyToronto and Vancouver.

Calgarians and Vancouverites are themost frequent users of urban greenspace.

Over 9 in 10 urbanites state city parksand green spaces are “essential to the


Leaders in

Engineering & Environmental Science

MacViro Consultants Inc.600 Cochrane Drive, Suite 500, Markham, ON L3R 5K3

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R E S P O N S I V E • P R O F E S S I O N A L • E F F I C I E N T

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:58 PM


quality of life.” The majority in all cities, and two-

thirds in Toronto, state maintaining urbangreen spaces is a high priority.

Calgarians see urban sprawl as aproblem; sprawl is also a concern for themajority of Edmonton, Toronto, Vancou-ver and Winnipeg residents.

The majority in all seven cities feelsthat protecting farmland and naturalareas adjacent to cities from develop-ment is a good idea.

To download the report, visitwww.cwf.ca

New report cautionsagainst garbage

incineration

With renewed calls for garbage incinera-tion in communities such as Hamilton,Durham Region (Clarington) and Ottawa,Ontario needs a comprehensive wastemanagement strategy, according to a newreport released by the Canadian Institutefor Env Law and Policy (CIELAP).

Ontario's Waste Management Chal-lenge - Is Incineration an Option? em-phasizes waste reduction and diversion,while calling on the provincial govern-ment to fund an independent assessmentof incineration technologies to better un-derstand the true costs and benefits of in-cineration before their implementation.

In the report CIELAP makes the fol-lowing key recommendations.

Develop and implement strict packag-ing regulations to prevent and reduce un-necessary packaging;

Introduce strong policies and regula-tions on extended producer responsibil-ity requiring industryto manage its wasteitself, and strengthen the powers of WasteDiversion Ontario through amendmentsto the Waste Diversion Act to increase therole of industry stewardship in reducingand recycling waste; and

Fund an independent, fair and impar-tial scientific assessment of the risks andbenefits of incineration technologies andprovide this information to the public. Maureen Carter-Whitney, CIELAP's Re-search Director and author of the report,states that, "Without an adequate diver-sion policy, we are merely turning to aquick fix. Communities have a range ofoptions to reduce and divert waste whichought to be explored and improved beforeinvesting in a technology that is contro-versial and may not even be necessary."

Copies of the report and a Quick Factssheet are available at www.cielap.org

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ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:58 PM


Company Page E-mail Website

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ABS Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.absgroup.com

Aboriginal Water & Wastewater Association of Ontario . . .59 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ofntsc.org/awwao

ACG Technology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.acgtechnology.com

Adventus Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . .www.AdventusGroup.com

Alberta Research Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.arc.ab.ca

ALS Laboratory Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.alsglobal.com

American Concrete Pipe Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.concrete-pipe.org

AMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ams-samplers.com

Anthrafilter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.anthrafilter.net

Aquablast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aquablast.ca

Armtec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32,33 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.armtec.com

Associated Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ae.ca

Atlantic Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ail.ca

AWI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.awifilter.com

AWWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89 . . . . . . .www.onlytapwaterdelivers.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.awwa.org

Baycor Fibre Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.baycorfibre.com

BOMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bomacdm.com

Business Information Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ecologERIS.com

CAEAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.caeal.ca

Canada Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.canadapipe.com

Canadian Environmental Markets Association . . . . . . . . .99 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . .www.ca.environmentalmarkets.org

Canadian Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cdnsafety.com

Cancoppas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cancoppas.com

Career Advancement Employment Services . . . . . . . . . . .41 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.careeradvancement.on.ca

CH2M HILL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ch2mhill.com

Cla-Val . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cla-val.com

Con Cast Pipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .107 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.concastpipe.com

Containment Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.containmentsolutions.com

Corrugated Steel Pipe Institute . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.cspi.ca

Davis Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.daviscontrols.com

Delcan Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.delcan.com

Denso . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.densona.com

Duall Division, Met-Pro Corp. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dualldiv.com

Dwyer Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dwyer-inst.com

Earth Tech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.earthtech.com

Endress + Hauser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ca.endress.com

Fluid Dynamics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.dynablend.com

Gartner Lee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.gartnerlee.com

Greatario . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.greatario.com

Green Turtle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 . . . . . . .www.proceptor.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.greenturtletech.com

Grundfos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.grundfosalldos.com

H2Flow Tanks & Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.h2flow.com

Halogen Valve Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.halogenvalve.com

Hanson Pipe & Precast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hansonpipeandprecast.com

Hassco Industries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hassco.ca

Heron Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.heroninstruments.com

Hetek Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hetek.com

Hoskin Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hoskin.ca/ysi600

Hoskin Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hoskin.ca/waterlevel

Hoskin Scientific . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.hoskin.ca/weather

IPEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ipexinc.com

ITT Flygt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.flygt.ca/2600

John Meunier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.johnmeunier.com

KMK Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.kmk.ca

Metcon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.metconeng.com

MS Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .66 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.msfilter.com

Mueller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.muellercanada.com

Myron L Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.myronl.com

Napier Reid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .99 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.napier-reid.com

Neptune Technology Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.neptunetg.ca

North American Green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.nagreen.com

OTEK Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.otekcorp.com

Parkson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.parkson.com

ProMinent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.prominent.ca

ProMinent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.prominent.ca/delta

Protectolite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.protectolite.com

Sanitherm Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.sanitherm.com

Schlumberger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.water.slb.com

Siemens Water Technologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Smith & Loveless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.smithandloveless.com

SPD Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.spdsales.com

Stantec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.stantec.com

Statiflo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.statiflo.com

Syntec Process Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.syntecpe.com

Thern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.thern.com

Walkerton Clean Water Centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.wcwc.ca

Water for People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .86 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.waterforpeople.org

Waterra Pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.waterra.com

WEFTEC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.weftec.org

XCG Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.xcg.com

XCG Consultants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.xcg.com

ZCL Composites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74 . . . . . . [email protected] . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.zcl.com

ES&E May:2007 5/25/07 3:34 PM


Tuna, fluorescent bulbs, Minamata, recycling and solutions

Guest Comment

ers) seem to have forgotten a lessonlearned 50 years ago. Let's jump in thetime machine and go back to Minamata,Japan. The cats, crows, seaweed, andfish, as well as sons and daughters in Mi-namata, will tell you of "cat dancing dis-ease", convulsions, loss of sensation intheir limbs and mortality that was a re-sult of mercury poisoning from wastematerial from a local industry.

This impact on persons and animalshas not only occurred once - but numer-ous times, including once again in Japan(Niigata) and in three First Nations com-munities in Ontario,.

The next logical step is recycling.This option is well known to us all andeasily put in place in our society. Look atthe success of the Blue and Grey Boxprograms. It only took 25 years to getpeople to toss in cans and paper and, re-cently, selected types of plastic.

There are existing firms withprocesses to safely recover all the mate-rial from fluorescent bulbs including themetal, glass, phosphor (the material thatgenerates the fluorescent glow), and themercury. The trick is to get the fluores-cent bulbs to the sites designed to recycleand reuse the materials and chemicalscontained in the bulbs.

No problem. Bring it to a local Haz-ardous Waste Depot or a Community En-vironment Day for safe disposal offeredby most municipalities and cities.

Question - A person has a 4 foot flu-orescent bulb - What will they do? Care-fully pack and deliver the bulb to aHazardous Waste Depot or put it out atthe street for garbage disposal?

Answer - It depends but I am willingto bet the garbage at the street is the pre-ferred option.

Something to think about - If youthink the 4 foot tube at the street is thepreferred disposal option then the oddsof the small baseball sized CFLs beingtossed into a green garbage bag are closeto 100%.

Another interesting tidbit is aboutclean-up of the fluorescent bulbs. It isrecommended that you do NOT use thevacuum to clean up a broken fluorescentbulb as this may result in placing themercury-contaminated phosphor into theair you breathe. A wet cloth will ensurethe dust is captured and not allowed to

The Federal Government has pro-posed the phase in of compactfluorescent bulbs and the oust-ing of incandescent bulbs as a

component of a plan to reduce CarbonLoading to the Atmosphere.” You mayhave been eating a tuna sandwich whenyou heard this news.

This is not news to anyone who hasbeen following any form of communica-tion media in the last couple of weeks inthe spring of 2007.

I applaud any move by a governmentto show leadership in assisting its peopleto better integrate and balance theirlifestyle and needs within the global en-vironment of the planet Earth. However,there is something troubling me aboutthis move forward. The technologicalwonder of fluorescent lighting and its re-duced energy demands may not add upto the potential solution for us creatureson planet Earth.

Light bulbs seem to be on every-body's minds lately. Probably because weare constantly turning them on and off,they are extremely useful to us and theyare something the average citizen cansee, imagine and deal with using theirowns wits and appendages. Estimateshave been made that we can reduceCanada's total carbon output every yearby 1.5% through the use of these com-pact fluorescent bulbs. That is great!Combine the reduction with the de-creased use of light bulbs due to theadoption of daylight savings time for alonger period of each year and we havemade great progress.

All the political and press coverage ofthis significant change in energy use hasseemed to forget something. Tossing anold incandescent bulb in the garbagepresents a short-term risk of cutting one'sfingers but the same action with any flu-orescent bulb (4 feet long or baseballsized) will result in long-term and diffi-cult issues in the future.

Oh, did you hear on the news that flu-orescent bulbs contain mercury. Quite abit actually - 23 mg of mercury in each 4foot bulb and 4 mg in each CFL (com-pact fluorescent bulb). P.S. Every goodinvention has a cool acronym in thismodern age.

We (including politicians, govern-ment advisors and energy savers/produc-

By David Clunas

get into the air, but watch out for thosefingers and the transfer of the mercuryto the landfill site! This will be an inter-esting challenge to educate the public asto the new safe way to tidy up after anaccident with a light bulb.

A possible solution is a collection andrecycling program that has incrediblesupport and financial backing from allthree levels of government: Federal,Provincial and Municipal. This has to gobeyond product phase outs in the form oflaws or options and intended good willfor future generations. This will requiremoney and lots of it to ensure the high-est level of proper disposal of fluorescentbulbs to support educational materialsand collection systems, and to encourageinvestment in sites to safely recover themercury.

Do the world a favour and completethe following steps:• Sit down with a tuna sandwich but

make sure it's not the 5th tuna sandwich this month.

• Turn on your fluorescent light bulbs.• Read this article again.• Ask yourself why society should

embrace a technology that uses a known toxic element to generate light.

• Ask yourself if you believe that people will recycle fluorescent bulbs to ensure the spread of even more mercury into the ecosystem is prevented.

• Turn the comfort setting on your thermostat down 1 degree Celsius in the winter and up 2 degrees Celsius inthe summer and reduce your carbon contribution.

• Contact your local politicians and askif they are prepared to support the recycling programs needed to ensure the efficient use of energy for lightingwhile protecting the world's ecosystem.

David Clunas is with Clunas Environmental Consulting


ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:37 PM

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:37 PM

In nature, rainfall is recognized as a life-giving asset. When we develop a natural site the asset too often becomes a runoff liability for the developer and all parties downstream.Traditional storm water ponds and infrastructure require expensive land area and are often over-taxed by runoff accumulations from many areas upstream.Underground storm water detention, using economical corrugated steel pipe systems, permits developers to manage storm water on-site without sacrificing valuable land or flooding their neighbours.

For creative storm water management solutions contact a CSPI member in your neighbourhood.

CORRUGATED STEEL PIPE INSTITUTE652 Bishop St., Unit 2ACambridge, Ontario N3H 4V6Toll Free: (866) 295-2416Fax: (519) 650-8081Email us at: [email protected] our web site at www.cspi.ca

Effective Underground Storm Water Control,

Members: Fabricators: Armtec, Atlantic Industries Ltd., Canada Culvert & Metal Products, FSI Culvert, E.S. Hubbell & Sons Ltd., Prairie Steel, Soleno Inc., SPIR-L-OK Industries, Steelcor Culvert, Westman Steel Industries. Steel Producers and Associates: Dofasco Inc., Stelco Inc., Sorevco, Ironside Design Manufacturing Inc., METAL KOTING, Noranda Inc., The Dow Chemical Company.

ES&E May:2007 5/22/07 11:37 PM

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine May 2007

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Transcript of Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine May 2007