Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine September-October 2011

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FEATURES

ISSN-0835-605X • Sept/Oct 2011 Vol. 24 No. 5Vol. 24 No. 5 • Issued October 2011

6 To compete, or not, compete - that is the question- ES&E readers add their voices

8 Portable flow meters solve town’s flow rate discrepancies

10 Abbotsford secures approval for a new drinking water source

12 WERF studies the fate of trace organics in wastewater treatment

14 New CSO treatment shaft technology replaces cancelled tunnel project - Cover Story

18 Ontario developing Best Management Practices for hydroelectric facilities

20 Improving the energy efficiency of pumping systems

22 How to design your own water treatment system

24 Evaluating household scale water systems for arsenic removal

28 Kenora installs new 3.4 km watermain under Lake of the Woods

34 How Canada’s largest airport co-exists with one of Toronto’s last green spaces

38 Global mining sector faces severe water management challenges

40 New MBR system eliminates sewer surcharges for snack food processing plant

42 New thermophilic digester commissioned at Vancouver’s Lions Gate WWTP

45 Water conservation and the new economy

47 Open source software reporting system developed for water and wastewater SCADA systems

50 SART technology coming of age for cyanide recycling

52 How metals and rare earth elements make everyday life possible

56 Bowen Island WWTP upgrade presented unique challenges

59 Edmonton’s airport upgrades its deicing fluid treatment system

64 Analyzing a complex oil spill at an Ottawa hospital

70 Alternative WWTP project delivery model is key to improving Mumbai’s quality of life

ContentsDEPARTMENTS

Product Showcase . . . . . . . . 71-75Environmental News . . . . . 76-82Professional Cards . . . . . . . . 76-81Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Editor and Publisher STEVE DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Consulting Editor TOM DAVEY

Sales Director PENNY DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Sales Representative DENISE SIMPSONE-mail: [email protected]

Accounting SANDRA DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Circulation Manager DARLANN PASSFIELDE-mail: [email protected]

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

Editorial Assistant PETER DAVEY

Technical Advisory BoardJim Bishop

Stantec Consulting Ltd., Ontario

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

Bill DeAngelis, P.Eng.Associated Engineering, Ontario

Peter Laughton P.Eng.Consulting Engineer, Ontario

Marie MeunierJohn Meunier Inc., Québec

Peter J. PaineEnvironment Canada

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

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

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

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

Undeliverable copies, advertising space orders, copy, artwork, 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

Page 15Page 15

Page 20Page 20 Page 30Page 30

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Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine6 | September 2011

Phosphorus is bad70s science tells us so

Causes macrophytes to flourishDeep sags in Dee Oh

Trickling filters and membranesWe try our very best

Equipment suppliers are happyBut the Ministry won’t let it rest

Get it even lowerIs what they always sayEven after we tell ‘em

There ain’t no other way

In desperation we throw our hands up

Then gaze at the manure pileMaybe the farmer can help us

While getting funded all the while

In the end the real solutionMay be to chase all the

humans awayThen maybe MOE

will be happyUnless CCME has final say.

-- Anon

Comment by Steve Davey

value in these competitions and help pro-vide their operators with a platform to in-crease their knowledge and test theirskills in a ‘safe’ environment. These ac-quired skills will serve to increase theircapability as water and wastewater pro-fessionals.

Jane Pagel, President and CEO,Ontario Clean Water Agency

Dear Steve:I read your article "To compete or notcompete - that is the question?". I appreci-ate the support you provide for the opera-tors. Over the last several years, withincreasing technological sophisticationand the complexities of operating these fa-cilities, it is often forgotten that the opera-tors must continue to learn and developtheir understanding of operations. Certifi-cation programs are the first step in ensur-ing our operators are well versed in their"trade".

Programs, such as the Operation's Chal-lenge Competition provide an avenue foroperators to practice and focus their train-ing and skills, as well as learn and sharetheir knowledge with other operators whomay be experiencing similar operational is-sues. This competition allows the operatorgood networking opportunities that willprovide significant benefit to the efficiencyand management of their facilities. As apast competitor in the Operation's Chal-lenge, I can't tell you how important mynetworking with operator from other mu-nicipalities has been for my developmentas an operator. We frequently communicateas a group to troubleshoot problems in ourplants. We share our experience, whatworks and what doesn't work.

In the Summer 2011 issue of ES&E, I paid homage to ourwastewater plant operators, who play a vital role in runningwhat are essentially $10-200 million 24/7 processing plants,that ensure both public health and environmental protection.

Over the years, many of them have competed in Operations Chal-lenges and have expressed to me the tremendous developmentthat occurs while training for and competing in the events.

In my mind, too many Canadian municipal managers don’tsee the value in supporting their plant operators, who may wantto compete. Many operators can only participate, in OperationsChallenges, if they pick up their own expenses and take personal

vacation time to attend. Some regional Canadian competitions,are now attracting only 3-4 teams, whereas they used to attract15-17.

Reader response to this situation has been encouraging and,with WEFTEC happening in October, we are pleased to publishcomments from two organizations.

To compete, or not compete – that is the question

Steve Davey is Editorof ES&EMagazine.

E-mail comments to [email protected]

Dear Mr. Davey,In response to your Summer 2011 issuecommentary: “To compete, or not com-pete – that is the question”, I would agreethat “encouraging operators to exceedtheir current qualifications by supportingprofessional development events like Op-erations Challenges is money well spent.”At the Ontario Clean Water Agency(OCWA), we have definitely seen thebenefits of encouraging employees totrain for and compete in various Opera-tions Challenges both on a local and in-ternational level.

We feel strongly that the skills ac-quired while competing in these chal-lenges serves to better prepare them forreal field operations, especially in an in-dustry where routine can quickly becomenot-so-routine and can impact health andsafety.

These challenges provide ample op-portunities for team building, criticalthinking, applied knowledge and experi-ence. I’m proud to say that OCWApresently supports two Operations Chal-lenge teams, the OCWA Jets and theFlangetastic Four, both of whom competeinternationally and who were recentlyranked #1 and # 2 respectively at the NewJersey Water Environment AssociationSpring Fling Invitational OperationsChallenge.

For the record, our OCWA employeesdid not have to cover their own expenses oruse vacation time to attend the challenges.That said, we were pleased that our teamswere motivated enough to train for theseevents during their own personal time.

Thank you for extolling the benefits ofparticipating in Operations Challenges –we only hope that more municipalities see

Now, as a volunteer for the ProfessionalWastewater Operators (PWO), I hope tocontinue sharing my experience to helpnew operators develop and benefit frommy experience.

Rick NiesinkRegional Municipality of NiagaraPWO Chair for the Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO)

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:28 PM

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Instrumentation and Control

sewage lagoon. The Stingray uses a sub-merged ultrasonic sensor mounted at theinvert of the partially filled pipe to meas-ure water level, velocity and temperaturefor flow calculation. A stainless steelbracket was installed in the invert of the

pipe to secure the sealed ultrasonic sensorin position.

The Stingray was operated for onemonth and logged data was downloadedto a computer and opened using Greyline

Faced with suspension of con-struction permits due to flowrate uncertainty, the Townshipof North Glengarry, Ontario,

asked Greyline Instruments to help trou-bleshoot two permanently installed flowmeters. A forcemain meter at the sewagepump station was reading five timeshigher than an open channel flow meterat a lagoon two km away. The Townshipneeded to determine which of the twoflow meters was reading incorrectly.

Troubleshooting forcemain flowThe first step was to evaluate per-

formance of the sewage pump station’s12” magmeter. The cost to remove it forcalibration was prohibitive, so Greylinesupplied a clamp-on PDFM 5.0 portabledoppler flow meter to verify readings.

The forcemain is fed by four pumps.In normal operation, only two pumps runat the same time. The two located closestto the wall of the wet well create severeturbulence at the ultrasonic sensor mount-ing location, so readings were erratic.But, results were conclusive when theother two pumps were operated. Theportable flow meter readings corre-sponded exactly with the 30-32 gpm ratedisplayed by the station’s magmeter.

Troubleshooting open channel flowThe investigation shifted to the second

site, two km from the pump station, wherethe forcemain discharged to an open chan-nel and then to a sewage lagoon. An ex-isting open channel flow meter had beenmeasuring flow to the lagoon through a24” rectangular weir. It was reading muchlower than the pump station’s magmeter.

To compare readings from the pumpstation magmeter and from the openchannel flow meter, the Township needed

a data logging flow monitor for tempo-rary installation. So, a portable GreylineStingray level-velocity logger was in-stalled in a 16” pipe, between the rectan-gular weir and the discharge to the

Logger software. Flow cycles from thepump station were clearly illustrated inthe log file and showed that totals fromthe Stingray and magmeter correspondedwithin 1 gpm.

ConclusionThe portable doppler flow meter and

the level-velocity logger both corre-sponded exactly with the pump station’smagmeter. By process of elimination, theTownship concluded that the permanentopen channel flow meter at the lagoonsite was malfunctioning. It has since beenrepaired and put back in service.

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

A forcemain meter at the sewage pump stationwas reading five times higher than an open

channel flow meter at a lagoon two km away.

Stingray level-velocity logger installed temporarily at the sewage lagoon.

Portable flow meters solve town’s flow rate discrepancies

Portable doppler flowmeter installed inthe pump station to verify readings.

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Water Supply

After two years of detailed en-vironmental assessment andhydrologic modeling, theBritish Columbia govern-

ment has given its approval for a ground-water extraction project in the City ofAbbotsford. The Bevan Avenue Wellsproject will provide a clean, reliablesource of drinking water for Abbotsfordand Mission over the next five years.

Abbotsford is situated east of Vancou-ver in the Fraser Valley, a key agriculturalregion for the province and westernCanada. Demands on water supply in thisarea are very high due to growing resi-dential and commercial centres, as wellas agricultural and industrial demands.

Water is currently provided by the Ab-botsford Mission Water & Sewer System(AMWSC), which supplies water to over200,000 residential, commercial and in-dustrial customers in the Fraser Valley.Water is primarily drawn from surfacesources; the majority comes from Norrish

Creek and a smaller supply comes fromCanal Lake. Both of these sources are lo-cated on the north side of the Fraser Riverin mountain valleys near Mission, whileAbbotsford is on the south side of the river.

Population growth, combined withdrought conditions in recent years, hasmade securing a larger supply of safe,clean, and reliable water a critical priority.AMWSC is exploring opportunities, butlarge water supply sources can take sev-eral years to develop. As an interim meas-ure, the AMWSC will rely on groundwaterfrom the Abbotsford-Sumas Aquifer.

The threat of disruption to the distribu-tion system from earthquakes and naturalmountain hazards also demands that therebe sufficient water supply for essentialemergency services, such as fire fightingand hospitals. The aquifer is a logicalsource for this backup water supply.

The Bevan Wells projectSeveral groundwater well locations

were explored across the aquifer. TheAMWSC chose the Bevan Avenue site,where there are four existing low capac-ity wells. The site is at the corner of a mu-nicipal park within the urban core, and isimmediately adjacent to existing water

Constructed on a previously disturbed site, the Bevan Wells pump buildinghouses four groundwater pumps that have recently been upgraded.

Abbotsford secures approval for a new drinkingwater source

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Water Supply

distribution infrastructure. This area ofthe aquifer can supply large volumes ofwater, and the easy access and existinginfrastructure ensures the project willhave minimal additional environmentalimpact on the surface.

The four existing water wells will nowbe upgraded to increase their capacity byover 300 percent. Now that the Bevan Av-enue Wells upgrade is moving forward,the system is prepared to tackle increaseddemand on the system, due to seasonaldry weather and unplanned outages inother parts of the water system.

Environmental assessmentIncreasing the capacity of the Bevan

Wells triggered the requirement for an en-vironmental assessment (EA) under BC’sEnvironmental Assessment Act. The Cityhired Hemmera, an environmental con-sulting firm specializing in environmen-tal assessment, and Piteau Associates, ahydrogeology firm.

The aquifer supplies water to severalsurface creeks in the region. Extractingwater from the aquifer will result in atemporary drawdown in the groundwaterlevel underground, and this will tem-porarily reduce water available to feed

surface creeks. Piteau undertook a sophisticated nu-

merical groundwater modeling exerciseto predict the groundwater “zone of in-fluence” resulting from operating the ex-panded Bevan Wells. Zone of influencerefers to the area around the wells wherethe aquifer water level would be drawndown by more than 10 cm while the wellswere operating. It was then used to pre-dict which surface water creeks wouldhave reduced flows. The areas of reducedsurface water flows were then used topredict potential effects on fish, fish habi-tat, terrestrial vegetation and wildlife.

The modeling exercise predicted thatfish and fish habitat would be affected intwo of the surface creeks, and this trig-gered the need for an approval from Fish-eries and Oceans Canada. Hemmerasecured this approval by developing in-novative mitigation to ensure that fishand fish habitat are not impacted by theuse of the Bevan Wells.

When the Bevan Wells are in use, theCity of Abbotsford will augment waterflow in two creeks by drawing from twonew nearby mitigation wells, using a so-phisticated real-time monitoring system

that activates the mitigation wells, as soonas the creek flows fall below a threshold.

ApprovalHemmera’s role in preparing the EA

application submissions included con-ducting environmental and social impactstudies, developing mitigation, and liais-ing with local communities and FirstNations. After a thorough review, the En-vironmental Assessment Offices (EAO)gave the project the green light, conclud-ing that the project would have no signif-icant environmental, social or healtheffects on the surrounding areas.

Throughout the operational phase ofthe project, detailed monitoring programswill be carried out. This monitoring is acondition of EA approval, and will verifythe predicted effects on groundwater, sur-face water, fish, and fish habitat. If theproject causes some environmental ef-fects that were not anticipated, Hemmerawill work with AMWSC in adopting an“adaptive management” approach, to de-velop solutions.


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Wastewater Treatment

Researchers for a recently com-pleted Water Environment Re-search Foundation projecthave identified key baseline

information concerning the estrogenicityand concentrations of individual trace or-ganic compounds during common waste-water treatment processes.

The project is one of the first researchefforts to look specifically at the fate ofthese compounds throughout the solidsphase of treatment. Results shed newlight on the occurrence, concentration,characteristics, and potency of estrogeniccompounds that preferentially partitiononto solids during common wastewatertreatment processes.

A multi-disciplinary team of expertscollected samples at four full-scale waste-water treatment plants over two years.They calculated the amounts of trace or-ganics and estrogenic activity for eachsample point in the treatment process, en-abling them to gauge their levels as they

moved through the plants. The estrogenicactivity is made up of steroidal hormonesand synthetic estrogenic compounds.

Out of the suite of 100 compoundsmeasured, and based on the Model ofConcentration Addition, nearly all of the

estrogenicity in all plants and all dateswas due to the presence of 16 com-pounds, namely the steroidal compounds(mainly estrange and estradiol) and thealkylphenols (mainly nonylphenol andshort chain ethoxylates).

The study reached a number of sig-nificant conclusions concerning estro-genicity throughout the wastewatewatertreatment process:• For all plants, the total estrogenicityleaving the plant was less than that enter-ing the plant. • The total estrogenicity leaving the plantin the biosolids generally was greaterthan that leaving the plant in the second-ary treated effluent.• Aerobic digestion reduced estrogenic-ity.• Both mesophilic and thermophilicanaerobic digestion increased estrogenic-ity, as did lime stabilization. The researchteam attributed the increase in estro-genicity during anaerobic digestionprocesses to transformation of some ofthe compounds into a more estrogenicallypotent form.• Although the contribution to total es-trogenicity by non-steroidal, syntheticcompounds (e.g., alkylphenols) variedfrom plant to plant, the results indicatethey can be a major contributor and can-not be ignored in favor of only focusingon steroidal hormones.

For more information, visit www.werf.org

WERF studies the fate of trace organics in wastewater treatment

In recent years, it has become much easier to detect very small amounts of trace organic substances, such as those found in pharmaceutical products, that may have the potential to be biologically active at extremelylow concentrations.

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Stormwater Management

A key feature of the treatment shaftdesign is its low hydraulic head loss andlow upward velocity that promotes set-tling of suspended organic and inorganicsolids. During the peak hourly averageflow rate of the 10 year, one hour designstorm, upward velocity within the shaft isless than 30 millimetres per second. Thisdrops dramatically after the peak hourlyaverage so that one hour later it is only 3millimetres per second.

Head loss through the entire treatmentshaft is only 0.18 metres (with finescreening) during the peak five minuteaverage of the 10 year, 24 hour designstorm. This also drops dramatically after-ward.

Alarge CSO tunnel project inDearborn, Michigan, provedto be uneconomical becauseof geotechnical challenges,

and was cancelled in 1995. However, asolution to the untreated overflows wasstill needed, so a multi-year process wasinitiated to re-evaluate every design so-lution and potentially develop new alter-natives.

Various tunnel systems were reviewed,as well as sewer separation, which had al-ways been the highest cost alternative.Retention treatment basins, which hadbeen rejected, due to land constraints,were looked at again. Also, a downspoutdisconnect program was launched to re-duce roof top run-off contributions to thesewer system.

A joint feasibility study with an adja-cent community was also conducted tosee if a shared tunnel would reduce coststhrough its economy of scale (680 millionlitre volume). The joint tunnel was a toughoption, as it would require complex con-trols to minimize surging and was a highconstruction risk due to poor rock condi-tions. Also, since it only provided capturecapacity, there was a possibility that costlyscreening and disinfection facilities wouldbe required in the future. These chal-lenges, plus minimal cost savings, led to adecision to pursue other options.

It was during this lengthy analysis thata very different alternative gained atten-tion. The new concept, referred to as a“treatment shaft,” provides integratedcombined sewer overflow (CSO) multi-treatment in a single vertical shaft. Thisdesign concept solved many of the hy-draulic and regulatory issues facing theproject, and was eventually adopted as theprimary CSO control alternative.

Treatment shaft featuresIn addition to the complete capture of

CSOs for the vast majority of storms, thepatented “Treatment Shaft Technology”also provides high-rate flow-throughtreatment of overflows beyond its storagecapacity, including skimming, settling,screening and disinfection of flow ratesin excess of 52,868l/s. (Figure 1).

The treatment shafts are constructed using the sinking caisson constructionmethod.

New CSO treatment shaft technology replaces cancelled tunnel project By Kurt Giberson

Treatment shafts can also work with avariety of disinfection methods. If disin-fection is not required, the design stillprovides capture volume, skimming, set-tling and screening, all within a compactfootprint that is only about 15% of sur-face storage (Figure 2).

Horizontal raked bar screens (5 mil-limetre spacing) are used on the effluentside. The horizontal configuration ensuresthat all flows, high or low, are screenedwith minimum velocities through thescreens. The entire flow is in contact withthe screens, achieving a highly efficientperpendicular flow path. During a treatedoverflow event, the screens are continuallyraked by a hydraulically driven system.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:29 PM



Figure 1. Patented Treatment Shaft Technology.

All materials collected during opera-tion automatically end up at the bottomof the shaft. They are pumped back to thetreatment plant after the storm event,without additional handling or the use oftrash containers. All maintenance of thehorizontal raked bar screens can be per-formed top side.

A robust, automated flushing systemat the conical bottom of the shaft, usingjets designed with computerized fluid dy-namics, provides cleaning of the facilityin preparation for the next storm event.The jets create a swirl effect that re-sus-pends settled materials and scours thecone-shaped bottom, followed by dewa-tering with small pumps to deliver thecaptured flows to the treatment plantwithin 24 to 48 hours. The jets can usethe combined sewer water within theshaft, or a potable water source, if addi-tional flushing is required.

Comparison to traditional alternatives

Common flushing systems for basins,such as tipping buckets, are unable tofully scour the bottom surface. This canresult in odour problems and requiretime-consuming manual cleaning. In tun-nels, the typically flat slope promotes set-tling of materials that are not removed bylater storm events. Over time, significantloss of capture volume can occur, againrequiring manual cleaning. The auto-mated flushing process and conical bot-tom of treatment shafts eliminate theseproblems.

Another advantage over tunnels is insurge control. Tunnel design often re-quires complex modeling to determinepotential surging during filling. As tun-nels fill rapidly during large storm events,tremendous hydraulic forces occur thatcan cause dramatic surges and grade lineelevations, as well as structural damage.Computer modeling required to predictsuch phenomena is complex and can beexpensive. Surge control structures andmonitoring systems are then needed toavoid these undesirable effects, addingsubstantial cost to a tunnel system.

Treatment shafts resolve these issues,because their large diameter and config-uration act as a surge control structure.Lower head losses in treatment shaftsalso help eliminate the need for boosterpump stations, often required for tunnelsand basins.

Figure 2. If disinfection is not required, the design still provides capture volume, skimming, settling and screening, all within a compact footprint.

The compact footprint of treatmentshafts means that far less surface area isrequired for siting, compared to retentionbasins. In terms of their land require-ments, they are only 15% of the size ofbasins of the same volume. The upwardflow of the effluent discharge allows forthe use of the horizontal raked barscreens, which require no surface build-ing. This means that the entire system(shaft, screens, disinfection and controlsystems) can be placed under the shaft

cover, with virtually no surface presencenoticeable to the public. With a concretecover, the top can be used for a variety ofsecondary purposes, from parking torecreation.

Physical model studyPrior to final design, a one-nineteenth

scale physical model (Figure 3) was con-structed at the University of Michigan -Ann Arbor, to test the expected perform-

continued overleaf...

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:29 PM



design are currently being constructed tocontrol CSOs in Dearborn, Michigan. Thefirst of these projects became operationalin December of 2010, and the secondcame on line in 2011. Construction costsfor these projects were 30-50% lower thancomparably sized alternatives. Treatmentshafts are expected to reduce capital costsby over $100 million (USD). Ongoing op-erations and maintenance will be lesscomplex than basins or tunnels.

The treatment shafts are constructedthrough soft clay and into limestone rock,using the sinking caisson constructionmethod (Figure 4), to depths up to 52 me-tres. One of the largest of the shafts con-trols peak flows of 53 cubic metres persecond. This project has a diameter of 29

metres and a capture volume of 25.7 mil-lion litres to provide 10 minutes of disin-fection contact time for the peak hourlydesign flow rate.

ConclusionTreatment shafts are now proving that

they can provide significant benefits. Assuch, this CSO alternative is now beingconsidered by many cities across Canadaand the US.

Kurt Giberson is with Public WorksConsulting LLC. He was Director of

Public Works for the City of Dearbornuntil retiring in 2008, and was

responsible for its CSO projects. E-mail: [email protected]

ance of treatment shafts. The study con-firmed that the shaft itself introduces only0.126 metres of head loss, during the peakflow rate of 52,868 litres/sec. This ensuressuccessful gravity operation during flow-through operation. Also, the very low ve-locities through the structure providenegligible flow inertia. This eliminates thepotential for undesirable surges.

The hydraulically efficient horizontalraked bar screens add only 0.051 metresof additional head loss. Minor modifica-tions to the upstream sewer system can beincluded in projects, so that no net addi-tional head loss occurs. This eliminatesthe need for booster pump stations.

Construction projectsFour major projects based on this new

Figure 3. One-nineteenth scale physical model. Figure 4. Sinking caisson construction method.

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Environmental Management

ronmental Assessment Process in Ontario.It has recently commenced the BMP forthe Construction of Hydro Facilities.

BMP for Channel DarterThe OWA, with support from Envi-

ronment Canada and Fisheries andOceans Canada, commenced develop-ment of the Best Management PracticesGuide for Channel Darter and Water-power Operation and Development inOntario in November 2010. This guidefollows a similar framework to the previ-ous BMP guides by utilizing Fisheriesand Oceans Canada’s “Pathways of Ef-fects” approach to identify potential ef-fects and reduce/eliminate environmentalimpacts through BMPs.

This guide will provide practical ap-proaches to mitigate potential impacts tothe Channel Darter, and allow water-power projects to proceed, while recog-nizing the significance and sensitivity ofthis species at risk.

Natural Resource Solutions Inc. wasretained to develop this BMP. The fol-lowing were represented on the steeringcommittee and/or participated as expert

As private landowners, as wellas stewards of public landsand waters, the waterpowerindustry has an important

role to play in the sustainability of theecosystems in which its developmentsand redevelopments take place.

A key component of this role has beenthe development of Best ManagementPractices (BMPs) in support of the ClassEnvironmental Assessment (Class EA)for Waterpower Projects in Ontario. Ledby the Ontario Waterpower Association(OWA), BMPs provide the industry withthe best available information and thetools needed to protect, restore, and,where necessary, mitigate undesired ef-fects on the natural environment.

Building on the OWA’s past successeswith BMP Guides for American Eel andWaterpower in Ontario (2010) and LakeSturgeon and Waterpower in Ontario(2009), the OWA recently completed theBMP for Channel Darter and WaterpowerOperation and Development and thePractitioner’s Guide to Federal Require-ments for Waterpower Development Envi-

reviewers: Department of Fisheries andOceans Canada (DFO), Ontario Ministryof Natural Resources (MNR), Trent Uni-versity, OWA, and Parks Canada.

Federal Requirements For Waterpower Development

Revisions to the Practitioner’s Guideto Federal Requirements for WaterpowerDevelopment Environmental AssessmentProcesses in Ontario were completed inJune 2011. Fisheries and Oceans Canadaand the OWA had finalized this docu-ment in March of 2006. Recognizing thata great deal had changed over four years,with new and updated legislation, theOWA and DFO began to revise and seekcomment from federal and provincialagencies, in June 2010. Having receivedcomments from the Canadian Environ-mental Assessment Agency, MNR, DFOand the OWA, the guide is now complete.

BMPs for the Construction of Hydroelectric Facilities

The newest addition to OWA’s BMPsis the development of a Best ManagementPractices Guide for the Construction ofHydroelectric Facilities. This will be a

A well done EA will identify potential impacts and concerns likely to be expected on a particular hydroelectric project.

Ontario developing Best Management Practices forhydroelectric facilities

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:30 PM


Environmental Management

substantial update to Ontario Power Gen-eration’s (OPG) guide, that was producedin 2003 and was no longer being main-tained. As a key reference component ofthe Waterpower Class Environmental As-sessment, it was decided to update thisdocument with the best available knowl-edge.

OWA, with support from both MNRand DFO, awarded the contract to GENI-VAR Inc. and Natural Resource SolutionsInc. to develop the guide. The projectcommenced in April 2011 and has a tar-geted completion date of October 2011.This project is guided by a steering com-mittee consisting of representation fromOPG, MNR, OWA and DFO.

The guide will enable proponents toaddress the potential environmental ef-fects associated with an activity, identifymeasures for prevention or mitigation ofthe effect, and identify ways to measureeffectiveness of measures taken to reducethe impacts. The BMPs will also provideapproaches for monitoring activities toprovide early warning of a potential situ-

ation and of the success of measurestaken to mitigate it.

Successful application of BMPs isfounded on the Class EA for the project.A well done EA will identify potential im-pacts and concerns likely to be expectedon a particular hydropower project duringthe execution of the five EA phases: con-cept, definition, assessment, documenta-tion, and implementation. Informationwill also be considered that comes fromcoordination/integration with other leg-islative and regulatory requirements.

As part of the EA process, it is essentialto ensure that there is sufficient Aborigi-nal community engagement and public in-volvement to complete the identificationof environmental impacts that will requirethe application of BMPs.

Environmental governanceDevelopment of BMPs provides guid-

ance for the waterpower industry and con-tinues to foster heightened environmentalawareness that all owners and developersshare in developing and operating water-

power facilities in Ontario. BMPs are alsoa strong step forward in facilitating thegovernance of watersheds, where water-power facilities operate.

BMPs, by definition, accept that knowl-edge about the environment is imperfectand present the best available informationto be considered for the development andoperation of facilities.

For more information, or for copies of the guides, visit www.owa.ca

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Pumps

Sweating the details: a key to improved energy efficiency

It is well known that each pump has a‘best efficiency point’ (BEP) or sweet-spot – a combination of head (outputpressure) and flow rate. This is where itwill deliver its best performance in termsof both energy efficiency and service life.A key to getting the best overall systemperformance is to make sure that eachpump in the system is operating as closeas possible to its BEP.

This isn’t always easy. Pumps, likeshoes, tend to come in standard sizes,which can make it difficult to get a per-fect fit. Flow and pressure requirementscan vary significantly, especially in waterand wastewater systems that need to re-spond to changes in demand as well asevents such as stormwater surges.

There are several possible strategiesfor dealing with these challenges. The‘fit’ issue can be addressed by impellertrimming, a process of reducing the di-ameter of a standard impeller to slightlyreduce the output of the pump. Doneproperly, this shifts the BEP so that opti-mum performance of the pump will pre-cisely match the requirements of theapplication.

Where flow requirements change sig-

nificantly, one of the best approaches isto have the load shared by a number ofrelatively small pumps, that can be oper-ated independently. Here, the number ofpumps running at any time will be set tomatch the overall flow requirements, witheach individual pump operating near itsBEP.

Fine-tuning can be done by having oneor two pumps equipped with variable fre-quency drives (VFDs). VFDs are controldevices that enable an operator to adjustthe speed at which a pump runs. This en-ables the operator to adjust the output ofthe pump, while still having it run at near-optimal efficiency.

A further step in maximizing energyefficiency involves the use of ultra-high-efficiency motors. These tend to be moreexpensive than conventional electric mo-tors, but over the lifetime of the pump set,which can easily exceed 20 years, theextra cost is usually recouped.

Case StudiesWhen a pulp producer in western

Canada downsized their mill in responseto changed market conditions, they foundthat their boiler feed pumps were over-sized for the new operating requirements.Instead of replacing the pumps, it wasrecommended that the existing 50-year

Pumps are everywhere in modernindustry! Whether in watersupply systems, wastewatertreatment facilities, factories, re-

fineries or power plants, we rely on thisessential equipment to drive processes, orsimply to move water to where we need it.

Of course, all this activity requires lotsof energy. According to a study preparedby a major European industrial researchinstitute, approximately 20% of the en-ergy used by industry is consumed bypumps and related equipment.

KSB, one of the world’s largest manu-facturers of centrifugal pumps, is tacklingthe energy efficiency issue head-on witha multi-faceted strategy that addresses allaspects of energy use in pumping sys-tems. Launched in April, the “Fluid Fu-ture®” initiative is aimed at helping pumpusers optimize the performance and min-imize the full life cycle cost of pumps andthe systems they help drive.

Taking a systems viewThe starting point is a comprehensive

overview of the operating conditionsunder which each pump will operate.Gathering the necessary data for a newlydesigned system is usually straightfor-ward, but can be more challenging withan existing installation. For this reason,KSB has developed special testing tools,that help determine the pump operatingparameters in situ.

Selecting the right equipmentOnce the full operating envelope for

each pump has been determined, it is timeto select the best piece of equipment forthe job. This isn’t always a simple task,given the enormous variety of pumpsavailable on the market. And, once an ap-propriate type of pump has been selected,it is equally important to specify the op-timal configuration. This might involvethe selection of impeller types, seals, spe-cial corrosion or wear-resistant materials,and so on.

KSB’s EasySelect® selection and con-figuration software can be a valuable toolfor narrowing the search. Naturally thehelp of a skilled application engineer isalso important for confirming and refin-ing the choice.

Trimming a pump impeller to fine-tune the energy efficient ‘sweet-spot’.

Improving the energy efficiency of pumping systems By Michael Blundell

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:30 PM


Pumps

old pumps’ internal hydraulic compo-nents be replaced with new impellers anddiffusers so that the pumps’ optimal op-erating point matched the new require-ments.

This resulted in a 23% improvementin energy efficiency compared to runningthe pumps in their original configurationand reducing flows by valves or orificeplates.

Sometimes more pumps are the best answer…

A large municipality required a flexi-ble pumping solution for a wastewatertreatment plant. In order to handle highly-variable flow rates, a multi-pump config-uration was proposed. The majority ofpumps were to operate at fixed speed,close to their BEP, while two pumpswould be equipped with VFDs. The op-erator could meet a wide range of flowconditions by varying the number offixed-speed pumps running at any time,then fine-tuning the output of the twovariable speed pumps.

Making sure that each pump wouldoperate close to its best efficiency pointreduced the projected energy costs by asignificant amount. Careful design of thecomplete configuration also reduced thecapital cost of the facilities in which thepumps would be housed, thanks to opti-mization of the size of valves and pipework.

…And sometime fewer can do the job better!

A company in northern Alberta waslaunching a pilot project using an inno-vative process to extract from oil sands

deposits. The project aimed to produce10,000 barrels of oil per day with no netwater use.

The company initially requested twohigh-pressure boiler feed-water pumps(BFWP), plus two booster pumps thatwould be configured to feed BFWPs. Byselecting a type of pump that didn’t re-quire a booster, the company saved about15% of the overall capital cost of thepumping system. Reducing power con-sumption and maintenance will ensurefurther savings over the long run.

In summary…Fluid Future is a comprehensive pro-

gram that looks at all aspects of pumpingsystems to ensure that energy is used asefficiently as possible. This relentlessfocus on operating efficiency reduces op-erating costs, while also supporting ef-forts to reduce the environmental impactof industrial facilities. A clear win-win allaround!

Michael Blundell is President of KSB Pumps Inc., Ontario.

E-mail: [email protected]

Data indicate that energy costs are the largest factor in the total cost ofpumps in industrial settings.

The Waterra FHT-45 high turbidity filter offers the most surface area available in a capsule designed specifically for groundwater monitoring.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:30 PM


Water Treatment

After 40 years living in ourKing City house north ofToronto, my wife Jane and Iretired in June, 2009, to the

shore of the St. Lawrence River, one kmwest of Brockville’s city limits, in thebeautiful Thousand Islands. Here, waterconditioning is not required as the St.Lawrence River water is very soft andfree of excessive iron.

Our Brockville house draws its waterfrom the St. Lawrence River, and house-hold drinking water was being providedfrom a bottled water dispenser. Manyyears ago I had "winterized" the riverwater intake piping and the pump house.So, while our move from a deep waterwell to a river water source assured us ofyear-round unlimited house water supplyvolume, we found ourselves needing toperiodically haul home from the grocerystore large bottles of drinking water. Car-rying these bottles and lifting them ontothe drinking water dispenser unit was

something of a challenge to my now 81year old muscles.

So I decided that I should devise awater treatment system that would pro-vide drinking water for the house from akitchen drinking water tap and from therefrigerator water tap (and ice maker),using river water. Further thought resultedin a decision to size the system to handlethe entire household. Then, I added a cou-ple of additional criteria to my designthinking.

First, the system must be very small,because the proposed location of thetreatment system, where the raw waterpipe enters the house from the pumphouse, offered very little space for treat-ment equipment. My next design thoughtwas that the treatment system must beeasily maintained by my "non-technicalpolitical science graduate" wife.

The final design has complied with allof my requirements and has operated su-perbly since start-up about 11 monthsago. All components were purchased atBrockville's Home Hardware store, ex-cept the primary filter which is the key tothe success of the system. It permits aquick filter element change and the dirtyfilter element can be quickly flushedclean in the kitchen sink and reused forthe next filter change.

This primary filter unit is made byAmiad Filtration Systems Ltd. in Israel.

How to design your own water treatment systemBy John D. Reid

www.hoskin.caHoskin Scientific Ltd.

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Innovate and Integrate: Succeeding as a Groundwater Professional in a Water-Short World

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1.11.1

Water TreatmentMy original design had called for a pri-mary filter with a 50 micron disc filter el-ement, but my Amiad unit arrived with a25 micron disc element, and so that iswhat is presently providing the primaryfiltration.

As an afterthought I elected to run thewater line leading from the system to therefrigerator as well as to the kitchen tapthrough a Rainfresh “Drinking WaterSystem 2” unit, which incorporates an ac-tivated carbon filter element. So we areassured of drinking water of a very highquality. Water from any tap in the houseis, however, drinking water quality.

Following completion of the system, Ihad the treated water tested and the de-sign has met its objective. The primaryAmiad filter lasts about one week, beforepressure loss through the system dictatesa change of the primary filter element.Also of considerable importance is thatthe design includes three pressure gaugeswhich effectively indicate the head lossacross all filter elements in the system.Without the gauges one is simply “flyingblind”. To check the system I simplyflush a household toilet, or turn on akitchen tap, and then read the gauges as

water flows through the system.The system has also been carefully

valved using plug valves which permitsimple and quick opening and closingand offer minimum head loss. There is aplug valve on either side of the Amiadprimary filter plus a drain valve for thisfilter. A drain hose leads down to a smallpail on the floor under the filter. Thisvalving permits quick changing of the fil-ter element without spilling any water.

The two Rainfresh secondary filterseach incorporate a bypass valve, therebypermitting a dry change of filter elementswhen set in the by-pass mode withoutshutting down the system. Plug valves oneither side of the Rainfresh infra red unitalso permit easy and dry bulb changing.

Finally, instead of assembling the sys-tem’s copper pipe plumbing using sol-dered fittings and possibly burning downthe house in the process, I elected to use“Shark-Bite” fittings and plug valveswhich incorporate “Fast Push-Fit Con-nections”. With these fittings one simplycuts copper or plastic pipe to the correctlength, and then pushes the elbow, tee orvalve onto the pipe. No soldering, gluingor “wrench-tightening” is required. In ad-

dition, the fitting or valve will swivel orturn on the pipe to suit whatever final po-sition is desired, all without leakage. Andthe fitting or valve can be removed fromthe pipe and re-used using a very inex-pensive tool should a change be desired.

No doubt, it will always be necessaryto change the Amiad primary filter ele-ment more frequently as summer pro-gresses and algae forms. However, theZebra Mussel infestation of a few yearsago seems to have done a wonderful jobof clarifying our St. Lawrence Riverwater, so I expect reasonably long filterruns.

Primary filter element changes takeonly a minute or two, so I am not con-cerned, even if daily changes are neededduring the summer. Changing a filter el-ement and quickly flushing out the dirtyelement in the kitchen sink takes onlyfive minutes and certainly beats carryingin a 50 lb water bottle.

John D. Reid is a well-known and respected water and wastewater

professional, who co-founded Napier-Reid Ltd.

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Drinking Water Treatment

particles. Such particles adsorb arsenateand remove a component of the arsenic.

The highly efficient activated aluminaremoves arsenic that is not removed in thesand filter from solution. 3. DPHE/Danida Two Bucket System(DPHE/Danida)

DPHE/Danida is a sedimentation fol-lowed by sand filtration process. Alu-minum sulphate (Al2(SO4)3), with minoramounts of potassium permanganate(KMnO4) as an oxidant, are added to thetube well water. The aluminum compoundundergoes a process called hydrolysis andis converted into a jelly-like compound ofaluminum hydroxide. The sulphate staysin solution, as does the potassium per-manganate.

Arsenic present in the water is ad-sorbed onto the colloidal sized flocculesand, as these aggregate, they start to set-tle. The larger the floc size, the morerapid the settling rate. 4. GARNET Home-made Filter (GAR-NET)

No chemicals are added during use ofthis technology, which is essentially abrick and sand filter. The iron rich brickchips must contain some free lime and re-duced iron compounds (Fe(II)) within theporous solids, originating from the bak-ing of clay, iron compounds and calciumcarbonate at high temperatures under re-

Arsenic contaminated ground-water is the main source ofdrinking water for millions ofpeople in south-east Asia. It

is estimated that about 80% of the ruralpopulation are drinking groundwatercontaining more than 50 µg/L maximumcontaminant level (MCL).

Although the cause of this contamina-tion has not yet been definitely established,geochemical conditions are considered tobe the cause of the mobilization of the sol-uble arsenic. Government and non-gov-ernment agencies are trying to mitigate theproblem by identifying the contaminatedsources (mainly tube wells) and introduc-ing removal technologies.

The following review is based on find-ings from the report of a project called“Rapid Assessment of Household LevelArsenic Removal Technologies”. Theproject was carried out in 2000–2001,under the umbrella of the Bangladesh Ar-senic Mitigation Water Supply Project andthe Ontario Centre for EnvironmentalTechnology Advancement. Financial back-ing was provided by the UK Departmentfor International Development.

Seven household arsenic removal tech-nologies were evaluated for performance:1. Alcan Enhanced Activated Alumina(Alcan)

Alcan is a filtration process throughenhanced activated alumina. No chemi-cal is required. The process relies whollyon the active surface area of enhanced ac-tivated alumina to remove arsenic fromdrinking water. Other compounds canalso compete for the active sites on thealumina and for this reason other ele-ments, such as iron and phosphate, mayaccumulate on the surface. 2. BUET Activated Alumina Filter(BUET)

The BUET process is sand filtrationfollowed by activated alumina adsorption.Initially, 1mL of potassium permanganate(KMnO4) solution is added to the wateras an oxidant to convert trivalent arsenicinto the pentavalent form, which is moreeasily removed from solution. Dissolvediron present in solution undergoes oxida-tion and is hydrolysed into colloidal sized

ducing conditions. Together with oxygenation of the

water in the filter, this will promote oxi-dation and hydrolysis of the iron held insolution. Arsenic is simultaneously co-precipitated and removed with the iron,to form an arsenical iron oxyhydroxide. 5. Sono 3-Kolshi Method (Sono)

Sono is a filtration process throughsand-iron, followed by sand-charcoalmedia. No chemical additions are madeto the water. Main chemical reactionsoccur within the top kolshi where the ma-jority of arsenic is removed (>95%). Herethe presence of a layer of metallic iron in-duces low pH conditions, causing arsenicto be precipitated from solution onto ironoxyhydroxide.

An arsenical iron oxyhydroxide com-pound will also accumulate in the secondkolshi containing the sand-charcoal filtermaterial (minor coarse brick particles),allowing any arsenic not removed in thetop kolshi to be recovered. 6. Steven’s Institute Technology (Stevens)

Stevens is a sedimentation followedby sand filtration process. 3.8 g of ironsulphate mixture containing a minorquantity of calcium hypochlorite (an ox-idant) are added to 20 L of well water.Following rapid stirring of the solid mix-ture into the water, the iron compound

Alcan enhanced activated alumina. BUET activated alumina filter.

Evaluating household scale water systems for arsenic removal By Jahangir Chowdhury


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:30 PM


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dissolves and the iron undergoes rapidhydrolysis and the formation of colloidalflocs occurs. Conversion of As(III) toAs(V) takes place through the action ofthe added oxidant as well as being catal-ysed by the oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III).

Dissolved arsenic within the water is

coprecipitated and adsorbed onto the ironfloccules, which settle to the bottom ofthe bucket. 7.Tetrahedron Ion Exchange Resin Fil-ter (Tetrahedron)

Contact of the well water with sodiumhypochlorite (“Chlorine tablets” NaOCl),an oxidizing agent, results in the oxida-tion of arsenic from its trivalent to its pen-tavalent form. It also adds significantchlorine taste to the water but helps min-

imize bacterial growth. The ion exchangeresins are highly selective, removing ar-senic and other compounds with a similarvalence. It is the surface of the resinbeads that makes the material function.Arsenic removal relies on the availabilityof an adequate number of active sites onthe material.

Regeneration of the resin may be car-ried out periodically by flushing with salt(NaCl) solution. Ideally this should bedone at a centralized facility. Regenera-tion frequency will depend on the natureof the water being treated.

ConclusionsAssessment of the seven technologies’

technical performance was based onthree main issues related to the quality offeed and treated waters. These were ar-senic, non-arsenic water chemistry andbacteriological analyses. Results indicatethat three technologies, Alcan, BUET andSono, consistently reduce arsenic con-centrations below 0.05 mg/L in all areastested. Two technologies, Stevens andTetrahedron, performed well at manytube wells but in some instances failed toreduce arsenic to below 0.05 mg/L. Thetwo remaining technologies, GARNET

DPHE/Danida two bucket system.

Tetrahedron ion exchange resin filter.


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:30 PM



and DPHE/Danida, performed less well.DPHE/Danida is generally not effec-

tive at reducing arsenic to below 0.05mg/L, if well water arsenic concentrationis above approximately 0.12 mg/L. Atfeed water concentrations below this,DPHE/Danida is generally effective.

GARNET is unpredictable and it is notyet clear why.

With regard to non-arsenic chemical pa-rameters, the technologies do not appear toincrease any of the significant water param-eters tested above accepted drinking waterstandards. The exception is DPHE/Danida,which on occasion allows both manganeseand aluminium levels to rise above accepteddrinking water standards and WHO recom-mended health levels.

With the exception of Tetrahedron andStevens (which have a chlorination step),faecal contamination was found in alltechnologies tested at levels that representsignificant risk, based on WHO guide-lines. Sono-3-Kolshi and Alcan technolo-gies are of greatest concern, since heavycontamination was found in many treatedwater samples. High levels of contamina-tion were also associated with GARNETand DPHE/Danida in several samples.

There were issues with BUET in a fewsamples, but the reason for this is unclear.

The level of faecal contamination ac-ceptable for untreated drinking water inrural situations is a matter for interna-tional debate. While it is unlikely that theWHO standards of zero faecal coliformsper 100 mL are realistic in this context, itis probable that counts of over 100 cellsper 100 mL will remain of concern.

Therefore, unless performance can besignificantly improved, some of the tech-nologies evaluated in this study may re-main inappropriate as options for arsenicremoval.

Jahangir Chowdhury, M.Sc. (Eng.), P.Eng., is with

Hatch Mott MacDonald. E-mail: [email protected]

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Sono 3-Kolshi method. Steven’s Institute Technology.

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Water Supply

clamps, twinning, or replacement. Re-placement was considered the mostfavourable option, and AECOM com-menced predesign work in February2008. Once the design was done, GalconMarine Ltd. was selected to construct theproject.

The new marine watermain is 3.4 kmlong, (see Figure 1), with seven shoreconnections (shown in green). Provisionswere also made for future connections(shown in orange).

Site investigationsKenora provided background data

about the watermain, including a GISdatabase, aerial photography, lake ba-thymetry, and co-ordinate informationfrom a 2006 diver survey. AECOM com-piled this information into a single co-herent drawing that highlighted severalanomalies. The firm then organized adiver and GPS survey to examine geo-technical conditions along the route,water depth readings, closed-circuit tele-vision (CCTV) records and water currentmeasurements. The resulting 3-D pictureof the lake bed made precise plan/profiledrawings possible.

Material selectionDue to the main’s failure history,

The City of Kenora was con-fronting an increasing numberof issues on a key marine wa-termain. Whenever a break oc-

curred, over 2,500 residents, a seniorsresidence, and a district hospital suffereda loss of water and unwelcome “boilwater” advisories.

Repairs required expensive, special-ized services provided by diving contrac-tors, followed by meticulous pressure andbacteriological testing to ensure the re-paired line was again delivering potablewater conforming to stringent qualitystandards. The City had a difficult choice:keep fixing the failing 400 mm diameterwatermain constructed in 1977, or replaceit entirely. To address these options, theCity retained AECOM’s Winnipeg office.

Long marine watermains are not com-mon in Northwestern Ontario. AlthoughAECOM Manitoba had not designedsuch a facility under the current regula-tory guidelines, the firm had conducted astudy for the City in 2003. This studyidentified over 20 separate defects alongthe existing watermain. After reviewingpossible causes (e.g., pressure spikes,thermal changes, or material issues), thestudy evaluated three options: repair

Figure 1. Location plan of the Kenora marine watermain.

Kenora installs new 3.4 km watermain under Lake ofthe Woods By Marco Vogrig and Bob Romanetz

Kenora asked AECOM to evaluate suit-able alternative materials. High-densitypolyethylene (HDPE) was favoured forits high degree of notch resistance and itsforgiveness in longitudinal bending, par-ticularly during tow-out and sinking.

A review was made of PENT test re-sults, whereby thermoplastics are subjectedto accelerated environmental conditions,with each hour of testing representing ap-proximately 13 years of service. Many1970s cell classifications had low PENTvalues (under 10 hours), but PE4710demonstrated a PENT value of 500 hours.The project team recommended PE4710over conventional PE 3408/3608 materials,due to its increased hydrostatic designstrength, slow crack growth (SCG) resist-ance and improved fusion characteristics.

Hydraulic modelingSince the new routing lengthened the

watermain considerably, system hydraulicswere carefully reviewed. An EPAnet waterdistribution model of the City was modi-fied to reflect future conditions. The studyincluded three main elements:1. An assessment of the watermain’s hy-draulic properties.2. Performance criteria for different sys-


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:31 PM

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-03 10:01 PM


tem demands and boundary conditions.3. Extended period simulations to findtypical pressure fluctuations (cyclic load-ing), to determine the minimum pipe di-ameter and economical wall thickness forthe replacement pipe.

Modeling system performance wascomplicated by the constantly changingconditions within both the water treat-ment plant’s high lift pumps on the up-stream end, and at the Norman BoosterPumping Station and Keewatin standpipeon the downstream end. The final deci-sion was to retain the pipe diameter of400 mm, with a relatively thick wall (di-mension ratio DR 11).

Economic and social impactsThe original watermain was suffering

substantial leaks, particularly at the oldrepair clamp locations. Water losses of 30to 40 percent were not uncommon, asmeasured at the City’s water plant (com-pared to the normal 10 to 15 percent forsuch systems). The new watermain re-duced treated water loss, while loweringmaintenance costs.

The new watermain brings consider-able benefits to the City’s 2,500 residentson the west end, and to the Lake of the

Water Supply

Working at the Courthouse tie-in.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:31 PM


sources, and with guidance from the De-partment of Fisheries and Oceans. Thepermit set deadlines for completion of in-water work, and required silt curtainsaround marine excavation areas.

InstallationMarine watermain installations can

pose considerable risk, and the conse-quences of failure are severe. The new in-stallation was substantially more complexthan the original line due to additionalshore connections, environmental con-cerns, continuation-of-supply issues, andadditional utilities installed since the1970s.

In July 2009 Galcon mobilized equip-ment to the site, including a barge, tugand work boats. Firstly, a number of pipelengths were fused together, fitted withweights, air tested and stored at theKenora Forest Products yard. To monitorthe fusion process, AECOM reviewed thetemperature and pressure information oneach butt-fusion weld. Then air-filledpipes were joined together, towed intoplace, and gradually lowered to the bedby adding treated water. No air pocketsformed during the sinking activities,


Water Supply

An excavator works within a silt curtain to avoid disturbance to fishhabitat.

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Woods Hospital. It should substantiallyreduce breaks, service interruptions, andthe resulting need for precautionary boilwater advisories.

Although seven shore tie-ins weremade, only two such advisories were re-quired during installation. The projectteam worked with the NorthwesternHealth Unit to manage the issuance andwithdrawal of each advisory.

Environmental impactsEnvironmental concerns were para-

mount, particularly around the sensitivefish habitat within Lake of the Woods. Anumber of federal agencies and localstakeholders were consulted during theproject, and all outstanding issues werelogged and tracked.

The Ministry of Environment agreedthat a Certificate of Approval was not re-quired. However, AECOM did prepare aMunicipal Class Environmental Assess-ment (EA). The project was advertised inthe local press, and the EA and designdrawings were made available for publicreview.

The marine works conformed to theconditions of a shore works permitgranted by the Ministry of Natural Re-

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:31 PM

Water Supply

tion of pressure testing, two bacteriologi-cal samples were shipped to an accreditedlaboratory in Thunder Bay. After sampletesting and approval, the line was put intoservice.

Impediments to constructionAECOM incorporated detailed infor-

mation within the bid documents, includ-ing the record drawings for the existingwatermain, to make bidders fully awareof the site conditions. However, therewere a great number of existing services(buried, overhead or on the lake bed), in-cluding watermains, sewage forcemains,

Air testing the assembled pipe lengths.

which can be a common problem withsuch installations. The watermain wasthen pressure tested and chlorinated.

Service issuesConstruction was made more chal-

lenging by the need to maintain serviceto residents during installation. The proj-ect team developed a continuity plan tominimize the number of boil water advi-sories required, and to ensure connectionswent smoothly. The plan included a valvenumbering system that fostered a step-by-step procedure for each tie-in (somerequired up to 17 separate steps).

A time limit for water shutoffs wasimposed by the storage capacity of theKeewatin standpipe. Once work com-menced, the tank would normally havebeen disconnected from the system. In-stead, temporary overland hoses wereused to keep a nominal supply of waterflowing to the standpipe, extending thewater shutoff times.

Following chlorination, and after therequired contact time had elapsed, chlori-nated water was discharged to the nearestmanhole or lift station within Kenora’swastewater sewer system. Upon comple-

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:31 PM

divers to work directly adjacent to exca-vators in zero-visibility water. AECOM’sbid documents required the contractor toprovide detailed method statements forreview before such hazardous activitiescommenced.

This work was undertaken during thebusy summer season on Lake of theWoods, amid the constant activity of floatplanes, fishing competitions, wake board-ers and cottagers. To manage these risks,Kenora and AECOM staff maintainedcommunication with businesses, the On-tario Provincial Police and area residents.The City of Kenora also conducted radiointerviews to keep the public informed.

Surveys and recordsUpon completion of the installation,

Galcon conducted two surveys to verifythe alignment and installation: side scansonar and a diver survey. AECOM usedthe sonar images to produce the as-builtdrawings. The divers also produced DVDrecords of each pipe segment.

Future benefitsThe project included future connec-

tions for servicing of a popular cottagedevelopment, and preserved the potential

hydro, telephone and gas lines. Logbooms also obstructed the movement ofboats across the mouth of the WinnipegRiver, and bedrock levels were highlyvariable over short distances. These com-plicated crossings of the new watermain,and the placement of stabilizing legs onthe contractor’s barge.

All existing marine services weremarked with coloured buoys; however, anumber of unmarked and abandonedservices and structures came to light dur-ing construction, such as an old sheet pilewall, roof drains and old manhole bases.

CurrentsStrong currents occur in parts of the

lake. Velocities of up to 1 m/s have beenobserved across the mouth of the Win-nipeg River. The original design dealt withthis issue by additional weighting of thepipe. The project team developed an alter-native that connected existing weightsfrom the abandoned watermain to those onthe new watermain. This faster and sim-pler installation method resulted in con-siderable cost savings.

SafetyThe near-shore excavation required

Water Supply

for future twinning of the marine water-main. Additional tie-in points installed aspart of the project will create redundancylooping in the water distribution systemas those projects come on line.

Maintenance is now considerably eas-ier. The addition of electrofusion saddlesand air release points will obviate the needfor the City’s operations staff to enter oldvalve chambers, which are considered aconfined space. The original watermainwas abandoned and left in place to mini-mize environmental impacts.

FundingThe final cost of the project was ap-

proximately $2.6 million. The govern-ments of Canada and Ontario providedtwo-thirds funding, with the City ofKenora providing the balance. Govern-ment funding was provided through theBuilding Canada Fund. Site work tookplace between July and November 2009.

Marco Vogrig, P.Eng., was the projectmanager for the City of Kenora. Bob Romanetz, P.Eng., directed

AECOM’s project team.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:31 PM



Amid the rapidly developinglandscape of the GreaterToronto Area sits a uniqueecosystem in the city’s west

end. It is one of the few remaining areasthat offer a corridor for animals to movenorth and south through the city, and fea-tures a natural, eight-kilometre creek bedthat contributes significantly to the localwatershed system.

Next to it is Toronto’s Pearson Inter-national Airport, with its 4.2 millionsquare metres of concrete, on which over425,000 planes a year are maintained, re-fueled and, depending on the season, de-iced. Yet Toronto Pearson provides asuccessful case study for how a trans-portation hub, city gateway and economiccentre can co-exist successfully within asensitive ecosystem. In fact, over the last15 years, the airport has developed, builtand improved one of the most advanced

The creation of a centralized deicing facility has been instrumental in control-ling deicing fluid runoff, and ensuring its proper capture, containment andtreatment during wintertime operations.

How Canada’s largest airport co-exists with one ofToronto’s last green spaces By Randy McGill

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-03 10:01 PM



stormwater programs of any airport inNorth America. It can actively manage299,260 m3 of storage, which is equiva-lent to the amount of water in 25,000backyard swimming pools.

Recognizing the need to improveAirport and aircraft operations, in-

cluding fueling and deicing, require theuse of chemicals that have the potentialto damage the local ecosystem. Storm-water runoff from the large paved areashas the potential to flood and erodenearby creek banks. In the mid 1990s, theuse of aircraft deicing fluids substantiallyincreased to the point that it became clearthat changes were necessary.

In 1989, Transport Canada announcedthe need to expand Toronto Pearson tomeet the requirement for aviation serv-ices in the Southwestern Ontario area. Asa result of environmental assessments, itwas apparent that stormwater impactsfrom the expansion and airport opera-tions had to be managed and mitigated.

Aided by the airline community,Transport Canada’s environmental plan-ners designed a stormwater program thatwould tightly control runoff and main-tain proper checks and balances to pro-tect the surrounding ecosystems. Acombined approach of source control,along with end-of-pipe facilities, hasproven to be successful. Indeed, thestormwater program covers the airport’s

entire 1,800 ha. It is based on a 100-yearreturn period (where necessary) to pro-tect downstream infrastructure, and hasthe ability to capture and treat the first25 mm of stormwater downstream of anysource of contamination.

In addition, the program provides ahigh level of environmental protectionfrom the approximately two billion litresof jet fuel loaded onto aircraft annually.The Central Deicing Facility is also a keycomponent of the stormwater program atToronto Pearson, allowing for the capture

Stormwater processed through

Toronto Pearson’s Moore’s Creek

stormwater facility is rehabilitated

and released into Moore’s Creek,

an eight-kilometre creek bed running

through airport property that

contributes significantly to the

local watershed system.

and containment of deicing runoff. World-class facilities

Catch basins and a complex storm-water sewer system, under the tarmac,capture and direct runoff. Once in thedrainage system, gravity takes over andguides stormwater to one of TorontoPearson’s four major stormwater facili-ties. Three of these are underground, andone is a bio-engineered pond.

At the underground facilities, sedi-mentation is accomplished over a 24-48


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-12 12:09 PM



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Pearson’s Stormwater Facilities

Moore Creek Stormwater FacilityThe Moore Creek stormwater facility

is a $30 million facility built under the air-port’s Infield Terminal. Out of the fourToronto Pearson stormwater facilities, itis the largest, and consists of a 42,000m3 underground tank and two pondsproviding dry surface detention storage,which store 26,000 m3 and 16,000 m3,for a total storage capacity of 84,000 m3.It maintains a drainage area of 384.6 ha.

Aeroquay Crescent Stormwater Facility

Located under the outbound roads atTerminal 1, the $6.8 million Aeroquay un-derground tank can capture 7,000 m3 ofrunoff and has an oil-water separator. Itmaintains a drainage area of 31.74 ha.

Carlingview Stormwater FacilityThe Carlingview facility was one of the

first of the modern stormwater facilities atToronto Pearson, with construction com-mencing before the airport ownership

transferred from Transport Canada toGreater Toronto Airports Authority in1996. After a $3.9 million expansion in1999, the facility now has a capacity of17,000 m3 of runoff in its two under-ground tanks and an oil-water separator.It maintains a drainage area of 58.53 ha.

Etobicoke Creek Stormwater Facility

The $10.9 million bio-engineeredtreatment wetland for polishing waterquality has the capacity to contain 54,000m3 of runoff. The facility contains threesections: a forebay for sedimentation andtwo cells for treatment utilizing vegetation.It maintains a drainage area of 318.41 ha.

Surface PondsThere are 11 additional stormwater

surface ponds throughout the airportproperty, which together have capacity for115,360 m3 of runoff. These ponds arescattered throughout the airport property,with some located between runways andnearby major highways at the edge of theairport. The surface ponds maintain acombined drainage area of 381.27 ha.

hour hold time before an oil-water sepa-rator eliminates any traces of hydrocar-bons. Upon testing, if other chemicals arepresent, the airport sends the stormwaterto municipal sanitary facilities for furthertreatment. In the winter of 2007-08, theairport discharged 337,098m3 of runoffto sanitary facilities for further treatment.If the runoff is deemed clear from con-taminants, it is drained to the creek.

Each year, the spring melt and rainkick the system into full gear, resulting inthe stormwater facilities’ most active pe-riod. Overflows exist at each facility toensure stormwater is directed safely to re-ceiving waters.

Pearson’s stormwater system facilitiesare unmanned and fully monitored re-motely. Each day, one of the airport’s en-vironmental team of nine will check thefacilities to ensure smooth operations. Inaddition to regular monitoring, TorontoPearson proactively tracks weather fore-casts, and schedules additional facilitymonitoring as needed.

The stormwater program also in-cludes a rigorous sampling program, and,throughout the year, general chemistry

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:32 PM


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sampling occurs on a weekly basis. Toensure environmental compliance duringthe winter season, a daily sampling oc-curs around the airport, both as grab andcomposite. In the summer, each of thefacilities undergoes a full clean-out andmaintenance program.

To support the water treatment sys-tem, Toronto Pearson has developed andruns an extensive spills response andcleanup program. Although the cleanupof fuel spills is the responsibility of thefuelling party, the airport oversees thiswith a team made up of personnel fromseveral airport departments. They re-spond according to Toronto Pearson’sEmergency Response Procedures (ERP).An Environmental Emergency Contin-gency Plan takes the ERP a step furtherand addresses any potential environmen-tal contamination.

Source control procedures and detailedtraining of airport staff and tenants thatcould impact stormwater are also a keycomponent of the success of the storm-water program. Toronto Pearson requiresall tenants to develop emergency proce-dures in the event that a spill does occur.

Looking forwardAs weather patterns change and the

demand for aviation increases, the airportwill need to keep pace. The airport prop-erty is confined on all sides by existingdevelopment; there is no way to expandout to build future capacity. This limitedground space makes it less desirable touse existing land for expanded storm-water facilities. Yet, at approximately 15to 25 times more expensive than tradi-tional surface ponds, building under-ground is a costly undertaking. This does,however, significantly reduce wildlifeconcerns associated with large ponds.

Toronto Pearson has airside capacityfor one more runway. Should it be built,it will require the construction of an ad-ditional stormwater facility with a capac-ity of around 22,000 m3 of water. This isestimated based on the same standards of25 mm of precipitation for the existingfacilities.

In the meantime, the airport continuesto follow the requirements of the Cana-dian Environmental Protection Act(CEPA) for managing impacts on biodi-versity. It has been working extensivelyfor the past decade with the Toronto andRegion Conservation Authority. The air-

port also has a $3.5 million master planfor the rehabilitation of the local creek,encouraging improved riparian habitatand fisheries. The airport continues tomonitor the waterways to determine theeffectiveness of previous restorationworks and to identify any future con-cerns.

In addition, the Greater Toronto Air-ports Authority’s Environment Manage-ment System, certified to ISO 14001since 1999, mitigates the environmentalimpact of other airport operations, such

as resource use and waste management. Toronto Pearson continues to consider

how climate change will impact the cur-rent stormwater facilities and influencethe future needs of the system. Currentstudies are informing the evolving needsof stormwater at the airport, and indicat-ing what protocols will need to be ap-plied, now and in the future.

Randy McGill is General Manager, Environmental Stewardship at

Toronto Pearson Airport.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:32 PM

caused by mining include acid minedrainage, metal contamination, and in-creased sediment levels in streams.Changes in laws, technologies and atti-tudes have begun to deal with some of themost immediate threats posed by mineraldevelopment. But, there are still many

areas of mining practices and regulationsthat need to be addressed.

Preventable incidents that have oc-curred recently include massive sedi-ment loading into fish-bearing streams,


Water Management

According to some predictions,the world’s population willexceed 8.1 billion by 2030.Demand for water has trebled

since 1950 and will double again by2050. With water being the most impor-tant resource in all mining and quarryingdevelopments and operations, its man-agement is emerging as the pre-eminentsustainability issue for this sector.

Water can be used and abused. Hardrock mines, in particular, use water in allsteps of the mining process, from coolingequipment, separating waste from valu-able minerals, to controlling dust. Work-ing with such large volumes of waterpresents a variety of risks.

In recent years there has been renewedpublic debate globally, where water isscarce, about the mining industry and itssustainability.

Tackling water pollutionWater pollution problems that can be

Global mining sector faces severe water management challenges By Victoria Kenrick

the building of roads with acid-generat-ing waste rock, non-compliance withwaste handling plans, and repeated vio-lations of water quality standards. Toavoid such incidents, mining corpora-tions need to ensure the best pollutionprevention strategies are employed incases where risks can be managed.

Another question that should be raisedis whether mining should not be allowedto proceed in some places because theidentified risks to other resources, suchas water, are too great. In the right place,and with conscientious companies, newtechnologies and good planning, many ofthe potential impacts are avoidable. In-deed, it has been argued that most waterpollution caused by mining arises fromnegligence, not necessity.

Driving sustainable water management

With growing competition for waterusage within mining, steps towardsgreater sustainability should involve pro-motion of the use of poor-grade water,usually underground or sea water, whichis not wanted for agricultural or munici-pal use. Many mining processes can tol-erate high-saline water. In addition, byencouraging water recycling as much aspossible, companies can move towards azero water discharge mine.

Knowing the volume and compositionof the process, and the amount of freshwater running in every unit operation inthe plant, enables mine operators to min-imize the use of fresh water. The scientificapproach involves computer modellingand optimization of flows plant-wide.Among newly-emerging computer mod-elling approaches to optimize water useand recycling, the most advanced is waterpinch modelling. It includes a detailedstudy of water processes and pollutionprevention, which helps with wastewaterreuse planning.

Preventing water pollution in mining

One organization that is leading theway in tackling water pollution withinmining is The Environment Agency inWales, which is working at Cwm Rheidolmine near Aberystwyth as part of a unique

It has been argued that most water

pollution caused bymining arises from

negligence, not necessity.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:32 PM


are currently adopting best practicesaimed at preventing environmental dam-age, rather than repairing damage alreadydone. These programs include boreholeextraction to help contain the pollutionplume, containment of seepage and pre-treatment of all water that is to be releasedinto streams.

Environmental solutions companyProcon Environmental Technologies hasbeen awarded a $1-million contract bymining giant Vale to install a hydro cy-clone oily water separation system at theMoatize coal mine in Mozambique.

In the United States, a major publichearing in West Virginia took place inJune 2011. After a review of more than

pilot scheme. The mine has historicallydischarged large amounts of zinc and othermetals into the River Rheidol, whichmeans it is failing to meet the good waterquality standards required by the EuropeanUnion's Water Framework Directive.

Under a new scheme, toxic metals willbe stripped out of the mine water beforeit enters the river, using an environmen-tally friendly method whose only energysource is gravity. The treatment systemwill use a mixture of waste products, in-cluding cockle shells and compost, to en-courage natural biological and chemicalprocesses that clean mine water.

Mining corporations in Australia aretaking a more preventative approach and

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50,000 public comments, the US Envi-ronmental Protection Agency announcedthat it will use its authority under theClean Water Act to halt the proposed dis-posal of mining waste into local streams.

Water resource management is an inte-gral part of mining, and regulators, indus-try and the community are increasinglyrecognizing the importance of managingwater resources in a responsible way. Themain areas being focused on are findingadequate sources of water, minimizingconsumption, reuse, managing waste andremediating contamination.

Victoria Kenrick is with Allen &York. E-mail: [email protected]

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:32 PM



items, including potato chips, tortillachips, puffed corn, corn chips, cheesepuffs, cheese curls, onion rings and porkskins. Typically, the facility processesmore than 20 million pounds of snackfoods per year.

The plant’s production mix can vary,causing its wastewater to have varyingstrength and consistencies, with flowrates ranging from 100,000 to 350,000gpd. Most of the plant’s wastewater, han-dled through its on-site treatment facil-ity, comes from the processing ofpotatoes and corn. No sanitary sewageenters this system.

From their arrival on-site, potatoes arecarried in a water flume to be peeled andsliced. The slices are then washed and putthrough deep fryers, before being pack-aged. Flume and wash water are draineddaily and discharged for on-site waste-

Golden Flake Snack Foods wasfaced with a tough decision,either come up with a solu-tion to stem the $100,000 per

month wastewater surcharges it wasbeing assessed, or move its 300,000square-foot snack food processing plant.

The company preferred to find a solu-tion to eliminate the surcharges. If it couldreach prescribed TSS (total suspendedsolids), BOD (biochemical oxygen de-mand), NH3-N (ammonia-nitrogen) andDO (dissolved oxygen) concentrations, itcould receive a direct discharge permit.Then it could convey treated effluent di-rectly into a creek that runs beside itsproperty, and bypass the sewer system al-together.

Golden Flake’s wastewaterThe Golden Flake plant manufactures

and distributes a full line of snack food

water treatment.Raw corn, for the production of corn

and tortilla chips, is cooked in kettles withwater and lime to loosen and remove thehusks. It is then soaked in vats to increasemoisture content of the kernels. They arethen washed to remove impurities, milled,sheeted to run through ovens, deep friedand packaged. Water from these processesis also discharged after use for on-sitewastewater treatment.

Raw snack food wastewater is pumpedthrough vibrating screens, which collect15,000 to 20,000 pounds per week oflarge food particles. This organic matteris collected and used as animal feed.

From the time the facility was origi-nally built, pre-screened wastewater leav-ing the plant was received at a primaryclarifier, with supernatant discharged tothe sewer system. Golden Flake is per-

The new MBR system fit nicely into the existing treatment system configuration.

New MBR system eliminates sewer surcharges for snack food processing plant

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:32 PM



sludge settling and separation. The MBRprocess fits on compact sites, while pro-viding consistent, high quality effluent thatcan be reused in certain applications.

ADI commissioned a 350-gallon ADI-MBR pilot plant on-site at Golden Flake,using a small stream of their pre-screenedwastewater. The pilot plant operated forthree months to demonstrate and evaluatethe technology.

The systemAn ADI-MBR system provides a

near-absolute barrier to suspended solids,and allows for operation at higher mixedliquor suspended solids (MLSS) concen-trations (typically 10,000 to 18,000 mg/l).The system at Golden Flake consists of apre-aeration tank and two membranebasins, each equipped with double-decker submerged membrane units(SMU). It is also equipped with aerationblowers, a re-aeration chamber, pumps,instrumentation and controls. The totalpackage includes a control building, witha dewatering press/conveyor system, au-tomatic composite samples, laboratory,office, and PLC systems.

Treated effluent is passed through themembranes via a slight suction and thenaerated to meet the DO limit prior to dis-charge to the adjacent stream. Waste ac-tivated sludge is dewatered on-site with ascrew press, and the sludge cake is re-moved for disposal.

The ADI-MBR system at GoldenFlake provides a design hydraulic reten-tion time of approximately one day, and isdesigned for a daily influent flow rate ofup to 400,000 gpd. It treats pre-screened

wastewater with BOD and TSS concen-trations that range from 1,000 to 10,000mg/L, and 200 to 12,000 mg/L, respec-tively.

The new system consistently produceseffluent that is lower than effluent dis-charge limits: <2 ppm TSS, (<30 ppmTSS limit); <5 ppm BOD, (<10 ppmBOD limit); <1 ppm NH3-N (<1.5 ppmNH3-N limit); and >6 ppm DO (>6 ppmDO limit).

Up to 250 gallons per minute of high-quality effluent is released into the creek,and serves to enhance the downstream ri-parian environment by improving theoxygenation of water, within the smallwatercourse.

Final effluent produced by the ADI-MBR system is clean enough to reuse forcertain applications, such as site irrigation.Waste activated sludge from the system ispumped through an on-site dewateringpress to reduce the overall sludge volumeto 20,000 pounds per week, which is thenused for farm fertilization. A maintenancesupervisor can completely control thewhole system from one location in theplant, or from his home on a laptop.

The biggest benefits of the ADI-MBRsystem are that Golden Flake is no longerdischarging primary treated wastewaterinto the sewer system, and is no longerpaying escalating surcharges.

For more information, contact GrahamBrown, President, ADI Systems Inc.


The system consists of a pre-aeration tank, and two membrane basins.

mitted to release up to 400,000 gallons ofwastewater per day. Stagnant wastewaterin the primary clarifier was not aerated orcovered and would produce off-odors.The clarifier was located along the edgeof a street, where subsequently a housingdevelopment had been built, and odourwas becoming an issue with residents.

“The wastewater being decanted to thesewer system had BOD and TSS concen-tration levels in the thousands, exceedingmaximum surcharge levels,” says DavidJones, Executive Vice President of Opera-tions for Golden Flake. “As our surchargescontinued to escalate, we began looking foran on-site treatment technology that couldnot only handle our high-volume peakflows of up to 350,000 gpd, but also pro-duce an effluent that was below the maxi-mum allowable discharge concentrationlimits for BOD, TSS, NH3-N and DO.”

Engineering a solutionGolden Flake brought in ADI Sys-

tems Inc., (ADI) of Fredericton, NewBrunswick, to engineer a solution. Theproblem was somewhat complicated bythe fact the production plant is land-locked. There was no room for site ex-pansion, and little available room for aconventional activated-sludge facility.

ADI recommended a membrane biore-actor (MBR) system to treat raw waste-water following the vibrating screens. TheADI-MBR process is a form of activatedsludge technology, that uses a submergedmembrane barrier to perform liquids/solidsseparation and reactor biomass retentionfunctions, instead of gravity clarification.This eliminates problems associated with

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:32 PM



Metro Vancouver, enabling the success-ful and efficient start-up of the upgradedLions Gate digester in early 2011.

The anaerobic digestion process at theLions Gate Plant takes place at tempera-tures between 52oC and 58oC, and, likemesophilic digestion, it is sensitive tochanges in temperature, pH, organicloading and other destabilising influ-ences. Maintaining a constant tempera-ture and feed rate, together with thoroughmixing, are important in keeping theprocess stable.

Digesters 3 and 4 can be operated in se-ries, with pipework arranged to facilitateeither digester operating as the ‘lead’ di-gester or with both operating in parallel. Inboth digesters, circulating sludge is heatedby pipe-in-pipe heat exchangers. Thesesystems heat feed sludge and replace lostheat (through digester walls/roof, biogaspiping, etc.).

Biogas is collected and the pressure isboosted for utilization in gas-driven in-fluent pump engines and in a hot waterboiler. The engines provide mechanicalpower for the influent pumps, and wasteheat from the engines is recovered for

Thermophilic anaerobic diges-tion (TAD) can offer a numberof advantages over mesophilicdigestion, such as increased

volatile solids reduction and pathogenkill, higher specific growth rates, lowerbiomass yields, and increased biogasproduction. However, reports on processstability have sometimes hindered the ap-plication of TAD in the municipal sector.

However, Metro Vancouver has suc-cessfully operated TAD at its Lions GateWWTP since 1990, initially implement-ing single-stage digestion, followed by atwo-stage process.

The Lions Gate Wastewater TreatmentPlant is owned and operated by MetroVancouver. It provides primary waste-water treatment to the District of WestVancouver, the City of North Vancouver,and the District of North Vancouver,which have a combined population of ap-proximately 180,000.

A four-stage thermophilic digestionprocess was installed in the mid-1990s atthe 580 MLD Annacis Island WWTP.Therefore, considerable process and op-erational expertise has developed within

plant and process utility uses. The boilerand influent pump engine systems havebackup natural gas supplies, for periodswhen biogas is unavailable in sufficientquantity, or quality. Biogas can also becompressed and stored at the plant dur-ing periods of low demand.

Metro Vancouver retained AssociatedEngineering to provide design and con-struction services for the refurbishmentof Digester 4.This included installation ofa new digester jet mixing system, a newstandpipe for scum control, an upgradeof the digester gas system, refurbishmentof the sludge circulation/heating system,new digested sludge transfer pumps, anew sludge control building, as well asdigester structural upgrades and a new di-gester liner.

The new mixing system in Digester 4 isa Rotamix® jet mixing system with two 50hp single-speed Vaughan chopper pumpsand several nozzle assemblies inside thedigester. This system influences processstability, by maintaining homogeneitywithin the digester, as well as preventinggrit, debris and scum accumulation. Thenewly refurbished Digester 4 was com-

3D rendering of the Lions Gate WWTP Digester 4 upgrade, showing internal features.

New thermophilic digester commissioned at Vancouver's Lions Gate WWTP By Caroline O’Reilly, Leif Marmolejo, Brandon Walker and Christian Brumpton

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:32 PM


Wastewater Treatmentmissioned in June 2011.

Start-up planningMetro Vancouver, with Associated

Engineering’s assistance, put together astart-up plan that outlined the proceduresthat would be used to fill, heat, safely andstably introduce raw primary sludge tothe digester, and commission the gas sys-tem. Planning focussed primarily onsafety, with a secondary emphasis onprocess stability. A detailed step-by-stepprocedure was developed that includedthe following: • Following refurbishments, primary ef-fluent was used to fill the digester andconduct pre-operational checks on allequipment. The digester was then drainedto approximately 25%, prior to the intro-duction of seed sludge. • Digested sludge from Digester 3 wasused as seed sludge. The availability ofviable thermophilic seed sludge at theLions Gate Plant was a significant ad-vantage which facilitated a more straight-forward start-up period.• Digester 4 was completely isolatedfrom all sludge pipework and the gas sys-tem, with all digester gas lines purged ofoxygen with an inert gas (i.e., nitrogen). • Digester headspace composition wasmonitored during the filling process.Regular samples were taken from tempo-rary gas sampling piping which ran fromthe dome down to ground level, as accessto the digester roof was not permitted.Samples were tested for methane (CH4),lower explosive limit (LEL), upper ex-plosive limit (UEL) and oxygen (O2). • When digestion had been establishedand once the digester’s headspace wasmostly digester gas (i.e., the ratio of oxy-gen and methane is such that the gas isbeyond its upper explosive limit), the gassystem was commissioned. • During digester seeding and feeding,the digestion process was monitored toensure that adequate performance wasnurtured and that the digester was notbeing overloaded. Parameters monitoreddaily included temperature, hydraulic re-tention time, pH, volatile acids and bi-carbonate alkalinity. Process monitoringtarget values were established.• Digester circulation and heating sys-tems were used during the seeding stageto keep the digester temperature stable atapproximately 55°C.• Digester 4 was filled with an initialbulk transfer of digested sludge (seed

sludge) from the digested sludge storagetanks, followed by sludge transfers fromDigester 3. Thereafter, thickened primarysludge was introduced at a low and con-trolled feed rate, initially to avoid over-loading and shock loading on the digesterbiomass (i.e., approximately 15% of nor-mal daily loading or approximately 25m³/d).

Start-up and commissioning periodAs planned, the start-up strategy in-

volved headspace gas monitoring as an in-dicator for gas system commissioning.

Gas composition was determined by theoperators on-site with hand held monitors,with representative samples sent for inde-pendent laboratory confirmatory testing.After a period of just eight days, themethane (CH4) content of the biogas was>60% and the oxygen (O2) content haddropped to below 1%, which allowed thegas system to be commissioned.

Seed sludge was allowed to stabiliseand acclimate to Digester 4 mixing andtemperature conditions before digester


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feeding with thickened primary sludge (TPS) began. Throughoutthe start-up period the average total solids (TS) percentage of thefeed sludge was 5.9%, with volatile solids (VS) of 91%.

Various parameters were monitored by the operations team ona daily basis, including pH, volatile acids (VA), alkalinity, tem-perature, flow rate, TS% and VS% of the digester feed and di-gested sludge, gas production, hydraulic load (days) and organicloading (kg/m3.d), with the volatile fatty acids-to-alkalinity ratio(VA:Alk) and pH key indicator parameters used to assess digesterstability.

Stable operation was recorded with pH value between 7.3 and7.9, and a VA:Alk ratio between 0.1 and 0.16 with an average of0.12. Despite some fluctuations early on in digester temperature,the VA:Alk ratio never went above 0.2 and the process remainedstable. After a period of 35 days, all of the TPS produced on-sitewas being pumped to Digester 4. After 61 days, stable operationof Digester 4 had been confirmed, so that Digester 3 could be iso-lated and emptied for scheduled maintenance.

ConclusionThe newly upgraded Digester 4 is currently receiving, on av-

erage, 167 m3/d of TPS, and is producing 5,412 m3/d of biogas.This will allow Digester 3 to be taken out of service for mainte-nance and refurbishment. Digester mixing and transfer systemsare now fully automated in the WWTP’s computerized data ac-quisition and control system, following internal Metro Vancouverprogramming.

Based on long-term operational experience, thermophilicanaerobic digestion has proven to be a sustainable and robust sys-tem, offering a reliable and cost-effective method for sludge treat-ment and energy recovery at the Lions Gate Plant. The continueduse of this renewable energy source is one of the many Metro Van-couver Sustainable Region Initiatives, that promote energy con-servation and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Caroline O’Reilly, Leif Marmolejo, Brandon Walker and Christian Brumpton are with Associated Engineering.


Aerial photograph of the Lions Gate WWTP showing Digester 4 in the foreground.


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:33 PM


environmental performance. “It’s beeninteresting to see that during our recenteconomic times commitment to thestewardship of resources hasn’t fadedaway,” said van der Werf. “Companiesare mindful of researching and findingopportunities to improve their environ-mental performance with water, waste,and electricity.”

He sees many small businesses par-ticipating at the local level with incen-tive programs associated with utilities.Local utilities are raising awareness andsmall business owners are reaping sav-ings while learning how to manage theirwater and energy better.

Water’s value in Canada is becomingbroadly recognized as having the impor-tant resource priority that it should. TheWalter and Duncan Gordon Foundation,Canadian Water Network, and RBCBlue Water Project recently teamed upfor the Blue Economy Initiative. Thisfall, it will release results of a study

Small and medium size busi-nesses in Canada should andcan make a huge differencewhen it comes to water conser-

vation, especially in their local commu-nities and with their employees.

With the new voluntary ISO 26000guidance document on social responsi-bility launched in November 2010, busi-nesses now have guidelines and shouldbe aware of them. The document definesone of the benefits of social responsibil-ity as "achieving savings associated withincreased productivity and resource ef-ficiency, lower energy and water con-sumption, decreased waste, and therecovery of valuable by-products. Thetime to drive home sustainable watermanagement practices for small/mediumsize businesses is now.”

Sustainability consultant, Paul vander Werf, President of 2cg Inc. and MyGreen Workplace.ca, says that small tolarge companies are working to improve

about the economic benefits of protect-ing Canada’s fresh water, and the eco-nomic risks of neglecting the health ofwatersheds.

“Canada’s lakes and rivers hold 9%of the entire planet’s freshwater supply,”says Bernadette Conant, Executive Di-rector of the Canadian Water Network.“It is critical that Canada’s relative‘abundance’ not make Canadians com-placent about water supply, nor divert at-tention from the critical importance ofwater quality. Water is not distributedevenly across Canada, nor are its people,industry and environmental needs.Much of Canada’s water is frozen orflows north, away from populated areas.Just one percent of its supply is renewedeach year by precipitation. The qualityand security of that supply underpinpublic and environmental health, as wellas the economy.”

One unique advantage small and

Water conservation and the new economyBy Sandra Tavares

Water Conservation


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-03 10:01 PM

Chief EngineerPS 44 $155,552 (US$ equivalent)Department of Works and Engineering Ref: 5455/82/0072/RA/OS

The Department of Works & Engineering seeks a qualified engineer to fill the post of Chief

Engineer. Working under the general direction of the Permanent Secretary, the postholder will

manage the Works and Engineering Division which provides Highway, Water, Solid Waste

collection and disposal, Hydro geological research and monitoring services; vehicle and

equipment repair; facility and transport and equipment support services; operation of quarry

and asphalt plant; and development impact assessment and work construction management

services.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Managing the Works and Engineering Division comprising of approximately 18

professional engineers, approximately 25 technical and administrative employees and

approximately 260 clerical and industrial employees.

Establishing and implementing divisional, managerial and operational policies and

guidelines.

Approving engineering content of all tenders let by the Government and participating in

the review of bids and advise on acceptance or rejection of proposals.

outside bodies pertinent to the operations of the division.

Applicants must be qualified for registration in Bermuda as a Professional Civil Engineer and

must have a minimum of ten (10) years’ post qualification experience in all aspects of Civil

Engineering (structural, highways and water) and preferably have experience in Solid Waste

Management, Building Engineering Services design and maintenance and Vehicle Fleet

operations. In addition, this experience should include at least five (5) years’ senior

management experience in a large engineering firm or government public works

environment with demonstrated skills in project management, financial management and

human resource management with an industrial work force.

This position will be offered on a three (3) year contract term. Any persons wishing to

be considered for the position advertised may apply by submitting a completed Government

of Bermuda application form (which can be downloaded from www.gov.bm) quoting

the appropriate reference number, to: The Secretary of the Public Service Commission, 3rd Floor, Ingham and Wilkinson Building, 129 Front Street, Hamilton HM 12, BERMUDA. email: [email protected] or by fax: 441-295-2858.

Closing date: October 31, 2011.

Ministry of Public Works


Water Conservation

tions, and will provide conservationguidance. With water rates on the rise, awater audit is a great place to start.

2. Reducing water consumption -Every flush, shower and hand wash canreduce water consumption in your busi-ness, so employees and contractors canplay a conservation role. Consider in-stalling dual flush toilets, which cansave nearly 11.4 litres per flush. For alltaps, install a low-flow faucet aerator,which will save 2.6 litres of water per

medium size businesses have is that theycan begin to make long-term changesquickly, that can have positive economiceffects in the short term.

1. Begin with a water audit - Thebest place to begin is with a water audit,as every business will use water in dif-ferent ways. This can be performed by aprofessional consultant or possibly thelocal utility. An audit will assess waterconsumption, where and when it is used,if leaks are present, offer repair solu-

minute compared to standard faucets. 3. Rethink outdoors - Using native

plants and grasses and harvesting rainwa-ter to irrigate them will cut watering use.

Case StudyRecently, Levi Strauss & Co. intro-

duced its Water<Less™ jeans. Thisproduct innovation was the result of thecompany looking at its social responsi-bility. Research showed that, during itslife cycle, a single pair of Levi 501 jeansused more than 1,914 litres of water, be-fore it got to the consumer.

By making changes during the man-ufacturing/finishing process, the com-pany was able to come up withWater<Less™ jeans and reduce its waterconsumption by an average of 28%. Thenew finishing process combined numer-ous wash-cycles and replaced the use ofwet stones with dry stones, still givingthe product its expected look. To manu-facture 1.5 million pairs of Water<LessJeans, for just one season’s line, addedup to a saving of approximately 16 mil-lion litres of water.

The Levi Strauss & Co. example is alife cycle approach to sustainability thatis also addressed as an environmentalconsideration in the ISO 26000 guid-ance document. Sustainability is evolv-ing quickly, as a growing number oforganizations are demanding sustain-ability accounting from their supplychains. As such it is a key component tostaying competitive.

Sandra Tavares is with Tavares GroupConsulting Inc., which annually presents a one-day overview of

environmental legislation.www.tavaresgroupconsulting.com

An on-line way to integrate ISO 26000into a management system will be

available in February 2012 atwww.sustainabilitylearningcentre.com

The Levi Strauss & Co. example is a life cycle

approach to sustainabilitythat is also addressed as an

environmental consideration in the ISO

26000 guidance document.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-03 10:01 PM



reporting software approaches, a newopen source reporting package, callede.SCADA.r, is gaining popularity in On-tario’s water/wastewater sector.

e.SCADA.r, short for Eramosa SCADAReporting, is a project that Eramosa Engi-neering began three years ago. Seeing theneed for more advanced reporting tools forthe water/wastewater sector, the companybegan developing the package, using opensource software. The software is distributedfree of charge for anyone who wants to useit. Users that want additional features addedhave the option of contracting Eramosa todo the required programming, creatingthem in-house, or contracting a third party.

New reporting features can be addedwhenever they are needed. Once a newfeature is added to the open source code,it is then made available to all other usersat no additional cost, including those whohave downloaded e.SCADA.r for free. In-stallation and configuration of the soft-ware is straightforward and can be doneby either the end user, or with Eramosa’sassistance.

Because public water/wastewater util-

Implementing effective reporting hasalways been a challenge with Super-visory Control and Data Acquisition(SCADA) systems. In a typical

water plant, the SCADA system consistsof a collection of specialized control sys-tem hardware, software, wiring, and net-works, all working together to look aftera multitude of tasks to ensure smooth andorderly operation.

SCADA systems look after automatedcontrol, alarm management, logging ofcritical process data, and providing oper-ators with remote access to equipment.Reporting is noticeably missing from theSCADA acronym and continues to be achallenge for system operations.

Implementation of effective reportingis difficult for many reasons, includingvariations in individual user require-ments, lack of flexibility in reportingpackages, and the need for labour-inten-sive custom programming whenever a re-port needs to be added or changed.Licensing, setup, and maintenance costscan also be a challenge for many users.

As a radical departure from existing

ities do not compete with each other, theopen source business model works. Byemphasizing sharing and collaboration tobuild a reporting solution, based on theneeds of the user community, everyonewins. For smaller municipalities, this is amajor benefit because they can get a fullfeatured reporting tool at a fraction of thecost. For larger municipalities, the soft-ware gives them the flexibility that allowsthem to easily make use of and enhancethe specialized features that they need.

The software is also not restricted byper seat licencing, which allows utilitiesthe flexibility to deploy e.SCADA.r forwhichever user group needs it. Similarly,it can be an effective tool for reducing thelabour-intensive data requests that manySCADA groups have to contend with.

The feature that makes e.SCADA.reasy to use is its web-based graphical in-terface. Setting up the software generallytakes about half a day, but after that thesoftware is entirely user-configurableusing a web browser. Data is retrievedfrom the SCADA system’s existing his-

The feature that makes the software easy to use is its web-based graphical interface.

Open source software reporting system developedfor water and wastewater SCADA systemsBy Jason Low and Dennis Mutti


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:33 PM


torian server and the reports themselvesare configured using the web-basedgraphical interface.

Once a report is configured by a user,the recipe for creating that report is auto-matically stored on the e.SCADA.rserver, so that it can be called up later.Saved report recipes can then be copiedand/or adjusted to make new report defi-nitions by using the same web-basedgraphical interface. Since the processdata is coming from the SCADA system’sexisting historian server, there is no needto configure/maintain a duplicate report-ing database. For users that want a repli-cated database for reporting purposes,this can be done using the existing histo-rian’s replication technology. As such,there is no need for a specialized secondreporting database.

The Region of Halton was one of thefirst municipal water utilities to use thesystem in Ontario. In their case, they hada large collection of Excel spreadsheet-based reports that were difficult to useand, also, labour-intensive to maintain.e.SCADA.r was the solution they turnedto. The software’s user-oriented self-serve

nature meant they could develop theexact reports they wanted. Also, it freedup resources from their internal SCADAteam.

According to Darren Foster, who wasinvolved with the project in Halton at thetime, “the e.SCADA.r reporting systemhas been a very valuable tool for us onmany levels. We have used it to monitorcritical plant trends as per the OntarioMinistry of the Environment’s regulation170 and discovered it to be invaluable fortroubleshooting, as well as for plant com-missioning. What makes the system soappealing is the ability to easily createand view detailed colour trends, exactlythe way you wish to see them, and in theorder in which you wish to see them.

“Looking at your process-trendingfrom start to finish and having it sentelectronically to any remote device (e.g.,Blackberry, iPhone, notebook computer,or desktop, etc.) allows everyone to viewthe process operational “characteristics”from start to finish. This type of accessi-bility creates a proactive approach thatprevents many adverse water incidentsfrom happening. Also, it helps to explain

mechanical and/or instrument failureswhen they do.”

The City of Hamilton is another userof the e.SCADA.r software. In their case,they required a tool for analyzing alarmand event logs. With multiple water andwastewater treatment plants, numeroussewage lift stations, water pumping sta-tions, water towers and other automatedparts of their infrastructure, providingtools for analyzing alarm and event logswas critical for their operations and main-tenance departments. The City turned toEramosa to add this feature to the system.

e.SCADA.r is now used on a dailybasis by the City and integrated into theirHMI software. Thanks to this initiative,the alarm and event log analysis tool isnow available to other water utilities.

Other public utilities in Ontario thatare using e.SCADA.r include York Re-gion, Peel Region, the City of Guelph andthe Municipality of Centre Wellington(Fergus and Elora). Waterloo Region andBelleville are currently in the process ofinstalling the software.

The system has a number of features,which are seeing increasing application

• Scanning of hard copies• Renaming of electronic files• Transmittal creation for work packages• Writing of procedures• Document numbering• CD/DVD burning• Proofreading/formatting of technical documents• French/English translations

Over 20 years of Document Control experienceFor a free quote and assessment of needs:

Alain Robillard450-455-8309

[email protected]


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:33 PM


Instrumentation and Controlat water/wastewater plants, including adhoc reporting, multi-pen trend charts,creating and printing daily reports forsign-off, operational reporting, special-ized reporting for MOE purposes,alarm/event log analysis, and statisticalalarms/reporting to assist with compli-ance with MOE filter guidelines.

Key benefits to users are that it is web-based and requires no configuration onindividual user computers. It is centrallymanaged, so security can be implementedat the server level. Reports are configuredusing a web-based graphical interface.No custom programming is needed andand the software leverages the site’s ex-isting SCADA historian infrastructure.e.SCADA.r can also generate reports inthe form of web pages, PDFs, printouts,and Excel spreadsheets. Furthermore, re-ports can be configured to be automati-cally printed and/or emailed on ascheduled basis.

Jason Low, B.Sc., and Dennis Mutti,P.Eng., are with Eramosa Engineering

Inc. E-mail: [email protected]

The Region of Halton was one of the first municipal utilities to use the systemin Ontario.

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Mining Waste

metals in gold ore can create a metallur-gical challenge by consuming thecyanide. Increased quantities of cyanideare then needed, leading to significant de-struction costs.

Additionally, the presence of copper intailings supernatant tends to stabilizecyanide in a form that is harmful towildlife and less amenable to naturaldegradation processes, thereby demand-ing specific and expensive disposalprocesses.

In the past decade and a half, a tech-nology known as SART (sulphidizationacidification recycle thickening) has beendeveloped that enables high recyclingrates for cyanide. Like any new technol-ogy that carries a higher perceived im-plementation risk than long-establishedtechnologies, the process met with resist-ance at the beginning.

However, with successful implementa-tion in the past several years at sites inMexico and Turkey, SART is now viewedas a viable means to increase gold yieldssafely and efficiently, reduce associateddisposal requirements for cyanide, and im-prove the environmental footprint of goldoperations that generate cyanide waste.

Digging deeper for goldThe high cost of raw materials and

Cyanide was first used as ameans to extract gold from orein the late 1880s. Fast-forwardto the present day and it is cur-

rently the most common process for goldextraction, accounting for up to 13% ofglobal cyanide consumption, accordingto Barrick Gold.

A highly toxic substance, cyanide hascome under intense scrutiny in recentyears, as environmental awareness growsand regulations governing the usage, dis-posal and destruction of cyanide-ladenwaste have tightened.

In the mining industry, cyanidation isa process in which sodium cyanide solu-tion is applied to a gold heap leach. As ittrickles through the crushed ore, thecyanide dissolves gold and other cyanide-soluble base metals. Gold is then recov-ered from the cyanide solution, and thesolution is re-applied to the heap leach.As cyanide degrades over time into lesseffective leaching compounds, it is thensent to a tailings pond, or to some form ofapproved destruction process.

Gold cyanidation has presented anumber of obvious concerns, includingthe environmental and safety impacts ofworking with a toxic material. The pres-ence of leachable copper and other base

cyanide disposal technologies have tradi-tionally deterred mine operators from de-veloping ore bodies in which gold occurswith cyanide-leachable base metals.There is now a wealth of un-mined golddeposits in areas rich with cyanide-solu-ble base metals (e.g., copper and zinc) inNorth and South America, Asia and Aus-tralia. With gold prices at historic highs,mining operations are now taking a sec-ond look at options for processing theseore bodies. Part of this reconsideration in-cludes the application of the SARTprocess.

SART technology was developed in1997 by SGS Lakefield and Teck Corpo-ration as a way to reduce the metallurgicalinterference of copper (and sometimeszinc) in the gold recovery process. It re-covers copper from pregnant or barrencyanide leach solution and regenerates thecyanide for reapplication to the gold heapleach. This process can be repeated manytimes. Its stages are:1. Sulphidization, to precipitate the cop-per as copper sulphide.2. Acidification, to break the copper-cyanide coordination complex and liber-ate the cyanide.3. Re-neutralization, to raise the pH ofthe solution with lime to the safe operat-

BioteQ's application of the SART process recovers up to 95% of cyanide for recycle back to the gold extraction process,improving the environmental performance of the gold operation.

SART technology coming of age for cyanide recycling By Brad Marchant

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-09-28 9:33 PM


Mining Waste

ing range (pH 10 – 11) prior to re-appli-cation to the heap leach. 4. Thickening, to densify the resultingsolid products (copper sulphide and gyp-sum), further maximizing the cyanide re-covery.

When applied successfully, SART canremove up to 99% of the base metal, pro-ducing a saleable high-grade concentrate,while regenerating up to 95% of cyanidefor recycling to the gold extractionprocess. It can also improve gold yieldsand reduce costs for the mine operator.

Previously, its use has been limited bytwo main factors. Additional capital costsare typically associated with SART.These must be balanced with the costsavings of cyanide regeneration, plus theincremental revenue from increased goldyields and the new revenue stream gen-erated from copper recovery. Secondly,early attempts with SART applicationsmet with limited success, due to the com-plexity of the sulphide precipitation stageof the process.

Solving the sulphide precipitation factor

While all stages of the SART processare important in removing copper and re-

covering cyanide for recycle back to thegold operation, the sulphide precipitationcircuit and its control are particularly crit-ical, and require specialized know-how insulphidization. Precipitating metals intoa high-grade sulphide product, with goodsettling and filtration characteristics, hasoften been a challenge.

Specialists such as BioteQ Environ-mental Technologies, a Vancouver-basedwater treatment company, have success-fully applied their knowledge of sulphideprecipitation technologies to SART proj-ects. BioteQ designed and operated thefirst SART plants in North America andwestern Asia, and was recently awardedtwo new projects.

The sulphidization process works byintroducing a chemical source of sul-phide reagent in a contactor tank thatcontains feed solution to be treated. Theconditions in the tank are adjusted to se-lectively precipitate individual metals assolid metal sulphide particles. Thesesolids are then separated from the treatedsolution in a clarifier and filtered to re-move excess water.

By applying a sulphide reagent to pre-cipitate the copper from the leach solu-

tion, gold operations can eliminate cop-per cyanide complexes in leach residuesby recovering the copper as a high-gradeconcentrate. This removes any potentialcopper contaminants from the environ-ment. In addition, the process minimizesthe amount of waste copper-cyanide so-lution to be destroyed.

There is no question that cyanide willcontinue to play a significant role in thegold mining process. Therefore, the onusis on the mining industry to demonstrateresponsible use when handling, recyclingand disposing of cyanide waste.

Investment in SART is in its relativelyearly stages. It is currently being de-ployed in a small but growing number ofprojects in South America, Eastern Eu-rope and Asia. However, given its recy-cling capacity and stability, it promises toplay a critical role in enabling gold oper-ations to improve yields, reduce cyanideconsumption and waste and mitigate therisks associated with handling and dis-posal of cyanide.

Brad Marchant is with BioteQ Environmental Technologies. For more

information, visit www.bioteq.ca

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:36 PM


Guest Comment

bizarre-sounding names, like gadoliniumand dysprosium, regular guests in theWall Street Journal, and they are gener-ating significant excitement in Canada’smining industry. This is due to the factthat these, and the other 15 rare earth el-ements, are essential to such common ob-jects as wind turbines, smart phones,computers, iPods, lasers, and diodes. Inshort, the global high-tech market cannotsurvive without them.

There’s a historical parallel betweenthe sudden mushrooming of the impor-

Eleven years ago, I wrote an arti-cle in ES&E about the PeriodicTable and some of the elementsfamiliar to most of us. At that

time, there were 110 elements on the Pe-riodic Table, of which 40 or so are wellknown, 30 are radioactive, and 20 othersare so rare most people are unaware ofthem. Another 17 elements make up the“rare earth” elements (REEs), which arenot so rare - some are quite abundant inthe earth’s crust, and as a group they ap-pear regularly in news reports.

These rare earth metals have becomesomewhat famous over the past few yearsfor two reasons. First, we use them everyday. They are key components of sucheveryday things as CDs and CD players,computers, hybrid cars, and TVs. Second,their importance became even more ob-vious when we learned that China pro-duces 95% of the global output of theseessential elements. The situation becameominous when China’s Commerce Min-istry announced it would cut its secondhalf export quota by nearly 75% last year,causing prices for the REEs to soar.Japan, the US, the EU, Canada, and manyother countries with advanced high-techindustries, are now desperate to find anddevelop other sources of these metals.

These events have made elements with

tance of REEs and those of iron and steelabout 160 years ago. Man had found andused very small amounts of iron by 1500BC. By 1740, iron was being produced ata rate of 20,000 Tons/year, which bymeans of improved technology (no doubt“high-tech” in its day) grew by a factorof 1,250-fold to 25,000,000 T/yr by 1850.Compare this to steel production in 1850,which was about 60,000 T/yr, producedin small batches of about 22 kg (50 lb)per batch.

Enter Henry Bessemer, an English-man who during the Crimean War hadbecome aware of problems with iron can-nons. They sometimes blew up, or other-wise failed, during the heat of battle, dueto the brittle nature of the iron. This wasa concern to Bessemer, as he had devel-oped a grooved projectile which travelledmuch further than cannon balls because itdeveloped spin as it exited the cannon.Bessemer was bankrolled by France’sEmperor, Napoleon III, and in 1854 hesuccessfully demonstrated his newweapon. The attending French comman-dant questioned whether cast-iron can-nons could cope with the added stressesimposed by the new projectile.

This sparked Bessemer to develop anew, innovative technique for makingsteel. He blasted air into molten pig iron

How metals and rare earth elements make everydaylife possible By Jim Bishop

Rare earth metals are key components of everyday things like computers.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:36 PM


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in a crucible called a “converter”. Air is21% oxygen (O2), which reacted with theexcess carbon in the pig iron to form car-bon monoxide, which is flammable andproduced additional heat, greatly reduc-ing fuel requirements. The O2 also re-acted with impurities in the pig iron, likemanganese and silicon, forming slagwhich was skimmed off the top of themolten steel.

Bessemer’s process was so successfulthat by 1870 about 500,000 T of steel wasbeing produced, and by the turn of the cen-tury production reached 28,000,000 T. (Steelproduction in 2010 was 1,414,000,000 met-ric tons.) Not only was this a high point ofthe Industrial Revolution, it also heralded thebeginning of the science of metallurgy asnew steel additives were experimented withto improve the strength, hardness, formabil-ity and resilience of steel. These innovationsincluded the addition of limestone (calciumcarbonate) to the converter, which enabledBessemer’s process to convert virtually anyiron ore into steel.

Soon tungsten was also added, to cre-ate tungsten-steel alloys, which extendedthe lifetime of steel tools by five-fold.Nickel alloys made steel much tougherand resulted in an arms race for Europeannavies eager to clad their warships withthis armour-plating. Next, chromium wasadded to nickel-steel alloys, creatingstainless steel which is extremely resist-ant to corrosion. Today, there are severalhundred steel alloys in use, with new onesbeing developed regularly.

Of the 118 or so elements on today’s

Periodic Table, about 100 are metals.Seven metals, called the Metals of Antiq-uity, have been known to humans since atleast 750 BC:• Gold, ca 6000 BC - jewellery, orna-ments, a noble metal.• Copper, ca 4200 BC - weapons, tools,copper sheet.

• Silver, ca 4000 BC - jewellery, orna-ments, also a noble metal, often foundwith lead.• Lead, ca 3500 BC - its ore (galena)was used as eye shadow by the Egyptians,and by 3500 BC lead was being used tomake containers and pipes.


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• Tin, ca 1750 BC - was known tostrengthen copper by 2500 BC, but tinsmelting wasn’t common until 1800 BC,in western Asia. Bronze weapons (copperand tin) were vastly superior to copperones.• Iron (smelted), ca 1500-2500 BC - ironfrom meteorites was available to ancientpeoples as early as 2500 BC. Iron-mak-ing did not become a common practiceuntil 1200-1500 BC. Man-made iron rev-olutionized warfare and agriculture.• Mercury, ca 750 BC - mercury hasbeen found in tombs dated at 1500 to1600 BC. Its ability to dissolve gold andsilver (and many other metals) was alarge factor in the development ofalchemy. By 750 BC man had learned

how to make liquid mercury.For about 2,000 years no new metals

were added, until arsenic was isolated byAlbertus Magnus in 1250 AD. Originally,arsenic was used as a pigment, and formurder. Today, it is primarily used to im-prove the toughness of lead in car batter-ies, and to improve the sphericity of leadshot.

The roasting of antimony was re-ported by Agricola in 1560; like itscousin arsenic, it is alloyed with lead toimprove its hardness and its castability.The 1500s also saw the discoveries ofbismuth, zinc and platinum. No othermetals were “discovered” until the 1700swhen cobalt, nickel, manganese, molyb-denum, tungsten, tellurium, beryllium,chromium, uranium, zirconium, yttrium*and titanium were isolated. Only smallquantities of laboratory specimens wereproduced for these metals.

There were only 12 metals in commonuse before 1800: gold, silver, copper,lead, mercury, iron, tin, platinum, anti-mony, arsenic, bismuth and zinc.

An obvious burgeoning technologycan be seen in the rapidity with whichnew metals were isolated and discoveredin the 19th Century:1801 - Niobium1802 - Tantalum1803 - Iridium, palladium, rhodium1807 - Potassium, sodium1808 - Boron, barium, calcium,

magnesium, strontium1814 - Cerium*1817 - Lithium, cadmium, selenium

1823 - Silicon1827 - Aluminum1828 - Thorium1830 - Vanadium1839 - Lanthanum*1843 - Erbium*, terbium*1844 - Ruthenium1860 - Cesium, rubidium1861 - Thallium1863 - Indium1875 - Gallium1878 - Holmium*, thulium*, scandium,

samarium*, gadolinium*, praseodymium*, neodymium*, dysprosium*, ytterbium*

1886 - Germanium1898 - Polonium, radium1899 - Actinium* Denotes rare earth elements

Of the 42 metals discovered in the 19thCentury, the most important (followingsteel) was aluminum. It had been isolatedfrom bauxite in 1825, but in tiny amounts.By the second half of the century Al wasboth a rare and a precious metal. Russiachose aluminum for its coinage over plat-inum, to demonstrate the country’s tech-nical expertise. Napoleon III of Francehad a set of aluminum tableware, for useby preferred guests. Others had to makedo with gold.

Aluminum’s mystique ended around1886 when a French entrepreneur (PaulL.T. Heroult) and another in the US(Martin Hall) independently discoveredthe electrochemical process that led tocommercial production of aluminummetal. The companies formed by these

Henry Bessemer

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Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:37 PM


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experimenters eventually became Alcanand Alcoa.

Production of zinc and copper sawsimilar advances in the 1800s, as did ti-tanium when commercial production wasdeveloped in 1950. The five most com-monly used metals today are iron, alu-minum, copper, titanium and zinc. Eachof these metals are present in objects weuse every day, such as cars, appliances,electronics, and so on. But while they’vebeen used this way for many decades,their more obscure cousins - the rareearth metals - have only been in oureveryday objects for a few years, ordecades.

The rare earths have become knownto us because of the miniaturization ofelectronics, which only started in 1947,when the first transistor was created. Thiswas made by two researchers at BellTelephone Laboratories who becameNobel Award winners. They used a pieceof germanium, on which two tiny specksof gold had been placed. When the goldtouched the germanium, and a voltagewas applied to one of the gold contacts,current flowing to the other contactthrough the germanium was increased.

This was the first solid-state crystalthat could act as a switch, plus it ampli-fied the input voltage. It was a windfallfor Bell and its parent company, AT&T,and it was the beginning of the end of thelarge, energy-heavy vacuum tubes thathad been used for electronic amplifica-tion for decades. It was also the end ofelectromechanical and operator-intensiveswitches, used to direct telephone calls.

This was the start of the microelec-tronic revolution, and its pace has beenaccelerating ever since. As telephones,radios, and other electronics becamefaster, more efficient and smaller, in-creasing efforts were being made to fullyunderstand the properties of many of themetals that had been discovered from1800 to the1950s. This included severalof the lanthanides, which are elements57 to 70 in the Periodic Table. These 14elements, plus scandium, yttrium, andlutetium, are historically classified asrare earth elements.

As China continues to slash REE ex-ports to satisfy its domestic demand, theprice of them will continue to rise in therest of the world. Eventually, the price

reaches the point where exploration andmining for REEs becomes financially at-tractive, and this is happening in numer-ous locations today. East Africa, severalUS states, Brazil, India, Sweden, Nor-way, Russia and Canada have deposits ofREEs, and mining/exploration compa-nies able to extract them.

Canada is home to 56% of the potentialREE deposits outside of China. Ontario’sMineral Deposit Inventory documentsmore than 200 known REE mineral oc-currences (MNDM, March 2011). On-going exploration in the province’s Ringof Fire and elsewhere, including estab-lished REE properties in Elliot Lake,could evolve into new REE-based pro-duction and manufacturing bases. It couldeven put Canada in a prime position forthe creation and development of environ-mentally sensible, energy-smart, futuristicproducts for use in global high-tech mar-kets.

Jim Bishop is with Stantec in Mississauga, Ontario. E-mail:

[email protected]’s innovative techniquefor making steel, blasted air intomolten pig iron.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:37 PM



Located in British Columbia, theMunicipality of Bowen Island’sSnug Cove wastewater treat-ment plant was built by

ECOfluid Systems in 1999. The originalplant consisted of two upflow sludgeblanket filtration (USBF) bioreactors,each designed to treat 80 m3 of waste-water per day at 185 mg/l BOD, or 14.8kg BOD per day.

Permitted ocean outfall effluent dis-charge parameters were relatively unde-manding: 45/45 mg/l respectively forBOD and TSS, and an acute 96 hourLT50 fish bioassay test. Plant configura-tion was very basic, consisting of a pumpstation and the USBF bioreactors only.No post-filtration was employed.

All effluent discharges were signifi-cantly below levels permitted and nutri-ents, such as nitrogen and phosphorus,were reduced. However, in the summer of2005, increased stress on the plant wasobserved during the high tourist season,due to biological overloading.

Plant expansion and upgradeIn 2009, after securing provincial and

federal grants, the Municipality embarkedon a plant expansion and upgrade. Objec-tives of the approximately $2.3 millionproject included: • Installation of new mechanical head-

1999 Snug Cove WWTP (original installation).

The new headworks (left), process building, and sludge dewatering unit and bin.

Bowen Island WWTP upgrade presented uniquechallenges

works.• Plant expansion to double its hydraulicand biological capacity, with a provisionto triple it in the future.• Incorporation of tertiary treatment,which would allow reuse of treated efflu-ent for irrigation, and/or dual plumbingapplications. This would require effluentto meet the municipal sewage regulations

for BOD and TSS of respectively less than10 mg/l, turbidity of 2 NTU (avg.), fecalcoliform of 2.2 CFU/100 ml (avg.), am-monia of less than 1 mg/l, and total nitro-gen of less than 20 mg/l.• Waste sludge dewatering, to reduce thecost of ‘off island’ trucking and its inher-ent carbon footprint.• Incorporation of a pressurized outfall

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:37 PM



station. • Pilot receiving facility to evaluate sep-tage processing in the USBF bioreactors.

HeadworksAs a part of the upgrade, all incoming

sewage flows were diverted to a new in-clined mechanical auger screen. It was in-stalled in a concrete channel that leads to

a refurbished influent pump station. Theall-weather IPEC screen collects andcompacts screenings into a continuousbagging system.

USBF bioreactorA new bioreactor was installed adja-

cent to the two existing ones. The sludgeblanket filter (SBF) of the bioreactor is

fabricated from epoxy-coated steel andprovides separation of the anoxic and aer-obic compartments. The bioreactor’sanoxic compartment was equipped with anew submersible mixer, designed to pro-vide conditions for mixing of the influentsewage with activated sludge recycled

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from the bottom of the SBF. This providedthe necessary conditions for enhanced ni-trogen removal, by nitrification/denitrifi-cation processes, and phosphorus removalby biological “luxury uptake”.

Tertiary treatmentTertiary treatment consists of mem-

brane filtration, UV disinfection, chlori-nation and reclaimed water storage. Forfiltration, Mitsubishi immersed hollowfibre membranes were selected. Theywere installed within a separate tank, re-ceiving effluent pre-filtered by the sludgeblanket filter of the USBF bioreactor(<10mg/l TSS). The configuration notonly results in safer multi-barrier two-stage filtration, but flux rate increases,fouling decreases, and energy input is re-duced. Also, the biological process andthe membrane filtration are separated, soeach can be better optimized.

Membrane filtered effluent is trans-ferred via a self-priming centrifugalpump to a Trojan UV disinfection systemwhich is housed in a stainless steel chan-nel located in a new process building. Fi-nally, tertiary effluent is transferred into

a new PVC-lined reclaimed water storagetank. The tank is provided with a chlorinemake-up circulation loop to maintainminimal residual chlorine when required.

Project challengesECOfluid was aware that the upgrade

of the existing facility presented many un-knowns and taking on the project with afirm budget presented a significant risk.However, the design-build model providedflexibility and allowed the company toquickly deal with on-site construction is-sues. With preliminary design/engineeringcompleted in September 2010, construc-tion began a month later.

As expected, many project challengespresented themselves during construction.The first challenge was that the projectwas located on an island, only accessiblevia a 30 minute ferry ride. Managinglarger deliveries, sub-trades and on-sitepersonnel was further complicated due tothe small and compact site. The weatherbrought another challenge, as an unprece-dented wet winter and spring led to manyconstruction delays. Another challengewas to carry out all work while keeping

the existing facility in operation. Addingnew equipment and components, andbringing them online, without shutdownsand interference with the existing opera-tion, proved demanding.

Initial design work, by Kerr Wood Lei-dal and ECOfluid, began in early 2010. InAugust ECOfluid was awarded the con-tract to execute the project.

Substantially completed in June 2011,the new facility has met all objectives. Themost important of these were an immedi-ate increase of the hydraulic and biologi-cal capacity of the plant and the improvedquality of its effluent. The USBF-MBRconfiguration has also provided the mu-nicipality with the options of reusingtreated effluent for irrigation at a nearbyregional park, and/or for future dualplumbing applications.


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team with support from Naturally Wal-lace Consulting. Stuart Olson Dominionis responsible for construction manage-ment of the project. Subcontractor Nel-son Environmental is responsible for themajority of construction and equipment.

The project is currently under construc-tion, and will be commissioned this No-vember.

BackgroundAircraft are typically deiced with gly-

col-based solutions, such as propyleneglycol (PG). As over 758 litres of PG can

Airports and airlines are re-quired to protect nearbystreams and water bodiesfrom wintertime deicing ac-

tivity. Such is the case with Edmonton In-ternational Airport (EIA) and WhitemudCreek, which runs along its western side.

In 2000, the airport constructed a sub-surface flow wetland to provide treatmentof glycol, and other deicing chemicals,found in the stormwater during springmelt. Addressing a need to accommodateincreasing air traffic and associated deic-ing operations, EIA initiated an upgradeof the wetland system to increase treat-ment capacity and operational flexibility.

Through reconfiguration of the hy-draulics and the addition of aeration, thefull-scale system has the capacity to pro-vide up to 4,000 m3/d of treatment at aloading of 711 kg-BOD/day.

Associated Engineering led the design

be used for deicing a plane, BOD re-quirements for treatment become veryhigh. Each airport has different circum-stances that lead to varying strategies foraircraft deicing fluid (ADF) manage-ment. Those with centralized deicing

pads are able to capture and funnel themajority of deicing fluid as a concentrate,which makes it easier to dispose of it orrecycle. With at-gate deicing, airportsusually capture and hold glycol-richstormwater in larger storage basins, and

Addressing a need to accommodate increasingair traffic and associated deicing operations,

EIA initiated an upgrade of the wetland system to increase treatment capacity and

operational flexibility.

Edmonton’s airport upgrades its deicing fluid treatment system By Mark O. Liner



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treat or discharge it as time permits. EIA uses a combination of approaches

that include sewage plant discharge ofhigh strength concentrate, and storageand on-site treatment of low strength

stormwater. Previous design

At EIA, ADF-contaminated snow iscollected and stored to manage the releaseof glycol from the airfield. Glycol and

other plane and pavement deicing com-pounds are channeled to the 91,000 m3

Gun Club Pond, located northwest of theairport. BOD concentrations in the pondcan be as high as 600 mg/L during springmelt, so the water requires treatment priorto discharge to Whitemud Creek.

The existing wetland treatment systemconsists of 12 square gravel-filled bedsarranged in six trains of two cells each.Each bed is 43 m x 43 m, with a graveldepth of 0.6 m. Water from the Gun ClubPond is delivered, via a submersiblepump, with measured flows of betweeneight and 28 litres per second. Flow rateis governed by the hydraulic head differ-ence between the pond and the wetlandbeds.

System upgrade designThe system upgrade is designed to

provide over 711 kg-BOD/d of treatment,and to allow increased flow rates as theconcentration of the BOD drops duringspring melt. It includes reconfigurationof two existing treatment trains initiallyand a third train in the future. The firstcell of each of the upgraded trains hasbeen modified to a vertical flow config-

The upgrade of EIA’s glycol treatment system included a Forced Bed Aerationsystem.


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uration, and incorporates patented ForcedBed AerationTM.

The second cell in the train has beenreconfigured as a surface flow wetlandfor polishing of the effluent. Aggregatefrom the second cell was relocated to thefirst cell, to increase the aggregate andwater depth to 1 metre. The depth of ag-gregate in the second cell is 0.3 m, with atotal water depth of 0.6 m.

With the addition of aeration and nu-trients, the upgraded system can provideup to 10 times more treatment in half thefootprint of the existing wetland system.Aeration and nutrient systems are de-signed so that levels can be adjusted basedon influent concentrations. Converting tovertical flow removes the hydraulic con-straints previously experienced with theold horizontal flow wetlands. An up-graded lift station also provides substan-tially more flexibility, when meeting theaberrant flows of spring melt. Finally, in-corporation of a recycle system, withineach of the first cells, permits expeditedstart-up in the spring.

Adding aeration to enhance treatment

The aeration system uses speciallymanufactured tubing that is installed be-neath the gravel layer. Two positive dis-placement blowers, each sized to deliver1,500 SCFM, supply air.

Tubing is placed to provide a low levelof uniform aeration across the bed floor.Aeration holes, or emitters, are spacedsuch that there are 36 emitters for each

As over 758 litres of propylene glycol can be used for deicing a plane, BOD requirements become very high.


E. [email protected] W. www.terratec.amwater.com

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:38 PM



square metre. This provides efficient aer-ation of the gravel bed, and results in ro-bust growth of aerobic bacteria, that areresponsible for the degradation of pollu-tants in the stormwater.

Similar aeration systems have beenemployed for the glycol treatment sys-tems at London Heathrow and BuffaloNiagara International Airport. In eachcase, providing uniform aeration is cen-tral to increasing the capacity of treat-ment, and meeting the highly variableoxygen demands associated with deicingactivity.

Theory of operationAfter each winter, the concentration of

BOD will be measured in the Gun ClubPond to determine the amount of total or-ganic mass that needs to be treated. A cal-culation of supplemental nutrients will beundertaken to determine the amount ofnutrients that are required to achievehealthy bacterial growth. A nutrient solu-tion will be fed to the pond and mixed.

After this, an initial batch of glycol-contaminated stormwater will be intro-duced to the drained beds to begin the

initial “acclimatization” phase. Blowersand recirculation pumps will be startedand the contents of the bed will be aeratedand re-circulated, until there is evidenceof bacterial activity and BOD levels dropto acceptable discharge levels.

At this point, the first bed is accli-mated and the influent pumps will beturned on to provide automated dischargeinto the beds. Treated stormwater fromthe first bed will flow by gravity to thesecond bed, where it will be polished fur-ther and ultimately discharged to White-mud Creek.

As the Gun Club Pond is lowered, pe-riodic sampling will determine the levelof BOD in the system, and the influentpumping rate will be increased relative tothe decrease in BOD concentrations. Thiswill maintain a constant mass load to thebeds, within the capabilities of the treat-ment system.

Once the Gun Club Pond is empty,discharge into the treatment system willstop. However, aeration of the beds willcontinue. With no more influent or efflu-ent, aerobic bacteria generated during the

treatment period will be starved and un-dergo in situ aerobic digestion. Aerationand recirculation of the beds will con-tinue for two weeks and then be shut offto promote evaporation and plant uptakeof nutrients. Prior to the onset of winter,the beds will be drained to minimize iceformation.

Conclusion The upgrade of the EIA glycol treat-

ment system demonstrates how ForcedBed Aeration can be used to improve anexisting wetland system. Reconfigurationof the existing cells and the addition ofaeration greatly increase the capacity andoperational flexibility of the system. Inno-vative engineering allowed EIA to expandcapacity, by using existing infrastructure.In doing so, the airport can continue tomeet its environmental protection obliga-tions.

Mark O. Liner is with Naturally Wallace Consulting. E-mail:

[email protected]

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:38 PM

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:38 PM


Spill Management

by the insurer, the cause of the pipebreak cannot be disclosed at this time.

A comprehensive subsurface investi-gation was performed to delineate the ex-tent of the subsurface impact. In total, 28interior and exterior overburden wellsand 33 interior and exterior bedrockwells were constructed on the site, usingboth conventional and unconventionaldrilling techniques.

The site was found to be underlain byapproximately 1 - 2 m of granular fillmaterial, overlying native silty clay, andsilty glacial till. The till, in turn, is un-derlain by Ottawa Formation limestonebedrock at depths ranging from 4 m to10 m below grade. A major geologicalfault also exists beneath the site and isthought to pass directly beneath the af-fected D Wing building.

Bedrock groundwater flow directionwas found to be from northeast to south-west, or from the neighbouring residen-tial houses towards the hospital. Theoverburden groundwater regime wasfound to be discontinuous and, wherepresent, was calculated to be flowing tothe south under a gradient of approxi-

In January 2009, a large furnace oilspill occurred beneath the MontfortHospital which is situated in theeast end of Ottawa, Ontario. Dur-

ing a $300M expansion program, a50,000 litre underground storage tank(UST) was installed just north of the “DWing” building of the hospital complex.The UST supplies furnace oil to the hos-pital’s heating plant. A remote fill stationwas located approximately 20 m fromthe tank.

During final construction activities,the remote fill pipe for the furnace oiltank was inadvertently severed withoutbeing repaired. In January 2009, duringa period of peak demand, the tank wasfilled five times before strong petroleumodours were noticed by the basementstaff. The hospital immediately evacu-ated the affected staff and retained expServices Inc. (exp) to determine thesource of the furnace oil odours and todirect emergency response measures.

Emergency responseAs part of the emergency response

program, indoor air samples were col-lected, portable air scrubbers werebrought in, furnace oil fill procedureswere immediately ceased, and an inves-tigation was conducted to determine thesource of the furnace oil odours. Aftersome remote video camera work, abreak in the pipe was confirmed.

The furnace oil UST and piping wassubsequently removed and 1,200 tonnesof furnace oil impacted soil were re-moved beneath the pipe break and aroundthe UST. Unfortunately, a significantamount of furnace oil was determined tohave migrated directly beneath D Wing.Interior sumps and sewers were inspectedand temporary oil recovery/groundwatertreatment measures were immediatelyimplemented, where necessary.

Subsurface InvestigationExp conducted a detailed forensic in-

vestigation to determine the most likelycause of the pipe break and calculatedthat approximately 22,000 L of furnaceoil had leaked into the subsurface envi-ronment. Due to pending legal actions

mately 0.03 m/m. The furnace oil plume was found to

have migrated beneath 75% of the DWing building footprint and towards theadjacent off-site apartment buildingproperty, located approximately 50 m tothe south. Large concrete earthquakeballast slabs situated beneath the build-ing served to channel and funnel the oil,making its delineation (and subsequentrecovery) very difficult.

StakeholdersThe hospital’s medical records, deci-

sion support, and medical affairs de-partments are located directly over thearea affected by the spill. Health andsafety issues for these departments andothers located in the new wing neededto be addressed throughout the remedi-ation process. Measures are still ongo-ing to ensure that all concerns are met.

Hospital support services such as Fa-cilities and Occupational Health andSafety were key partners in the manage-ment of the situation, as was the MontfortHospital Governance. Another importantstakeholder was the hospital’s major ten-

Aerial view of hospital.

Analyzing a complex oil spill at an Ottawa hospitalBy Dan McNicoll, Mark McCalla, Kathy O’Neill and Philippe Marleau


Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:38 PM

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Spill Management

ant, the Department of National Defense.The hospital is surrounded by a

neighbouring community whose resi-dents have their own well and septic sys-tems. Monitoring measures were put inplace and regular community communi-cation sessions were offered to addresstheir concerns. A residential apartmentbuilding is located directly to the southof the hospital, so owner and residentconcerns regarding the spread of thespill onto their property needed to be ad-dressed on an ongoing basis.

Regular communication with variousministries including Ontario Health andLong Term Care, the Ontario Ministryof the Environment (MOE), The Techni-cal Standards and Safety Authority, theCity of Ottawa and other governing bod-ies, had to be addressed. Because theproject was not fully completed at thetime of the spill event, coordination wasneeded with the general contractor andprime consultant.

Finally, as the ultimate payer, the in-surance company, the insurance adjuster,and their broker representative were in-cluded in all aspects of communicationand overall management of the situation.

Remedial options analysisBased on the findings of the subsur-

face investigation, a Remedial OptionsAnalysis (ROA) was performed to select

the most appropriate solution. The ROAincluded a comprehensive review ofavailable remedial technologies; the se-lection of four preferred technologies oroptions; preliminary cost estimates foreach option; estimates of the anticipatedoperating period; and, an estimate ofhospital staff displacement duration.

The ROA focused on a phased ap-proach to the overall site remediationprogram. The first phase was concen-trated on the recovery of furnace oilproduct. The second phase consisted ofthe establishment of the final remedia-tion objectives (i.e., background, potable/non-potable water, or site specific crite-ria). The third phase, if required, wouldbe to examine additional treatment tech-nologies that could be used to reduce thelength of time required to attain the de-sired final remediation objectives onceall of the furnace oil product had been re-covered (i.e., the addition of surfactants,oxygen releasing compounds, etc.).

Based on the site conditions, it wasagreed that the provincial potablegroundwater criteria would be used asthe remediation criteria.

The four remedial options that wereultimately selected for more detailedcosting were 1) natural attenuation; 2)multi-phase extraction (MPE); 3) partialexcavation and MPE; and 4) complete

excavation. The preferred remedial op-tion that was ultimately selected wasMPE.

MPE remediation systemExp designed the multi-phase extrac-

tion system to recover free phase furnaceoil; petroleum impacted groundwater;petroleum vapours beneath the building;and to enhance biological degradation ofthe residually impacted soil beneath thebuilding that could not be removed.

The MPE system involved the instal-lation of 16 interior recovery wellswithin the basement of the building and13 exterior recovery wells along thesouthern property boundary to preventoff-site contaminant migration. All ofthe recovery wells are equipped withpneumatic submersible pumps, whichrecover oil, water and vapours from be-neath the building and direct them to anexterior, on-site facility for treatment.

Piping from each recovery well is di-rected beneath portions of the floor,within wall cavities, and above the ceil-ing. Installation of this piping distribu-tion system within an operating hospitalrequired extensive planning, coordina-tion, security, installation of elaborateinfection control barriers, and testing todemonstrate containment and treatmentof petroleum vapours within the barriersprior to their removal.

Pilot and full scale remediationPrior to the design of the full scale

MPE system, a readily available, smallpackaged MPE unit was used on-site inorder to provide some immediate con-trol of the subfloor vapour emissions;collect and recover some of the furnaceoil product; confirm the appropriatenessof using MPE at this location; obtain sitespecific hydraulic conductivity and airpermeability measurements; assist insizing of the vacuum blowers, waterpumps, oil/water separator, etc.; and, as-sist in determining the volumes of waterand air that needed to be withdrawnfrom the subsurface for regulatory per-mitting purposes.

The pilot test successfully demon-strated that a full scale MPE systemwould be effective at this location. Site-specific soil parameters were calculatedand used in the design of a full scale,permanent MPE system. The final de-sign included three large vacuum blow-


Tank removal.

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Spill Management

An indoor air monitoring programwas implemented and is presently beingconducted on an ongoing basis, includ-ing the regular collection of indoor airsamples for laboratory analyses ofvolatile petroleum hydrocarbons (PHC)and real time, direct read, monitoring oftotal volatile organic compound (TVOC)levels.

In addition, two sophisticated, realtime TVOC monitors were installed inthe D Wing basement, which providecontinuous readings and record all read-ings on a data logger. These two unitsare equipped with audio/visible alarmsin the event of elevated readings.

Although, at present, there are noCanadian or US standards for TVOC,the Health Canada guideline indicatestarget and action levels of 1,000 and5,000 μg/m3, respectively, are being dis-cussed. The European Community indi-cates that, at a TVOC exposure over3,000 μg/m3, symptoms such as odours,irritation, and discomfort may occur andcomplaints may be expected.

Since the operation of the pilot, andsubsequent full scale, remediation sys-tem, concentrations of TVOC have de-creased and have remained stable inwhat is considered to be a normal range.

In addition to the field measure-ments, indoor air samples are collected

for laboratory analyses at nine locationsevery three months. Sample locationsare in rooms where there were previouscomplaints of odours, in unoccupiedrooms awaiting occupancy, and in areassituated above the oil plume. Analyticalresults are compared to Ontario Ministryof Labour (MOL) Occupational Expo-sure Limits and calculated MOE riskbased target levels for the tested param-eters. Over the last year, all measuredparameters were below these levels.Benzene concentrations ranged from <1μg/m3 to 3.6 μg/m3, which is much lessthan the MOL permissible occupationalexposure limit of 1,600 ug/m3.

Lastly, exp recommended that theventilation system in the basement of theD Wing be adjusted to increase the airpressure so that it is positive with respectto the subfloor. With the negative sub-floor pressure created by the MPE sys-tem, air flow within the basement is in adownward direction. This prevents po-tential vapours from migrating upwardsinto the hospital environment. To moni-tor air flow direction, there are currentlyfour manometers installed within thebasement floor that record and log thepressure difference between the officeenvironment and the subfloor regime.

MOL investigation and findingsThe local Ministry of Labour office

conducted a comprehensive investiga-tion in order to determine whether theremediation system and monitoring pro-grams were sufficient to safeguard stafffrom being exposed to unacceptablehealth risks associated with the oil spill.

After their review, the MOL con-cluded that the site remediation systemhas proven to be effective and workerexposure to airborne petroleum hydro-carbons is acceptable. There is no evi-dence to indicate that a chemical hazardpresently exists for workers at the hos-pital, due to exposure to airborne petro-leum hydrocarbons associated with thefuel oil spill.

Dan McNicoll, Mark McCalla, Kathy O’Neill and Philippe Marleau

are with exp Services Inc. For more information,


ers, 29 pneumatic submersible pumps, alarge compressor, an elaborate sedimentfiltration system, liquid and vapourphase granular activated carbon, anoil/water separator, and a sophisticatedcontrol system with remote access andalarm capabilities.

The full scale MPE remediation sys-tem was activated in January 2011 andhas proven to be very effective. To date,approximately 60% of the 22,000 L offurnace oil product spilled has been re-covered and petroleum vapour concen-trations within the hospital have beenreduced to acceptable levels.

Initial capital costs for the remedia-tion system and emergency responsemeasures were in the range of $8 to $10M, and the monitoring and maintenancecosts for the anticipated 10 to 15 yearsof operation are expected to be in therange of $10 to $15 M.

Indoor air qualityImmediately after learning of the

spill event, hospital staff became veryconcerned over their exposure to poten-tially hazardous air contaminants asso-ciated with the oil. In order to ensuretheir health and safety, the hospital en-gaged exp to conduct indoor air qualitymonitoring and provide recommenda-tions on other mitigative measures thatcould be employed.

Treatment System.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:39 PM

Kinecor and Peacock are now proud to be Wajax Industrial ComponentsWe are a nationwide distributor of industrial components providing technical solutions and services to all major industries across Canada. Over the years our company has forged itself through the contributions of numerous businesses, resulting in our present-day expertise.

Kinecor, one of Wajax Corporation’s three divisions, will now share the Wajax name. The Wajax company has existed for over 150 years and is largely recognized within the industrial sector of the Canadian economy.

Kinecor and Peacock will begin operating under the Wajax Industrial Components name on December 31st, 2011. Only the

will change; their locations will remain the same.

1.866.546.3267www.wajaxindustrial.com

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-05 4:18 PM



operational more quickly, as well as ac-celerate amelioration of past environ-mental impacts.

The Request for Proposal for the pro-ject’s first design-build-operate contract,with a 15-year operations and maintenancerequirement, will be released later thisyear. It will be for expanding and upgrad-ing the 37 ML/d Colaba WWTP, which isMumbai’s smallest treatment facility.

This plant will be constructed in ahighly built-up area. It will set the standardfor treatment plant design and operationsquality, and allow the issues to be identi-fied and addressed, that could be of higherrisk when undertaking larger projects.

Once Colaba is underway, work willbegin on the next plants: Ghatkopar (503

Alternative project deliverymodels are allowing Mumbai,India, to implement urgentlyneeded wastewater treatment

and conveyance upgrades. Most of thecity’s existing sewage, which averages3,258 million litres per day (ML/d) andpeaks at 6,624 ML/d, discharges un-treated into local watercourses and the In-dian Ocean. This degrades the localenvironment and endangers public health.

The consortium of R.V. Anderson As-sociates Limited, and Mott MacDonaldLimited from the UK, was retained by theMunicipal Corporation of Brihan Mum-bai (MCBM) in 2007 to undertake capi-tal upgrades to Mumbai’s wastewatersystem. A changing regulatory environ-ment and a decision from MCBM to im-mediately implement works that wereoriginally supposed to be deferred,greatly changed the scope of work.

The current scope includes $1 billion(CAD) worth of capital upgrades, includ-ing one new treatment facility; installa-tion of primary and secondary treatmentat seven wastewater treatment facilities,ranging from 37 ML/d to 849 ML/d;sludge stabilization and biosolids man-agement facilities for all eight plants; 10new sewage pumping stations; 19 km ofnew tunnel sewers; 25 km of sewer reha-bilitation; and 10 km of transfer tunnelsto a new 5 km ocean outfall.

A procurement strategy developed bythe consortium retained to undertake thepriority works determined that theWWTPs would be best procured throughalternative project delivery models,specifically design-build-operate.

The design-build-operate model offerscontractors flexibility in design with op-portunity for innovation, which could re-sult in significant capital and operationscost savings. More importantly, it givesMCBM time to recruit and train staff,while transferring design, construction,and operational risk to the contractor.Mumbai’s operations staff have limitedexperience with primary or secondarytreatment processes. Design-build-oper-ate will also allow the facilities to become

ML/d), Bhandup (323 ML/d) and Love-grove (493 ML/d). All design-build-op-erate contracts will be based on the guidefrom the International Federation of Con-sulting Engineers (FIDIC)’s Gold FormConditions of Contract.

Using internationally accepted formsof contract is expected to give contractorsconfidence in bidding on the project. It isanticipated that bids will be receivedfrom all over the world, which shouldprovide for a high degree of innovation.

Sanjay Devnani and Vincent Nazarethare with R.V. Anderson Associates.

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

Rendering of the 37 ML/d Colaba Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Map of Mumbai sewage disposal works project stage 2 priority works.

Alternative WWTP project delivery model is key toimproving Mumbai’s quality of life By Sanjay Devnani and Vincent Nazareth

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:39 PM

ABS Group

Ranging from 2.7 HP to 536 HP, ABSEffeX pumps provide outstanding bene-fits for optimal lifecycle economy, in-cluding long-term reliability, greaterenergy savings, excellent rag handling,and future-proof design.Visit www.abseffex.com for more information.Tel: 800-988-2610, Fax: 905-670-3709 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.absgroup.ca

ABS pumps range

ACG Technology ACG Technology

ACG Technol-ogy’s packagetreatment sys-tem offers per-formance anddurability. Itprovides sewage

treatment within a small footprint. Aer-ation, mixing and settling can be ac-complished in compact, easilytransported ISO containers, ideal for re-mote locations. Provides flexibility ofadding future parallel units, an econom-ical means of meeting the needs of anygrowing sewage loads.Tel: 905-856-1414, Fax: 905-856-6401 E-mail: [email protected]: www.acgtechnology.com

Package Treatment System

American Public University

APU offers 87 degrees

The new Grace G.E.M.MS900 Employee Moni-tor solves the problem ofemployees workingalone in remote loca-tions. The worker wearsa small battery-operatedmotion detector with apanic button. If a workeris incapacitated, the mo-

tion detector automatically goes intoalarm and a signal is sent up to 3/4 mileto the Grace receiver. An injured butconscious worker uses the panic buttonto summon help. Tel: 800-265-0182, 905-949-2741 Fax: 905-272-1866E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cdnsafety.com

Lone worker protection

American Water

American Water provides beneficialreuse of biosolids; advanced technolo-gies - Class A biosolids; mobile dewa-tering; digester, reactor, tank and lagooncleaning; confined space entry; treat-ment plant by-pass; vacuum andhaulage services; custom, mobilescreening; and free assessments andquotations. Tel: 800-846-2097E-mail: [email protected]: www.terratec.amwater.com

Biosolids management

Coalescing oil/water separators

ACG Technology’scoalescing oil/water separatorsare available incarbon steel, stain-less steel, FRP andpolypropylene con-struction. Standard

systems include air-operated diaphragmpump, air filter and floating skimmer.Adjustable weir and skimmer height pro-vides optimal oil removal and minimaldisposal volume. Standard range is 1 to50 GPM.Tel: 905-856-1414, Fax: 905-856-6401E-mail: [email protected]: www.acgtechnology.com

Phoenix Panel System

• Upgrades and optimizes all types of filters

• Installs directly over existing underdrain system

• Eliminates the need for base gravel layers

• Improves backwash flow distribution• Provides longer filter runs and

lower turbidity effluentTel: 403-255-7377, Fax: 403-255-3129E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.awifilter.comAWI

• Optimizes all types of filters• Extremely low profile; lowest available• Manufactured from corrosion-resistant

stainless steel• Variable custom orifice sizing• Custom hydraulic design• Guaranteed uniform air scour

distribution• Rapid, low-cost installationTel: 403-255-7377, Fax: 403-255-3129E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.awifilter.com

Phoenix Underdrain System

AWI

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Canadian Safety Equipment

EFLARE, the new elec-tronic road flare, elimi-nates the need forhazardous pyrotechnicroad flares with theirtoxic fumes and potentialfire hazard. TheEFLARES have 360 de-gree high visibility LEDbeacons with flash orsteady-on capabilities inorange, red, green, blueand white. They are in-

trinsically safe, with up to 80 hour bat-tery life and low battery indicator. Tel: 1-800-265-0182, 905-949-2741,Fax: 905-272-1866E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.cdnsafety.com

Electronic road flares

American Public University (APU) has87 online degrees. Our tuition is far lessthan other top online universities so youcan further your education withoutbreaking the bank. Learn more aboutone of the best values in online educa-tion.Web: www.studyatAPU.com/ESE.

Canadian Safety Equipment


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Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine72 | September 2011PPro

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Endress + Hauser

The new CSF48water sampler fromEndress+Hauser setsthe benchmark inwater quality moni-toring. Choose be-tween vacuum orperistaltic pumping, and multiple sam-pling routines. Opt for the two indus-trial digital sensors (expanding to eightin future) and connect to the SCADAwith the latest communications proto-cols. This is a complete monitoring andcollection solution for today’s industrialrequirements.Tel: 905-681-9292, Fax: 905-681-9444 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ca.endress.com

Next generation water sampler

Fluid Metering

Fluid Metering,Inc. has intro-duced theirNEW Chlo-ritrol™ valve-less metering

system for accurate, maintenance-freeinjection of liquid sodium and calciumhypochlorite for purification of munici-pal drinking water and other sanitizingoperations.The Chloritrol has been fieldtested in very demanding applications,and demonstrated that it exceeds per-formance expectations. Tel: 800-223-3388, 516-922-6050 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.chloritrol.com

New liquid hypochlorite injection system

Halogen Valve Systems

The TerminatorActuator emer-gency shutoffsystem sequen-tially closes 150lb. cylindervalves containingtoxic gas in lessthan three sec-onds, when acti-

vated from remote sensors andswitches. The operator corrects the con-dition, checks the facility, and thenmanually resets the valve before restart-ing the gas system. Tel: 877-476-4222, Fax (949) 261-5033E-mail: [email protected]: www.halogenvalve.com

Emergency gas shutoff

Heron Instruments

The dipper-TWater Level in-dicator fromHeron Instru-ments has a yel-low, flexible,high tensilesteel tape jack-eted with heavyduty polyethyl-ene, in lengths

up to 3,000 ft. Tape damage is pre-vented by a unique link between thetape and probe. In the event of theprobe becoming stuck in the well thelink releases the probe, preventing overstressing the tape. Tel: 800-331-2032E-mail: [email protected]: www.heroninstruments.com

Water level indicator

Denso Bitumen Mastic is a high buildsingle component, cold applied liquidbituminous coating that is used to pro-vide economical corrosion protection onburied pipes, valves, flanges and under-ground storage tanks. Denso BitumenMastic is self-priming, VOC compliantand can be applied by brush, roller orspray. Tel: 416-291-3435, Fax: 416-291-0898E-mail: [email protected]: www.densona.comDenso

Corrosion protection

Greatario Engineered Storage Systems

The JetMix Vortex Mixing System canbe used for sludge mixing, anaerobicdigester mixing, and aerobic digestermixing. Among the advantages of thesystem are: minimal tank obstructions;easy cleaning, loading/unloading; idealfor varying liquid levels; simplifiedmaintenance; easy retrofitting; and, fi-nally, its ‘as needed operation’. Tel: 519-469-8169, Fax: 519-469-8157E-mail: [email protected]: www.greatario.com

Vortex mixing system

H2Flow

H2FLOW offersPinnacle’s revo-lutionary Zenithozone systems,producing up to600 lbs/day (5%wt.) per unit.With their highlyefficient design,they can be

turned up/down for 100% dosage vari-ability. They are built with solid compo-nents, are rugged, proven, extremelycompact, and water cooled, with noyearly maintenance.Tel: 905-660-9775, Fax: 905-660-9744E-mail: [email protected]: www.h2flow.com

Ozone systems

The YSI Profes-sional Plus hand-held multi-parameter meterprovides extremeflexibility for themeasurement of avariety of combi-nations for dis-solved oxygen,conductivity, spe-cific conductance,salinity, resistivity,total dissolved

solids (TDS), pH, ORP, pH/ORP combi-nation, ammonium (ammonia), nitrate,chloride and temperature.Web: www.hoskin.ca

Multiparameter meter

Hoskin Scientific

Denso

Proven worldwidefor well over 100years, DensoPetrolatum Tapesoffer the best,most economical,

long-term corrosion protection for allabove and below ground metal surfaces.Requiring only minimum surface prepa-ration and environmentally responsible,Denso Petrolatum Tape is the solution toyour corrosion problems in any corro-sive environment. For applications inmines, mills, refineries, steel mills, pulp& paper, oil & gas, and the waterworksindustry. The answer is Denso!Tel: 416-291-3435, Fax: 416-291-0898E-mail: [email protected]: www.densona.com

Denso Petrolatum Tapes

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Hydro International

Sludge screen

The YSIProODOTM hand-held DO meterprovides extremedurability for themeasurement ofoptical, lumines-cent-based dissolved oxygenfor any field application.

Web:www.hoskin.ca

Hand-held DO meter

Hoskin Scientific Huber Technology

The RoS3Q Inclined Screw Press fromHuber Technology provides high per-formance sludge dewatering in a com-pact, entirely enclosed machine. Itprovides efficient and reliable operationwith minimal operator attendance. Theslow rotational design is simple and en-ergy-efficient. Tel: 541-929-9387, Fax: 541-929-9487E-mail: [email protected]: www.huber-technology.com

Inclined screw press

Huber Technology

With more than 700 installations, HuberTechnology’s Strainpress® InlineSludge Screen is designed to effectivelyscreen sludge in pressurized lines. It re-duces maintenance costs and increasesthe operating reliability of downstreamsludge treatment systems. The Strain-press is precision manufactured ofstainless steel. Tel: 541-929-9387, Fax: 541-929-9487E-mail: [email protected]: www.huber-technology.com

Inline sludge screen

Based on the clog-free Flygt N-pumps, the newFlygt jet aeratorfrom ITT Water &Wastewater has be-come easier to in-stall and maintain.The major changesin the new genera-tion jet aerators are:

an improved lift in, lift out structure, anda strengthened stand equipped with rub-ber dampers. Available with up to threeejectors, the Flygt jet aerator is a flexibleaeration solution for small- and medium-sized tanks. Tel: 514-695-0100, Fax: 514-697-0602Web: www.ittwww.ca

New jet aerators

ITT Water & Wastewater


WEDECO Ozone Generators from ITTWater & Wastewater eliminate pollu-tants, coloured substances, odours andmicro-organisms without creating harm-ful byproducts. They are compact in de-sign to reduce overall footprint, andprovide reduced energy consumptionper unit of ozone production.Tel: 514-695-0100, Fax: 514-697-0602Web: www.ittwww.ca

Chemical-free water treatment


ITT’s newWEDECO EC-ORAY® ultravi-olet lamps offersignificant sav-ings in opera-tion and lifecycle costs. The UV lamps incorporate anew long-life coating and improvedoverall stability and performance. Aninnovative gas and amalgam mixture inthe lamp utilizes up to 80 percent lessmercury. Corresponding electronic bal-last cards have been fine-tuned to thespecific requirements of ECORAY lampaging characteristics.Tel: 514-695-0100, Fax: 514-697-0602Web: www.ittwww.ca

New amalgam UV lamps

KSB’s Amarex Ncompact mainte-nance-friendlysubmersiblepumps provideoptimized hy-draulic systemand higher effi-

ciency which guarantee reduced energycost. The single cast housing for motorand pump prevents leakage. Differentnon-clogging impellers are available tohandle solids, fibres or dissolved gasesfor economical operation. Maximumflow rate is 53 l/s.Tel: 905-568-9200E-mail: [email protected]: www.ksb.ca

Submersible pumps

IDEAL Pipe

Streamliner CR relining pipe from IdealPipe is a strong, light corrugated HDPEpipe designed to ‘streamline’ the up-grading of old metal culverts. In-placerelining with Streamliner CR eliminatesthe trouble and expense of road recon-struction, while improving drainagethrough the culvert. Tel: 800-265-7098 Web: www.idealpipe.ca

Relining pipe

KSB Pumps

The Hydro-Sludge™ Screen is an in-line pressurized device that screenstramp material from sludge and dewa-ters the material in one operation. Theenclosed system reduces odour prob-lems, has no washwater requirements,and works on primary, secondary orcombined sludges. Tel: 866-615-8130, Fax: 503-615-2906E-mail: [email protected]: www.hydro-international.biz

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Markland Specialty Engineering

This “SIMPLERSAMPLER” auto-mates sampling,even in freezingtemperatures. Inherently explo-sion-proof, it usescompressed air,

not pumps, pushing samples up 24+mlifts/along 30+m runs. The same con-troller can sample multiple sites simultaneously. This versatile instrumentfacilitates monitoring for regulatory compliance.Tel: 1-855-873-7791, Fax: 905-873-6012E-mail: [email protected]: www.sludgecontrols.com

Automatic Duckbill sampler

MegaDome

Clear span buildings

Every square foot of space is profitablein a MegaDome building. Ranging from30’ to 125’ wide and with no limitationto its length, MegaDome provides a pro-duction or storage area built in accor-dance with all building codes in yourarea. Tel: 888-427-6647, Fax: 450-756-8389E-mail: [email protected]: www.megadomebuildings.com

MSU Mississauga

MSU MGSafety Hatches- the open andshut case forhatch stan-dards. With single, doubleand multi-doorconfigurationsin aluminum

and stainless steel, they are made righthere in Canada. Check us out on the web www.msumississauga.comTel: 1-800-268-5336, Fax: 1-888-220-2213 E-mail: [email protected]

Safety hatches

MJ International & Associates

ArmorGalv is an environment-friendlyprocess that offers superior corrosion pro-tection and wear resistance, as well as anti-galling properties. It coats and penetratesthe surface of any type of steel, becomingintegrated with the part. An excellent alter-native for toxic coatings.E-mail: [email protected]: www.armorgalv.com

ArmorGalv® thermal diffusionenvironment-friendly cost

effective corrosion protection

MSU Mississauga

MSU MG Safety Hatches set the standard in Canada for fall-through protection. They withstand pedestrian and occasional traffic loads. With single,double and multi-door configurations inaluminum and stainless steel, they aremade in Canada. Tel: 1-800-268-5336, Fax: 1-888-220-2213 E-mail: [email protected]: www.msumississauga.com

Safety hatches

National Ground Water Association

The National Ground Water Associationis the hallmark organization for anyoneaffiliated with the groundwater industry.NGWA's purpose is to provide guidanceto members, government representa-tives, and the public, for sound scien-tific, economic, and beneficial develop-ment, protection, and management ofthe world's groundwater resources.E-mail: [email protected]: www.ngwa.org

Association for groundwater industry

ProMinent Fluid Controls

Metering pump

The award-winningdelta® withoptoDrive®provides di-verse controland operatingcapabilities ina capacity

range of 7.5 - 75 l/h, 362 psi - 29 psi.The delta from ProMinent has many ad-vanced features: pulsed or continuousdosing; automatic detection of airlock,low pressure and high pressure; and anautomatic degassing option.Tel: 888-709-9933, Fax: 519-836-5226E-mail: [email protected]: www.prominent.ca/delta

ProMinent Fluid Controls

Metering pumps

Feature-richand dependableSigma seriesmeteringpumps fromProMinent helpkeep yourchemical feedunder control.

Sigma pumps operate in capacities of upto 1000 LPH and pressures up to 174psi. Microprocessor controls are easy touse, with backlit LCD for rapid and reli-able adjustment.

Tel: 888-709-9933, Fax: 519-836-5226E-mail: [email protected]: www.prominent.ca

Sanitherm hasperfected con-tainerizing theirSaniBrane®MBR. The containerizedSaniBrane isportable, providesexcellent effluenton start-up, is op-

erator friendly and comes pre-wired, pre-plumbed and tested. The system foranywhere needing reliable waste treat-ment with a small footprint!

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Smith & Love-less Inc. an-nounces itslatest headworksinnovation,PISTA®

WORKS™, a pre-engineered packagedheadworks system, combining screen-ing, grit removal and grit washing intoone integrated system. It is pre-assem-bled and shipped direct to the job site,significantly reducing field-installationcosts, while allowing for a compactfootprint. All equipment componentsare constructed of stainless steel. Tel: 913-888-5201, Fax: 913-888-2173E-mail: [email protected]: www.smithandloveless.com

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Waterloo Barrier is alow permeability cutoffwall for groundwatercontainment and con-trol. It is a new design ofsteel 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

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Waterloo Biofilters® are efficient, modular trickling filters for residentialand communal sewage wastewaters, andlandfill leachate. Patented, lightweight,synthetic filter media optimize physicalproperties for microbial attachment and water retention. The self-containedmodular design for communal use is now available in 20,000L/d and 40,000L/dISO shipping container units - ready toplug in on-site. Tel: 519-856-0757, Fax: 519-856-0759E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.waterloo-biofilter.com

Westeel

Westeel's C-Ring Contain-ment Systemsare ideal forpetrochemical,frac waterstorage, oiland gas, fertil-izer, haz-

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Containment system

Solinst Canada

With absolute precision, the new Level-ogger® Edge records up to 120,000water level and temperature data pointsusing new linear compression sampling.It offers improved temperature compen-sation, reduced thermal response times,accuracy of 0.05% FS, 24 bit resolution,a 10-year battery, corrosion-resistant ti-tanium coating, and Hastelloy pressuresensor. Tel: 905-873-2255, Fax: 905-873-1992E-mail: [email protected]: www.solinst.com

Water level data logger

Waterra currently has three Inline Dis-posable Filter options available: the 0.45Micron high turbidity FHT-45, the 0.45Micron medium turbidity FMT-45, andthe 0.2 Micron CAP300X2. All our fil-ters use high quality polyethersulphonefilter media (which offers excellent par-ticle retention above the target micronsize range) and are pre-rinsed with 1Lof de-ionized water to ensure purity. Tel: 905-238-5242, Fax: 905-238-5704E-mail: [email protected]: www.waterra.com

Mechanical actuators

Waterra

The portable,electrically oper-ated Hydrolifthas been one ofthe most popularmechanical actu-ators for the Wa-terra InertialPump, and we'vebeen working tomake it better.Today, the im-proved Hydrolift

is more durable and easier to use and,most importantly, more affordable thanever.Tel: 905-238-5242, Fax: 905-238-5704E-mail: [email protected]: www.waterra.com

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WFP campaign offers achance to win a trip

Water For People (WFP) has launched aCrowdrise.com campaign to raise $2 mil-lion. Instead of just donating their money,a generous group of Water For Peopledonors are leveraging their $1 millionpledge by also challenging supporters toraise another $1 million. The two-month“Donate to Drink,” campaign, which willrun through October 31, 2011, began witha $150,000 donation from CH2M HILL,a long-time supporter of WFP.

Those who create fundraising pages onwww.crowdrise.com/donatetodrink andcollect $1,000 in donations will be en-tered in a draw for a trip for two to join aWFP volunteer expedition in Rwanda.

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Unprecedented response toWERF research program

The Water Environment Research Foun-dation (WERF) received an unprece-dented number of pre-proposals seeking

Neptune Chemical Pump Co.North Wales, PA

Tel: 888-3NEPTUNE or 215-699-8700E-Mail: [email protected]

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Polymaster™ System Now CSA Listed

The POLYMASTER™ liquid polymer mix-ing/diluting system complies with bothUL778 and CSA C22.2 No. 108-01 stan-dards. The system thoroughly activatesemulsion, dispersion and solution poly-mers, including new high molecular weightliquid polymers, and can produce dilute so-lution (0.1% – 2.0%) at rates up to 50 gpm.The patented “Gatlin” is a motorized mixingchamber that segments the polymer intoultra-thin film for maximum activation. Thissystem is unique in that the degree of ac-tivation is not affected by fluctuating waterpressures.

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Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:40 PM


funding for stormwater management re-search under its 2011 Unsolicited Re-search Program.

WERF Director of Research, DanWoltering points out, however, that whilestormwater management may be a hotissue, utilities continue to face new chal-lenges on many fronts. These includewastewater operations, energy, asset man-agement, nutrient removal and recovery,and the effects of trace organic com-pounds. He also noted an increase in theamount of leverage, or in-kind funding,offered in the pre-proposals.

www.werf.org

Canada and Alberta join in WWTP public-private

partnership

The Government of Canada will con-tribute up to $9.95 million through the P3Canada Fund towards the Evan-ThomasWater and Wastewater Treatment Facilityproject in Kananaskis County, Alberta.Alberta’s innovative P3 procurement ap-proaches for delivering schools and roadshave proven successful. Now, in coopera-tion with PPP Canada, a P3 template isbeing established for water and waste-water infrastructure projects.

Once selected, the private sector part-ner will design, construct and provide par-tial financing for the Evan-Thomasfacility project. The partner will also beresponsible for operations and mainte-nance of the new water treatment plant,the new wastewater treatment plant, andthe water storage and distribution sys-tems, for 10 years after construction iscompleted. Ownership of the facility willrest with the Alberta government.

BC approves Vancouverʼssolid waste management

plan

The British Columbia government has ap-proved a solid waste management plan forMetro Vancouver that minimizes garbagegeneration, maximizes recycling, and in-cludes the addition of several conditionsto ensure the environment is protected.The plan includes:

• New goals for diverting 70 per centof the region’s waste through recycling,


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composting and other programs by 2015.• Strategies for reducing the amount of

waste produced by 10 per cent by 2020.• A range of options to deal with the

greatly reduced waste stream, that thisplan will produce.

The ministry thoroughly reviews anysolid waste management plan, to ensure itmeets all rules for waste management.This includes a requirement for reductionand recycling, before land filling orwaste-to-energy options are considered.Local governments are required to consultthe public, and First Nations, before sub-mitting their plan.

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Charlottetownʼs water and sewer systems to be

improved

The Prince Edward Island government iscommitted to working with the City ofCharlottetown and the federal governmentto ensure that improvements are made towater and sewer systems, Last year, theCity commissioned a study on separatingthe combined system, with the under-standing that the province supported theproject.

“The province has been on-side withthis for quite some time,” said Environ-ment, Energy and Forestry Minister,Richard Brown. “Now that the City agreesthat improvements are a priority, we canpresent a unified case to the federal gov-ernment, and get the work underway assoon as possible.”

Once funding is finalized, current esti-mates suggest that the project will takeroughly three years.

Combined storm systems are no longerbeing built in Canada. In February 2009,the Canadian Council of Ministers of theEnvironment endorsed a national strategyand a call for stricter regulations for waste-water management, to protect humanhealth and the environment.

Ontario Government releases annual drinking

water report

The Ontario government’s Annual Reporton Drinking Water 2011 highlights keyachievements and successes in protectingdrinking water.

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The province is making progress incleaning up its Great Lakes. Lake Erie'sWheatley Harbour was removed as anArea of Concern and Lake Superior'sJackfish Bay was changed from an Areaof Concern to an Area in Recovery. Thehealth of Lake Simcoe is improving. Thegoal of the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan'sphosphorus reduction strategy is to reducephosphorus from 72 to 44 tonnes per year.

According to the report, the new WaterOpportunities and Water ConservationAct is helping Ontario develop innovativewater technologies which create jobs. In2011, Ontario provided $7 million forlandowners to take action to protect theirdrinking water sources through the On-tario Drinking Water Stewardship Pro-gram. The Chief Drinking WaterInspector's Annual Report 2009-2010shows 99.88 per cent of drinking watertests, reported by municipal residentialdrinking water systems, met Ontario'sdrinking water quality standards.

Explosion at TorontoWWTP

A minor explosion occurred at the Ash-bridges Bay wastewater treatment planton September 17. Toronto Water con-firmed that a fire started at the pelletizerfacility at the treatment plant at about 8:45a.m. The pelletizer is operated by VeoliaWater Canada Inc. on behalf of the city,turning biosolids into pellets that the com-pany sells as fertilizer.

Veolia Water released a statement thatconfirmed the incident, saying there wereno injuries or environmental damage, andthe proper officials had been notified. Ac-cording to Toronto Fire, a pellet-dryingmachine suffered extensive damage in theincident. The Ontario Fire Marshal hasbeen called in to investigate the explosion.In 2003, a five-alarm fire gutted a pellet-making facility at the plant.

Oil Sands project to recycleup to 97% of facilityʼs water

Grizzly Oil Sands ULC has selected GE’sproduced water evaporation technologyfor its Algar Lake project near Fort Mc-Murray, Alberta. Phase 1 of the AlgarLake Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage

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Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:41 PM


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(SAGD) project will produce 5,000-6,000barrels per day of bitumen. By using GE’sprocess, it will recycle up to 97 percent ofthe produced water.

GE also is also providing the AlgarLake SAGD project with system design,equipment, instruments and controls,training and site support. GE will deliverequipment to the site in the first half of2012, with installation and commission-ing scheduled for the second half of 2012.

ITT completes acquisitionof YSI

ITT Corporation has completed its acqui-sition of YSI Incorporated, forming awater-focused analytics business with an-nual revenues of approximately $300 mil-lion. YSI, which was founded in 1948, isa developer and manufacturer of sensors,instruments, software, and data collectionplatforms for environmental water moni-toring.

Gretchen McClain, president of ITT'sFluid and Motion Control business, willbecome chief executive officer of Xylem,the new stand-alone water company,which is separating in a spinoff from ITTlater this year.

www.itt.com

Quebec takes major step in meeting Great Lakes

agreement

Québec’s government has announced twodraft regulations that will help it to meetits commitments under the Great Lakes—St. Lawrence River Basin SustainableWater Resources Agreement.

The first regulation deals with the au-thorization framework for projects entail-ing the transfer of water from the St.Lawrence River basin. The second regu-lation amends water withdrawal declara-tion rules.

The Agreement exists to foster sus-tainability by ensuring that water with-drawals are managed by taking intoaccount their cumulative impact and byestablishing a strict framework for grant-ing limited exceptions to the prohibitionon transferring water out of the basin.

Quebec’s Water Act, adopted in June2009, confirms the legal status of water

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:41 PM


resources and stipulates the responsibili-ties of the government as guardian of theresource on behalf of the population.

www.mddep.gouv.qc.ca

Human pathogen killingFlorida Key coral

A research team from Rollins College inFlorida and the University of Georgia hasidentified human sewage as the source ofthe coral-killing pathogen that causes whitepox disease of Caribbean elkhorn coral.

The team has known since 2002 thatthe bacterium that killed coral was thesame species as found in humans, Serra-tia marcescens. In order to determine asource for the pathogen, the research teamcollected and analyzed human samplesfrom the wastewater treatment facility inKey West and samples from several otheranimals, such as Key deer and seagulls.

While Serratia marcescens was foundin these other animals, genetic analysesshowed that only the strain from humansewage matched the strain found in whitepox diseased corals on the reef. The finalpiece of the investigative puzzle was toshow that this unique strain was patho-genic to corals.

With funding from Florida’s Mote Ma-rine Laboratory “Protect Our Reefs” grantprogram, the team conducted challengeexperiments by inoculating fragments ofcoral with the strain found in both humansand corals to see if it would cause disease.The strain caused disease in elkhorn coralin five days.

This research reveals a new diseasepathway, from humans to wildlife, whichis the opposite of the traditional wildlife-to-human disease transmission model.Movement of pathogens from wildlife tohumans is well documented—for exam-ple, bird flu or HIV—but the movementof disease-causing microbes from humansto marine invertebrates has never beenshown before.

The entire Florida Keys is in theprocess of upgrading local wastewatertreatment plants, and these measuresshould eliminate this bacterium source.

Peter Laughton honouredby WEAO

Long time Environmental Science &Engineering Editorial Advisory BoardMember, Peter J. Laughton, P.Eng., wasrecently awarded the 2011 Geoffrey T.G.Scott Memorial Award, by the Water En-vironment Association of Ontario at itsannual conference in Toronto.

For over four decades, Mr. Laughtonhas been widely known for his contribu-tions as a consultant to the water environ-ment industry in Canada and abroad, withR.V. Anderson Associates Limited, andmore recently as a sole practitioner. He isalso admired for his contributions as avolunteer for professional organizations,serving on the board and as an officer forthe Water Environment Association ofOntario, the Canadian Association onWater Quality, the President’s ExecutiveCommittee of the Water EnvironmentFederation, and on the Governing Boardof the International Water Association.

But it is for his volunteer leadership inchampioning university level education inthe water environment industry in Canadaand abroad, that he was nominated for thisaward, by Tom Davey, Founding Editor ofES&E Magazine.

As a graduate of the University ofToronto, Mr. Laughton went back as aguest lecturer year after year, starting inthe 1970s, to teach both undergraduateand graduate students the practical appli-cations of their environmental engineer-ing studies, based on his experiences as aconsulting engineer.

Mr. Laughton did not limit his com-mitment to university education to theUniversity of Toronto alone. He was alsoa guest lecturer at McMaster Universityin Hamilton, Ontario, and more recentlyat the University of Montreal in Quebec.He was a graduate of Ryerson, where healso served for many years as a volunteer


Peter Laughton (right) with ES&E publisherSteve Davey at a recent 5S meeting.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:41 PM

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Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine

in various capacities, starting in 1984 atthe Faculty of Engineering and AppliedScience, on the Civil Engineering Advi-sory Committee. The school honouredhim with a Doctor of Engineering – Hon-oris Causa in 1997.

As a result of his efforts and leader-ship, Peter J. Laughton has inspired count-less students and engineers to make theircareers in the water environment industry.According to Gail Scott, who presentedthe award, “Peter Laughton is a truechampion of advancing the mission of thewater environment industry and a worth-while candidate for the Geoffrey T.G.Scott Memorial Award.”

Nanomaterials provideboost to biosolids dewaterability and

odor reduction

Could nanoscale additives be the nextbig thing in biosolids management?Findings from a recently completedWater Environment Research Founda-tion project, investigating the use ofnanomaterials to address biosolids odorsand dewaterability, suggest that thesetiny particles hold tremendous potentialfor wastewater treatment.

Despite being no more than 100nanometers (nm) in any one dimension,nanomaterials have proportionately highsurface areas. At nanoscale many materi-als are far more reactive than their conven-tional-sized counterparts, often interactingwith the surrounding medium in ways notpossible with larger particles.

Because of their unique properties,nanomaterials have recently replaceddissolved, micron-sized forms in severalindustrial and commercial products, andmany hold promise for improving dewa-tering and reducing odors in biosolidsprocessing operations.

The project conducted preliminaryexperiments on nearly a dozen differentnanomaterials as additives to determinetheir ability to improve dewatering andreduce odor production in the cake. Sam-ples of biosolids were dewatered in thelaboratory, and the resulting cake sam-ples were stored for odorant analyses.The major odor-causing gases studiedwere the volatile organic sulfur com-pounds (VOSCs), mainly methyl mer-captan and dimethyl sulfide.

Researchers then studied nanomater-ial characteristics for the factors whichimpact dewatering and odor production.In general, the nanomaterial additives re-duced the optimum polymer dose and in-creased the amount of resulting cakesolids. Researchers also observed sub-stantial reduction in the production ofVOSCs.

Following their initial analysis, theteam then performed detailed dewateringand odor production studies using threeadditives selected from the screeningtests. The dewatering studies focused onthe effect of polymer type on dewateringusing the nanoadditives. Polymers ofhigh, medium, and low charge-densitywere used with the nanoadditives for de-watering return activated sludge and di-gested sludge from two Pennsylvaniautilities. Depending upon the source ofsludge, the researchers observed between20 to 60 percent reduction in optimalpolymer dose, with a 10 to 20 percent in-crease in cake solids.

Odor reduction proved just as success-ful. Researchers observed 30 to 70 percentreduction in the production of VOSCs.Moreover, the nanoparticles that led to thereduction of odorant production did not in-hibit generation of methanogenic bacteria.This interesting outcome is highly desir-able because methanogenic bacteria helpto deodorize cake during storage, and re-search has shown that odors are worsewhen methanogens are inhibited.

In addition to these benefits, addi-tional work associated with the WERFproject Wastewater Treatment Plant De-sign and Operations Modifications toImprove Management of BiosolidsOdors and Sudden Increases in IndicatorOrganisms (SRSK4T08) has shown thatone of the nanoadditives was able to in-hibit regrowth of indicator bacteria afterdewatering. This is important for utilitiesthat are experiencing regrowth issues intheir cake, which can lead to exceedanceof regulatory requirements for fecal col-iforms.

Although the researchers observed astrong correlation between the charac-teristics of the sludge and those of thenanoscale additives, further studies arerequired to better understand the mecha-nisms involved during nanoadditive-aided dewatering.

Sept2011_2_Layout 1 11-10-04 9:41 PM

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Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine September-October 2011

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Transcript of Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine September-October 2011