Associated Engineering is pleased to announce the following individuals will be presenting in various streams of the technical program next week in Toronto at 52nd WEAO Technical Symposium. We invite all delegates to hear from our speakers on April 17 and 18th!

April 17, 2023

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Maple West
Modelling the Impacts of Grey Water Reuse Implementation on Wastewater Treatment Plants | Ryan Thoren  

Grey water treatment systems collect, store and treat grey water to specified standards for reuse. Depending on the level of treatment, this enables the use of treated grey water for applications such as above-ground irrigation, laundry, and toilet flushing. In addition to reduced demands on drinking water distribution and wastewater collection systems, implementation of grey water reuse has the potential to impact WWTP operations. To assess the potential impacts on WWTPs, a model was developed to predict changes to WWTP influent flows, concentrations, and mass loadings as a result of grey water reuse implementation. Two scenarios were modeled to investigate different rates of grey water reuse uptake in newly constructed homes for a medium-sized municipality (population of 500,000 people). Results were determined up to the year 2051 using population and housing development projections. The impacts of reduced flows on sewage collection systems were also assessed at a high level.

4:15 PM – 4:45 PM | Willow East

Rooftop Solar Systems at Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities | Don Bai

Rooftop Solar Systems at Wastewater Collection and Treatment Facilities | Don Bai
Drivers and Key Considerations to designing and constructing rooftop solar systems at Wastewater treatment and collection system facilities. Followed up with a case study examination of a success deployment.

4:45 PM – 5:15 PM | Willow Centre
Feasibility of Advanced Digestion Options to Reduce Biosolids Volume | José Bicudo

This paper discusses the feasibility of biosolids management options based on variations and enhancement of anaerobic digestion, which might help address capacity concerns at a regional composting facility. Different options were analyzed for biosolids volume reduction, energy generation and use, life-cycle cost, including sensitivity to select input parameters. A structured decision-making process, using a simplified triple bottom line (TBL) approach, is also included to provide a comparative evaluation of the options and inform the City on a number of important corporate considerations.

April 18, 2023

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM | Maple West
Wiped Out? – Screens for Small Wastewater Treatment Plants | Amir Esmaeili    

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) servicing small communities with rated average daily flows of less than 500 m3/d do not typically have screening units (fine screens). In the past, this was done as a cost-saving measure for these small communities and was deemed to not significantly impact the downstream treatment processes. Operational and maintenance problems associated with nuisance inorganic solids, such as flushable wipes, have become more prevalent in many sewage pumping stations and WWTPs. These problems include plugging of pumps and piping, material settling in quiescent areas of tanks and reduced quality of the biosolids. Implementing screen units in small WWTPs would mitigate the operational issues associated with flushable wipes clogging pumps and process piping. The objectives of this paper are to describe design criteria and considerations for implementing screen units in small WWTPs; present suitable screening technologies for small WWTPs; and discuss challenges with implementing screen units in existing facilities.

1:30 pm – 2:00 pm | Willow West
Investigating Plant-wide and Process-Specific Odour Emissions | Nico Carunungan 

In response to odour complaints made by residents living near the Kitchener and Hespeler Wastewater Treatment Plants in 2021 and 2022 respectively, we studied regional weather data, reviewed plant operating conditions, and measured odour emissions at both facilities to determine any causal relationships between treatment activities and the complaints received. It was determined that neither plant was generating odours that could have caused the nearby residential complaints over the durations of the study periods. A key point of interest to note is that we investigated the Kitchener WWTP on a plant-wide scale, while we put specific emphasis on the aerobic digestion process at the Hespeler WWTP as it had been recently upgraded to treat thickened waste activated sludge. Through both studies, we demonstrate that baseline profiling of odour emissions is essential to determining any causal relationships between wastewater treatment processes and sources of odours at treatment facilities.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM  | Willow West
Managing Odours from Biosolids Storage and Processing – A Case Study from the Galt WWTP | Michael Blain

Biosolids processing facilities, particularly those including dewatered cake storage and truck loading bays, can produce a complex mixture of odours beyond the typical compounds such as H2S that are often the focus of odour treatment at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). At the Galt WWTP, there are two parallel carbon adsorption systems for building and process air treatment for the Biosolids Facility. This paper describes multiple rounds of odour sampling over the course of 8 years, and the presence of compounds including organic sulpur, ammonia, and volatile organic compounds that contribute to the odour mixture and require treatment. The paper also reviews technology options to treat this mixture including activated carbon, biofilter, and chemical scrubber, as well as constructability and life cycle cost considerations for this retrofit application.

The post Associated presents at Water Environment Association of Ontario Annual Conference first appeared on Associated Engineering.

We’re pleased to participate in the important dialogue taking place next week in Calgary on addressing water and wastewater topics affecting Indigenous communities across Canada. Several members of our staff will be presenting during the three-day symposium to share their expertise and experience in working together with First Nations to resolve clean water and sanitation issues. We invite attendees to join our speakers in the following sessions:

Wednesday, February 8

10:45 a.m
Workshop #6 – Closing the Infrastructure Gap with Sustainable Water & Wastewater Systems
Location: Exhibition Hall E (Plenary)
Presenter: Owen James

The AFN, in partnership with ISC, has co-developed a comprehensive cost report which is the first of its kind to quantify the capital and operating costs to “Close the Infrastructure Gap by 2030” for First Nations across Canada. Associated Engineering has provided supporting engineering services including development of long-term infrastructure needs, O&M requirements, and other investment needs such as climate adaptation and long-term improvements to water and wastewater servicing. The sustainability of water and wastewater system servicing is imperative in developing and maintaining public health for First Nations people. Solutions require careful planning in collaboration with First Nations to ensure communities have the capacity to address long-term operational and maintenance needs. Local capacity building is essential together with the ability to access expert support when required. This presentation will provide an overview of the pressures on water and wastewater systems and discuss considerations for improving the long-term sustainment of systems for First Nations across Canada.

1:30 p.m.
Workshop #14 – Unique Challenges of Remote, Northern Communities
Location: Mcleod C, South Side – Lower Level
Presenters: Freda Leong and Sarah Larlee

The Government of Nunavut operates numerous water treatment plants (WTP) throughout the territory. While each facility has individual challenges specific to their water quality, there are common concerns that are unique to the northern region of Canada, including freezing temperatures and isolated locations often only reachable by plane – and only on good weather days. However, perhaps the most important challenge is the design of practical facilities that can be operated and managed by Maintainers who are often required to perform many other tasks throughout the community. It is only when designs consider the time limitations that the Maintainers face that a sustainable solution is found. Through this presentation, the presenters will discuss a case study based on their work at a northern water treatment plant in Arviat, NU. The Arviat WTP is unable to remove organics through the existing process and finding a sustainable solution has been the focus of our work, including pilot testing and feasibility studies. They will discuss the importance of Operations and Maintenance considerations, and the need for it to be the driver for successful design.

Thursday, February 9

10:45 a.m.
Workshop #20 – Decentralized Water and Wastewater Systems –
Vital Considerations for the Wellbeing of a Community
Location: Mcleod D, South Side – Lower Level
Presenters: Abu Waraich and Hashanth Sasitharan

In recent years, a larger focus has been placed on removing boil water advisories. To eradicate boil water advisories completely from communities, all residents within the community must have access to safe and potable water. As over 70% of residents are on decentralized systems, consideration of the decentralized systems (i.e. cisterns and wells) is also required to ensure the water maintains its’ potable water quality all the way to the consumer (i.e. from source to tap). In addition, wastewater that is not properly disposed of by a compliant system can cause adverse health effects and environmental concerns. As a result, decentralized wastewater systems must also be considered as part of the overall water management objectives as they are also a crucial component on minimizing potential health and environmental concerns within the community.

The post Associated presents at AFN 6th Annual Water Symposium first appeared on Associated Engineering.

On September 30th, we are facilitating a meaningful learning opportunity for all staff and encouraging everyone to wear an orange shirt to raise awareness of and recognize the tragic legacy of the residential school system. We are encouraging all staff to take time on this day to reflect upon what individually we can do to support the Truth and Reconciliation process. To support our staff, we have planned a presentation featuring Chrystal Tabobandung, the founder of RAISE, an organization that provides Indigenous cultural awareness & competency training.

The post Associated welcomes Chrystal Tabobandung for a virtual presentation on Indigenous Awareness first appeared on Associated Engineering.

Associated Engineering is excited to partner as a supporting sponsor and participate in the technical program and tradeshow at the 73rd Annual Western Canada Water Conference and Exhibition taking place in Calgary, AB from September 13th to 16th! With a dozen presenters speaking in all four streams (wastewater, water, strormwater, niche topics), in addition to contributing to other presentations, our water practice is well represented once again. We invite attendees to also visit our ATAP Infrastructure Management team in booth #48 on the exhibition floor, they will be there on September 13th and 14th. 

Technical Program:

Wednesday, September 14th 

1:30pm | Red Deer Room
Upgrading the City of Calgary Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant Stage 1 Filters ‐ Uncovering 50 Years of Change
Co-presenter: Anne Bridgman

1:30pm | Calgary Room
If you’re not doing Continuous Asset Management, you’re not doing Asset Management
Presenter: Melanie Richmond 

Thursday, September 15th

9:00am | Regina Room
GIS Integrated SWMM Modelling – A Case Study in Lethbridge
Presenter: Andrew Rushworth

10:00am | Calgary Room
Achieving Envision Certification for the City of Red Deer Residuals Management Facility
Presenter: Jeff Huber

1:30pm | Lethbridge Room
Let it go, let it go ‐ can’t hold back lagoon storage any more!
Presenter: Dörte Köster

1:30pm | Red Deer Room
Optimization as a Key Component of Capital Planning – City of Calgary Experience
Presenter: Sutha Suthaker

2:00pm | Calgary Room
The City of Calgary’s Accelerated Procurement Approach to Maximize Funding from Alberta’s Municipal Stimulus Program
Presenter: Craig Pass 

2:30pm | Calgary Room
Customer‐Centric Service Delivery
Presenter: Shane Thompson

4:00pm | Lethbridge Room
Post‐Lagoon Attached Growth Processes in Cold Climates
Presenter: Rony Das

Friday, September 16th

10:00am | Red Deer Room
Realizing Water Reclamation: Global Adoption Leaders and Trends in Western Canada 
Co-presenters: Soubhagya Pattanayak, Roya Pishgar 

11:30am | Regina Room
Water Utilities and Citizen Science Approaches to Taste and Odour Events – Recent Learnings
Presenter: Klas Ohman

The post Associated at WCW 2022 Annual Conference & Exhibition first appeared on Associated Engineering.

Associated Engineering is pleased to participate next week in the Alberta Water & Wastewater Operators Association’s 47th Annual Operators Seminar taking place in Banff, AB. Members of our staff are presenting on a variety of important water and wastewater topics and projects in a pre-seminar workshop, as well as the technical session. We look forward to seeing everyone in person once again and welcome attendees to join our presenters’ sessions! 

The post Associated Engineering at annual AWWOA Operators Seminar (March 14-18, 2022) first appeared on Associated Engineering.