Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine May-June 2014

May/June 2014

www.esemag.com

SPECIAL SECTION:Storage Tanks, Containment & Spills

Solving water hammer issues

Recycling fracking water

Sonar mapping storage ponds

Protecting surface waters from WWTP discharges

May/June 2014

www.esemag.com

May.June.14 Cover.indd 1 5/26/14 8:14 PM

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ESE Contents-May.June.14.indd 3 5/27/14 11:31 PM

FEATURES

ISSN-0835-605X • May/June 2014 Vol. 27 No. 3 • Issued June 2014

6 The importance of continued participation in associations and events

8 Surge suppression tank solves water hammer issues in Niagara-on-the-Lake water system

12 Eighty-eight kilometre long water pipeline installed by HDD in rural Alberta

16 City of London initiates stormwater education program

18 Removing phosphorus and nitrogen helps restore Swedish lake system

20 Geographical information systems (GIS) can be optimized to help environmental sustainability

22 Floating tiles help reduce algae and odours and increase capacity of lagoon

24 Progressive cavity metering pumps help deliver water treatment chemicals safely

28 Handling excess soil - how we got to where we are and where things are going

34 Properly protected stainless steel keeps corrosion at bay in WWTPs

36 Biological treatment system contributes to award winning wastewater reuse project

38 Addressing water-energy efficiency through variable frequency drives

40 Groundwater sampling procedures must meet applicable requirements

42 Protecting surface water quality from WWTP discharges through assimilative capacity studies

46 Improving water quality through proper tank mixing

50 Double containment piping system ensures safe transport of untreated fracking water

52 Sonar mapping of storage ponds offers operator safety and cost savings

53 Assessing the quality of laboratory data

PAGES 54-6554 Measurement technology plays key role in righting the Costa Concordia

56 Magnetic antenna system solves problem after ban imposed on welding and epoxy on tanks

58 The evolution of secondary containment double walled steel tanks

60 How much has oil recovery improved since the Exxon Valdez spill?

ContentsDEPARTMENTS

Environmental News . 70-74Product Showcase . . . 65-69Professional Cards . . . 70-74Ad Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

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

Assistant Editor PETER DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Founding Editor TOM DAVEY

Sales Director PENNY DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Sales Representative DENISE SIMPSON E-mail: [email protected]

Accounting SANDRA DAVEYE-mail: [email protected]

Circulation Manager DARLANN PASSFIELDE-mail: [email protected]

Design and Production EINAR RICE

Technical Advisory BoardArchis Ambulkar, Brinjac Engineering, PA

Gary Burrows, City of London

Jim Bishop, Consulting Chemist, Ontario

Patrick Coleman, Black & Veatch

Bill DeAngelis, Associated Engineering

William Fernandes, Region of Peel

Eric MacDonald, Cole Engineering Group

Marie Meunier, John Meunier Inc., Québec

Peter J. Paine, Environment Canada

Tony Petrucci, Chisholm, Fleming & Assoc.

Cordell Samuels, Region of Durham

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

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

Information contained in ES&E has been compiled from sources believed to be correct. ES&E cannot be responsible for the accuracy of articles or other editorial matter. Articles in this magazine are intended to provide information rather than give legal or other professional advice. Articles being submitted for review should be e-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 Industrial Pkwy. S., Unit 30, Aurora, Ontario, Canada, L4G 3V6, Tel: (905)727-4666, Fax: (905) 841-7271, Web site: www.esemag.com



Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine6 | May/June 2014

heavily in a staffer’s professional devel-opment as the duration of employment at a consulting company seems to have shortened considerably in recent years. In essence, why pay to train a potential future competitor?

These are very disturbing situations. Water and wastewater plants are essen-tially $10 million to $200 million 24/7 processing plants, that ensure both pub-lic health and environmental protection. As such, it should stand to reason that owners of these plants, with the inherent legal liability that entails, would want the people designing them and the operators running them to be experienced, quali-

Recognizing the need for operator professional development, the Water Environment Federation (WEF) - and many of its regional Canadian associ-ations – launched annual Operations Challenge competitions in 1988. The

-al Challenge are then eligible to partici-pate in the North America-wide Oper-ations Challenge, which takes place at WEF’s annual conference.

Over the years, many Operations Challenge participants have explained to me that preparing for these events, means learning much more than they would otherwise have had to for day-to-day work. Also, there are the extra

network of colleagues from other plants and regions, and sharing knowledge and experience with them.

Traditionally, most water and wastewater associations have been blessed with an abun-dance of volunteers. Cheer-

fully, they helped select seminar and conference locations, develop technical and social programs, chair sessions, organize tradeshows, liaise with gov-ernment, etc. They and their employers recognized that such contributions to the associations were a vital part of net-working, professional development and personal growth. For years, this pool of volunteers meant associations could offer minimal membership and confer-ence registration fees.

When I was president of the Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) in 1995, over 10 per cent of the members volunteered in some ca-pacity. In recent years, however, the changing business climate has meant the supply of volunteer labour has dried up considerably. This has forced many associations to increasingly hire paid professional staff members, to under-take the day-to-day operations. Others have also had to retain professional show management companies to facil-itate their events.

At the same time, as part of cost con-trol, some managers in the consulting and government sectors, are choosing not to send staff to association events, or even support their membership. This

-bership growth and often curtailed at-tendance at association events.

While at this year’s WEAO confer-ence, I spoke to several consulting en-gineers and municipal plant operators, who said they could only attend be-cause the event offered free tradeshow admission and because they took vaca-tion time.

For many consulting engineers I spoke to, the barrier to getting man-ager approval to attend is more than the event registration fee. Unless they go on their own time, attending cuts “billable hours” they generate for their

because they don’t want to invest too

Regional association shows are great for learning, networking and meeting equipment suppliers. However, many engineers and operators have told me

able to attend such huge events as ACE

able to see full scale pumps, valves, sludge dewatering equipment, etc., used throughout the industry. Also, due to the huge variety of exhibitors they were able to learn more about such other areas as monitoring and instrumenta-tion products. It also gave them an idea

the water and wastewater sectors.Unfortunately, too many in manag-

erial positions no longer see enough value in sending their staff to industry events. This is indeed a short-sighted “bean counter” mentality. Water and wastewater plants are biologically, mechanically, and electronically com-plicated to design and run. As evidenced

-ied for operating permit violations, they break down even when run by highly

Surely, encouraging municipal oper--

cations, by supporting professional development events, like association conferences and shows, is money well spent.

Steve Davey is Editor of ES&EMagazine. E-mail comments to

[email protected]

WEFTEC 2013 was held in Chicago, attracting 22,589 attendees and 971

exhibitors. Its technical program featured more than 1,000 presentations.

Editorial Comment by Steve Davey

The importance of continued participation in associations and events

Steve Comment_May.June.14.indd 6 5/27/14 11:34 PM

May/June 2014 | 7 www.esemag.com

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Water Supply

The Town of Niagara-on-the -Lake is situated on the south shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River.

The Town owns and operates 190 km of water distribution mains and supplies 15,000 residents with drinking water. It had been experiencing issues asso-ciated with transient pressures in a 150 mm diameter asbestos cement (AC) wa-termain along Stewart Road. The 2300 metres long watermain was constructed in 1964. It was later extended in 1972 to service a local dairy facility.

The dairy operates 24 hours per day from Monday to Friday, and has sever-al automated pneumatically operated valves that are used for process water and cleaning operations. These valves open and close quickly, creating rapid changes in water demand. This results in veloc-ity changes and pressure waves that are transferred back to the watermain. Tran-sient pressure waves can cause what is commonly known as water hammer. The hammering effect results in watermain breaks as well as issues for residents con-nected to the system, such as pipes bang-ing and failed hot water heaters.

Pressure investigationR.V. Anderson Associates Limited

(RVA) was retained by the Town to in-vestigate solutions to this water hammer problem. As part of the investigation, a

hydrant located near the dairy to record system pressures. Special consideration was given to the pressure at the hydrant whenever it dropped below 310 kPA or increased above 760 kPa. The pressure

pressures at eight times per second when outside of this range, and at one time per second when inside the range. The rap-id record rate was utilized to ensure that the fast acting pressure waves associated with transient events were captured in the recorded data.

The data observed over a period of approximately one week is summarized in Table 1. A detailed plot of the mea-sured pressures over a 24 hour period can be seen in Figure 1.

Results of the pressure study clear-

pressures are occurring in the Stewart Road watermain. Maximum pressure ob-served in the system is nearly twice the Ministry of the Environment maximum recommended operating pressure of 700 kPa. Minimum pressure observed also ex-ceeds the MOE guideline of 275 kPa un-

der normal conditions and 140 kPa under -

lished to ensure adequate system pressure is available for all connected services. The latter is established to ensure the system remains pressurized even under extreme demand conditions, so as not to take on groundwater and possible contamination.

RecommendationsFollowing the completion of the

pressure study, RVA recommended im-provements that could be implemented

opening and closing of the pneumatically actuated valves at the dairy facility. This option was reviewed with the dairy, but it could not be implemented without nega-

tive impacts to the operation. It was then clear that a method of managing surge pressures would be required to alleviate the watermain breaks and issues at near-by residences.

Two options were explored for con-trolling surge pressures in the system. The

valve (PRV) which would open automat-ically at a preset pressure to relieve surge

the system. However, this option presented some challenges, such as rapid cycling of the PRV, which would lead to premature failure of the valve. Also, the pressure re-

close very slowly, or it too would become another source of transient pressures. This slow closing action would lead to large vol-umes of wasted water, and, therefore, in-

matter also presented challenges. For these reasons, it was determined

that the installation of a pressure relief

solution.The second option was the installation

of a bladder type surge suppression tank at the dairy. The tank mitigates effects of surge pressures by reducing the amplitude of the pressure wave. After consultation with staff at the Town and the dairy, it was determined that installing a bladder surge tank was a workable solution.

continued overleaf...

Surge suppression tank solves water hammer issues in Niagara-on-the-Lake water system By Ryan Boone

Niagara-on-the-Lake.Ni th L k

Water Pressure kPa (psi)

Average 593 (86)

Maximum 1365 (198)

Minimum 20 (3)

Table 1: Measured water pressures.

57 MJ.14_Mitig.Water Hamr.indd 8 5/27/14 11:35 PM




Water Supply

With the tank in service, surges devel-oping at the fast acting valves travel back to the tank where the kinetic energy is absorbed by a heavy duty bladder and air cushion inside it. The energy of the tran-sient event is eventually dissipated by the expansion and contraction of the bladder, much in the same way that a car’s shock absorbers work.

Surge tank suppliers were called upon to determine the preferred size of the tank, based on system variables such

-teristics. Once a suitable location was

installed and connected to the incoming -

-drant outside of the dairy.

The results show that the surge tank

static pressure) experienced in the system as a result of the dairy’s operations. There was also a modest improvement to the

down-surges may represent the inability of the existing watermain to supply the

Figure 1 and 2). The replacement of the existing 150

mm diameter asbestos-cement water-main with a new 200 mm diameter PVC watermain was also recommended to the Town. The watermain has reached the end of its service life, likely shortened by the frequency and severity of the tran-sient pressures in the system. These pres-

sures have led to the weakening of the pipe and it is no longer reliable.

Replacing the watermain with a larg-er diameter pipe will also help to further mitigate the transient events in the sys-

diameter pipe will lead to decreased ve-locities, also helping to moderate surge pressures.

Ryan Boone is with R.V. Anderson Associates Limited.

Email: [email protected]

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Figure 1: Stewart Road watermain pressure - before surge tank.

Figure 2: Stewart Road watermain pressure - after surge tank.



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Water Supply

In early 2006, the Province of Al-berta announced its decision to begin twinning Highway 63, the province’s deadliest road. This

two-lane undivided highway is the only all-weather road that connects booming Fort McMurray to its southern neigh-bours.

In order to accommodate the widen-ing, the Village of Wandering River’s existing water treatment plant had to be demolished. This meant creating a new potable water supply source for the community.

Wandering River is located in north-eastern Alberta, 95 km from the Town of Athabasca and 200 km from Fort McMurray. Despite Wandering Riv-er’s population of approximately 100 people, its relative remoteness along Highway 63 makes it of strategic impor-tance to the 11,000 vehicles that travel to and from the Alberta oil sands region daily.

Athabasca County and Alberta Trans-portation determined that a regional po-table water supply would be the most appropriate replacement water source, due to a combination of factors. These included the quality of water available through the recently constructed Aspen Regional Water system, the remoteness of the community relative to the pop-

water treatment plant operators, future demand projections for the communi-ty and changing standards for drinking water quality in Alberta.

the community of Wandering River, a regional water system extension also enabled a connection to the community of Grassland, 55 km to the south. Farms and acreage owners along the proposed system would also receive water service connections.

This new regional line would be 88 km in length, extending from Boyle to Wandering River via Grassland, includ-ing a new potable water reservoir at

-cations at Grassland.

Design-build process In order to achieve cost and schedule

certainty on this time and budget sen-sitive project, the County and Alberta Transportation elected to proceed with a

its kind in the province. This approach allowed the owner to reduce overall delivery timelines of the project by as much as 50 per cent. This project was also seen as a test case for the applica-tion of the design-build process in fu-ture regional water systems in Alberta.

began in 2011 and included pre-quali--

sign-build proponents, interviews and due diligence, Athabasca County se-lected Graham Design Builders, along with their key partners Stantec Consult-ing Ltd. and Pidherney’s Inc. The de-sign-build team was awarded the project in late July 2011. Pipeline construction began in early September of that year, with a contract mandated completion of December 2012.

Terms of referenceWith a 16 month design and con-

struction period, the project was split

into three segments with separate in--

sisted of a 33 km pipeline from Boyle to Grassland, with the second segment being the remaining 55 km of pipeline from Grassland to Wandering River. The Wandering River reservoir/pump

project. The owner’s engineer, Asso-ciated Engineering, supplied Terms of Reference for the project, which aid-ed in streamlining the design process. These included several key parameters for the project including:• An alignment that extended primarily

along municipal road allowances, with an additional 5 m right of way added to each side of the road.

• System supply pressures, ranging from 98 to 560 kPa.

• A minimum waterline internal diame-ter of 155 mm.

• A minimum line pressure of 98 kPa at any point in the system.

• A pipeline design flow of 2.5 L/s for Grassland and 1.5 L/s for Wandering River.

• A 520 m3 two cell reservoir at Wan-dering River, with peak hour distribu-tion pumping capacity of 2.34 L/s and

Eighty-eight kilometre long water pipeline installed by HDD in rural Alberta

The pump room in the new Wandering River reservoir building.

59 MJ.14_Wandering River Stantec.indd 12 5/27/14 11:36 PM


Water Supply

a distribution system ranging in pres-sure from 350 – 550 kPa.

• Truck-fill systems at Grassland and Wandering River, each with a capac-ity of 14 L/s.

The pipelineHorizontal directional drilling (HDD)

was selected as the choice method of in-stallation for the pipeline, due to the tight timelines of this project. Drilling greatly reduces potential environmental impacts through minimum disturbance during construction activities. It is exempt from the requirement to obtain an approval under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA). This exemp-tion allowed for a reduction in the overall project timeline of up to six months.

While scheduling impacts were the driving factor in the selection of HDD installation, it was also recognized that this method added value to the project in other areas. HDD reduced disturbed lands by approximately 90 per cent. This minimized top soil salvage, sub-soil excavation, add-mixing of soils, re-vegetation, erosion, and crop dam-

age, while preserving the natural habitat for wildlife. In cultivated areas it min-imized crop damage and reclamation required by private land owners.

As a large portion of the waterline was installed within County road rights-of way, this approach also minimized disruption to motorists and limited the need to disturb private lands.

Pipe selectionHigh density polyethylene (HDPE)

pipe is more commonly used in HDD installations. However, in this case the larger internal diameter of fusible poly-vinyl chloride (FPVC) pipe allowed the use of 150mm nominal diameter pipe (155mm internal diameter). The great-er wall thickness of HDPE pipe would have required the use of 200mm nom-inal diameter pipe. By downsizing the pipe diameter, the project was able to offer a cost savings to the client. FPVC Dimension Ration 26 pipe was suitable for HDD installation, providing the hydraulics required for the system and suitable pull strength to achieve cost-ef-fective drill length. The pipe was manu-

factured by IPEX at its plant in Edmon-ton, Alberta, and delivered to the site over a four month period beginning in September 2011.

This application of FPVC pipe rep-resents both the largest project by length of directionally drilled FPVC and length of FPVC installed to date in the world.

Fusing in winterAs construction of the pipeline be-

gan in September, fusing of the FPVC pipe was scheduled to continue through Alberta’s winter months, which result-ed in less than ideal fusing conditions. To address this, pipe fusing operations

-sulated shipping containers. Set end-to-end, this allowed for a temperature controlled environment for fusing oper-ations, pipe cooling and data collection. Fusing generally took place one to two weeks in advance of pipeline installa-tion, and the shipping container shelter was relocated as needed.

Wandering River ReservoirThe new Wandering River Reservoir

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was designed to meet the minimum re-quirement of 520m3 of active storage,

-

cleaning or other maintenance, without

-

-

-

a twinning of the reservoir, should the -

Grassland Fill Point

-dition of a metering-run for water from

--

-

travel time in the order of two weeks, un-

-

--

--

ic, as ammonia solutions were not com-

-fective method to achieve the desired

was to mix an ammonia solution on-site,

-

Project executionOne of the unique characteristics of

-

-

Water Supply

Shipping container shelter configuration used for fusing in winter conditions.



activities. For example, many approv-als for crossing of foreign highways and pipelines and powerlines, as well as environmental features were sought concurrently.

Construction proceeded in areas where approvals were in place, even if approvals were still outstanding in nearby areas. While this approach led to several remobilizations across the alignment in the early months of con-struction, it was considered necessary to ensure project timelines were met.

Overall, the directional drilling com--

ishing in April 2012, two months ahead of schedule. Commissioning of the work

“bump tests”, or short duration pressure tests, undertaken in advance of system swabbing. This was followed by full length pressure testing and disinfection.

of the line, from Boyle to Grassland oc-curred over a six week period in January and February. It was brought into ser-vice in mid-February. Commissioning of the second segment, from Grassland to Wandering River was completed in July

Warmer than average temperatures in January and February 2012 allowed for construction of the reservoir to begin ahead of schedule. Though there were a number of small delays common to the region, such as the delay in installation

-

tions during reservoir leakage testing

construction proceeded smoothly. De-spite the challenges, the reservoir was completed and put into service in Sep-tember 2012, three months ahead of schedule.

With this project, Alberta embarked -

struction of potable water systems. The design-build team undertook this proj-ect with the understanding that success or failure here would directly impact future opportunities to carry forward the design-build methodology for oth-er municipal water systems. Through a committed team effort from the own-ers, operators, designers, contractors, sub-contractors and others, this project

The innovative technologies em-ployed in the completion of this project

served to reduce costs, decrease con-struction timelines, minimize environ-mental impacts, and reduce disturbance to private land owners and motorists.

Wandering River’s Pipeline/Reservoir provides a long-term, reliable solution for clean and safe drinking water to key com-munities along the Alberta energy corri-dor and the rural residents in between for many years to come. It was completed on budget and ahead of schedule.

RecognitionThe project won a 2014 Award of Ex-

cellence for Water Resources and Ener-gy Production from the Consulting En-gineers of Alberta, and 2013 Project of the Year from the Alberta Public Works Association.

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

Water Supply

Reservoir commissioning with the majority of stakeholders represented.

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Education

Oil/grit separators (OGS) are a key tool in combating the non-point source pollution that accounts for 80 per cent

of water pollution in North America. However, municipalities still face a big challenge, as many property owners don’t know they need to perform occa-sional cleanouts, or are simply unwill-ing to do this.

Oil/grit separators must be emptied once every one to 10 years, depending on various factors. Severe winters with heavy runoff of water and road sand, or construction site erosion, for example, can accelerate the need for maintenance. Unfortunately, many businesses are un-aware the device even exists under their property, and others balk at paying to have them serviced.

“OGS devices single-handedly have the potential to immediately impact water quality. But we found a lack of awareness of oil/grit separators, their importance, their locations, and their maintenance requirements,” says Barry

City of London. The City of London embarked on a

campaign to educate residents and busi-ness owners about the importance of oil/grit separator maintenance. The proac-tive efforts include printed materials, in-person conversations and training, and adding OGS maintenance to busi-ness license requirements. A video on the City’s web site explains the devices in layman’s terms, with an entertaining approach designed to foster positive un-derstanding and support.

Along with raising general aware-ness, Orr is working to ease the burden of tracking all of the OGS devices across his jurisdiction. Having the capability to do so, would help enforce current or fu-ture maintenance requirements.

A software pilot program, currently in development, will help his team track the devices and, by interacting with other departments, will automatically increase their numbers in newly built areas.

The Stormceptor oil/grit separator, manufactured in Ontario by Hanson Pipe & Precast and one of several OGS devices on the market, is a unique pre-

from hard-scaped surfaces, removing particles from 20 to 20,000 microns, along with free oils, heavy metals and

The City of London’s work to in-crease awareness and maintenance of

oil/grit separators is just one component of a larger effort to educate the public on proper waste disposal and its impact on the local environment. This includes reaching out to the auto service industry about oil disposal, and teaching school children that toilets are not garbage cans.

Hal Stratford is with Hanson Pipe & Precast. E-mail:

[email protected]

City of London initiates stormwater education program

Stormceptor cutaway.

Downtown London seen from the Thames river.

63 MJ.14_City London Storm.indd 16 5/27/14 11:37 PM

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Wastewater Treatment

The historic university city of Växjö, situated in the south of Sweden, is surrounded by beau-tiful lakes. For generations, the

lakes had been harmed by serious indus-

sewage close to populated areas. It was calculated in the early 1970s, that one of the interconnecting system of lakes, Nor-ra Bergundasjon, was receiving some

it could naturally absorb. This caused un-sightly algae blooms, which led to eutro-phic oxygen depletion and failure of the system to support aquatic life.

-coming the “Greenest City In Europe,” was to restore the lakes. This work start-ed in the 1970s, with dredging to remove phosphorus leaking from lake bed sedi-ments. Lake Trummen, the largest lake in

undergo dredging for this situation.Next, the phosphorus level discharged

had to be reduced. At the same time nitro-gen removal was necessary. This involves a two stage process, which converts am-monia to nitrates and helps increase lake oxygen levels. By discharging nitrates to the oxygen depleted lake waters, the bound oxygen in the nitrates can be con-sumed by micro-organisms. This creative and unusual solution is appropriate in

these circumstances. However, it would tend to cause problems if attempted in oxygen-rich waters, where the nitrates would be unlikely to break down.

Nitrogen removal created a challenge, as the existing WWTP was too close to other properties to allow adding a nitri-

had to be designed and built, incorporat-ing best available technology at the time.

The Sundet WWTP was commis-sioned in 1994 and has a two-stage phos-

is located between the initial mechanical treatment and biological treatment pro-cesses. Chemicals are added to precip-

removed by sedimentation. Locating the

biological treatment, allows removal of phosphorus laden sludge. This improves

The second stage occurs in the contin--

ment in the treatment process chain. This

Removing phosphorus and nitrogen helps restore Swedish lake system

The finer slurry is pumped up to two sedimentation basins where it is sedi-

mented out. Prior to the installation of the DynaSand plant these finer slag par-

ticles would have been simply discharged in the plant’s wastewater.

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from Nordic Water Products. Each of the six separate treatment lines in the plant is equipped with 10 units, housed in con-crete structures/basins. At the time, the plant was one of the biggest continuous

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Information Management

Geographical information sys-tems (GIS) can play a pivot-al role in mitigating natural calamities and halting the

negative impact of climate change, two important issues facing us today.

One way to achieve sustainability in social, environmental and economic ar-eas, is to increase cooperation and make spatial data accessible, compatible and analyzable.

There needs to be more value-based interaction between GIS specialists and

community who are working on sustain-ability issues. This will facilitate a more common platform of understanding and knowledge sharing, no doubt leading to better utilization of GIS’s muscle power. GIS can serve as a medium for data inte-gration which can prove to be very ben-

-ment practices for a sustainable approach

towards planning and problem solving. In this regard, the abilities of GIS as

a standalone tool and/or in cooperation

with other modeling/management tools need to be utilized to the fullest extent possible. For sustainable surface water

How GIS can be optimized to better help environmental sustainability By Indranil Seth

64 Northam DriveMississauga, ON L4V 1J2Phone: (905) 678-2882Fax: (905) 293-9774Email: [email protected]

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management, a compatible stormwater management model can be integrated with available GIS data for the drainage area. This includes using land use maps, digital elevation models and piping net-work maps, to analyze problems and de-vise solutions.

Past academic research and project management experience has shown that most of the time, data is avail-able, but from different sources. This leads to incompatibilities with data sets. Traditional tools are unlikely to be as effective as GIS in dealing with such large volumes and varied forms of data. GIS can enable us to col-lect data of various shapes, sizes and scales, which can then be georeferenced to make them geograph-ically compatible. From a processing standpoint, a major hurdle in using GIS technology is obtaining the right kind of data.

Agencies at various levels of func-tioning (whether or not using GIS) need to increase their interaction level several fold, in order for GIS to work. Scan-

of non-electronic data (e.g., hard copy maps) should become more feasible and economical.

Another advantage is the ease with which such complex data systems and their relationships can be better un-derstood and focused with GIS. Peo-ple-to-people and people-to-data inter-

-ta-to-data interactions for this purpose. Creating accessible, yet secure, data repositories at different levels of gover-

of information for sustainability projects.On an international level, coun-

tries having governmental and private agencies working with GIS data need

to share information with each other. In this regard, the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering can work with Geological Survey of Canada and En-vironment Canada, to make GIS data more compatible and accessible. A gov-ernmental body can set guidelines for standardization of GIS data and its ca-pabilities. While dealing with sensitive

information, a network sharing only the data required for sus-tainable development in a par-ticular region can be developed. This can ensure that there is no compromise on the security of any member, or participating na-tional and international agency.

As we grow increasingly de-pendent on technology, we need

to look at ways to become more sustain-able in our growth. Undoubtedly, GIS is one such technology we can rely on to make our existence more sustainable.

Indranil Seth, PE, LEED Green Associ-ate, is an environmental engineer with

a mining engineering background. E-mail: [email protected]

As we grow increasingly dependent on technology, we need to look at

ways to become more sustainable in our growth. Undoubtedly, GIS is one such

technology we can rely on.

Information Management

50 MJ.14_Sustain.GIS Rdy.indd 21 5/27/14 11:39 PM



Treatment of municipal wastewa-ter in lagoon-based wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is prevalent in Canada and very

cost-effective for smaller communities where land is available and inexpensive. In fact, lagoons are, by far, the most pop-ular wastewater treatment technology, and represent over 65 per cent of all existing WWTPs in Canada (2007). Approximate-ly 800 municipal wastewater treatment fa-cilities are using lagoons in Canada, with 150 of them in Ontario.

Lagoons are generally inexpensive to build, simple to operate and, when prop-erly designed and maintained, produce a

the environment with minimal impact. Community growth and increasingly

stringent environmental regulations can necessitate expansion or replacement of lagoon-based systems with more costly mechanical treatment plants, unless im-proved performance or increased capac-ity can be realized through optimization approaches.

While lagoons are often considered to be passive treatment processes over which the operator has limited control, the operator can take measures to im-prove performance, reduce costs and generally optimize operation. Improve-ments in lagoon operations could poten-tially: realize additional capacity in the

the impact on the natural environment -

ments; reduce energy use and costs; reduce chemical use and costs; and, re-duce odour emissions.

Nakusp, British Columbia, is a com-munity using a sewage lagoon for a seg-ment of their wastewater treatment. Na-kusp is a village located on the shores of Upper Arrow Lake, a portion of the Columbia River, in the West Koote-nay region of B.C. It has a population of around 1,569 and it is known primarily for its nearby hot springs, a popular des-tination for tourists, as well as its pictur-

Being close to its maximum capacity

for both sewer and water treatment was restricting its population growth. Na-kusp needed to look at improvements to

its existing water treatment system. Ei-ther it needed to build an expensive, all new process or somehow upgrade the

existing wastewater treatment facility and lagoon. The inability of the sewage lagoon to empty in time for more waste

input was a sign that major changes needed to be made.

Mike Pedersen, Director of Oper-ations for Nakusp, looked at alterna-tive solutions to control the massive

amounts of algae in the pretreatment la-goon. Familiar with the Hexa-Cover®

Reduction of algae and odours leads to increased capacity of lagoon

Truckload of Hexa-Covers added to the Nakusp lagoon.

Hexa-Covers are designed so that the tile edges will “key” into each other. After 24

hours, the covers automatically link to each other, creating the lagoon cover.

65 MJ.14_Reductn of algae-odours in lagoons.indd 22 5/27/14 11:40 PM



nicely cover the lagoon, controlling the algae growth as the sunlight would not be able to penetrate into the water. Additionally, the tiles would enable the

levels to continue.

ideal cover for all forms of surface liq-uid. The immediate advantages are that Hexa-Cover covers up to 99 per cent of the lagoon’s total surface. This elimi-nates up to 95 per cent of evaporation and ensures that organic growth such as algae is eliminated, since sunlight cannot penetrate the cover. For Nakusp, the expectation of the Hexa-Covers was that they would prohibit the algae blooms in the sewer lagoons, resulting in a reduction of the amount of sludge to be managed, and therefore, having the water reenter the river system faster.

The project began in September 2013. 103,600 Hexa-Cover tiles were placed into the lagoon to completely cover the 3700 m2

tiles are very easily installed. They are simply poured onto the surface and, un-der the effects of the wind and move-

ment of the liquid, will form themselves into a “lid”. They are designed so that the tile edges will “key” into each other. After 24 hours, the covers automatically linked to each other, creating the lagoon cover.

In addition to reducing the algae growth, the Hexa-Covers offer other

• There will always be free access to the liquid, for measuring, emptying, mix-ing, etc.

• Significant reduction in odours, evapo-ration and emissions (up to 95 per cent).

• Reduces use of chemicals and other additives.

• Significant reduction in evaporation and emissions.

• The need to use potentially harmful ad-ditives will be reduced.

• There are no running costs incurred by their use. In fact, in most situations there will be a reduction of total costs, since water consumption will be re-duced and there will be energy savings in connection with cooling and mixing of the liquid. The village has been very proactive

in wastewater treatment and has been able to take advantage of provincial green technology grants. A water recla-mation system and the installation of the Hexa-Covers were covered through the grant monies.

For further information, visit

www.greatario.com

103,600 Hexa-Cover tiles were placed

into the lagoon.

65 MJ.14_Reductn of algae-odours in lagoons.indd 23 5/27/14 11:40 PM


Water Treatment

Most water treatment facil-ities recognize that envi-ronmental protection is not only the responsibili-

ty of government agencies and organi-zations. In fact, most municipalities use government regulations as guidelines to establish and maintain their own basic standards as “Best Practices” for water safety.

As a critical component of a water treatment system process, disinfection chemical metering pumps often come under the microscope because they me-ter chemicals that could be potentially harmful if not handled properly. How-ever, they are not required to be NSF

NSF is a global independent public health and environmental organization that provides standards development,

education and risk management ser-vices. The NSF mark on any product

processes means that it complies with all standard requirements and assures water industry stakeholders that the product will not create adverse effects on the health of those consuming the drinking water, or on the environment.

NSF/ANSI 61 Standard, “Drinking Water System Components - Health Effects”, sets health effects criteria for water system components. Currently 48 U.S. states require NSF/ANSI Stan-dard 61 compliance of any product that is manufactured, sold or distributed for water treatment and comes into contact with drinking water.

Types of products requiring NSF cer--

terials like paints or coatings, joining and sealing materials such as adhesives, me-chanical devices, water meters or valves, plumbing and piping related devices, and non-metallic potable water materials. This is essentially every component of a water treatment system. However, the USEPA’s Safe Drinking Water Act guide-lines for drinking water treatment plants

do not require NSF compliance for all mechanical chemical feeders. This is be-cause feeders do not come in contact with

water in the distribution system. Metering pumps are used as feeders,

primarily to convey and deliver precise dosage of chemicals for pretreatment during the drinking water treatment pro-cess. NSF 61 Section 8 provides a guid-ance for “high rate feeders”, a category metering pumps fall into, and states a minimum ratio allowance, calculated on the basis of an area of the wetted surfac-

This allows the exemption by a waiver allowance of appropriate Diluted Sur-face Area (DSA) ratio calculation meet-

pumps qualify for exemption with the

However, as stated previously, many facilities require all parts of their treat-ment systems, including their metering

components as part of their own “Best Practices”, regardless of this omission.

Ferrate Treatment Technologies,

LLC (FTT) is one such company utiliz-ing “Best Practices”. FTT manufactures “The Ferrator®” which produces fer-rate, a water treatment chemical generat-ed on-site at water treatment facilities. It is extremely powerful, environmentally friendly, and will not create disinfection byproducts. Ferrate is synthesized in a temperature-controlled reaction using

50% sodium hydroxide, 13% sodium hypochlorite, and 40% ferric chloride.

When dosed into water as a liquid, ferrate acts simultaneously as a disinfec-tant, oxidant, and coagulant. It will readi-ly destroy all microorganisms; inactivate micro constituents such as endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuti-cals and personal care products; oxidize organics and colour and odour-causing compounds; coagulate suspended mate-rial; and co-precipitate metals.

In order to place their product in munic-ipalities requiring total NSF compliance, it was essential that every component of FTT’s water treatment innovation be in compliance with NSF/ANSI 61 standards, including the chemical metering pumps.


Certified progressive cavity metering pumps help deliver chemicals safely By Kathryn DeWell

“The Ferrator®” produces ferrate, a water treatment chemical generated on-

site at water treatment facilities.

42-Cavity Metering Pumps.indd 24 5/27/14 11:40 PM

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The initial design of FTT’s water ---

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As a critical component of a water treatment system process, disinfection

chemical metering pumps often come under the microscope.



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Water Treatment

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Soils Management

Properly handling and managing the movement of excess con-struction soils or “clean” dirt has been a concern over the

past 20-25 years in Ontario. Given the increased scrutiny on this subject over the past few years, the requirements and approaches involved in moving excess soil, in particular, are rapidly changing for the better.

To understand where we are in On-tario with respect to clean soil, it is im-portant to understand some historical perspectives. The old adage, if you don’t learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it, certainly applies.

Some of the current issues or prob-lems in handling excess soils in Ontar-io go back to the late 1980s and early 1990s. During this period, the emerging focus was shifting from health and safety driven concerns to broader, longer-term environmental concerns with respect to soil, air and water contamination.

With respect to soil there were no recognized “standards” or rules, beyond accepted past practices typically used

-nated properties, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment worked with industry and other jurisdictions to develop prac-tices to address contamination levels. For soils, this initially involved adopt-ing the original Dutch ABC criteria and a focus on hydrocarbon contamination, the most pervasive one.

In the mid-1990s, the MOE intro-duced the “Guidelines for Contaminated Sites in Ontario”, along with other pro-tocols and approval processes for deal-ing with impacted soils. As knowledge, understanding and technical capabilities improved, industry and government re-alised there was a need to move away from a focus on “contamination” to one of encouraging site cleanups, property remediation and reuse. The practice of

this new way of thinking.Through the efforts of the National

Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy (NRTEE) and, at the provin-

cial level, through industry, government and stakeholder consultation, mean-

-tion emerged in the early 2000s. These approaches fundamentally recognized the need for technically sound, sci-ence-based soil quality standards to be matched with protocols and incentives to encourage the responsible redevelop-

In Ontario, this evolution resulted in the -

. In 2004, the adoption of the Records of Site Condition Regula-

tion (O.Reg.153/04) incorporated new, made-in-Ontario, soil quality reference tables with contaminant threshold levels based on future land use.

sampling and testing protocols and the -

ment approaches. O.Reg.153/04, among

report, attesting to the environmental quality of the soil and water at a reme-diated property. During this period, there

Handling excess soil – how we got to where we are and where things are going By A.J. (Al) Durand

Toronto’s Union Station expansion project has meant moving large volumes

of soil.

53 MJ.14_Handling Excss Soil.indd 28 5/27/14 11:42 PM

E A R T H W A T E R W A S T E R E S O U R C E S

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Soils Management

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When it comes to water solutions, We deliver.For complete implementation of water and waste water projects, look no further than CIMA+. We offer services from process engineering and detailed design, up to construction management and commissioning. Our team uses the latest process and hydraulic modelling tools, as well as 3D design software, to deliver projects that are optimized to meet your needs.

There has been growing recognition that both excess soils and marginally

impacted soils should be seen as a resource and reused, not disposed of.



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Best Management Practices for Handling Excess Construction Soil in Ontario (Version 1)

Survey of Munic-ipal Soil By-laws

Best Management Practices

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Soils Management

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become the framework for implementing the new Soil Management Best Manage-ment Practices (BMPs).

Another municipal area to be pur-sued is the standardization and inclu-sion of excess soil BMP requirements in the municipal procurement process, as a responsible soil handling approach and due diligence practice.

Another application learned from the CL:AIRE approach is something called “soil matching” to facilitate the environ-mentally responsible, safe and cost-ef-fective movement of excess soils. This involves soil screening requirements, professional oversight, and the tracking of soil shipments. During a CL:AIRE / RCCAO workshop, held in Toronto in September 2012, it was clear there was overwhelming support for the concept.

In October 2013, RCCAO launched a new soil matching or soil dating web site and service called SOiiL – Support-ing Ontario Infrastructure Investments and Lands (www.soiil.com). It allows those involved in soil handling projects to post excess soil disposal or receiving needs for potential matching with oth-

er entities. The electronic database is in the process of being populated with soil volume information and is intended to be a resource for excess soil related information, news and developments in Ontario and internationally.

Going forward, there are a number of recent excess soil handling activities being launched. MOE has announced that it will

-icies in Ontario over the next 18 months. This will cross over into other ministries within the provincial government.

In December 2013, the City of To-ronto’s planning and growth manage-ment committee adopted eight recom-mendations involving the management of excess soil from large redevelopment and construction projects. Within the recommendations are strategies to en-courage creation of soil banks and to examine requirements for QPs to pre-pare soil management plans, including material management for city projects generating excess soil.

positively impact the way we responsi-bly manage excess soil in Ontario. What

is required is strong leadership and re-sponsible policy development, support-ing sound, proven risk-based approach-

In the absence of clear soil policy, municipalities, and local communi-ty groups, must all work together with industry and the appropriate provincial ministries involved, to implement in-novative best management approaches. An overarching framework needs to be

the different soil handling players and respective issues. Ongoing outreach and stakeholder appropriate training is fur-ther required to communicate these new approaches and continuously share and improve developing practices.

If these conditions for success in dealing with clean excess soil can be implemented in a timely fashion, we can vastly improve on the more than 20 years it took to put in place the practices and regulations we now have to handle impacted dirt.


Soils Management



Once he reduced his energy costs by 55% after installing a VFD, savings in other parts of his business went into overdrive.Once you start seeing the benefits from our incentives for

installing premium efficiency motors and VFDs, you’ll want

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Corrosion Prevention

Corrosion prevention must be given a great deal of atten-tion, because once it starts, it is a process that cannot be

reversed. Due to the fact that equipment damaged by it has to be replaced, it is an absolute necessity to prevent corrosion at as many points as possible.

There are many levels of corrosive damage that can attack metals and con-crete; both of which are key components in wastewater treatment plants. Huber Technology uses a comprehensive treat-ment process for the stainless steel from which it manufactures its components to ensure corrosion protection.

Wastewater treatment plant mech-anisms experience two types of corro-sion: atmospheric and immersion. Cor-rosion intensive components include buried piping, handrails, gratings, lad-ders, electrical junction boxes, and clar-

mechanism within the treatment system, or even in the vicinity of the channels, is vulnerable to corrosion.

present, has wide-ranging effects on wastewater systems, notably causing corrosion and odour problems.

When severe im-mersion corrosion of components was re-

around the primary -

ers at two army waste-water treatment plants,

Careful selection and implementation of corrosion protected treatment system

screens, grit separators and screw press-es, are able to mitigate corrosion prob-lems. It has been proved that installing corrosion-protected components, gives WWTPs the highest potential for main-taining a treatment system which is at low risk for corrosion. A low corrosive environment also positions plants for optimum operating conditions, reduced

maintenance and increased safety.In addition to moisture and hydro-

-rosion caused by microorganisms that thrive in the wastewater as it enters the headworks. The chlorine used to treat the wastewater before it is released as

So, how do you attain optimal corro--

cally-pure, stress-free surface that is as smooth as possible, manufacturers are able to attain optimal corrosion protection.

This requires the elimination of:• Oxide layers, cinder and traces of tar-

nish. • Minute traces of other metals. • Chloride-, bromide- and iodine ions. • Stresses stemming from mechanical

processing.There are four surface treatments to

help achieve corrosion protection for

surfaces:

blasted with glass beads. However, with this method there is a danger of introducing contamination through the blasting materials.

2. Abrasion is a technique where the coarse grain is worn away mechani-cally. The risk here is the introduction of new surface tension.

3. Polishing uses an electrochemical wear-off process where there is a risk of actually wearing away too much of the surface.

4. Pickling chemically wears off coarse grain using acid. This process pro-duces spent acid that must be disposed of safely.

Pickling

and least risky processes for attaining corrosion protection. The pickling bath is the best method for completing the process. It uses pickling acids and de-tergents to give corrosion protection to complete stainless steel components.

a central pickling plant and requires a

Properly protected stainless steel keeps corrosion at bay in WWTPs

Pickling is one of the most efficient and least risky processes for

attaining corrosion protection.

Any metallic mechanism within the treatment system, or even in the vicinity of

the channels, is vulnerable to corrosion.

64 MJ.14_Corrosion at Bay.indd 34 5/27/14 11:44 PM


Corrosion Prevention

of-the-art installations and wastewater treatment, and orderly disposal of resid-ual wastes.

The pickling bath produces even treatment into hard-to-reach areas, re-duces emission loads and environmen-tal pollution, uses automation that frees the process of human errors and can be accomplished at a reasonable cost.

Pickling processTo begin with, the stainless steel item

is fully immersed into the pickling bath. During this step, it is important to ob-

-oric and nitric acids, the addition of acid resistant detergent at the exact concen-tration, and temperature and duration of the pickling bath.

The all-important passive layerAfter each pickling process it is

with high-pressure cold water to avoid the drying of acid residues. Residue will prevent the formation of a passive layer.

High-pressure washing equipment

using cold water also removes dissolved cinder and other surface deposits. It also avoids drying the surface too quickly, which allows stains to form.

The oxygen content in the air allows

a passive layer with a thickness of about

to be formed. This passive layer is the requirement for the long life of stainless steel.

The difference in overall performance and durability of products manufactured from treated stainless steel is evident in comments from the plant operators and supervisors using them. Durability for process critical components can, after

operational continuity and ultimate per-

formance within its municipal network. While some want to believe that all

stainless steels are equal, the track record for components manufactured with ad-equately and correctly treated stainless

steel illustrates quite the opposite. Those who invest in such solutions reap bene-

-rosion. They see smoother operational processes, high and more consistent per-formance, increased continuity in contri-bution to their plant and their municipal-ity’s service network, and long-term cost savings.

T.R. Gregg is with Huber Technology. For more information, visit www.huber-technology.com

The pickling bath produces even treatment into hard-to-reach areas, reduces emission loads and environmental

pollution, uses automation that frees the process of human errors and can be accomplished at a reasonable cost.

64 MJ.14_Corrosion at Bay.indd 35 5/27/14 11:44 PM


Wastewater Reuse

In 2003, the Emerald Coast Utility Authority (ECUA) commissioned a study for the relocation of the Main Street Wastewater Treatment

Plant in downtown Pensacola, Florida. Developed in the 1940s, the plant site was limited, had an antiquated treat-ment process and struggled with odour problems.

In 2002, Hurricane Ivan hit the Pen-sacola area, causing tremendous dam-

-water Treatment Facility, halting plant operations for three days. Raw sewage spilled onto the city streets, expediting the urgency of relocating the plant.

The ECUA used a number of criteria to evaluate various wastewater treatment plant processes, including ease of oper-ation, ease of maintenance, reliability, proven performance, operational cost, capital cost, amount of labour and the type of residuals that were produced.

biological treatment system. The general concept of the staged biological system is to control the environment and the amount of food that the organisms get, encouraging various types or classes of organisms to grow, and controlling intra-cellular reactions.

“Historically they are the most cost- effective, produce the least amount of residuals, and have less impact on the environment than other types of pro-cesses,” said Mark Biesinger, chief pro-cess engineer at WesTech.

As the goal was to provide for 100 -

ent limits at the new plant are very strin-gent at 3 mg/L total nitrogen and 0.4 mg/L total phosphorus. BOD in the ef-

and often at 1 mg/L. A small amount of alum is added to polish total phosphorus to below 0.4 mg/L.

Following screening and grit remov-

of the oxidation ditch. These zones al--

tivated sludge (RAS) to mix together (mixed liquor) without oxygen or ni-trate present. This fermentation is the primary step in the biological phospho-rus removal process, which promotes increased phosphorus uptake in the aer-obic zone, also known as luxury uptake.

pre-anoxic zone and is combined with the nitrate recycle stream. In the ab-sence of oxygen, nitrogen is removed as

process.Following the anaerobic and pre-an-

oxic stages, mixed liquor enters the aerobic channels. It is then blended and

aerated by slow-speed surface aerators to ensure complete oxidation of BOD and ammonia.

The LANDY-7 aerators provide a

kilograms of oxygen per horsepower

the life of the treatment plant.Following the aeration zone, mixed

This zone removes any remaining nitrate through endogenous respiration. Finally, mixed liquor is aerated in the re-aeration zone to prevent anoxic or anaerobic con-

secondary release of phosphorus.After the oxidation ditch, mixed liquor

-

rake blades and sludge withdrawal ring,

concentrations.Spiral rake blades move solids to the

Biological treatment system contributes to award winning wastewater water reuse project

Rapid solids removal is critical in warm liquid temperatures

to prevent denitrification and a secondary release

of phosphorus.

The LANDY-7 aerators provide a guaranteed minimum efficiency of

1.7 kilograms of oxygen per horsepower hour.

62 MJ.14_Emerald Coast.indd 36 5/27/14 11:46 PM


Wastewater Reuse

centre more than four times faster than conventional rake blades. Rapid solids removal is critical in warm liquid tem-

a secondary release of phosphorus. The sludge withdrawal ring reduc-

es sludge inventory and blanket depth while maintaining high solids concen-

-duces operations and maintenance has-sles by eliminating underwater seals.

-

distribution to the reuse facilities.Emerald Coast Utility Authority

and Gulf Power Company were named

for the Sustainable Florida-Collins Cen-

for their water reuse arrangement. Gulf Power is fed 3 – 6.5 MGD of reclaimed

the facility feeds 6.3 MGD of reclaimed water to International Paper Co. for in-dustrial purposes.

-

and bays that we have in this sensitive

“The ability to take millions of gallons

and be able to provide a treatment plant

with advanced treatment levels for wa-ter that is 100 per cent reused by indus-

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WesTech Engineering was a partner in the Emerald Coast Utilities Authority’s

Central Water Reclamation Facility Project near Pensacola, Florida.

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62 MJ.14_Emerald Coast.indd 37 5/27/14 11:46 PM


Energy Efficiency

It is estimated that the water and wastewater treatment sector is the third largest energy consuming sec-tor, accounting for approximately

three to four per cent of a country’s total annual electricity consumption.

For municipalities, where more than 35 per cent of total energy use is attributed to water and wastewater fa-cilities, rising energy costs play a sig-

time, a plant’s ability to treat, use and

water loss, also has a direct impact on its energy consumption and bottom line.

per cent of annual energy consumption -

ing component size to system loads,

-

to reduce costs, enhance customer ser-

For both new plant designs and ret-

paths that can be pursued to address -

to an application, including established design standards and ready adaptability.

--

water and wastewater include process -

er and pump sizing, intelligent pump

-

(VFDs), offers the simplest implemen-

potential.

intermediary between the electrical grid and a motor. They reduce energy use

which are mathematical formulas that describe the relationship between speed and power.

In rotating machinery, power con-sumption is directly proportional to the cube of speed, which means that re-

-

reaches the motor. VFDs thereby reduce the motor’s rotational speed to match the workload more precisely and reduce electricity consumption.

cascade controller. Typically, the con-stant speed pumps used at water and wastewater treatment plants operate at

for only a percentage of each day. How-

pressure feedback signals, stage on ad--

all pumps and ensure matched pressure

-

usage annually. For wastewater systems in particular,

control, when incorporated as part of a systems approach that includes ac-

wastewater treatment plant can expe-

controlling aeration can cause excess

applications. -

ment plant was operating three 75-HP centrifugal blowers, two of which sup-plied air to four aeration basins, with one backup blower. The plant’s dis-

Danfoss VLT®

Addressing water-energy efficiency through variable frequency drives By John Masters

For wastewater systems in particular, VFDs contribute to improved

aeration control,

56 MJ.14_Water-Energy.indd 38 5/27/14 11:46 PM


Energy Efficiency

levels at 2.2 ppm throughout the day, but also slashed annual energy costs by $50,000 to $60,000.

Variable frequency drives can also ad-dress the interdependency of water and energy. In many countries, non-revenue water losses can exceed 30 per cent. Not only is energy wasted pumping and treat-ing lost water, repairing holes or leaks is often costly and unrealistic. Constant pressure control schemes, like those as-sisted by VFDs, can reduce these water

fact, reducing pressure from 75 psi to 60 psi can save more than 2,000 m3 of water per year through only one 13 mm leak in a water system. Multiply this by the probable hundreds of leaks in a typical distribution system and the savings po-tential is tremendous.

Despite the proven results of these highly effective technologies, deploy-ment in North America, where energy is relatively cheap, is still low. Munic-ipal budget constraints, combined with

programs, as well as limited policy and regulatory mandates, are proving signif-icant barriers to their use. It is critical that the industry work together with policy-makers to develop price signals, implement rebates and credits for retro-

education to move these technologies forward.

It is only through the accelerated de-ployment of existing technologies, that

to encourage the rapid deployment of future technology developments for the water, wastewater and irrigation sectors.

John Masters is with Danfoss. E-mail: [email protected]

Figure 1 – According to affinity laws for pumps and fans, reducing the motor

speed by even 20 per cent could cut energy use by about 50 per cent.

56 MJ.14_Water-Energy.indd 39 5/27/14 11:47 PM


Two of the main goals of envi-ronmental investigations (EIs) are to protect and restore groundwater resources and

restore or rehabilitate property for fu-ture use.

It is not adequate just to know that there is contamination in the soil or groundwater. Contamination type and

--

mine the exact vertical and lateral extent of the soil and/or groundwater that has been affected, the type of soil, and the characteristics of the groundwater lith-ologic zone.

The goal of sampling is to closely represent actual subsurface conditions. Data is then used to develop a strategy to rehabilitate the property, protect hu-man health and the environment.

While some properties cannot be totally returned to pristine/untainted conditions, harmful conditions at the surface can be brought to acceptable levels. Even subsurface soil can also be improved to a point where groundwater quality will not get worse by migrating vertically, or moving laterally.

Groundwater samplingPrior to installation of groundwater

monitoring wells, groundwater sam-ples can be collected through a variety of direct push tool-ing. There are several types of retractable groundwater sam-plers for situations where con-taminants are dissolved in up-per groundwater table levels. Samplers can also measure vertical delineation of con-taminants in the groundwater.

For conditions where direct push tooling is impractical or impossible, tem-porary groundwater monitoring wells can be installed.

If a long-term groundwater moni-toring program is needed at a possibly contaminated site, small diameter pre-packed screen groundwater monitor-ing direct push wells can be installed.

In addition, conventional groundwater monitoring wells can be installed if required by the project and applicable regulations.

Direct push wellsDirect push wells are approved and

accepted by many regulatory agencies. ASTM International has several meth-ods and/or procedures directly related to the use and installation of direct push

wells. They range from one-half-inch to two-inch nominal inside diameter. Practical achievable depth is based on lithology and the desired well inside di-ameter. In general, less than 24 metres below ground surface is the average depth, although it is possible to install direct push wells to depths of over 30 metres.

It is very important that all sampling and installation techniques are conduct-ed in a way that does not negatively im-pact the soil and groundwater.

Direct push wells can be secured ex-actly like conventional wells and devel-opment of the pre-packed section can be a simple surging. Sometimes for certain lithologies and depths, it is necessary to sample the soil in order to achieve the target depth when installing direct push

wells. They can be used to calcu-late gradient magnitude and di-rection and there are a variety of small diameter instruments that can accurately measure depth, useful parameters and collect samples.

Once the condition of the groundwater has been deter-mined, the data can be used as

part of the development of a remedial action plan.

Summary and conclusionsWhen conducting subsurface sam-

pling, it is important, to have a variety of equipment and training in order to successfully complete all phases of the investigation. Dual or multiple combi-

Groundwater sampling procedures must meet applicable requirements By Thomas Dalzell

It is very important that all sampling and installation techniques are conducted in a way that does not negatively impact

the soil and groundwater.

An AMS PowerProbe™9500-D installing a monitoring well.

Groundwater Sampling

19 MJ.14_Groundwater Samp.indd 40 5/27/14 11:47 PM


nation drill rigs, such as direct push rigs, can be ideal for the sampling of ground-water and installation of a variety of groundwater monitoring well types.

For sites with limited access, having

terrain, without excessively disturbing the investigation location, is vital.

Field work which involves ground-water sampling and monitoring well installation must be conducted with pre-

cise sampling procedures with a range of acceptable variances that can be ap-plied to actual sampling conditions.

for projects, sampling and installation can be rushed, preventing adequate de-contamination, use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and thor-

If the exact sampling procedure is not

the correct items or the correct quantity of items, leading to improper sampling.

Additionally, by not having the cor-rect quantity of items, expendable one-time use items may get used repeatedly, permitting cross contamination between sampling events.

Thomas D. Dalzell is with AMS. For more information, visit:

www.ams-samplers.com

It is important that monitoring and drilling rigs avoid dis-

turbing the investigation and well location.

Groundwater sampling using an AMS Port-A-Reel.

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19 MJ.14_Groundwater Samp.indd 41 5/27/14 11:47 PM



Municipalities and industries discharge treated wastewa-ter into natural water bod-ies, such as streams, rivers

and lakes. Although treated, these waste-waters contain trace contaminants, includ-ing nutrients, solids and metals. These substances may affect downstream water quality, for example, by contributing to the growth of nuisance algae, which can

In order to protect water quality, federal and provincial regulations exist to limit the discharge of wastewaters. These regulations recognize the imprac-ticality of total elimination of wastewa-ter discharges, due to technological or economic constraints. Because of this, existing regulations permit wastewater discharge and accept some degree of water quality alteration. The question that often arises is, “what is an accept-able quantity of wastewater discharge and associated degree of water quality alteration?”

Federal and provincial regulatory processes are similar, although the termi-nology used may vary. The federal pro-cess refers to wastewater strategies that ensure compliance

-vironmental quality objectives, whereas the provincial process refers to release limits that ensure compli-ance with environ-mental policy objec-tives.

An assimilative capacity study (ACS) achieves both re-quirements, by quantifying discharge limits that protect the environment.

What is assimilative capacity?Assimilative capacity refers to the

capacity of a water body to receive wastewater without harmful effects.

wastewater that can be safely released

to the water body under known condi-tions, while ensuring compliance with environmental quality and/or policy ob-jectives. Wastewater quantity can be ex-pressed in terms of either discharge rate

-

substances.

An assimilative capacity study works through a series of steps, to quantify the capacity of the water body and deter-mine safe release limits for discharge. All municipalities and industries that discharge, or are planning to discharge wastewater to a natural water body, may be required to undertake an ACS under federal and provincial regulations.

Studies may also be required for a

new discharge that is being proposed,

discharge. Older discharges, which may

to support the existing license, may also need to undertake an ACS.

able to undertake an ACS. They should be experienced in environmental mon-itoring, environmental assessment and mathematical modeling of surface wa-ter systems. They should also have ex-perience working with regulators, First Nations and diverse stakeholders.

An ACS typically includes the fol-lowing steps:

Step 1: Characterize the receiving environment.

The water body that receives the dis-charge should be characterized based on the following:• General description, including location,

infrastructure and adjacent land use.• Resource utilization, which is prox-

imity to source water for drinking and proximity to other identified dis-charges.


Protecting surface water quality from wastewater discharges through assimilative capacity studies

By Carolyn Brown and Bruce Rodgers

An assimilative capacity study works through a series of steps, to quantify the

capacity of the water body and determine safe release limits for discharge.

55 MJ.14_Protect Surface Water.indd 42 5/27/14 11:48 PM



• Aquatic resources, which are types of biota, fisheries habitat, spawning habi-tat, environmentally sensitive areas.

• Morphometry, meaning physical ge-ometry, water levels, currents, and hydrology.

• Statistical summaries of water quality characteristics and spatial and temporal trends. The more that is understood about

the receiving environment, the better.

Step 2: Determine the appropriate mixing zone.

Discharge and receiving waters come together within the mixing zone. These exist for most receiving environments, although they have greater relevance for discharges into large water bodies. The spatial extent of the mixing zone is in-

of the receiving environment,

density and quality, as well as the characteristics of the dis-

-ration, density and quality.

Some regulators specify the allow-able size for the mixing zone, where-as others specify objectives. A mixing zone should be as small as possible, not be used as an alternative to reasonable and practical treatment, or harmful to aquatic biota. It also should not overlap with other mixing zones.

Step 3: Establish environmental qual-ity objectives.

Environmental quality objectives re-fer to the concentration of a substance in the water body that protects human

use of water. In many cases, these objec-tives correspond to federal or provincial water quality objectives, such as water quality guidelines from the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environ-ment. In other cases, water quality ob-

site conditions such as for water bodies with naturally elevated water quality.

Step 4: Quantify the assimilative ca-pacity in the receiving environment.

In simplest terms, assimilative ca-pacity is the mass of a substance that can be discharged to the water body, without

the substance concentration exceeding environmental quality objectives.

Federal and provincial regulators generally specify conditions under

-tive capacity. Such conditions can either

worst case condition, under which as-

-tions having a 5 per cent or 10 per cent probability of occurrence. For example, the worst case for a discharge to a small

probability of occurrence. This provides

a conservative interpretation of assimi-lative capacity.

A variable condition considers the range of circumstances that occur in natural water bodies. It allows for the utilization of the available assimilative capacity in the water body as condi-tions vary. This approach can provide

condition, but generally requires greater effort to manage the process.

Step 5: Characterize the quantity and quality of the wastewater discharge.

The nature of the municipal or indus-

of the wastewater discharge. The size and type of facility generally dictates the quantity and quality of the waste-water discharge. However, results of the ACS may also dictate the allowable quantity and quality of wastewater that can be safely discharged to the water body.

This may identify additional water treatment or management, to ensure compliance with environmental objec-tives in the receiving environment. This step may be iterative since the initial characterization of the wastewater dis-

charge is required to inform the ACS, yet the results of the ACS are required to support the discharge limits.

Modelling an assimilative capacity study

Most ACSs rely on mathematical models to calculate the assimilative ca-pacity of the receiving environment and derive safe discharge limits. Given the diversity of conditions that can be en-countered in practice, a broad array of models exists.

Most models supporting an ACS rely on principles of mass conservation. This implies that the mass of a substance dis-charged, can be tracked through the wa-

ter body, and potential chang-es in concentration, can be accounted for through mixing, physical and/or biochemical processes.

Steady-state models, in which conditions remain con-stant in time, are the most com-mon type of model used to sup-port an ACS.

Models can be further clas-

processes that occur immediately upon discharge. It is used most often to estimate the spatial extent of the mixing zone. Far-

mixing zone, considering water quality ef-fects throughout the water body, including

discharges and/or complex physical and bio-chemical processes, such as dissolved oxygen kinetics.

Follow-up environmental monitor-ing provides the most conclusive vali-dation of various assumptions included

sampling for analysis of water quality, or monitoring biological indicators to demonstrate protection of the aquatic resource.

For example, federal regulators re-quire pulp and paper mills and mines to undertake Environmental Effects Mon-itoring programs, to measure potential effects to water, sediment and biota.

Carolyn Brown, M.Sc., and Bruce Rodgers, M.Sc., P.Eng.,

are with EcoMetrix. E-mail: [email protected]


In simplest terms, assimilative capacity is the mass of a substance that can be

discharged to the water body, without the substance concentration exceeding

environmental quality objectives.




Potable water storage tanks are a necessary part of the water distribution system, providing pressure and enough supply

for daily and emergency use. Yet the AWWA estimates that 65 per cent, or over 200,000 tanks, have water quality problems.

Problems can range from tempera-

in northern climates, ice damage. These problems are common in both chlorine and chloramine water systems.

These problems largely occur because

layers. Understanding why water layer-ing occurs is important, to ensure water quality and customer satisfaction.

Differences in temperature, pressure and salinity create density layersA body of water may look solid, but

-tal layers, caused by a combination of hydrogen bonding of water and gravity. Given a set of water of different densi-ties, it requires less energy in nature for

layers of the same density, than to mix together to form a homogeneous body.

The effect is similar to a ream of print-er paper. It may look like a solid block of paper, but each single sheet forms a

caused by minute differences in tempera-ture, pressure, or salinity, which is not typically a factor in potable water.

In a water tank, the densest layer is at the bottom. Each layer above is pro-gressively lighter. In summer, lower wa-ter layers are usually cooler and newer, with higher chlorine residual. Upper and mid-depth water layers are usually warmer, older and have less chlorine re-sidual. In the world of tank hierarchy, gravity rules. A lighter layer cannot, by mild convective forces, displace a heavier layer.

-ant dose of new chlorine. Since the in-

alone will usually overwhelm all other -

ter to stay or settle to the bottom of the tank. As a result, the older tank water layers are “jacked-up” and leveled by

Even if water is at a uniform tem-perature, density differences between

from the water above, create a strong resistance to layer mixing. Regardless of whether the density differences are caused by temperature or pressure or both, the upper, lighter water cannot push its way into the outlet stream at the bottom of the tank.

Direct mechanical lifting, which

way to defeat the force of gravity hold-ing the densest layers to the bottom of the tank.

Mechanical tank mixers mix new

-ter body, keeping chlorine, temperature and water age as uniform as possible. The layering effect of stored water has

-er performs in tanks. The best approach is for a mixer to pull in water from the very bottom of the tank, where the dens-est layers are, and directly transport it toward the top of the tank.

One solution to combat the layering of

mixer. This type of mixer sits on the tank -

timetres above it. Water enters one end of the mixer, and is directed upward through a long slot at the top of it. Immediately af-ter the water sheet leaves the slot, it starts

bottom of the tank. This 79-centimetre long sheet of water travels fast enough to reach the top of even 46-metre tall stand-pipes. The bottom 2.5 to 20 centimetres of the tank is mixed, because it is pulled into

a few centimetres at the bottom, including any sediment, unmixed.


Improving water quality through proper tank mixing By Joel Bleth

Water Treatment

47 MJ.14_Watermixing Medora.indd 46 5/27/14 11:49 PM

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Fracking Wastewaters

Frac water is a mixture of water, sand and chemicals used during hydraulic fracturing to create

-ural gas. While the water and sand in frac water is considered safe, various toxic chemicals are also added to help dissolve minerals and break down the shale. In addition to the toxic chemicals, signif-icant amounts of water are used during hydraulic fracturing, which can cause water shortage issues in some areas. An average well generally requires about eight million gallons during its lifetime. Fortunately, initiatives to recycle frac water are now underway.

Clarion Altela Environmental Ser-vices (CAES) is a joint venture between ACI Energy, Inc., an investment hold-ing company, and Altela, Inc., a water desalination company. It opened in No-vember 2012 to recycle frac water from the Marcellus and Utica Shale Basins,

Double containment piping system ensures safe transport of untreated frac water

Due to the chemicals and saline present in frac water, a double containment

piping system was required to transport frac water.

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Fuel oil product in a sump pit is a unique situation. The remed-iation approach that will be needed to restore the environ-ment back to normal will also have to be unique.

Finding the source of the con-tamination and completing the remediation of impacted soil and water will require the combined knowledge of an experienced team of environ-mental professionals with knowledge of the most up-to-date regulatory requirements.

Rochon Environmental deter-mines the source of the environmental contamination so that the best remediation approach can be imple-mented without recourse.

Getting the environmental remediation done right the first time minimizes liability, helps restore the environment and gets our clients’ lives back to normal. Emergency response: Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

67 MJ.14_Fracking Water Use.indd 50 5/27/14 11:50 PM


Fracking Wastewaters

which stretch across much of Penn-sylvania and Ohio. The CAES facility treats frac water and ultimately turns it into clean distilled water that is the same quality as rainwater. It can then be reused by the oil and gas industry.

Safe disposal of frac water has been a serious challenge in the region as high volumes were being driven long distanc-es by tanker trucks to injection wells in Ohio. CAES offers a lower cost and en-vironmentally safe alternative, with the

by an estimated 150,000 truck miles per month.

Due to the chemicals and saline pres-ent in frac water, a double containment piping system was required to transport frac water from incoming tank trucks to holding ponds and from there to the treat-ment processing equipment at CAES.

“Frac water recycling is a fairly new process, and the project didn’t start out requiring a double containment system for the piping. During approvals, the De-partment of Environmental Protection decided to require double containment for any area where buried pipes would be transporting untreated frac water. This was to prevent any possibility of leak-age into the surrounding soil,” explains Walter Smith, former mechanical engi-neer with Mid Penn Engineering, who designed the system. “Once the piping went inside the facility, we were able to transition to a single wall system.”

The IPEX Guardian™ system was chosen for the double-containment pip-ing. It consisted of a 10” PVC Sched-ule 80 carrier by 14” PVC Schedule 40 containment. From there, the size of the system reduced as it entered the pre-treatment area. Eventually, it tran-sitioned to a smaller single-wall PVC Schedule 80 system, also from IPEX.

According to Lake Randall, presi-dent of Mid Penn Engineering, the IPEX Guardian Double Containment Piping System not only saves on installation, but it is also of a higher standard for leak pre-vention. “PVC is resistant to chemicals, while still being able to handle the pres-sures of a pumping system like that used at CAES,” he added.

Having never worked with any dou-ble-containment system, the Guardian

exposure to an IPEX product. “IPEX did

an excellent job of responding to the re-quirements of the project and answering any questions. The deadlines were very tight on the CAES project, and IPEX were able to get us the product we need-ed, when we needed it,” said Smith.

“Guardian is a good product, and we

Dan Luton, owner and president of Lu-ton Plumbing and Heating who installed the system. “The training that IPEX pro-vided was very helpful. They showed us some tricks to help ease installation, and once we got the hang of it, we were able to get a lot of pipe in the ground in a short amount of time.”

The Guardian system was installed at CAES without a single leak. Since the

system has helped to reliably transport it through an innovative recycling process that ultimately allows for reuse.

To reduce installation and maintenance costs, the system features a patented Cen-tra-Lok™ design, reducing the required joints by 40-60 per cent, compared to traditional double-containment systems. Less joints means less potential for prob-lems and greater overall system integrity.


67 MJ.14_Fracking Water Use.indd 51 5/28/14 8:23 PM


Sludge Management

Technicians, technologists, en-vironmental specialists and engineers in small boats have poked and prodded prima-

ponds, cells and lagoons for years to ob-tain approximate depths to the sediment

-

-

-

savings to owners as there may not be

-

-

--

-

Navigation of the boat and sonar ar-

of preplanned lines at an approximate

-tion devices and vessel inspections are

-trial health and safety representatives

-

While it might be mistaken for a re-

-

The vessel’s position is monitored -

-

The operator remains on shore, viewing boat position, heading, and the

-

maps, areas which are overloaded can -

In addition, this technology allows

--

optimize storage performance and slow loading by redirecting intake piping,

-

-dently installed as heavily loaded areas

For more information, contact Paul Makar. E-mail: [email protected]

Sonar mapping of storage ponds offers safety and savings

To remove operators from hazardous

environments, PW Makar outfitted a 27

kg, nearly two metre long sonar vessel.

51 MJ.14_Sonar Mapping.indd 52 5/27/14 11:51 PM


Guest Comment

Science is an ever-changing land-scape. Those of us in the en-vironmental lab business have

advances made in the tools of our trade over the past few decades. The new generation of analytical equipment and computer/instrument interfaces make it hard to imagine that there ever was a day when technicians would stand by their instruments and manually inject samples, or manually titrate samples to an end point.

Automation and computerization have certainly taken over. Follow that notion too far though and it may have one mistakenly believing that this im-plies better numbers and better data. It also suggests that the end-user can re-duce their due diligence when reviewing lab data, when, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

Consumers of environmental lab data need to understand that the scien-

-

re-engineering and sample processing speed might not necessarily take into account. Increasingly, the onus rests with you, the consumer, to assess the quality of your results and the quality of your lab. The following are some items you should consider:

1. The myth of intelligent instruments.

No laboratory instrument is aware it

watching 2001: A Space Odyssey or witnessing the advent of your parents’

up in the romanticism that machines somehow know what they are doing. Lab instruments don’t. They might be programmed to register wavelength or electrical impulse, etc., but they certain-ly don’t know chemistry.

It takes many, many people-hours to set up, calibrate and validate a new piece of equipment. Everything from

-puter interfaces needs to be considered. All these steps can introduce errors along the way. Instrument manufactur-ers themselves aren’t immune to errors. There have been misprints in technical

software modules and faulty setup pro-cedures. All of this reinforces the fact that nothing is to be assumed correct until it is proven.

ISO 17025 is the international stan-dard that environmental labs conform to. It requires them to validate instru-ments prior to implementation and, un-doubtedly, this is a good start. However,

time, a one-time validation on an instru-ment that pushes through hundreds of samples a day is not realistic. A good lab will routinely perform daily multipoint calibration checks on analytical instru-mentation, and seek to re-validate from

Extra effort beyond the ISO standard should be made, as you can’t expect technology to self-diagnose or self-re-

pair at any level. Recall your Grade 10 Chemistry teacher explaining the con-cept of accuracy versus precision: ac-curacy is how close the number is to the true number, precision is how repeat-able the number is.

Just because an instrument spits out the same number on a sample again and again, does not make it real. As a con-sumer of lab services, ask to see things such as the baseline run, quality control runs or the calibration curve of an instru-ment, and make sure it is from the time frame related to your sample analysis.

2. Same test methods can yield different results.

Analytical methods typically con-form to an industry standard such as an

protocol. These standard methods should ideally allow for apple-to-apple com-parison of data. However, there are many interesting studies that point to cases where split samples sent to different labs using the same instrumentation and ref-erence methods are statistically different.

continued on page 64

Assessing the quality of lab data means getting back to basics By Sylvia Rennie

Quality Focused.Customer Connected.

905.738.2355 | www.metconeng.com

Metcon is pleased to announce the appointment of Matthew Nicolak as their Director of Sales & Marketing. For over 15 years, Matthew has proudly provided products and services to the municipal sector and has actively supported numerous industry committees and initiatives.

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70 MJ.14_Asses.Lab Data_fin.indd 53 5/28/14 8:23 PM


In January 2012, with more than 4,200 passengers and crew on board, the Costa Concordia struck a reef on the western coast of Ita-

ly, ripping a gaping hole in the side and leaving the ship half sunk in the water. Thirty-two people lost their lives in the accident. Since then, the 290 metre-long wreck had rested on its side, off the coast of the small vacation island of Giglio.

The salvage operation was just as

spectacular as the accident. At a cost of €600 million, the Costa Concordia is the most expensive salvage operation in maritime history. The objective was to raise the giant cruise liner in a single piece, preventing an environmental di-saster and sparing the people of Giglio months of wrecking works taking place on shore.

“Uprighting the ship was an ex-tremely delicate operation,” explained

Antonio Festa of Endress+Hauser Italy. “To keep it from breaking apart, the ship had to be carefully and very evenly ro-tated.” To carry out the operation, spe-cialists deployed state-of-the-art level measurement technology.

The salvage plan and preparations were one and a half years in the making, as a wreck of this size had never been raised in one piece before. The unprece-dented project was awarded to an Amer-

Illus

trat

ion:

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w.p

arbu

cklin

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ject

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Measurement technology plays key role in righting the Costa Concordia

To keep it from slipping or sinking, the Costa Concordia wreck, which

is listing in the water at 65 degrees, is secured with anchor blocks and chains.

Divers erect an undersea platform, or so-called ‘false bottom’, on

which the ship will rest a er being rotated. Sponsons and steel cables are attached to the port side of the ship.

1 2 In a careful and deliberate operation, the Costa Concordia is

horizontally rotated using hydraulic winches and by controlled lling of the sponsons.

3

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

semi-annual look at tanks, containment systems and spill management.

66 MJ.14_Tanks_Costa Concordia.indd 54 5/27/14 11:51 PM


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ican-Italian consortium that brought in specialists from across Europe. “Our on-site partner was an Italian engineering

pressure sensors. Two Cerabar pressure

Strength in equilibrium-

-

-

-

For more information, visit www.endress.com

Sponsons can now be attached to the starboard side of the ship,

facing land.

Using air pressure, the seawater- lled sponsons are

gradually emptied to give the wreck enough buoyancy to re oat.

4 5

66 MJ.14_Tanks_Costa Concordia.indd 55 5/27/14 11:52 PM


SSSSSSppppppiiiiiillllllllllllssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

The Otay Water District in southern California has 39 wa-ter tanks to service its 200,000 customers. Thirteen of those

tanks have wireless communication an-tennas attached.

Due to environmental and safety is-sues and concerns about damage from welding and epoxy, the district now requires all new antennas mounted to its water tanks, to be installed using a magnetic mounting system or other non-destructive alternative. The district also mandates those same standards any

and whenever the district schedules a tank to be painted.

“It costs a half-million dollars to paint a water tank inside and out,” says Brandon DiPietro, inspector supervisor for the Otay Water District. He says

Magnemount antenna system solves problem after ban imposed on welding and epoxy on tanks By David Klein

The district now requires all new antennas mounted to its water tanks, to be

installed using a magnetic mounting system.

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14 MJ.14_Tank_Magnemount.indd 56 5/27/14 11:52 PM


SSSSSSppppppiiiiiillllllllllllssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllsssssssssssssssssssssssssswelding can damage the interior coating of the tank and hiring a diver to repair that damage is costly.

The use of epoxy to attach antennas is also an issue. They have to grind through the exterior paint. There are expansion and contraction issues and eventually the epoxy mount needs to be replaced. An-tennas mounted with epoxy have been known to fall off towers.

Goodman Networks, a vendor for AT&T Mobility in San Diego, want-ed to expand its coverage by attaching eight antennas to an Otay water tank. Tai Irish, senior project manager with

He contacted Metal & Cable Corp., Inc., manufacturer of the Magnemount An-tenna System. He recommended AT&T use the system on the Otay tank.

Non-invasive permanent solutionThe Magnemount Antenna System is

a permanent, non-invasive technology that can quickly and easily secure an-

designed to accommodate the curvature of water tanks.

Because the system relies totally on magnets to attach the materials, no weld-ing or epoxy coating is needed, avoiding potential damage to the tank. A layer of

magnet and the steel tank stops any stray voltage from getting into the tank and damaging the coating system.

Antennas are attached to 12-foot masts made of anodized extruded alu-minum, using 300 grade stainless steel U-bolts, so rust is not a concern.

The Magnemount system is available

for the AT&T/ Otay project was the Side Tank Mount (STM), where all eight an-tennas were attached to the side of the tank near the top of the steel structure.

“Wind was the governing factor in this case,” said Al Di Donato, a structural engi-neer. “Antennas are like sails in the wind.

We have wind gusts here up to 80 miles per hour. They can shake the entire tank.”

Taking that into consideration, Di Do-nato recommended the contractors install three magnetic plates for each antenna rather than the customary two plates.

Every 61 cm by 61 cm plate in the Magnemount system is secured with 24 magnets. Each magnet provides 45 kilo-grams of vertical pull and 15 kilograms of shear strength. Using three plates for each antenna provided 3266 kilograms of vertical pull and 1089 kilograms of shear strength, far more than was neces-sary to hold the 2.4 metre panel anten-nas and the remote radio units (RRUs) that AT&T added to each of the anten-nas. The RRUs added an additional 50 kilograms of weight to each mast.

Quick installation The installation of the antennas using

the Magnemount system was quick and easy. Using a man-lift, two men were able to complete the entire job in just two days.

The Water District said the time saved by using the Magnemount system rather than epoxy, also saved a lot of

money. Epoxy would have taken much

apply and cure, followed by testing. It took two days to install the Magne-mount system and at a cost of $5,000 to $7,000 a day, the district realized sub-stantial savings.

David Klein is with Metal & Cable Inc. E-mail: [email protected]

Using the Magnemount system made

installation quick and easy.

The system relies totally on magnets to attach the materials; no welding or epoxy coating is needed.

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14 MJ.14_Tank_Magnemount.indd 57 5/28/14 8:20 PM


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The discovery of vast oil deposits in the early 20th century, brought with it a need to store large quan-

tities of petroleum. Storage tanks were most often constructed of steel, due to its non-permeable nature, strength and better resistance to corrosion compared to contemporary materials. Tanks were often placed underground, to guard their contents against vandalism and theft.

steel tanks were underground double walled tanks, featuring two walls of steel physically separated with angles or channels to create an annular inter-stice several inches thick. The goal of this design was to create an enclosure that would contain 110 per cent of the primary tank capacity. These tanks were often small and the spaces between the two walls were only inches.

that included the use of secondary con-tainment, insulated/protected tank con-

expansion and anti-siphon devices, and special emergency vents. This made above ground storage tanks with added safety features the most desired storage method.

Secondary containment can be any structure chemically

volume of the primary tank’s liquid capacity and remain liquid tight until a cleanup can occur. It is one of several steps designed to protect the envi-ronment from spillage, over-

tanks housing hazardous materials. The type of secondary containment required can depend heavily on the tank’s location, type of liquid being stored, and insurance requirements.

A dike system, berm, liner, concrete vault or double wall steel storage tank can be considered secondary contain-ment. However, rainwater collection

and contamination can occur in second-ary containments that do not have an attached roof. This collection must be discharged in compliance with all regula-tions. Contents can also spill/splash over an open topped secondary containment following a tank failure, despite the extra space provided for the containment.

Double walled tanks are often used

to store chemicals, oil, petroleum and

They are most often designed, con-structed and maintained to American Petroleum Institute (API) 650, 653 and 620 standards. Double walled tanks, like most other steel welded tanks, are often custom fabricated to meet the needs of the customer. They are often

chosen because of limited space, prox-imity to bodies of water, or risks posed by stored contents.

Double walled tanks require only a fraction of the space required by dikes and other forms of secondary contain-ment and the double walls serve as dou-ble barriers against leaks and contami-nation.

While small double walled tanks are easy to handle and can be shop-built, larger tanks with interstitial space of four feet are favoured in today’s market and must be

In some cases, a double bottom rather than double wall may be necessary. This

often occurs on existing tanks not orig-inally designed for secondary contain-ment. Tanks that sit on a ring walled foundation can have the primary bottom stabilized by pressure grouting sand un-derneath. Then, another layer of sand or

of the primary bottom before a new tank secondary tank bottom is installed on

The evolution of secondary containment double walled steel tanks By Erika Henderson

Small double walled tanks are easy to

handle and can be shop-built; larger tanks with

interstitial space of four feet are favoured in

today’s market and must be field-erected.

Double wall tanks can be insulated, such as these cryogenic tanks. A layer of

insulation is closely packed between the walls, keeping the product at -195°C.

61 MJ.14_Tank_Sec.Contain.indd 58 5/27/14 11:53 PM


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top. Leak detection couplings and other visual alarm systems can be added for visual leak detection. Cathodic protection can be added for corrosion control.

All tanks must be inspected, tested and maintained to remain a dependable storage vessel. The evaluation should include many aspects of the tank concerning integrity, secondary containment,

-cludes hydrostatic techniques, visual inspections, non-destruc-tive shell thickness testing, or a combination of these methods

based on equipment design. Tank foundation and supports are also included in these inspections.

Tank owners must become familiar with the many regula-

for their storage tanks. Failing to do so may result in cata-

Erika Henderson is with Pittsburg Tank and Tower Inc. For more information, E-mail: [email protected]

Double walled tanks are often used to store chemicals,

oil, petroleum and other hazardous/flammable materials.

The double bottom procedure.

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61 MJ.14_Tank_Sec.Contain.indd 59 5/27/14 11:53 PM


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It has been 25 years since the Exx-on Valdez oil spill in Prince Wil-liam Sound, Alaska, in March 1989. After running aground on

the Bligh Reef, approximately 35,000 tonnes of oil spilled into the ocean. Exxon said it spent approximately $2.1 billion on cleanup, with the operation including 10,000 workers, 1,000 boats and 100 aircraft at its peak. Yet some beaches remain oiled to this day.

Since then, oil spill recovery statistics

in spite of billions of dollars having been spent on equipment, training, drills and the establishment of strategically located, in-dustry-sponsored response organizations.

To prevent another Valdez-like spill in the U.S., oil spill recovery organi-zations were strategically located and equipped with state-of-the-art equip-ment, manned by well-trained, capable personnel, in accordance with regula-tions. The response industry assured the public that, in the event of another cat-astrophic oil spill, everything would be dealt with in a timely, effective manner.

For all intents and purposes, current oil spill recovery regimes are more cos-metic than effective, and nothing has changed in the years since the Valdez spill. The global oil spill response in-dustry has utilized the same methodol-ogies for every oil spill since the Exxon Valdez, predictably recording the same results. Based upon industry numbers the global response industry fails to re-cover 90 per cent of any oil spilled.

For the past 25 years the global spill response community has continued to operate with three basic response tech-niques: dispersants, in situ burning, and mechanical retrieval.

As part of its efforts to implement the provisions of the International Conven-tion on Oil Pollution Preparedness, Re-sponse and Cooperation (OPRC) Haz-ardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) Protocol 2000, Japan was prepared to investigate technologies that could be used to mitigate the impact of hazardous chemical releases at sea.

The OPRC-HNS Protocol aims to

provide a global framework for interna-tional co-operation in response to ma-rine pollution involving hazardous and noxious substances.

Imbibitive Technologies, a specialty sorbent manufacturer, was contacted by the Maritime Disaster Prevention Cen-tre (MDPC) in Yokohama, Japan.

Japan had experienced several chem-ical releases in past years and noted that the technologies that had been employed had been, for the most part, ineffective. MDPC was interested in discovering if sorbent polymer, including Imbib-er Beads® could be used to effectively “capture and contain” a broad range of hazardous chemicals. 162 of the most heavily imported HNS into Japan, in-cluding benzene, xylene, ethyl benzene, toluene, styrene, hexane, decane and dozens more, were selected for this study.

The initial portion of the study was to include bench-scale testing of various sor-bent materials, including Imbiber Beads, over a six-year period. This report will create a worldwide database, which will be used in the preparation and advance-ment of marine spill technologies.

Imbiber Beads were tested in conjunc-tion with a Japanese-produced powdered

-

sity of 0.4. The Imbiber Beads formulation

0.96. Their greater density allowed the super absorbent polymer to settle through the test liquids, but remain at the saltwater/chemical interface. The less dense materi-al required “stirring” in order to facilitate intimate contact with the test liquids. No stirring was required for Imbiber Beads.

MDPC observed as a result of this performance of the super absorbent

-cess was rapid for the majority of the test HNS, whether in the presence of saltwater or not.

-nate the liquid phase upon contact proved to be an advantage for the safety of response personnel and the potential to minimize secondary contamination. Of the initial 35 HNS included in the testing procedures, 23 of the liquids were immobilized complete-

-cluded seven of the top ten HNS imported into Japan: xylene, benzene, styrene mo-nomer, toluene, cyclohexane, acrylonitrile and ethylene dichloride.

MDPC noted that there is a differ-ence in the mechanisms of “gelatini-zation” and “absorption”, which were


How much has oil recovery improved since the Exxon Valdez spill? By Allan Grawey

This photo was taken three days after the Exxon Valdez grounded, just before

a storm arrived.


49 MJ.14_Tank_Exxon-Japanese Study.indd 60 5/27/14 11:54 PM

• Meeting Federal (E2), Provincial, Regulations• Site Emergency Preparedness & Response Plans• Industry Specific Standards, ISO 14000, International

Cyanide Management Code, Aboriginal Agreements

• Hands on Chemical Testing & Evaluation of Chemicals,Reagents, Process and Waste streams as well as MixedSpilled Substances

• Best Management Practices, Why & When to Patch,Over-pack or Transfer for transport, product recovery orwaste disposal

• Deal with Time Critical Issues and Hierarchy of Event• Discharges >1,000 gallons per minute in all terrain• Laboratory size to train derailment, pipeline size spills, all-terrain• Selecting conditions, flow rates, wind conditions, recovery• Improvise Countermeasures to reduce cost & contamination• Boat & Boom Deployment in river, open water



SSSSSSppppppiiiiiillllllllllllssssssSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSpppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppppiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiillllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

demonstrated by the powdered gelling agent and absorbent polymer respec-tively. Imbiber Beads immediately re-duced the rate of vapour release upon their application to the HNS between 83 – 95 per cent, depending upon the vapour pressure of the test liquid. The rate of vapour reduction increased to as high as 99 per cent, with butyl acetate. MDPC recognized that, in many inci-dents, it is the vapours which present most of the concern during response operations.

After six years of evaluation and testing, MDPC placed strategic inven-tories of Imbiber Beads and the High Extension Rapid Oil Spill System™ (HEROS®) spray delivery systems and recovery equipment at 23 high-risk lo-cations throughout Japan. This was part of their national spill contingency plan for hazardous chemical spills at sea.

The HEROS System is a multi-com-ponent system, which combines several inter-related technologies into an effec-tive spill response tool. Elements of the system include helicopter delivery of Imbiber Beads; containment wrap barri-ers with sorbing pockets; and the use of

Imbiber Bead delivery. Imbiber Beads are a key element of the system, trans-forming the oil into a semi-solid mass that can be retrieved off the water using

existing recovery techniques. Pre-staged inventories at each mon-

itoring location allows for the response operation to commence almost immedi-

Imbiber Beads through foam monitors, and used in conjunction with the HE-ROS wrap barrier system, will have the desired effect of immobilizing the re-lease and localizing it until a full-blown response operation can arrive on site.

Recycling Options An additional advantage of deploy-

ing bulk Imbiber Beads onto an oil spill is the ability to harvest the blocks of ag-glomerated oil and reclaim it through a

environmental loop. In order to do this it is necessary to

drop the blocks of “imbibed” oil into

in abundance. Once in the excess oil,

Table 1. Test results from concentration of vapour for various chemicals. Imbiber Beads were found to reduce the rate of

vapour release by up to 600 per cent, greatly reducing, if not completely eliminating the risk of fire, explosion or inhalation.

Imbiber Beads fully captured and contained dozens of tested organic chemi-

cals, immobilizing the spill and turning the liquid into a semi-solid.



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Imbiber Beads will separate from their cohesive mass. They will remain swol-len, but because they lose an amount of their rigidity during the imbibition pro-cess, they become more malleable, al-

is 235°C. As a result, they do not change the viscosity of the liquid. By “thermal-ly cracking” them down to their basic components of water, carbon and hy-drogen, only the recovered oil remains.

This will have a slightly higher aromatic content due to some of the monomers used in the polymer mix.

Energy from waste is also a dispos-al option, with one pound of Imbiber Beads generating 17,000 BTUs when incinerated. The addition of spilled hy-drocarbons increases the energy val-ue and makes them an excellent, clean burning fuel source, generating less than one per cent ash.

Imbiber Beads do not change the ba-sic chemical properties of any liquids

that they imbibe/absorb. As a result these materials should be handled in ac-cordance with their chemical properties prior to imbibition.

The work conducted by MDPC cre-ated a template for government and in-dustry world-wide for effectively deal-ing with catastrophic oil and chemical spills at sea.

Allan Grawey is with Imbibitive Technologies. E-mail:

[email protected]

Standard fire fighting foam monitors can be used to

disperse Imbiber Beads onto water based spills.

Imbibed liquids can be easily recovered from the water

with something as simple as a standard fishing net.

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A wonderful article entitled “Trouble at the Lab” (The Economist, 2013) really brings this concept to life, citing research studies that failed to yield the same re-sults when replicated step by step.

So how can this occur? Assuming the sample was taken according to proper split-sample sampling techniques (i.e., there are no chemical differences inher-ent in the sample itself), there are still many other factors at play. For extremely time-sensitive tests such as formalde-hyde, differences between Lab “A” prep-ping the sample 12 hours before Lab “B” can make a difference (even if the meth-od hold time is met by both labs).

-sit are another contributing factor. Meth-od-to-method variance and same-method variance are an issue as well. Bench-level technique also plays a huge role.

Just as a good surgeon will have bet-ter clinical results than a lesser-skilled surgeon, the same holds true for lab-oratory staff. A well-trained, skilled lab analyst is key to ensuring that accuracy

number. Everything from having an or-ganized and functional work station, ex-cellent bench-level technique and an eye for detail are major contributing factors. We speak of “good hands” in this indus-try too and we don’t refer to it lightly.

ISO 17025 does require that accredit--

ing (PT) Program twice a year for each accredited method. Results must fall within an acceptable result range or the lab will have that test suspended from their scope of accreditation (double fail-ures will mean a suspension).

Again, this provides some reassurance, but unfortunately, when something as dear as accreditation is at stake, the consumer must not rely too heavily on the lab’s PT track record as it probably ran and re-ran that sample with many extra quality con-trol measures in place. It was likely not run as part of the day’s normal production.

A conscientious consumer of lab services can help identify weak data by testing their lab with the inclusion of spiked samples. Knowing the experi-

running your sample is also something you should feel comfortable discussing with your lab.

3. The need for speed.The focus on the “need for speed” in

the analytical testing industry undoubt-edly comes at a cost. If doing it fast and cheap are the drivers, then expect that equipment maintenance, staff train-ing and adherence to best-practices in

analytical chemistry will start to slide. Some corners that might be cut are as fundamental as labs failing to run mul-tiple dilutions for samples, which is a key step in ensuring the result range is optimized for the calibration of the in-strument.

Critical steps may also be cut out in standard methods, such as not running the accompanying moisture test for an organic analysis of soil (e.g., BTEX, F1-F4, etc.). This undoubtedly saves time, but can seriously underestimate the concentration of the contaminant in the sample and can grossly misrepresent the true detection level of the sample.

Again, as a consumer, simply asking the lab to show you their dilution runs, or the moisture calculation for your soil

that you are doing your part in assessing the quality of your data and your lab.

Consumer’s tool kitOther tools the consumer can use to

assess the quality of the work performed by their lab include:• Make the most out of incorporating

field and trip blanks into your cooler orders and send the occasional blind sample duplicate as well.

• Assess whether your lab is using ad-ditional Quality Control measures beyond control standards and dupli-cate analyses in their batches. Things to look for include the use of control charting in the lab to flag statistical variation in a method over time or the inclusion of matrix-specific Certified Reference Materials.

• Ask your lab to define what a “batch” of samples is for them in terms of “we run these quality control mea-sures per batch”. Is it every 20 sam-ples, every 100, once a day, once per instrument run? An average batch size shouldn’t exceed approximately 20 samples per test.

• Understand the concept of statistics in your data when assessing your data set. If you are not certain, take a refresher course on the concept of allowable variance and relative per cent differ-ence (RPD) between two numbers be-fore deciding that they are too different. Also understand that RPD varies by an-alytical method and by matrix (soil ver-sus water) to allow for known errors.

• Understand the concept of Method Detection Limit when assessing your data set. If a lab reports a blanket De-tection Limit for an analysis, you must consider that the actual detection level (i.e., how low the lab can detect/report that analyte in that particular sample) may be disappointingly above it. In the worst case scenario, it may be so far above the blanket Detection Limit (sometimes referred to as a Reportable Detection Limit) that the result may not pass the regulatory criteria you are comparing to. Remember, less than detect is only valid if you know what the “detect” really is.Overall, the onus to provide quality

data rests with the lab. However, in the era of automated high-throughput and price erosion, the onus to assess the quality of your lab rests with you.

Sylvia Rennie is with Testmark Laboratories Ltd.

E-mail: [email protected]

Guest Comment

Ask your lab to define what a “batch” of

samples is for them in terms of “we run

these quality control measures per batch”.

Continued from page 53.

70 MJ.14_Asses.Lab Data_fin.indd 64 5/29/14 1:51 AM


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Progressive

Formats

Tel: 905-578-9666, Fax: 905-578-6644

E-mail: [email protected]: www.spillmanagement.ca

Westeel

Westeel’s C-Ring Con-tainment Sys-tems are ideal for petro-chemical, frac water storage, oil and gas, fertilizer,

hazardous material, and agricultural applications. All systems are made with high-strength (50-ksi) steel and have heavy-duty G115 galvanizing, meeting the stringent requirements of ISO 9001.Tel: 888-674-8265, 204-233-7133Fax: 888-463-6012E-mail: [email protected]: www.westeel.com

Containment system

Transport Environmental Systems

To avoid any major reoccuring expenses like oil/water fil-tration, shoveling snow and debris, or incurring tainted water disposal costs,

Transport Environmental Systems offers open collector pan models and closeable lid models to help avoid collecting snow, rainwater and debris. Also available are roll-under spill collector pans and other products for train/tanker truck loading, unloading and spill containment.Tel: 252-571-0092, Fax: 252-489-2060E-mail: [email protected]: www.transenvsys.com

Spill containment systems

Wise Environmental Solutions Inc. specializes in: frac, mini mixer, 4 motor mixer, open top, poly and double wall tank rentals, as well as vacuum, dewatering and environmental roll-off boxes. We pride ourselves on safety and offer competitive transportation and disposal rates.Tel: 519-860-5589 or 519-542-6667E-mail: [email protected]: www.wiseenv.com

Rentals

Wise Environmental Solutions

Showcase Bonus Ads_May.June.14.indd 65 5/27/14 11:57 PM

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ACG Technology

Prevent pump ragging

Tel: 905-856-1414

ACG Technology

Tel: 905-856-1414

Septage receiving automation

Tel: 877-777-9081

Online education

American Public University

• • •

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Phoenix Underdrain System

AWI

Phoenix Panel System

AWI

Butterfly valves

Chemline Plastics

Contech Engineered Solutions

Stormwater protection

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Tel: 800-565-4801

Denso

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Calibration system

Endress+Hauser Canada


Product & Service Show

case


Force Flow

The Chlor-Scale 150® provides a simple and reliable way to monitor the exact amount of chlorine used and the amount remaining in the cylinder. Available with the electronic Wizard 4000® or SOLO G2®, or the hydraulic SOLO XT® or Century® dial. Tel: 800-893-6723

Monitor chlorine gas

the right choice. Try out the H2FLOW

sense to clarify your water. The

accessories, is designed to treat 80

Tel: 905-660-9775

DAF pilot unit

H2Flow Equipment

Huber Technology

Advanced MBR screen

Huber has introduced the Rotamat® perforated plate screen RPPS STAR. Utilizing a patented pleated perforated plate increases throughput by 25%. This allows a smaller footprint, which results in reduced capital cost for screen and structure. Tel: 704-990-2055, Fax: 704-949-1020 E-mail: [email protected]: www.Huberforum.net/RPPS

Endress+Hauser’s CSP44 portable sampler is a true water monitor-ing station. The addition of industrial Memosens based inputs allows for special event sampling, real time process moni-toring and data logging

the same powerful controller found in Endress+Hauser’s Liquiline Analytical product portfolio. Tel: 800-668-3199, 905-681-9292Fax: 905-681-9444 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.ca.endress.com/analysis

New portable sampler

Endress+Hauser Canada Geneq

The Model F-10300 process centrifuge is specifically designed for process control sampling applications to de-termine solids concentration in percent volume. The centrifuge test gives rapid results: six or more sludge samples can be run in 15 minutes in a lab centrifuge. The data obtained has been proven to be more than adequate for process control.Tel: 514-354-2511, Fax: 514-354-6948E-mail: [email protected]: www.geneq.com

Process centrifuge

Process mixing system

mixing systems feature a unique double nozzle design which allows for even energy distribu-tion. This process opti-mizes solids suspension and contact to promote efficiency in a wide range of wastewater and bio-fuels applications.E-mail: [email protected]: www.greatario.com

Greatario Engineered Storage Systems

outside a pipe.

latest technology

processing. Faster, cleaner processing, greater data resolution and an improved

produce data accuracy far greater than previously possible.

E-mail: [email protected]: www.greyline.com

Ultrasonic metering

Greyline Instruments

U20L, the new low cost HOBO Water Level Logger, measures water level,

vented design enables easy deployment

pressure sensor.

Tel: 604-872-7894Fax: 604-872-0281

Water level logger

Hoskin Scientific

Oxygen Logger features: monitoring with 0.2 mg/L accuracy; optical

sensor cap. Software corrects for measurement drift from fouling.

Tel: 604-872-7894 Fax: 604-872-0281

DO logger

Hoskin Scientific


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Thousands of Ontario businesses are reducing capital costs for energy

payback periods and lower operating costs with the help of saveONenergy incentives.

E-mail: [email protected]: saveonenergy.ca/business

Ontario Power Authority

Get incentives for energy efficient upgrades

Experience – that is what sets Orival Water Filters apart from competitors. Twenty-seven years under one

with long-term application engineers on

hundreds of automatic self-cleaning

nearly every application. Tel: 800-568-9767

Web: www.orival.com

Filtration products

Orival

MSU MG Safety Hatches are the “open and shut case” for access hatches. They are manufactured to CSA standards right here in Canada by Canadian

Web: www.msumississauga.com

Access hatches

MSU Mississauga

MONITARIO Technical Services

and has for over 25 years. The CAD/

with crucial dimensions maintained. Accuracy is guaranteed. Tel: 519-748-8024 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.monitario.com

Primary element flumesInterpreter register

Master Meter’s -

on proven Dia-log® 3G technol-

that replaces the existing register

connections.Tel: 514-795-1535E-mail: [email protected]: www.mastermeter.com

Master Meter

Ultrasonic meter

Octave® offers the latest in ultrasonic metering technology and is an excellent

moving parts. Octave excels at maintain-ing sustained accuracy for the life of the

capabilities.Tel: 514-795-1535E-mail: [email protected]: www.mastermeter.com

Master Meter

Huber Technology

space screen tech-nology to phys-ically screen out

spaces such as

diameters are avail-able with machine lengths as high as ~40’. Over 700 units have been installed worldwide.Tel: 704-990-2055 E-mail: [email protected]: www.Huberforum.net

Vertical screen technology

Huber Technology

Clear-GuardTM is

pressure-rated clear containment piping system allowing for easy visual detection of leaks and minimizing risk for transport of aggressive chemicals in buildings. Clear-Guard Double Containment

TM

pipe perfectly centered inside the containment pipe. Fittings are available in clear or “cost saving” opaque. Tel: 866-473-9462Web: www.ipexinc.com

Double containment

IPEX

containment systems can be equipped with a patented Centra-Guard™ point-of-collection leak detection system. Centra-Guard systems are available for above-

with sensors housed in

well as for below-grade

drip leg assemblies. Tel: 866-473-9462Web: www.ipexinc.com

Leak detection system

IPEX


Product & Service Show

case


Grit removal system

Smith & Loveless

PISTA®Works™ is a packaged all in one headworks and grit removal scheme, offering a compact footprint and speedy/efficient installation. The system fea-tures a fully automated control system, an integrated screening system for solids retention, a PISTA® Grit Concentrator, a PISTA® TURBO™ Grit Washer and a PISTA® 360™ Grit Chamber.Tel: 913-888-5201, Fax: 913-888-2173E-mail: [email protected]: www.smithandloveless.com

The Waterra Clear PVC EcoBailer and Weighted Polyethylene EcoBailer are both eco-friendly products. A better weight distribution allows these bailers to sink straighter, and the efficient valve design makes them the fastest sinking bailers available.Tel: 905-238-5242, Fax: 905-238-5704E-mail: [email protected]: www.waterra.com

PVC or Polyethylene

Waterra Pumps

The EcoPlug™ offers the latest in well plug design and is the only well cap made from recycled materials. If you’re looking for a durable, tamper-proof well cap that will withstand repeated use (and abuse) over many years, the EcoPlug is an excellent fit for your requirements. This well cap is available for 3/4”, 1”, 2” and 4” monitoring wells. Tel: 905-238-5242, Fax: 905-238-5704E-mail: [email protected]: www.waterra.com

EcoPlug Wellcaps

Waterra Pumps

Movigear® is an intelligent system with its own control concept. Its high-quality net-working helps reduce startup time and supports monitoring and maintenance tasks. When combined with a fractional user software, drive tasks can be resolved as quickly and easily as possible.Tel: 905-791-1553E-mail: [email protected]: www.sew-eurodrive.ca

Mechatronic drive system

SEW-Eurodrive

Oil/water interface sensor

Waterra Pumps

Groundwater sampling

The HydraSleeve Dis-creet Interval No-PurgeSampler provides a for-mation quality samplewith very little effortand cost. In independ-ent studies, the Hy-draSleeve was found tobe 50%-80% morecost-effective thanother sampling meth-ods.Tel: 905-238-5242,Fax: 905-238-5704E-mail: [email protected]:www.waterra.com

Waterra Pumps

The new Levelogger App Interface provides a wireless connection between your Levelogger water level datalogger, and the Solinst Levelogger App on your smart device. Use it to program, view and save real-time data, and download and E-mail data from the connected Levelogger.

Tel: 905-873-2255, Fax: 905-873-1992E-mail: [email protected]: www.solinst.com

New App Interface

Solinst Canada

ProMinent’s ProSIP Pump Series are pre-engineered for any chemical feed application and are both versatile and economical. They come with our exclusive three-year guarantee; all you have to do is plug them in. Ask us how ProSIP helps you live your life — ProMinently.Tel: 888-709-9933 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.prominent.ca

ProMinent Fluid Controls

Pre-engineered pumps

ProMinent Fluid Controls

ProMinent’s Tomal Polyrex Polymer

activation of polymer solution is low-maintenance, with a wide and

Maximize energy while minimizing consumption. Easy operation

and proven design means the PolyRex makes it easy for you — ask us how!

Tel: 888-709-9933 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.prominent.ca

Polymer makedown



Parsons acquires DelcanLooking to expand its geographic foot-print in transportation, Parsons has ac-quired Delcan, an international multi-disciplinary engineering, planning, man-

Over its 60-year history, Delcan has been providing transportation solu-tions within the rail and transit, road and highway, structures, water, freight,

Delcan has 800 employees working from more than 25 locations across the

With revenues of $3 billion in 2013, Parsons is one of the largest transpor-tation planning, engineering, and con-

www.delcan.com

Increasing project totals encourage optimism

Total capital cost of major projects in

quarter of 2013, with total capital costs

According to the Association of

total capital cost of major projects in

quarter of 2013, far surpassing the $261

The oil and gas sector has seen sig-

2013 with the addition of two new LNG proposals and the provision of a capital

-lights – Year-end quarter 2013 vs Year-end quarter 2012:

-

-

billion

-

ES&E NEWS

20 Sharp Road, Brantford, Ontario N3T 5L8 • Tel: (519) 751-1080 • Fax: (519) 751-0617 E-mail: [email protected] • Web: www.anthrafilter.net

• ANTHRACITE • QUALITY FILTER SAND & GRAVEL • CARBON • GARNET ILMENITE • REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

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Coarse & fine bubble aerationTames sludge buildupEliminates thermal stratificationEliminates seasonal turnoverOnly 4 hp moves 9 MGDHandles up to 5 acres per unitEfficient: Up to 15 lbs O2/hrLow maintenance & Simple!

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• Low maintenance & Simple!

WATER QUALITY AERATOR for Lagoons and Aquaculture

• Innovative, air-burst driven mixing

• Energy-efficient, up to 50% less power

• No in-basin moving parts

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HYDRO-PULSE Large Bubble Mixing Technology

HYDRO-LOGIC ENVIRONMENTAL INC.T: 905-777-9494 • F: 905-777-8678 • [email protected] • www.hydrologic.ca762 Upper St. James Street, Suite 250, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada L9C 3A2

Tier 1 Hydro-Pneumatic Surge and Pressure Control Systems in both Bladder and Air over Water Solutions

Now available in Canada!

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IDEAL MIXING FOR: • Anoxic, Aeration & Swing Tanks • Drinking water storage tanks

• Sludge Tanks • Channel Mixing Applications • Sewage pump station grease cap busting & odor control • Industrial and Food Processing Applications. . . and more!

00-NEWS_MayJune.14.indd 70 5/27/14 11:59 PM


ES&E NEWS• Public Services sector: 16.9 per cent

drop to $7.3 billion• Other Services sector: 2.6 per cent

drop to $23.4 billionwww.acec-bc.com

Auto recycling’s successful mercury

removal programSince 2008, more than 450,000 mer-cury-containing switches, totaling ap-proximately 380 kilograms of mercury, have been removed and disposed of properly through an award-winning en-vironmental program.

The Switch Out program, jointly funded by the Canadian Steel Produc-ers Association (CSPA) and the Canadi-an Vehicle Manufacturers’ Association (CVMA), works with over 1,000 scrap yards, vehicle recyclers and dismantlers across Canada to have them remove mercury-containing switches that were used for convenience lighting and an-ti-lock braking systems from End of Life Vehicles (ELVs).

In 2011, the program was recognized with the Ontario Minister of the Envi-ronment’s Award for Environmental Excellence.

Steel is Canada’s most recycled product and in 2013, members of CSPA recycled some seven million tonnes of scrap steel. That is roughly the equiva-lent of the steel contained in seven mil-lion cars.

While mercury used in these com-ponents was discontinued over 10 years ago, vehicles from that era are still be-ing recycled. The purpose of the Switch Out program is to remove, recover and properly manage this mercury safely in older vehicles, before the scrap from these vehicles go through the recycling process to create new steel products.

www.switchout.ca

NGWA addresses fracking“Hydraulic Fracturing: Meeting the Nation’s Energy Needs While Protect-ing Groundwater Resources” presents

Groundwater Association, and identi--

ter and drinking water supplies while addressing energy needs through in-

High Pressure Water JettingLiquid/Dry Vacuum Services

Dry Ice CleaningHydro Vac Excavating www.aquablast.ca

Markham, Ontario

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creased oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing.

The paper supports additional stud---

spread water quality or quantity issues

-draulic fracturing process itself.”

However, the Association said there -

nation related to oil and gas activities such as faulty casing installations, unsealed

materials/chemicals at the surface.The paper also said additional studies,

potential groundwater contamination are -

izontal wells and hydraulic fracturing.”The paper can be found at:

www.ngwa.org.

N.S. pilot project announced

The government of Nova Scotia will authorize a pilot project to dispose of two million litres of treated hydraulic

The treated water from Atlantic Indus-trial Services meets Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment and

into freshwater.The company will transport two mil-

lion litres of treated water from the De--

oC.

after using the water for residual inorganic materials.

Kennetcook were not designed to house this water for the long term,” said Ran-

want to proceed with the pilot project

solution.”Documents on hydraulic fracturing

wastewater in Nova Scotia, including -

cotia.ca

ES&E NEWS

WELL AND PUMP MAINTENANCEPerformance Testing, Inspections, Well Rehabilitation & Repairs

Lineshaft and Submersible Turbines

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INTERNATIONAL WATER SUPPLY LTD.WWW.IWS.CA

P: 519-763-0700 F: 519-763-6684 150 Stevenson Street, South Guelph, ON N1E 5N7 www.insitucontractors.com

• Dewatering systems• Mobile groundwater treatment systems• Well and pump installation and maintenance• Pump, filter, generator rentals• Sediment tank rentals• Insitu groundwater remediation systems

Insitu Groundwater Contractors

10 Alden RoadMarkham, Ontario Canada L3R 2S1Tel: 905-475-1545Fax: 905-475-2021www.napier-reid.com

Package Wastewater Treatment Plants/SBR/MBR/RBC/EA/DAF

CORROSION CONTROL PRODUCTSBurlington, Ontario Canada

Regional Offices: Montreal, CalgaryLewiston, New York, USA

www.Rustrol.com

Leaders in the Cathodic Protection Industry…Since 1957

INTERPROVINCIAL CORROSION CONTROL



Alberta invests in carbon capture

As part of its 2014 budget, the govern-ment of Alberta will invest in two car-bon capture and storage (CCS) projects that will reduce greenhouse gas emis-sions from oil sands upgrading. The government is investing almost $1.3 bil-lion over 15 years in two large-scale, oil sands-related CCS projects: the Alberta Carbon Trunk Line and Quest Projects.

The units will be used to capture carbon dioxide from upgrading, and then transport it through a 65 km underground pipeline to three injection wells north of the upgrader in Thorhild County. There it will be safely and permanently stored more than two kilometres underground.

According to John Rhind, Shell Cana-da oil sands vice president, the Quest car-bon capture and storage project will be

the world for an oil sands operation.These projects will start up in 2015

and will store 2.76 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year. This is the equivalent of taking 550,000 cars off the road each year.

www.alberta.ca

APWA honours Hatch Mott MacDonald

The American Public Works Associ--

ent Outfall project as one of its Public Works Projects of the Year for 2014. Hatch Mott MacDonald was the prime consultant for the project.

The project was carried out on behalf of the Regional Municipality of York, in collaboration with McNally Construction, the general contractor, and Ward and Burke, the micro-tunnel subcontractor.

Keswick Water Pollution Control Plant, Hatch Mott MacDonald recommended a combination of open-cut trenching, micro-tunneling, and marine dredging.

micro-tunnel drive completed in Canada,

tunnel drive completed in Canada, and

drive completed in North America.www.hatchmott.com

ES&E NEWS

10 Alden RoadMarkham, Ontario Canada L3R 2S1Tel: 905-475-1545Fax: 905-475-2021www.napier-reid.com

Package Water Treatment Plants/Gravity/Pressure/Membrane/Ion Exchange/GAC

Consulting Engineers and Scientists

1-800-265-9662 www.rjburnside.com


00-NEWS_MayJune.14.indd 73 5/28/14 12:00 AM

Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine

Adve

rtis

er IN

DEX

Company Page

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

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

Associated Engineering ........................ 5

AWI ....................................................... 25

Chemline Plastics ................................ 30

Chemtrac .............................................. 51

CIMA Canada ....................................... 30

Cole Engineering .................................. 26

Contech Engineered Solutions ............ 63

Denso .................................................. 10

Endress + Hauser ................................ 11

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

Force Flow............................................ 14

Geneq ................................................... 26

Greatario .............................................. 57

H2Flow ................................................ 59

Hoskin Scientific ............................ 21, 32

Huber Technology .................................. 9

Imbrium Systems ................................. 63

Interprovincial Corrosion Control ........ 59

Kusters Water ...................................... 39

Landshark Drilling ............................... 15

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

Metcon ................................................. 53

MONITARIO ........................................... 43

MSU Mississauga ................................ 47

Mueller ................................................. 35

Ontario Power Authority ...................... 33

Osprey Scientific .................................. 37

Parsons ................................................ 18

Pro Aqua............................................... 45

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

Rochon Environmental ........................ 50

SEW-Eurodrive ..................................... 19

Smith & Loveless ................................. 23

Solinst Canada ..................................... 31

SPD Sales ............................................. 20

Spill Management ................................ 61

Stantec ................................................. 19

Team-1 Academy ................................. 76

Tervita .................................................. 29

Testmark Laboratories ........................ 50

Toronto Hydro .............................. INSERT

Waterra Pumps .................. 13, 41, 49, 56

WEFTEC ................................................ 48

XCG Consultants .................................. 37

Xylem ..................................................... 7

Province takes over Calgary Gas Plus cleanup

The Alberta government will undertake full remediation of the former Gas Plus site in Calgary’s Bowness area, while the site owner will still be liable for the cleanup costs.

The government said that Gas Plus Inc./Handel Transport (Northern) Ltd. have consistently failed to remediate their north-west Calgary gas station site and the surrounding area to the remedial standards set by the province through an Environmental Protection Order. Con-

release of gasoline from the formerly operating gas station in 2010.

This was expected to begin, once ac-cess to the site and some off-site proper-ties was obtained from Gas Plus/Handel Transport and owners of other affected properties. The government said this ac-cess can be achieved through court pro-ceedings if required.

Assessment of the contamination in the area is already underway by the de-partment’s consultants.

www.alberta.ca

Yukon updates Environment Act

The Government of Yukon updated the territory’s Environment Act, to respond to environmental management through a modernized legal framework.

Yukon said that while the goals and values of the Environment Act remain unchanged, it has been amended to re-duce risk to human health and the en-vironment, advance sustainable devel-opment, and improve consistency with Yukon’s legislative practices.

Changes include enhanced abilities to ban hazardous substances and allow-

lands for inspections. Support has also been added to allow third parties to re-mediate contaminated sites.

Bill 73, the Environment Act, was approved by the Yukon Legislative As-sembly on May 6, 2014.

www.gov.yk.ca

Kelowna wins “best of the best” tap water test

After being compared to nearly a dozen other entrants in the inaugural British Columbia Water & Waste Association’s (BCWWA) “Best of the Best” tap water taste test challenge, the City of Kelowna was awarded top marks for their drink-ing water at the 2014 BCWWA annual conference in Whistler.

Tap water entered was sampled by four water taste professionals, or “aqualiers,” who looked at appearance, aroma, taste, mouth feel, aftertaste and overall impres-sion. They were not advised which com-munities had entered the competition.

”It’s gratifying when all our invest-ments in innovative water treatment tech-nology through the years, results in rec-ognition for our clear, great tasting drink-ing water,” said Kelowna utility services manager, Kevin Van Vliet. “We need to also give credit to the wastewater treat-ment process we have, that returns clean

Okanagan Lake.”The BCWWA said it is working to

raise awareness about the value of water, to ensure public support for investments needed over the next decade, to provide clean, safe water for future generations. RBC’s 2014 Canadian Water Attitudes Survey indicates that less than one-third of Canadians know where their drinking water comes from, and fewer than one

-structure’s condition.

www.bcwwa.org

ES&E NEWS

74 | May/June 2014

00-NEWS_MayJune.14.indd 74 5/29/14 1:46 AM

PRIMARY TREATMENT• Complete line of fine screening equipment• Self�cleaning perforated plate screens• FlexRake® front�raked fine screens• FlexRake® front�raked bar screens• FlexRake® low flow• Screenings washer/compactor• Auger conveyor• Self�Cleaning trashracks• Muffin Monster® grinder �for sludge, scum,

septage, screenings & wastewater�• Channel Monster® grinder for pump sta�ons

and sewage treatment plant headworks• Honey Monster® septage receiving sta�on• Auger Monster® fine screen system• Monster® fine screen & band screen perforated

plate fine screens with 2, 3 & 6mm perfora�ons• Screenings washer/compactors• Rota�ng drum screens �down to 2mm perfs�• Raptor screenings washer press

SECONDARY TREATMENT• Aqua�Jet® direct drive floa�ng aerator• Aqua DDM mechanical floa�ng mixer• Fine bubble aera�on systems using membrane or

ceramic diffusers with gas cleaning systems• Stainless steel coarse bubble aera�on systems• Mul� stage ac�vated biological process �MSABP�• Two & three rotary lobe P/D blowers• Centrifugal mul�stage blowers• Floa�ng diversion curtains �for aerated lagoons,

activated sludge systems & clear wells�• Subsurface jet aera�on/mixing systems

�for high rate & low rate treatment systems�• Drop in jet aerators/mixers• Spiraflo & Spiravac peripheral feed clarifiers• Closed loop reactor oxida�on ditch systems• Rotary brush aerators• High efficiency single stage integrally geared blowers• Direct drive turbo type blowers• Aera�on system controls & instrumenta�on• Chain & flight clarifier systems & components

�plas�c, cast iron or stainless steel�• Half bridge, centre feed, circular clarifiers• Spiral blade clarifiers

TERTIARY TREATMENT• AquaDisk® � cloth media tertiary filter• AquaDiamond® ter�ary cloth media for traveling

bridge filters

CALL 905.856.1414 • 131 Whitmore Rd., Unit 13, Woodbridge, ON L4L 6E4

www.envirocan.ca

Ontario Pollution Control Equipment Association

Two Companies • Many LinesOne Number To Call

and more…

TANK COVERS & DOMES• Aluminum and FRP geodesic domes• Flat aluminum tank covers• Aluminum channel and launder covers• Aluminum hatch covers

DISINFECTION• UV disinfec�on systems• Package & custom ozone systems

BIOSOLIDS PROCESSING/HANDLING• Sludge storage bins & live bo�om dischargers• GBT & RDT for sludge thickening• Belt filter presses & screw presses• Centrifuges for thickening & dewatering

ODOUR CONTROL• Biofilters• Bioscrubbers• Carbon adsorbers• Chemical wet scrubbers

BULK MATERIAL HANDLING• Shaftless & shafted screw conveyors• Screw pumps �open & closed designs�

FLOWMETERS• Open channel flow metering �portable and

permanent; wireless data transmission�• Inser�on mag flow meters with wireless

data transmission• Data loggers with wireless data transmission

INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER TREATMENT• PCl Series DAF with corrugated plates• PWl Series DAF low profile, from 20800 GPM• Pipe flocculators• Industrial wastewater treatment systems• Coalescing oil/water separators• Inclined plate clarifiers

PACKAGE TREATMENT PLANTS• Package potable water treatment plants• Package sanitary wastewater treatment plants• Package industrial wastewater treatment plants• Package industrial process water treatment plants

WATER TREATMENT• Pressure filtra�on systems �removal of iron

and manganese, arsenic, fluoride, radium,uranium�

www.acgtechnology.com

ACG-ENVIROCAN_MJ.14_Fl.Pg.TP.indd 1 5/21/14 7:52 AM

01 MJ.14_Cover Form Ads.indd 76 5/24/14 8:50 PM

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