To cut pollution threatening fish and groundwater, the Municipality of the District of Argyle updated sewage-treatment facilities in the seaside village of West Pubnico with screens and ultraviolet light that disinfects effluent before releasing it into Lobster Bay.
The upgrades will allow the municipality to expand its sewer system to homes with septic tanks - a move that had been delayed because the 30-year-old plant's chlorine-disinfection chambers could no longer consistently clean wastewater to comply with anti-pollution standards.
The improvements clear the way for more sewer lines, reducing the risk that groundwater contamination from septic tanks will make drinking water unsafe. Plant updates include a wastewater heating system that will lower plant energy costs, as well as a sludge-drying process that will make sewage solids less costly to truck away.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
400,000 litres of ocean-bound effluent disinfected each day
Wastewater heat-exchange system cuts energy consumption, GHG emissions
$50,000 annual saving in sludge trucking costs
Lower energy costs thanks to heat exchanger
Lower maintenance costs with new system
Plant will accommodate more sewage, cutting need for homeowner septic tanks
Retrofit protects a fishery that residents depend on for their livelihood
Challenges
Finding a way to lower high sludge-disposal costs.
Meeting provincial disinfectant standards for ocean-discharged wastewater.
Keeping the ocean free of sewage that would endanger fishing and processing jobs.
Lessons learned
Conduct rigorous evaluations to prevent equipment cost surprises.
Be prepared to eliminate less-essential project features to stay within budget.
Using sewer wastewater for heat can cut costs and may align with eligibility criteria for green infrastructure grants.
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.
The rapidly growing City of Cranbrook has upgraded its wastewater systems to improve effluent quality, reduce operating costs, cut GHG emissions and allow for population growth over the next 20 years.
Cranbrook's current wastewater treatment system, which was cutting-edge when it was built more than 40 years ago, uses reclaimed water to irrigate agricultural lands, boosting the local economy. Building on that legacy, the upgrades include a new storage pond, and aeration and disinfecting equipment that that treat sewage with natural biochemical processes. Reclaimed water from the improved system exceeds health and safety standards and can be used to irrigate recreational as well as agricultural lands.
Restoring and upgrading Cranbrook's existing facility has created a showpiece for efficient wastewater management. The upgraded system produces lower GHG emissions, uses less power and has significantly lower operating costs.
Cranbook's wastewater improvement project was the 2012 FCM Sustainable Communities Awards winner for water.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Annual GHG emissions have been reduced by 75% for lagoons and 54% for storage ponds
Treated wastewater has fewer suspended solids and less phosphorous, coliform and residual chlorine
Operating costs, including power consumption, have been reduced by 42 % annually
Reclaiming water for irrigation reduces demand for potable water and boosts local agriculture.
Upgrade provides capacity for at least 20 years of population growth
1,000 ha water treatment site has become a recreational area and provides habitat for many wildlife species
Challenges
Engaging the entire community in the project was a challenge. Council emphasised building relationships within the community and surrounding area and with stakeholders including provincial agencies and local First Nations.
Lessons learned
Ensure that you have clear lines of communications between regulators, designers, staff, contractors and stakeholders.
Hold monthly meetings with regulators to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Think long term and go beyond conventional and accepted solutions.
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.
Any technique that remediates or manages the risk of contamination at a site has an environmental benefit as it eliminates or reduces exposure to contaminants. Some techniques, however, are more sustainable than others. You can make a technique more sustainable by applying it in a way that conserves energy, fuel or water; reduces GHGs or other emissions; or minimizes or recycles waste.
The guiding principles for sustainable site remediation and risk management are:
Treat as much soil as possible on-site and preferably in-situ.
Use techniques that are energy-efficient, produce minimal chemical and greenhouse gas emissions and incorporate renewable energy.
Minimize water use and recycle water whenever and wherever possible.
Relative sustainability of contamination management options
The techniques in this table are listed from most to least sustainable.
Contamination management technique
Description
Sustainability factors
Risk management approaches
Risk management approaches reduce exposure to contamination through:
administrative controls, such as restricting the use of or access to the site through zoning
physical barriers, such as ground covers (e.g. asphalt) to prevent exposure to contaminants or in-situ barriers to contain contaminated groundwater
A detailed risk assessment is required to show that a risk management approach will provide the same protection to human health and the environment as remediation.
Compared to remediation, risk management approaches typically:
use less energy
create less waste
generate fewer emissions
These approaches can be the most sustainable method of managing contamination.
Remediation approaches - in situ
Because in-situ remediation techniques are applied in the ground, there is no need to excavate soil or pump groundwater.
Common in-situ techniques include bioremediation, vapour extraction and chemical oxidation.
Compared to remediation techniques that require soil excavation or groundwater pumping, in-situ remediation techniques typically:
use less energy
create less waste
generate fewer emissions
If you choose an in-situ technique, you can use specific sustainable approaches to reduce the environmental impact.
Remediation approaches - ex-situ
Ex-situ remediation techniques involve either or both of these options:
Pumping groundwater from the ground and treating it above ground.
Excavating contaminated soil and either treating it on site or sending it off site for treatment or disposal.
If you determine that an ex-situ technique is most feasible, you can use specific sustainable approaches to reduce the environmental impact.
Want to know more?
See these resources on sustainable remediation and risk management techniques:
Framework for Integrating Sustainability into Remediation Projects,
U.S. Sustainable Remediation Forum
The City of Campbell River studied the feasibility of using tidal energy to generate electricity. It hoped to install a small demonstration turbine at the municipal pier.
While currents were fast farther out in the Discovery Passage, the study found they were only moderate at the pier. The turbine output would be small and would not justify the cost of connecting to the grid. The site would, however, be a good one for a research and demonstration project. It would promote a clean, renewable energy source and attract companies developing the technology to the city. It would be a first step toward positioning the city as a tidal power pioneer.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Developing clean, renewable sources of electricity reduces GHGs and our reliance on fossil fuels
A research and demonstration project would attract manufacturing companies to the city to develop and test turbines
A demonstration turbine would educate people about how tidal power works
A turbine at the pier would allow people to see it in action
Challenges
There are only few tidal turbines in operation worldwide, so the choices of technology were limited.
Winter storms delayed the measurements of tidal currents.
Wave analysis, initially not part of the study, had to be added when it was discovered that high waves occur regularly at the pier. Extreme waves can damage tidal turbines.
Lessons learned
It is a good idea to start looking for industrial partners early in the process.
Make sure you have qualified marine-energy scientists involved.
The feasibility study has proven an important resource in helping the city map out its next steps on tidal power.
Amber Zirnhelt
Sustainability Manager
City of Campbell River, BC
T. 250-286-5742
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.
The City of North Vancouver, BC, built a district energy system (DES) to heat buildings in a major redevelopment of its waterfront area.
The DES uses small heating plants scattered through the area, rather than one central plant. The gas-fired boilers circulate hot water underground to buildings connected to the system. The energy-efficient boilers provide customers with cleaner, cheaper heat than the electric baseboard heaters commonly used in British Columbia.
Using smaller plants allows the system to grow in steps as new customers sign on. Run by a municipality-owned utility, the system also taps solar and other renewable energy sources and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to electric baseboard heating
Allows replacement of fossil fuels with solar and geothermal energy
Reduces heating costs by an estimated 22 per cent per year
Allows staggering of capital expenditures on generating plants as area is developed
Improves energy security by diversifying sources
Educates public on sustainability
Challenges
Overcoming the perception in parts of the community that district heating is more, not less, costly
Engineering and building the system in North Vancouver's steeply sloped terrain
Arranging training in another municipality for city construction crews with no DES experience in
Lessons learned
Make sure developers equip new buildings so they may be connected to the district heating system.
Include an experienced installation contractor in the design process.
Do not embark on a district energy project without the city council support.
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.
The City of Delta's new Community Energy and Emissions Plan (CEEP) is a long-term strategy for sustainable development. The plan will help the city reduce its energy costs and vulnerability to energy markets, mitigate climate change, improve air quality, encourage alternative transportation choices, and create new jobs and business opportunities.
The plan identifies 37 areas for action and lays out a 25-year timetable for the city to achieve its sustainability goals. The goals include developing compact neighbourhoods, reducing vehicle travel, increasing renewable energy use, and improving waste management. The plan will also provide the framework to promote healthy and affordable homes and help businesses make the transition to a low-carbon economy.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
21% reduction from 2007 per capita electrical use levels by 2040
31% reduction in overall per capita energy use from 2007 levels by 2040
12% reduction from 2007 GHG emission levels by 2040
Increase capture and re-use of waste heat and use of renewable energy
Reduce vehicular travel and provide opportunities for low-carbon mobility
Reuse, recycle and recover more materials from solid waste
Increase density in urban nodes with the potential to develop district energy systems
Develop compact neighbourhoods with reduced energy consumption
Promote efficient, healthy, affordable homes
Results
Challenges
Two key members left the consulting firm while Delta's CEEP project was underway. City staff had to adapt quickly and work closely with the remaining consultant to complete the project.
Lessons learned
Assign a dedicated staff member as a liaison between consultants and the city's senior management and staff.
Go beyond climate change when framing the plan: issues of resilience, cost savings, liveability, health and affordability all resonated with Delta's stakeholders and staff.
Facilitated workshops with members of the community are exceptional tools for eliciting ideas and developing buy-in.
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.
The City of Pitt Meadows developed two complementary plans to guide the municipality in reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. One plan addresses emissions from municipal operations; the other covers emissions from community properties and activities.
The measures in the plan for municipal operations focus on city buildings, the city fleet, water and wastewater, and solid waste. The community plan is broader in scope, addressing issues related to land use, urban design, transportation planning, as well as emissions from residential, commercial and industrial properties and solid waste. Reduction measures include things like promoting energy-efficiency in buildings, encouraging waste heat recovery in industrial facilities, launching a zero-waste challenge, and increasing transit ridership.
The plans will help the city balance growth with protection of the environment.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Corporate plan measures would cut GHG emissions by 32%
Community plan measures would cut GHG emissions by 13%
Reducing energy consumption in city-owned buildings and operations will provide savings on energy costs
Increased transit ridership will lead to savings on transportation infrastructure
Greater public awareness of sustainability
Smart growth that is transit- and pedestrian-friendly and supports healthier lifestyles
Challenges
Balancing future development and planning challenges in a small but growing municipality.
Carrying out preparation of the plans within a limited budget.
Completing the process in a reasonable amount of time.
Lessons learned
To successfully develop an energy plan, community engagement should be fostered and sustained - which takes preparation and resources.
Be patient and realistic with expectations, and listen to community members.
Make sure consultants have relevant experience and keep them on track with frequent update meetings.
Laurie Darcus
Director of Corporate Services
City of Pitt Meadows, BC
T. 604-465-2433
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.
Pearson Eco-Business Zone District Energy Feasibility Study
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Region of Peel studied whether a district energy system was feasible for buildings near Toronto Pearson International Airport. The idea was part of a strategy to create an eco-business zone.
A study team identified 11 buildings as potential customers for a district energy system, in which locally generated heat is shared among buildings. The buildings, many of which are hotels, have a total thermal load of 13,625 kilowatts, enough to make a district energy system effective in saving energy.
The estimated installation cost, including a central combined heat and power plant and 3.1 kilometres of piping, was $28.2 million. The next step was to look for private- or public-sector development partners for a district energy system.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
Greenhouse gas emissions would be reduced by 3,600 tonnes per year
Air quality would be improved
Developers of the system would see an estimated 8% internal rate of return
With fewer maintenance costs, building owners' heating costs would remain about the same
Constructing the heat and power plant would create jobs locally
Challenges
Gaining access to buildings and building managers to properly evaluate the feasibility of a district energy system.
Educating local business owners on the benefits of a district energy system.
Establishing a financial model when natural gas prices can be volatile.
Lessons learned
Establish contacts with building managers before launching the feasibility study.
Form an advisory panel of private and public stakeholders with expertise on district energy systems.
Have a champion from the municipality, because public endorsement of the project encourages potential customers.
Dennis Braun
Project Manager
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
T. 416-661-6600, ext. 5594
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.
To reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, the Municipality of the District of Shelburne has endorsed projects that will use wind, solar panels and waste-wood pellets to generate electricity and heat.
The renewable-energy projects will reduce municipal dependence on costly electricity and heat from fossil-fuel power plants, which add 106,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas to the county atmosphere each year.
Residents, business and institutions have been encouraged to install similar, smaller renewable-energy systems and to practise conservation by using energy-efficient lights and junking older gas-guzzling cars.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
531 fewer tonnes of GHG emissions annually from wood-pellet heating in local hospital
Nine fewer tonnes of GHG emissions from solar hot-water heating in local fire hall
$130,727 savings annually from wood-pellet heating in hospital
$3,106 savings each year from solar hot-water heating in fire hall
Community-wide installations of renewable-energy systems leads to a cleaner atmosphere, healthier living
Energy savings to reduce living costs
Challenges
No direct municipal influence over private renewable-energy-use decisions.
Constantly changing rules for renewable-energy project funding.
Fluctuating prices and supplies of wood-waste heating material.
Lessons learned
Avoid duplication and save money by collaborating with other municipalities on shared-interest energy projects.
Ensure municipal alternative-energy installations are financially within reach.
Set a strategy that can accommodate renewable-energy opportunities when they come up.
Emily Tipton
Sustainable Development Coordinator
District of Shelburne, NS
T. 902-875-3489
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.
Study for a new energy-efficient (LEED) fire station in Dieppe
Dieppe has conducted a feasibility study with a view to building a fire station. This project has two objectives: considerably reduce energy consumption and improve public safety. For this new building, which will meet LEED certification requirements, the City will use emerging technology, including a computerized building management system, solar walls and geothermal heat pumps. A retention pond will also provide the water the firemen need for their training. Construction of this building should generate annual savings of $1.6 million.
To prepare for the project, Dieppe visited new fire stations in some Canadian cities. Dieppe plans to share the concepts used for its fire station with other communities that are planning a similar building.
Results
Environmental
Economic
Social
The fire station will be partly run on two kinds of renewable energy: solar thermal and photovoltaic panels.
Dieppe expects to reduce its GHG emissions by 151,956 CO2 eq. per year.
Reduced operating costs, based on New Brunswick electricity rates, reflect annual savings of $37,000.
This project will save the community a total of $1,637,500 per year.
Construction of the new fire station will improve public safety because emergency response by the firemen will be better.
Construction will enhance contractors' and citizens' awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources.
Challenges
The biggest challenge was to build the new fire station within budget. Some worthwhile components had to be dropped to comply with the initial budget.
It took longer than expected to prepare the funding application because Dieppe had to answer all the questions in light of GMF requirements.
Lessons learned
When developing a project, allow time for the FCM funding application process because it does not progress at the same rate as the municipality's production schedule.
It would have been relevant to submit the grant application before finalizing the answer details because the document had to be changed later. By submitting it earlier, Dieppe would have been able to synchronize project and funding progress.
Rémi Comeau
Assistant Director
Municipal Buildings and Environment
City of Dieppe, N.B.
T. 506 877-5037
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.
