Cold Lake Regional Utilities Services Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Feasibility Study
The City of Cold Lake studied the feasibility of different wastewater treatment systems to improve effluent quality. Its existing system - four treatment lagoons - was nearing capacity and was harming the environment through its discharges into the Beaver River.
A purely mechanical treatment system would be very expensive, so the city wanted to include a vegetative process to remove nutrients. The study team's recommendation was to combine moving-bed biofilm reactors with the lagoon process. Moving-bed biofilm reactors are relatively new to North America; they use a honeycomb-like medium to increase surface area for the microorganisms that remove nutrients.
The city, through the regional utilities commission, hoped to undertake a small-scale pilot project to test the treatment system, especially in winter conditions.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
4.6 tonnes less phosphorus and 16.1 tonnes less nitrogen discharged into the river per year
Protection of the aquatic ecosystem
System cost is $33.7 million, versus $100 million for full-scale mechanical treatment
Moving-bed biofilm media can be bought in stages as the population grows
Significant improvement in river water quality
Increased enjoyment of a more aesthetically pleasing waterway
Challenges
There was a lack of data on water quality in the Beaver River, which was needed to determine the level of treatment necessary.
It was difficult to get confirmation of new effluent limits from regulating authorities.
Cold Lake's northern climate raises questions about whether moving-bed biofilm reactors will work year-round.
Lessons learned
Do a thorough search of the technologies out there so that you have confidence in your choice of system.
Allow at least 12 to 14 months for a study like this, as the receiving water may need to be sampled at different times of year.
Tertiary treatment or nutrient removal from municipal wastewater will seem expensive, but it is necessary for the health of the receiving water bodies.
Kevin Nagoya
Chief Administrative Officer
City of Cold Lake, AB
T. 780-594-4494, ext. 7930
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You can use various techniques to find out whether a suspected brownfield site contains contaminated soil or groundwater. These techniques usually require drilling groundwater wells and extracting soil samples throughout the site, then sending them for laboratory analysis. Using sustainable techniques, especially for large sites, can reduce the energy use, waste generation and emissions associated with drilling, sampling and transportation.
Suggested sustainable approaches to site assessments and associated benefits
Assessment planning
Sustainable approaches
Benefits
Find opportunities to combine sampling, analysis and remediation of material in one step
Reduces air emissions
Minimizes waste
Conserves energy or fuel
Thoroughly review historical data and previous site investigations to avoid duplicating efforts.
Reduces air emissions
Minimizes waste
Conserves energy or fuel
Well drilling
Sustainable approaches
Benefits
Where feasible, use remote sensing to minimize drilling and sampling (see remote sensing)
Minimizes waste
Conserves energy or fuel
Hire local drillers to minimize long-distance transport.
Reduces air emissions
Conserves energy or fuel
Use methods that minimize waste and generate less dust (see direct-push well drilling).
Reduces air emissions
Minimizes waste
Recycle waste materials from drilling processes.
Minimizes waste
Use biofuels or low-emission fuels to power vehicles and drill equipment.
Reduces air emissions
Minimize vehicle and equipment idling.
Reduces air emissions
Conserves energy or fuel
Soil and groundwater sampling
Sustainable approaches
Benefits
Use renewable energy (solar, wind) to power sampling equipment (see renewable energy).
Reduces air emissions
Conserves energy or fuel
Hire local contractors for sampling.
Reduces air emissions
Conserves energy or fuel
Sample analysis
Sustainable approaches
Benefits
Use portable, on-site analytical devices (see portable analytical instruments).
Reduces air emissions
Conserves energy or fuel
Use local laboratories if portable, on-site analytical devices are not viable.
Reduces air emissions
Conserves energy or fuel
Transmit data remotely from on-site instruments to office sites (see remote data collection).
Reduces air emissions
Conserves energy or fuel
Examples of sustainable assessment techniques
Remote sensing refers to non-intrusive techniques that can be used at some sites to determine the site geology and, in some cases, contaminated areas, without extracting samples. Geophysical techniques such as ground-penetrating radar can be used to detect general site features and can help to reduce the amount of drilling and sampling required. However, the feasibility of using remote sensing techniques depends on the characteristics of the site.
Direct-push well drilling can save time and costs compared to conventional rotary drilling techniques. This technique does not require the drilling fluids used in conventional techniques and does not generate waste drill cuttings that often need to be disposed of off-site. Direct-push drilling also allows for soil and groundwater samples to be collected as the well is drilled, reducing additional time and costs associated with conventional sampling.
Renewable energy can be used to power on-site sampling and analytical equipment. Wind and solar systems can be used with a battery backup to operate meteorological stations, air emission sensors, and mobile laboratory equipment.
Portable analytical instruments are readily available to easily and quickly analyze samples in the field. These instruments vary from hand-held equipment to more rigorous systems that may require a mobile laboratory to provide a more controlled environment to analyze samples. These instruments eliminate the time and cost of shipping samples to an off-site laboratory. Two of the most common portable analytical instruments are portable gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for organic compounds and x-ray fluorescence for metals.
Remote data collection allows for data to be monitored automatically and transmitted to a project office through solar-powered telemetry systems. These on-site analytical instruments can be used for site investigations as well as site monitoring once remediation begins.
Want to know more?
Consult the site assessment and investigation sections of these reports:
The Town of Ladysmith commissioned three studies of contamination at a former industrial site on its waterfront, to review options for remediation.
A geotechnical study looked at subsurface soil and groundwater conditions. It found extensive coal waste that was at risk of becoming liquid and destabilizing the ground during a seismic event. The study made recommendations for ground improvement to mitigate the seismic hazard and erosion caused by ocean wave action.
An environmental site investigation and a marine sediment study assessed the soil and groundwater. It found contaminants including oils, fuels and contaminants associated with coal waste, rail yards and shipping.
The town is considering an application from a private developer to remediate and redevelop the site, and has agreed to involve the Stz'uminus First Nation as a partner in any redevelopment.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
24 acres of municipal land and 68 acres of provincial Crown land remediated
Contaminated marine sediment cleaned up
Ladysmith Harbour ecology improved
One-time return from sale of municipal land and flows of property tax revenues
Local economy revitalized by redevelopment
Shellfish industry revitalized by harbour remediation
MOU to collaborate with Stz'uminus First Nation in redevelopment
Potential to highlight First Nations culture as a feature of redeveloped area
Community revitalization through mixed-use development
Challenges
Both the province and the town had many other projects underway at the time, reducing capacity for the study.
The town had to make an application for additional drilling to determine the extent of the contamination.
The involvement of three jurisdictions (the municipality, the province and the First Nation) complicated the process.
The area was inhabited at the time of the study.
Lessons learned
Meet regularly and communicate well with partners.
When multiple jurisdictions are involved, partnership is the key to success: everyone has a piece of the puzzle.
Reach out to provincial agencies until the right partner (the department best equipped to move the project through regulatory processes) is found.
Make sure the community understands what is happening at the site - the what, why and how of the research.
As part of a plan to build a University of Waterloo satellite campus next to its downtown core, the City of Stratford completed a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment and Remedial Action Plan for the Cooper Site, a 7-hectare former industrial site. The research team sampled soil and groundwater to determine the level of contamination at the site-particularly metals, petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). They did a risk assessment for several development scenarios, examining potential off-site impacts and liability. They also explored options for remediation.
The study identified contaminants in the soil and fill materials but showed that the migration of contaminants in groundwater was not as significant as expected, therefore large-scale groundwater remediation was not needed.
To remediate the area proposed for the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus, the city processed and re-used the majority of the contaminated material and soil as a railway screening berm elsewhere on the property (a more cost-effective and practical solution than transporting it all to landfill). The University of Waterloo built the first phase of its Stratford Campus on the remediated portion of the land and opened the campus in October 2012.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Contaminated soil removed from Block 1 of the site
The majority of contaminated soil re-used as railway screening berm instead of sending to landfill
Digital focus of new University of Waterloo campus part of Stratford's economic diversification strategy
8 additional acres set aside for further university expansion
Thorough understanding of site contamination, in anticipation of further redevelopment
Abandoned brownfield converted into thriving centre of learning
New public parking available for downtown businesses and residents
Site falls within Stratford's Community Improvement Plan, which aims to upgrade downtown core
Challenges
The original timeline for the study had to be extended because of legal and logistical issues related to materials stored on the site, building conditions and complex environmental factors.
Halfway through the study, the province amended Environmental Protection Act regulations relating to the assessment and remediation of brownfield properties, requiring some adaptation.
The number of boreholes, monitoring wells, and soil and groundwater samples required were estimated for each step of the project; however the actual amounts and types changed considerably as the investigation progressed and more detailed information came to light.
Lessons learned
Communicate results on a regular basis, allowing sufficient time for all parties to review reports.
Map out each potential step in the study clearly and remain flexible as results are obtained, because each set of results may determine the next steps required.
Inform and consult with the public and stakeholders, and allow sufficient time in the project schedule to address issues of concern (such as heritage issues).
Identify and plan for potential deviations from the project scope and schedule (such as regulatory changes, legal issues and technical requirements).
The City of Grande Prairie studied the feasibility of turning a four-lane thoroughfare into a mixed-use street with bike lanes, wider sidewalks, shopping and other amenities. The six-block portion of 102nd St. would become a community hub in an inner-city neighbourhood slated for revitalization. The city determined that reducing the number of traffic lanes from four to two was feasible. The design concept will encourage cycling and walking, while enclosed bus shelters will encourage transit users. The plan will increase urban density, decrease sprawl, and build a sense of community in an inner-city neighbourhood.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Accommodates alternative modes of transportation — biking, walking, and public transit.
Catalyzes redevelopment and intensification of the inner-city core.
Urban intensification, reduced sprawl and more efficient use of infrastructure will reduce costs of municipality.
Offers an alternative to typical housing options.
Creates a new sense of community in the neighbourhood and the city.
Challenges
The city's road maintenance department viewed the proposed design as a challenge for road maintenance and snow removal.
Lessons learned
The initiative was delayed by municipal procedural requirements, information gathering, staff summer holidays, and the time needed for reviews and meetings.
Allow plenty of time to review the responses to your request for proposals. Choose a consultant who has intimate local knowledge as well as technical expertise.
Involve council members in open houses and other public consultations so they can see public reactions for themselves. This made Grand Prairie council more comfortable with the somewhat radical plan.
Holding public consultations from 4 to 8 p.m. allowed people to attend on the way home from work, rather than making a special trip after dinner.
Joe Johnson
Planning and Development Services
City of Grande Prairie
T. 780-538-0419
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
This article is part of a series calledSix sustainability ideas that have gone mainstream in Canada. Each article explores an innovative sustainability idea that may have seemed radical a decade ago but is now considered a best practice. The series features inspiring ideas and projects being implemented in Canadian cities and towns of all sizes, plus resources to help you implement these solutions in your community.
Marwayne, AB revitalized its Center Street and reduced village's carbon footprint while creating an appealing space for residents doing day-to-day business and attending public events.
Canadian municipalities are facing some critical challenges that have an enormous impact on energy consumption and resilience:
our population and infrastructure are aging
our climate is changing, resulting in more weather-related crises
our housing is less affordable and adaptable than is desirable
Low-carbon design and better land-use planning that incorporate sustainability principles can help alleviate these pressures.
What is low-carbon design?
Sustainable and low-carbon neighbourhoods are relatively compact, mixed-use communities with good access to transit that incorporate a range of housing, workplaces, parks, amenities, shops and services. In addition to sustainability, they contribute economic and social benefits to the community.
The principles of low-carbon design have been around for years but widespread acceptance has been slow. What's needed is a new development model that is both financially viable and focused on creating lasting social, economic and environmental value.
The key is to promote a shift in thinking that brings local governments, developers and community members to the same table to work toward their mutual benefit.
Design low-carbon neighbourhoods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 per cent
The benefits of this approach to land-use planning are significant.Dense, mixed-use communities can reduce:
energy use and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50 per cent
infrastructure lifecycle costs by more than 25 per cent
the risks from flooding and other related climate change impacts
This series was inspired by "From Crazy to Common Sense: 'Radical' Ideas Whose Time Have Come," a workshop that was held at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities' 2016 Sustainable Communities Conference.
Move ideas to reality: Get funding and free resources from FCM's Green Municipal Fund
Subscribe to email updates and get the resources, training, networking opportunities and funding you need from FCM's Green Municipal Fund to implement these sustainability ideas in your community.
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
FCM's Green Municipal Fund has developed this roadmap to provide a detailed overview of the process for bringing contaminated or abandoned sites back into productive use in your province.
Use this roadmap to:
Know the steps involved in a brownfield redevelopment project so you can be better prepared to avoid potential delays or cost overruns
Learn where to look for funding, including grants and incentive programs
Structure your discussions and consultations with project stakeholders
Improve your understanding of the brownfields regulatory framework in Quebec
This roadmap is designed as an easy-to-follow path to help municipalities and their partners navigate the processes, regulations and funding for brownfield redevelopment projects in Quebec.
Note: The information presented in the roadmaps is current to the publication date and may not capture all relevant programs. Please contact the responsible organizations to verify up-to-date information.
Each roadmap summarizes current provincial or territorial legislation and must not be regarded as a formal legal interpretation. Please refer to the identified legislation for complete details on requirements and seek legal advice if necessary.
Case study: Vancouver becoming world's greenest city
Already known for environmental sustainability, the City of Vancouver has adopted a plan to become the world's greenest city by 2020.
The plan sets ambitious goals to reduce air pollution and waste, foster energy-efficient construction and improve the city's natural environment. It is the product of two years of consultations with 35,000 people, including 9,500 city employees, members of advisory committees, and participants in a variety of workshops and other events.
The plan will reduce greenhouse gas emissions to two-thirds of 2007 levels, reduce water consumption to two-thirds of 2006 levels, and halve the 2008 levels of waste sent to landfills or incinerators. It could double the number of jobs in clean technology, green construction, recycling, composting and other environmentally sustainable areas. It would help to put the city in even closer touch with its natural surroundings.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
66 percent reduction (to 916,000 tonnes) in GHG emissions from 2007 levels by 2020
50 percent reduction (to 250,000 tonnes) in waste sent to landfills or incinerators by 2020
Double to 29,800the number of jobs devoted to environmental sustainability by 2020
Double the number of companies working to make their operations more sustainable by 2020
Cleaner air and water, more access to natural environment promotes health
150,000 new trees, more farmers' markets and community gardens will make Vancouver more liveable
Challenges
Overcoming 'silo' thinking among city staff.
Coordinating contributions from 9,500 active participants in the process.
Going beyond open houses and using online tools and social media to make community engagement "fun and easy."
Lessons learned
Set targets that are measurable, challenging and achievable.
Early adoption of the plan's goals and targets is a sign to staff that council is serious about setting a plan of action.
Use city staff, not consultants, to create the plan they must ultimately implement. This assures staff buy-in and keeps the process moving.
Amanda Mitchell
Greenest City Engagement Coordinator
Vancouver, BC
T. 604-673-8166
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
FCM's Green Municipal Fund has developed this roadmap to provide a detailed overview of the process for bringing contaminated or abandoned sites back into productive use in your territory.
Use this roadmap to:
Know the steps involved in a brownfield redevelopment project so you can be better prepared to avoid potential delays or cost overruns
Learn where to look for funding, including grants and incentive programs
Structure your discussions and consultations with project stakeholders
Improve your understanding of the brownfields regulatory framework in the Northwest Territories
This roadmap is designed as an easy-to-follow path to help municipalities and their partners navigate the processes, regulations and funding for brownfield redevelopment projects in the Northwest Territories.
Note: The information presented in the roadmaps is current to the publication date and may not capture all relevant programs. Please contact the responsible organizations to verify up-to-date information.
Each roadmap summarizes current provincial or territorial legislation and must not be regarded as a formal legal interpretation. Please refer to the identified legislation for complete details on requirements and seek legal advice if necessary.
John Street Apartments and Municipal Garage Project
Brampton, ON
SUSTAINABLE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
New construction of sustainable affordable housing
The John Street Apartments (now called Chapelview) was undertaken in response to a growing need for affordable housing in the Regional Municipality of Peel. The Municipal Garage, also on John Street, addresses the parking needs of Brampton's Downtown, which has been the heart of the community since 1853.
Opened in 2010, Chapelview is one of the largest affordable housing projects built in Ontario in the last decade, with 16 stories and 200 units for seniors and singles. It is also the first affordable housing project in Canada to receive the Platinum NC-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the Canada Green Building Council for its innovative environmental design features.
The building has been designed to fit into the Downtown area, with exterior finishes that mimic the historic building in the immediate neighbourhood. It meets the requirements of the Affordable Housing Design Guidelines, providing residents with a healthy and safe environment to live in.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Individual heat recovery ventilator units recover heat from cooking and use of shower
Building automation system (BAS)monitors performance of the major equipment in building
Constructed with the most highly efficient and environmentally friendly materials on the market
Significant cost savings due to reduced energy and water use
Lower maintenance costs as more durable materials used
About $2 million in savings thanks to corporate sponsors plus efficiencies from contractor's experience building affordable housing
Common areas universally accessible, plus four fully barrier-free units on 2ndfloor
Green roof terrace accessible to tenants under supervision
Activity rooms, laundry and other amenities on 3rdand 12th floors
Challenges
Development of the municipal garage and acquisition of the additional parcel of land postponed the star of the project for almost two years and increased the cost by $6.7 million. These additional funds were provided by the city.
The LEED Certification process can be expensive. However, it may be optional in the future as the region has expanded the Affordable Housing Design Guidelines to encourage sustainable buildings without spending money on certification.
The lengthy municipal approval processes can cause delays. It is very important to develop a good working relationship and have regular meetings with municipal authorities to get timely approvals.
Lessons learned
Good planning and timely decision making were very important to keep the project on budget and schedule, as well as to keep the scope changes under control.
A good communication plan with all stakeholders was crucial to the project success.
Using an RFP and turn-key kind of contract expedited the use of funding with tight deadlines, acquire the land for development and take advantage of potential corporate sponsorship.
Marwan Kassay
Specialist, Program Design and Development Strategic Planning Peel Region, ON
T. 905-791-7800 ext. 3616
Want to explore all GMF-funded projects? Check out the Projects Database for a complete overview of funded projects and get inspired by municipalities of all sizes, across Canada.
