New B.C. guidelines help engineers, geoscientists to integrate natural asset management
Newly-published professional practice guidelines from the provincial regulator aim to ensure that British Columbia’s engineering and geoscience professionals are considering natural asset management in...
Canada’s first climate adaptation strategy on track for fall 2022
The federal government says it is progressing successfully towards developing Canada's first National Adaptation Strategy to fight climate change since it began engaging stakeholders...
B.C. water infrastructure set for $110M in upgrades
British Columbia and the federal government are investing $110 million in a series of drinking water, stormwater and wastewater upgrades that range from filtration...
Ontario infrastructure has $52B repair backlog, FAO report finds
Forty-five percent of Ontario’s municipal infrastructure is not in a state of good repair, suggests a new report from the Financial Accountability Office of...
Four water treatment plant upgrades funded across Canada
Water treatment plant upgrades have received funding for projects in New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories.
The biggest ticket item among them includes $5.9...
Canada opens new disaster funding as wildfires, floods take toll
The federal government has opened $1.37 billion in new infrastructure resilience funding to strengthen stormwater systems, restore wetlands and protect against dangers posed to...
Green Municipal Fund investments announced for N.L. communities
An investment of $104,800 through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Green Municipal Fund (GMF) was announced on July 20, 2021 to help reduce greenhouse...
Alberta wastewater innovation and energy use projects highlighted through new pilot funding
Seven Alberta communities will soon be receiving money through the Green Municipal Fund to improve water and wastewater services that range from new lagoon...
Alberta’s flood-mitigating reservoir moves closer to approval
Alberta’s $423-million Springbank off-stream reservoir flood mitigation project has been approved by the federal Minister of the Environment, following a greenlight as the first...
New Natural Infrastructure Fund will offer cities $20M for green projects
A new $200-million Natural Infrastructure Fund is set to invest in large-scale projects that use natural or hybrid approaches to protect the environment.
As part...
Major water, wastewater upgrades set for Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan communities
First Nations residents in Nova Scotia’s Inverness County, as well as several Saskatchewan communities, will soon benefit from substantial water and wastewater infrastructure funding...
New funding means sewer upgrades planned for southeast Labrador
A series of wastewater upgrades continue in southeast Labrador, where the federal government has recently allocated more than $1.5 million for modern water infrastructure.
In...
Canada’s budget boosts infrastructure to combat pandemic’s economic fallout
While infrastructure is not the defining centrepiece of Canada’s 2021 federal budget, spending on items like Canada’s first-ever National Infrastructure Assessment, women in engineering,...
ECO Canada releases report on financial compensation of environmental workers
According to ECO Canada’s latest labour market outlook, employers will need to hire approximately 172,700 new environmental workers by 2025 due to sector growth and retirement. This represents nearly 25% of 2020 environmental employment levels (about 620,100). Around 74,400 of these will be new green jobs resulting from sector growth.
Accelerating digital transformation in the water industry to improve efficiency
Tech-savvy water utility managers understand that centralizing operational data into one unified system can help achieve both goals, while boosting efficiency and improving long-term asset performance.
Florida cyberattack raises public awareness of threats to water plants
As utilities increasingly take advantage of the automation available through modern SCADA technology, they will also need to upgrade their cybersecurity measures to protect their more technologically-advanced systems.
Ottawa’s Zibi waterfront development planning carbon-neutral energy system
The federal government is giving $23 million to Hydro Ottawa to create a district energy system for Ottawa–Gatineau’s planned carbon-neutral waterfront development dubbed Zibi.
The...
CIB makes billion-dollar move to spur private investment in First Nations infrastructure
The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) has launched the Indigenous Community Infrastructure Initiative, which plans to invest at least $1 billion to support access to...
Asset management funding approved for 55 communities in Alberta, Saskatchewan
Canada is investing more than $1.1 million in 25 new Alberta infrastructure projects and $1.3 million in 30 new Saskatchewan infrastructure projects for small...
Challenging wastewater lagoon cleanout for a remote Yukon community
There are no surface roads to Old Crow, located north of the Arctic Circle in Yukon Territory, so all equipment needed to be flown in. This provided a challenge as most dredges are too large to be transported by air.
Project delivery in the Arctic hasn’t changed much since the Klondike Gold Rush era
More than a century after what many consider to be the greatest “event” in the history of the Arctic, the Klondike Gold Rush, it is interesting to compare the delivery of projects during that era to today. Dawson City, and in fact much of the Arctic remains a project delivery challenge.
London protects its critical watermain network with pipe condition assessment
Many water asset managers are adopting a pyramid approach to pipe condition assessment. On a selected group of assets, the concept uses cost-effective methods to collect information where possible, and progress to high-resolution and high-cost inspection options where needed.
Enviro advocacy groups demand public input on Small Modular Reactors
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission’s review process of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) is taking place behind closed doors and allows private sector companies to...
AIR Intake filter recycles waste heat to prevent WWTP equipment from freezing
Just as winter always arrives, intake filters for blowers and compressors always have the potential to freeze in cold, humid climates. In nearly all of Canada, filter freezing and early morning high differential pressure alarms can be a fact of life for plant operators.
The Internet Of Things is transforming wastewater collection system maintenance
Utilities began to realize that they were “cleaning clean pipes”. With the advent of the IoT technology, maintenance departments now have tools that can predictively assess remote conditions and provide indications when to clean.
Alberta and B.C. big winners at FCM’s 2020 sustainable community awards
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is celebrating its Sustainable Community Award winners for 2020, with Alberta and B.C. leading the green charge.
Through FCM’s...
Swift Current rejected under ICIP for WWTP upgrades
The mayor of Swift Current says the Saskatchewan city was left “on the outside looking in” when it realized available infrastructure funds in the...
Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities say stimulus water restoration projects can kick-start economy
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative says that up to 40 jobs could be created per million dollars spent on erosion control and infrastructure.
A look at the history of freeze protected water systems in the Canadian Arctic
The use of piped water distribution systems in the Canadian Arctic is a century old practice that began with an installation in Dawson City, Yukon, in 1905.
Water resilience: The missing piece in dealing with climate change
What has been missing from the discussion is the idea of resilience, defined as how easily and quickly a system can recover from extreme weather events, whether these events involve too much water or too little.
Removing a large water intake and concrete pier poses environmental challenges
Now in its seventh year, the Keeyask Generation Project has managed a number of location-specific challenges. One such challenge occurred when water in a 60 cm pipe in the intake froze, damaging a 2.5 metre thick concrete pier. To minimize impact to the overall project, Keeyask managers opted to use hydrodemolition to remove the damaged section.
Ontario’s AG to investigate process that passed Bill 197 to streamline EAs
Twelve environmental groups are sounding the alarm on newly passed Ontario legislation that made sweeping changes to environmental laws without public consultation in the...
Alberta grants $150M for 55 water, wastewater projects in small municipalities
$137 million is allocated for improvements to water supply, treatment facilities, upgrades to wastewater services such as lagoons, berms, sewage treatment.
Using ROVs to image underwater infrastructure for structural integrity
Imaging civil infrastructure underwater for structural assessments and reporting is achieved by an ROV in a very efficient and safe way. Engineers do not have to worry about hiring a dive crew and the health and safety implications and liability that can pose.
What role can infrastructure play in the global economic recovery?
Michael S. Burke, chairman and CEO of AECOM, looks at how infrastructure plays a key role in the global economic recovery from the coronavirus, and draws from past examples that can serve as inspiration.
Michigan dams fail in wake of violation history, lost license
After a massive rainstorm surged through Michigan last week causing two hydro dams to fail, residents engulfed in a flooding emergency are gradually learning...
New funding round underway for FCM asset management program
With nearly 600 municipal road, building and wastewater projects under its belt since 2017, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ (FCM) Municipal Asset Management Program...
Virtual open houses underway for Selkirk’s spring water construction projects
Virtual open houses are a creative solution for residents of Selkirk, Manitoba, to get a socially-distanced glimpse of the nearly $3-million worth of water...
Growing chorus joins FCM call for $10B in COVID-19 emergency funding
From turning arenas into safe shelters to deferring property taxes or user fees, new data from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) shows that...
Canada releases document highlighting essential roles in infrastructure
A new non-binding federal guidance document is helping to inform the public and employers about infrastructure services and functions deemed essential as Canada attempts...
Okanagan region facing six-fold increase of scorching summer days, report warns
New climate modelling projections are forecasting warmer summers, warmer winters and increased precipitation all year round in British Columbia’s Okanagan region for the decades...
It is important to monitor the condition of aging asbestos cement watermains
Relying only on thickness measurement may mean condemning pipe prematurely when it still has substantial strength that will allow additional service life.
Protecting a northern mine leachate spillway with concrete canvas
Concrete Canvas® is a new class of construction material called geosynthetic cementitious composite mats. Used for a wide range of erosion control applications, Concrete Canvas has numerous benefits that make it an attractive product.
Lessons learned while replacing aging watermain
City of Vaughan, Ont., and Chisholm, Fleming and Associates maximizes use of trenchless construction to replace two-kilometre section of badly deteriorated watermain.
Northern communities could benefit from renewable energy systems
Program assists Canadian First Nation communities wanting to replace diesel, but cost curves of diesel versus clean energy stack the cards against change for many small and cash-strapped communities.
Addressing Iqaluit’s water emergency with innovative engineering, ecosystem protection
At risk of an over-winter water shortage each year, Iqaluit, Nunavut, has begun to study the feasibility of additional sources and storage of water, with the aim of implementing a permanent additional supply to Lake Geraldine by 2026.
Scientific assessments of climate change in northern regions
Large parts of northern Canada are warming faster than other parts of the planet, causing local impacts and requiring engineering strategies to address them.
Understanding what affects pump pressure head loss
This article looks at the fundamentals of pumping in relation to pump pressures, head loss and the effects of pumping different fluids.
Infrastructure report card paves way for post election discussions
The Canadian Infrastructure Report Card 2019 found that “a concerning amount of municipal infrastructure is in poor or very poor condition”. With the federal election now finished, the associations who produced the Report Card will now be focused on getting infrastructure funded and built.
New report finds Canada’s public infrastructure ‘at risk’
A recent report from a number of infrastructure-related associations shows a significant amount of public infrastructure in Canada is aging and in poor condition....
Study finds ‘Goldilocks’ resolution for presenting flood risks on large-scale models
A new study claims to have found that moving from a low resolution to an optimal resolution for presenting flood risk information on large-scale...
Risk modelling for critical pipeline assets
As water distribution assets continue to deteriorate and cities continue to grow, more utilities are using risk models to plan their water pipe replacement programs. A growing trend is to measure risk in a quantitative way to allocate program funds.
Canada funds wastewater upgrades in Yukon, Manitoba and Nova Scotia
Infrastructure Canada announced funding last week for a range of water and wastewater projects in Manitoba, the Yukon and Nova Scotia.
Manitoba
The federal government is...
Canada Infrastructure Bank invests up to $20M in Mapleton water and wastewater project
The Township of Mapleton, Ontario is set to receive up to $20 million from the Canada Infrastructure Bank for water and wastewater infrastructure.
Contech releases a free new reline design tool
Contech Engineered Solutions’ has released the Design Your Own Reline (DYOReline™) tool to help engineers and contractors determine the viability of relining a culvert or drainage system based on site specifics.
Wastewater collection systems are under attack from peak flow I & I rates
New growth and development means many communities’ infrastructure is under pressure to accommodate this additional demand.
Implementing a proactive approach to force main asset management
The failure of most force mains equates to a high cost financially, operationally, environmentally and socially for utilities.
Ontario releases proposed excess soil and brownfield amendments
On May 1, 2019, the Ontario government announced it plans to introduce changes to the management of excess construction soil and brownfields redevelopment.
The Ministry...
Federal government promoting new project assessment process of Bill C-69
The federal government has been busy touting the benefits of proposed Bill C-69, the Impact Assessment Act. Here is a look at what specifically...
Excess soil is a valuable resource that should not be wasted
Each year, an estimated 26 million cubic metres of construction soil must be managed in Ontario.
How innovative sewer solutions are helping raise Ottawa’s skyline
Ottawa’s city council recently approved the development of a mixed-use complex along the Albert Street Corridor.
Quebec’s Hull Water Treatment Plant preps for boil water advisory ahead of upgrades
Continuing modernization upgrades at the Hull Water Treatment Plant in Quebec means at least a five-day boil water advisory for about 70,000 residents, which...
New video series highlights issue of excess soil from construction projects
Two Ontario construction and watermain groups launched a new video series as part of a campaign to have excess soil treated not as waste, but as a resource.
Private side standards for sanitary and stormwater sewer infrastructure are woefully inadequate
Unacceptable amounts of inflow and infiltration (I/I) in new construction have been identified as a significant issue, particularly with the advent of more frequent and more intense rainfall events.
New water mains granted funding for Quebec City region municipality
An investment of nearly $1.2 million will be used to replace water mains in the Quebec City region of Saint-Marc-des-Carrières, according to a new...
Wastewater projects funded, completed in Quebec and New Brunswick
As the federal government releases new funding for water and wastewater projects in Quebec, officials in neighboring New Brunswick have announced the completion of...
PEMAC chosen to provide municipal asset management training
The Plant Engineering & Maintenance Association of Canada (PEMAC) announced on June 28, 2018 that it will be working with municipalities to improve infrastructure...
Ontario First Nations test toolkit to protect infrastructure against climate change
Ontario First Nations leaders will now have access to an information toolkit that allows them to assess climate change risks to their critical infrastructure,...
Wastewater transmission system opens to connect four Alberta communities
Federal and provincial officials attended a commissioning ceremony earlier this month to celebrate the completion of the $71-million North Red Deer Regional Wastewater Transmission...
Combating microbial induced concrete corrosion at wastewater plants
Microbial induced concrete corrosion in sewage and water treatment systems is a "natural enemy" of conventional plants, frequently causing damage to concrete and metal...
Fibre optic SCADA networks now an economical option for small water plant projects
By Connor Campbell and Graham Nasby
In recent years, the cost of fibre optic cabling has dropped considerably. What used to be cost prohibitive is...
AECOM releases first global report on infrastructure
Examining the investment gap in infrastructure, resilient infrastructure and workforce needs, engineering and infrastructure firm AECOM released a global research report titled The Future...
Water-related infrastructure funding announced for Alberta, Quebec
Federal-provincial funding of more than $16.3 million has been announced for four new water and wastewater projects in Alberta.
In the towns of Vermilion, Barrhead and St. Paul, wastewater treatment plant upgrades...
Ontario releases first-ever infrastructure asset inventory
Ontario’s new plan detailing the government's commitment to invest $190 billion over 13 years in public infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, public transit, roads...
Canadian Concrete Pipe & Precast Association releases Environmental Product Declaration
The Canadian Concrete Pipe & Precast Association (CCPPA) presented their newly-developed Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) to its membership at their Fall meeting on October...
New procedure developed for assessment of coatings and corrosion conditions
Oxidizing and neutralizing chemicals, as well as misty, wet and damp conditions, contribute to an aggressive corrosive environment in water treatment plants.
Manufacturing new pump parts now an economical option to complete replacement
There are many older pumping installations that are still operating. Reverse engineering/duplicating existing parts is an alternative to pump replacement.
Newfoundland announces millions for municipal infrastructure
Newfoundland and Labrador have announced $38.8 million for projects that will support improvements in municipal infrastructure. The announcement was made by Newfoundland and Labrador...
Ontario to support municipal GHG reduction projects
Ontario announced it is investing in local projects to help reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from municipalities. According to the Ministry of the Environment...
Cornell tests smart, resilient underground infrastructure
By Syl Kacapyr
The future looks “smart” for underground infrastructure after a first-of-its-kind experiment was recently conducted at the Cornell University’s Geotechnical Lifelines Large-Scale Testing...
Some Canadian provinces have already met their 2030 GHG emissions targets
Under the Paris Agreement, Canada committed to reducing its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. However, according to the Canadian...
Challenges and opportunities for Canadian Consulting Engineering Firms
ES&E Magazine spoke with Shawn Scott, President and CEO of R.V. Anderson Associates (RVA), to talk about the company’s new look, and opportunities for...
Long-term rehabilitation of a 90-year-old water reservoir
This is an overview of the long-term rehabilitation follow-up work to extend the service life of the water treatment plant reservoir in Peterborough.
Standardization key to updating aging SCADA for water and wastewater utility
In 2016, Strathcona County, Alberta, decided to replace their aging SCADA software system that was no longer supported by the vendor.
How will Saskatchewan’s new siting guidelines impact wind energy developers?
The new Siting Guidelines have been designed to enhance environmental protection, provide certainty to future wind energy projects and promote responsible development of utility-scale wind energy in Saskatchewan.
Sharing sewer protection lessons with Japan
By Barry OrrThe City of London, Ontario (pop. 380,000), has 2,500 businesses and institutions such as restaurants, hospitals and groceries stores in need of...
Recent Canadian infrastructure funding announcements
Alberta
The government of Alberta announced on May 29, 2017, more than $131 million from the Water for Life and the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership...
Funding announced for Canadian water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects
Funding was recently announced for a number of environmental and infrastructure projects across Canada. Environmental Science & Engineering Magazine has compiled these announcements and...
Canadian water and wastewater funding news
Infrastructure funding was recently announced for water and wastewater projects in south central Saskatchewan and Montebello, Quebec.
Saskatchewan funding
The governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, along...
Alberta providing support to 31 bioenergy companies
Bioenergy is low-carbon energy or fuel made from agricultural products such as crops and livestock waste. The government of Alberta is committing $60-million to...
Wastewater infrastructure funding announced for NFLD
Newfoundland and Labrador announced millions in funding for two wastewater projects in the province on February 13, 2017.
Gander
Over $22 million in joint funding was...
Rethinking cities in the age of increasing urbanization
When it comes to water, we see the same disparity. North Americans use more than 4,000 litres per person per day, compared with 1,800 litres in India, about 1,200 litres in China, and remarkably, less than 500 litres in Denmark.
Concrete production facility products certified to ASTM Canada and CSA
The Langley Concrete Group of Companies announced October 18, 2016 that their Chilliwack, B.C. production facility has been certified to two of Canadian Standards...
Rising healthcare costs from bacteria in water supply systems
Data from the U.S. reveals that opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens in water supply systems, such as Legionella, are driving up healthcare costs.
What to do when your drinking water reservoir springs a leak
During construction of a new contact tank and clearwell, the existing water reservoir developed a leak, flooding the site and decommissioning the reservoir.
Achieving energy neutral wastewater treatment with biological hydrolysis
Energy neutral wastewater treatment is one area where operators can address growing sustainability expectations, while not risking any economic viability.
Advancing the Smart City movement through big data
The Smart City movement focuses on how digital technology can improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and enhance livability in urban settings.
Cities face increased water treatment spending when watersheds are developed
A new global study has found that one in three large cities spend 50% more on water treatment as a result of ecological damage to their watersheds.
Small municipalities can no longer afford “big pipe” solutions
Approximately 75% of a municipality’s capital asset inventory is represented by water, wastewater and roads. Financial and regulatory pressure is increasing.
‘Big pipe’ infrastructure solutions may no longer be affordable for smaller towns and cities
Approximately 75% of a municipality’s capital asset inventory is water, wastewater and roads. Yet small and medium municipalities face increasing pressures.
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New Tecumseth secures loan to end debt around Georgian Bay water...
The Town of New Tecumseth will be using a $9.5-million loan to finally settle a debt around the Georgian Bay pipeline, which sees Collingwood...
