Wastewater Treatment in the Far North - Perspectives

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on the Science, Applied Science, and Social Science Ken Johnson Planner and Engineer

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

History of northern water and sewer infrastructure Prior to the construction of the DEW Line in the 1950’s and 1960’s, many northerners maintained their subsistent and nomadic lifestyles.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Incremental Improvements

Cases of Intestinal Disease

Research completed in the 1980’s suggested a link between cases of intestinal disease and water use. Based upon this research, water and sewer policy was developed and implemented based upon public health influence of a minimum water use of 90 litres/capita/day. This became the design standard for trucked water supply and all of the associated infrastructure.

90 L/c/d

Water Use litres/capita/day

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Incremental Improvements Water and waste infrastructure in northern communities continued to make incremental improvements in the 1960's and 1970's as more people moved to permanent settlements. Water and sewer tanks were becoming more common, along with indoor plumbing, but these were still limited.

Newer homes were equipped with wastewater holding tanks located on or beneath the floor of the house into which drained household waste by gravity. These tanks were normally larger than the water storage tanks, with a minimum tank size of 1200 litres.

Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

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What is bad about sewage ?

Oxygen depletion

Eutrification Toxicity

Public Health

Oxygen Concentration

Environment

Water borne organisms which cause disease Distance Down River from Discharge

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Land use planning elements of infrastructure The land use planning brings ALL of the community infrastructure elements into one common framework.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

A well regulated northern world Federal – Water Act Fisheries Act Environmental Protection Act Territorial – Environmental Protection Public Health Regional – Water Licences Land Claims Legislation

Community – Local By-Laws

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Overall northern development context Distant communities….

Phenomenal growth….

Unbelievable costs….

Limited budgets….

Limited accessibility….

Changing climate….

Demanding regulators….

Deteriorating infrastructure….

And more….

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Dialogue with regulators Federal regulators have been actively organizing workshops and participating in NTWWA conferences and the NTWWA Journal.

Mary Kelly at 2010 NTWWA Conference

Jane Urbanic at 2010 NTWWA Conference

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

ITK Position Paper on CCME Strategy

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

ITK Position Paper on CCME Strategy

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North The science of wastewater

MBBR MBR SBR RBC

LAGOON SYSTEMS

MECHANICAL SYSTEMS

Modern wastewater treatment offers a variety of process technologies that may produce very good effluent quality and reduce ammonia toxicity.

Traditional wastewater treatment using lagoon systems also offers a similar effluent quality. Lagoons are, however, less stable than mechanical systems.

Ammonia Nitrites Nitrates

AMMONIA CHEMISTRY

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Anaerobic 1000 sewage lagoons serve about 50 percent Aerobic of Canada’s population Facultative

Canada produces about 3 trillion litres of sewage per year

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Introduction to northern wastewater treatment

12 week period

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Introduction to northern wastewater treatment

Primary Lagoon Secondary Lagoon Those systems which are technologically simple, and engineered for sufficient capacity tend to perform well – problems appear to be linked with undersized system, maintenance deficiencies and poor operational practices.

Lagoon Discharge

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Performance of Northern Lagoon Systems Livingston Trail Environmental Control Facility

Whitehorse

Capital Cost $20 million (1996 $) $36 million (2016 $) O + M (per year) $200,000 (2015 $)

Whitehorse sewage lagoon system is the largest facility of its kind in northern Canada serving a population of 24,000 and producing a very high quality effluent, which is well below the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Dawson City, Yukon – secondary treatment

Sewage discharge in Dawson circa 1975

Dawson ww screening plant was replaced by deep shaft facility

Challenges – Dawson City under court order for completion of wwtp; over $30 million has been spent on wwtp related work in past 10 years; inexperienced contractor on project Successes – new wwtp has ended a 30 year dispute over secondary treatment in Dawson Future – the process continues to have operating difficulties and construction deficiencies

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Dawson City Wastewater – A Case Study “Old” WWT Plant Performance 2010

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

TSS

16

23

17

80

30

32

38

37

42

14

19

5

BOD

14

21

11

10

46

66

41

57

22

75

19

--

FC

0.52

0.25

0.14

0.08

1.1

4.9

--

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.2

0.02

1994 to 2010

Minimum

Maximum

Median

Average

TSS

3.0

137

21.0

27.0

BOD

7.3

146

31.0

39.8

FC

0.0016

54

0.5

1.5

Notes: Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in mg/L; Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in mg/L; FC (fecal coliforms) million MPN / 100 mL

Sewage Discharge Point

Note turbidity difference between Yukon River and Klondike River.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

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Dawson City Wastewater – A Case Study New Deep Shaft WWT Plant Dawson wwtp (without roof)

Process – deep shaft aeration with flotation clarification History – commissioned in 2012 serving 2,000 people Performance – not meeting licence criteria Construction – design / build Costs – $25 million capital ; over $1million o+m

Drill mud recycling for construction of two 100 deep shafts

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Dawson City Aerated Lagoon

Artist rendition of completed aerated sewage lagoon with an estimated capital cost of $15 million and an estimate o+m cost of $150,000 per year .

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Dawson City Aerated Lagoon The lagoon proximity to residential development led to a land use referendum and community rejection of the lagoon site – the Yukon Government chose to accept referendum.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Iqaluit, Nunavut – secondary treatment Incomplete wwtp in Iqaluit (2004)

Process – membrane bioreactor (MBR) History – in complete construction in 2000 Performance – not meeting licence criteria Construction – design / build

Iqaluit wwtp discharge

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

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Iqaluit, Nunavut – secondary treatment Construction of phase 1 of rehabilitation work in 2005

Bioreactors to be retrofitted from original MBR bioreactor construction for MBBR process

Challenges – negotiation with original MBR design builder to advance completion (never advanced); independent inspection identified multiple serious deficiencies in building systems Successes – planning for expansion of facility (secondary treatment) completed with opportunity to utilize existing building envelope Future – expansion may advance to completion by 2018

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Alaska water and sanitation dilemma

However, a $750 million funding gap exists for Alaska water and sanitation work.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Alaska “water and sewer challenge�

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Alaska “water and sewer challenge�

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Alaska “water and sewer challenge�

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Challenges with Lagoon Systems

The lagoon systems in a number of communities in the Nunavut Territory have issues associated with stability and seepage – these issues and other research is demanding a rethinking of the performance of lagoons in the high arctic given the influent quality (pure sewage) and environmental impact (minimal impact).

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Engineering of northern infrastructure

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

The recognition of wetland processes Mechanical systems are becoming more common for water treatment.

However, small communities have limited financial and human resources for the operation and maintenance of complex water treatment systems.

Retention Lagoon

Lagoon systems remain the most common form of sewage treatment, in spite of demands for more sophisticated technologies.

Improving upon the performance of lagoons is occurring with the application of wetlands for tertiary treatment.

Wetland Treatment Area

Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Kimmirut wastewater planning

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Kimmirut wastewater planning

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Kimmirut wastewater planning MBR Process Option

Estimated operation and maintenance cost of $500,000 per year

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Types of berm structures Earth lagoon with geomembrane in berm and low permeability soil base

Earth lagoon with permeable berm structure Kugluktuk DESIGN

Ulukhaktok, NWT

Earth lagoon with geomembrane in berm and low permeability bedrock base

Earth lagoon with low permeability berm structure Kugaaruk

Cambridge Bay

Earth lagoon with low permeability core (including frozen core) Grise Fiord

Anchored in Soil

Anchored in Bedrock Earth lagoon with complete geomembrane

Kugluktuk CONSTRUCTED

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Earth Influences Geotechnical information • • • • • • • • •

Occurrence of permafrost Depth of permafrost Active layer thickness Ground ice Ice / soil moisture content Groundwater Ground temperature profile Properties of frozen soil and rock Construction materials available

The level of variation in the characteristics of frozen ground can be highly variable, therefore the level of detail must be balanced with the potential risks and factor of safety in the design and construction of an earth structure.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Earth Influences Seepage lagoons • • • • • • • •

Solids settle in the lagoon May provide primary treatment Effluent seeps out through berms Supplemental treatment may be required Granular materials used in construction Voids in berms clog after several years “Forgiving” structure to earth movement May requirement increased maintenance

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Earth Influences Impervious Lagoons Design technique 1 Constructed with impervious materials (berm or berm core) Design technique 2 Constructed with impervious liners (berm only or entire structure)

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Earth Influences Impervious Lagoons and Geomebranes Cost Expensive when compared to local suitable containment materials (if available), but cost effective if full containment required and no local suitable materials available Design and installation Must design and install as one component of a complete containment system requiring: Specialized subgrade preparation - more stringent for polymer liners; Dual containment with interstitial layer; Venting of interstitial layer; Liquid collection within interstitial layer Materials HDPE & PVC most common influenced by: Limited window of weather allowing installation; Susceptible to damage from poor subgrade prep and contact by equipment/materials; Requires specialized equipment to repair; Installation requires high level of quality assurance Considerations Each case will be unique and must be reviewed for optimal design in consideration of local materials available, containment requirements, logistics, costs, optimal liner material, etc.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Kugluktuk Impervious Lagoon

Kugluktuk Plan View

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Kugluktuk Impervious Lagoon

Kugluktuk Profile View

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Kugaaruk Impervious Lagoon

3 to 1 Slope

3 to 1 Slope

1 Riprap on Slope

Seepage

Fill from Previous Lagoon Structure Ultimate Sealing of Clay Liner relies on Permafrost around Key Trench

Sewage Lagoon

1 Granular Fill

Riprap on Slope

Key Trench into Bedrock and Permafrost

General Berm Profile in Kugaaruk

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Operation and maintenance

The ultimate success of northern infrastructure is dependent upon the operation and maintenance of the facilities. Operation and maintenance costs often place a tremendous burden on communities.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Operation and Maintenance • • • • • • • •

Access road Perimeter fencing Perimeter berm Inlet structures Outlet structures Wetland features Discharge pathway Surface drainage

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Operation and Maintenance Wastewater sampling

The identification and accessibility of water licence compliance related points remains a challenge.

Source – Dillon Consulting Ltd – 2008 Report to Northern Research Working Group

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Operation and Maintenance Transportation of wastewater samples

The transportation of time sensitive samples will always pose some degree of challenge in the far north.

Source – Dillon Consulting Ltd – 2008 Report to Northern Research Working Group

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Back to 1st Principles CCME MWWE Principles and apparent practices that have “rolled” out

• Be based on an environmental risk management model that will provide for a level playing field across the country

Biologists have suggested that the turbidity in the Yukon River is more deleterious to fish than the sewage discharge from Dawson City

Yukon River Sewage Discharge

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Back to 1st Principles CCME MWWE Principles and apparent practices that are “rollingâ€? out • Use the water quality guidelines and other guidance developed through the CCME for site specific considerations

Environment Canada has undertaken studies on wastewater treatment facilities in the far north to obtain performance related parameters for sewage lagoons in cold climates. However, a particular problem associated with this effort is delivering wastewater samples to testing laboratories in a timely manner.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Back to 1st Principles CCME MWWE Principles and apparent practices that are “rolling” out • Be driven by the need to ensure continuous improvement in environmental protection • Allow for flexible implementation reflecting cross Canada variability in ecosystems, local, regional provincial and territorial conditions

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Back to 1st Principles CCME MWWE Principles and apparent practices that are “rolling” out • Be fiscally responsible and sustainable by identifying costs and taking into account other environmental issues

The capital budget for the Dawson City wastewater facility is $25 million – this is in addition to approximately $8 million previously spent on “work” that was never implemented. The operation and maintenance budget was estimated to be $300,000 per year, and reality is over $1 million per year.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

‌ and in conclusion‌ There is a significant gap associated with wastewater management between regulatory principles, and reasonable practices for the communities of the far north.

We are in a position to either implement solutions which are appropriate to the administrative, financial, technical, and human resource capacities of northern communities OR create legacies which will unreasonably burden the communities for a generation.

Wastewater Treatment in the Far North

Perspectives on Science, Applied Science, and Social Science

Epilogue - quoting James Cameron, Planning Engineer,1985

“As planners and engineers, as bureaucrats and technocrats, we must ask: Does this decision making process and does this technology foster social learning and control ? If not – don’t change the world, change your mind.”

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