Welcome to the Regional Municipality of Halton Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study September 23, 2009 Please Sign In and take an Information Brief and Comment Sheet. Region of Halton staff and their consultants from CH2M HILL are on hand to answer your questions.
Introduction Project Overview The Region of Halton completed the South Halton Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update in 2008 to identify the preferred methods of servicing current and future populations within the area of South Halton. The preferred solution for providing wastewater treatment for the urban population of the City of Burlington was through an expansion of the Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The Water and Wastewater Master Plan Update followed Phases 1 and 2 of the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) decision-making process, as outlined in the Municipal Engineers Association document (October 2000, as amended in 2007). This project will review the decisions made through the Master Plan Update and complete Phases 3 and 4 of the Class EA to examine alternate design concepts for expanding the Skyway WWTP. Project Objectives The purpose of this project is to evaluate alternatives and determine the preferred design concept Meeting the requirements of the Class EA process. Actively and effectively engaging the public and other stakeholders throughout the process. Developing a preferred design alternative that allows the Region to continue to effectively meet the wastewater treatment needs for the Skyway WWTP collection area.
Class Environmental Assessment Process This project is following the Class Environmental Assessment (EA) decision-making process for a Schedule C project. A Schedule C project completes the four phases of the Class EA prior to proceeding to Phase 5 Implementation. decision-making process and where we are currently. Municipal Class EA Planning and Design Process p g g NOTE: This flow chart is to be read in conjunction with Part A of the Municipal Class EA PHASE 1 PHASE 2 PHASE 3 PHASE 4 PHASE 5 PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR PREFERRED SOLUTION ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT IMPLEMENTATION 1 IDENTIFY PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY 1 IDENTIFY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY APPROVED - MAY PROCEED 1 IDENTIFYALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR PREFERRED SOLUTION 1 COMPLETE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT (ESR) 1 COMPLETE CONTRACT DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS 2 DISCRETIONARY PUBLIC CONSULTATION TO REVIEW PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY SELECT SCHEDULE (APPENDIX I) SCHEDULE A/A+ 2 DETAIL INVENTORY OF NATURAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 2 ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT (ESR) PLACED ON PUBLIC RECORD 2 PROCEED TO CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION DETERMINE APPLICABILITY OF MASTER PLAN APPROACH (see Section A.2.7) 2 INVENTORY NATURAL, SOCIAL, ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 3 IDENTIFY IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS ON THE ENVIRONMENT, AND MITIGATING MEASURES 4 EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS: IDENTIFY RECOMMENDED SOLUTIONS ORDER* GRANTED, PROCEED WITH INDIVIDUAL E.A. OR ABANDON PROJECT IF NO ORDER*, MAY PROCEED OPPORTUNITY ORDER* REQUEST TO MINISTER WITHIN 30 DAYS OF NOTIFICATION 3 IDENTIFY IMPACT OF ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS ON ENVIRONMENT, AND MITIGATING MEASURES 4 EVALUATE ALTERNATIVE DESIGNS: IDENTIFY RECOMMENDED DESIGN 5 CONSULT REVIEW AGENCIES & PREVIOUSLY INTERESTED & DIRECTLY AFFECTED PUBLIC We are here NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO REVIEW AGENCIES AND PUBLIC COPY OF NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO MOE-EA BRANCH 3 OPPORTUNITY TO REQUEST MINISTER WITHIN 30 DAYS OF NOTIFICATION TO REQUEST AN ORDER* OPTIONAL FORMAL MEDIATION (see Section A.2.8.2) 3 MONITOR FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROVISIONS AND COMMITMENTS 5 CONSULT REVIEW AGENCIES AND PUBLIC re: PROBLEM OR OPPORTUNITY AND ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS 6 SELECT PREFERRED SOLUTION NOTICE OF COMPLETION TO REVIEW AGENCIES & PUBLIC SCHEDULE B 6 SELECT PREFERRED DESIGN DISCRETIONARY PUBLIC CONSULTATION TO REVIEW PREFERRED DESIGN ORDER* GRANTED, PROCEED AS PER MINISTER'S DIRECTION OR ABANDON MATTER REFERRED TO MEDIATION ORDER* DENIED WITH OR WITHOUT MINISTER'S CONDITIONS SCHEDULE C REVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE & CHOICE OF SCHEDULE INDICATES POSSIBLE EVENTS Source: Municipal Engineers Association REVIEW AND CONFIRM CHOICE OF SCHEDULE INDIVIDUAL E.A. 7 PRELIMINARY FINALIZATION OF PREFERRED DESIGN * INDICATES MANDATORY EVENTS INDICATES PROBABLE EVENTS MANDATORY PUBLIC CONTACT POINTS (see Section A.3 Consultation DECISION POINTS ON CHOICE OF SCHEDULE OPTIONAL PART II ORDER (see Section A.2.8) KWO-02-193
Consultation Activities Public and regulatory consultation is a key component of the Class EA process. The Region has developed a Consultation Plan to ensure that stakeholders are effectively engaged throughout the EA process. Multiple advisory committees have been formed to provide guidance on the project. These Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) Citizen representatives at large and Regional Councillors Internal Technical Advisory Committee (InTAC) Regional Staff representatives from various departments External Technical Advisory Committee (ExTAC) Representatives from the City of Burlington, the Conservation Authorities, and the MOE Notice of Commencement Two Public Information Centres (PICs) Project Mailing List Project Website Notice of Completion
Study Area The Skyway WWTP is located at 1125 Lakeshore Road, south of North Shore Boulevard, within the City of Burlington. The plant provides wastewater treatment for the City of Burlington, as well as a small portion of the Town of Oakville, which comprises approximately 3% of the below. Yellow border indicates the extent of the sewershed serviced by the Skyway WWTP Portion of Oakville serviced by the Skyway WWTP
The Existing Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant The Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) currently provides a secondary level of treatment to the wastewater it receives. Prior to discharge to Hamilton Harbour, the treated Biosolids Management Disinfection Secondary Treatment Area of Concern (AOC) under the Canada/United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. In response to this designation, Environment Canada created two working groups, the Bay Area Implementation Team and the Bay Area Restoration Council, to develop a Remedial Action Plan (RAP) to improve the state of the Harbour. Primary Treatment In 1997, the Region of Halton started an optimization program at the Skyway WWTP. This program improved the operation of the to be produced. As seen in the graph below showing average annual ammonia concentrations, the optimization program allowed the Region to exceed the initial targets set by the RAP, as well as the Approval issued by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment. Ammonia Concentration, mg/l 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1993 Burlington Skyway WWTP: Annual Average Ammonia-Nitrogen Concentration (1993-2007) pre-optimization RAP Initial for 118 MLD 1994 1995 1996 with optimization program 1997 1998 1999 C of A (Summer) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 C of A (Winter) 2005 2006 2007 Year
Existing Conditions The existing conditions at the Skyway WWTP were reviewed to develop a baseline for comparing design alternatives. As part of this project, environmental and social land uses around the plant were examined. MTO Yard Beach Area Major roadways (Lakeshore/QEW) Recreational areas (Burlington Beach/ Hamilton Beach Strip) Residential areas Industrial area (MTO Yard) A natural investigation has been Natural areas found adjacent to WWTP - Hamilton Harbour, Burlington Beach, Hamilton Beach Strip No natural vegetative communities on the site itself - Limited to ornamental gardens and individual trees Residential Area Archaeological potential increased due to proximity to Lake Ontario For Skyway this is mitigated as majority of land is previously disturbed which decreases the archaeological potential Further Stage 2 investigation completed for two small areas at the north and south end of the WWTP. South end will require Stage 3 investigations if selected for future expansion.
Future Requirements Review of Planning Information Planning Period The planning horizon of 2031 was established based on the South Halton Water and Growth Projections is approximately a 20% increase over the 2006 census data. Corresponding employment projections are 111,000 for 2031. Flow Projections and population projections of the service area. The service area includes a portion of the Town of Oakville, which comprised approximately 3% of the total requirement. capacity. 150 140 130 Flow, MLD 120 110 Flow projection for planned population growth 100 90 Reported flow 80 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016 2021 2026 2031
Long List of Alternatives The following treatment technologies were considered for the expansion of the Skyway WWTP. The treatment alternatives are listed by plant component (i.e. primary, secondary treatment). These technologies were put through the screening process before being developed into treatment strategies. Wet Weather Management Conventional primary treatment Chemically Enhanced Primary Treatment (CEPT) Equalization Micro-screening Split treatment Primary Treatment Considered as part of Wet Weather Management Secondary Treatment Conventional nitrifying activated sludge Biological nutrient removal Membrane bioreactor (MBR) Biologically-Enhanced high-rate treatment (for peak Solids Treatment Alternatives for solids treatment (i.e. digestion, dewatering) are being examined as part of the Region s Biosolids Master Plan Energy Management 1 Cogeneration using biogas Heat recovery from biogas Odour Management Consistent with Region s Odour Management Plan Receiver Hamilton Harbour Lake Ontario Tertiary Treatment Disinfection Chlorination/dechlorination Peracetic acid Ozone Advanced Oxidation Irradiation 1. Will be investigated as part of Pre-Design
Decision-Making Approach A two-stage process was used for the evaluation of alternatives. The initial stage included a screening exercise using a list of must-have criteria. This provided a short list of alternatives which were developed into strategies used in the detailed evaluation process. The approach is Stage 1 Stage 2 Long List of Alternatives Develop alternatives by treatment category Screening Apply must-have criteria Short List of Alternatives Develop overall treatment strategies for evaluation Detailed Evaluation Apply evaluation criteria to select preferred strategy Long List of Alternatives A long list of alternatives was developed that included numerous available technologies for wet weather management, primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, disinfection, and outfall locations. The long list of treatment technologies is provided on a separate panel. Screening The long list of alternatives were screened using the following which are described in detail on Compatibility with existing plant Proven technology Performance Regulatory acceptance Acceptable schedule impacts Acceptable construction impacts Short-list/Development of Strategies Following the screening exercise, the long list of alternatives was reduced to a short list of alternatives. These short listed alternatives were then developed into treatment strategies, incorporating approaches to wet weather management, primary treatment, secondary treatment, tertiary treatment, disinfection, and outfall location.
Screening Must-Have Criteria Criteria Compatibility with existing plant Proven technology Performance Regulatory acceptance Acceptable schedule impacts Acceptable construction impacts Description The alternative must be able to be integrated with the existing WWTP. This would include compatibility in terms of hydraulics, available space and operations The technology should be in operation in a full scale plant (>50MLD) in North America (specifically in areas with colder climates). The technology should have been in operation for a minimum of 5 years. The technology should be able to achieve minimum treatment objectives/effluent requirements. The odour impacts generated by the alternative should be at a level that can be acceptably mitigated. Potential impacts from the alternatives should be able to be mitigated to an acceptable level to satisfy regulatory stakeholders. The capacity of the existing WWTP is anticipated to be reached by 2013. The alternative should be able to be implemented within a reasonable timeframe. The construction impacts to the natural environment and adjacent land owners/users should be able to be mitigated to an acceptable level.
Short List Alternative Technologies Wet Weather and Primary Treatment Secondary Treatment Conventional Activated Sludge Nitrification 1 Tertiary Treatment Bio-reactor Disinfection Ultraviolet Light 2 2 Receiver 1 Biological Nutrient Removal was retained as an option for consideration during pre-design. 2 Applicable for bypass disinfection
Development of Alternative Strategies Preliminary Primary Secondary Disinfection Primary and Wet Weather Common to all
Wet Weather & Primary Treatment Alternatives High-rate treatment grit primaries to secondary treatment pumps EQ New high-rate secondary bypass Expand conventional primary treatment (CEPT option) Chemically-enhanced option grit primaries to secondary treatment pumps EQ secondary bypass Primary Treatment ent Split treatment Chemically-enhanced option grit primaries to secondary treatment pumps Split stream EQ secondary bypass Proposed Expansion
Evaluation Criteria Economics. Each alternate strategy was evaluated for each criteria based on a rating of Excellent, Average, and Below Average. Technical (Implementation and Operation) Criteria Performance Reliable operation, with operation and maintenance requirements comparable to those of the existing systems Minimal impacts on existing operation requirements and performance Ability to reduce number/frequency of bypass at the plant Ease of implementation Flexibility The strategy can be easily implemented on a technical, regulatory, and practical basis (land availability, operational aspects, etc.) implementation of other technologies, and ability to meet future demands) Energy and utility use The energy requirements of the strategy compared to the existing system Maintainability The ease at which the plant equipment and processes can be maintained Ease of operation requirements Natural Environment Criteria Water quality and The potential of the strategy to minimize adverse impacts to the receiving water quality and aquatic systems aquatic systems Air quality The potential of the strategy to minimize increases in air emissions Terrestrial systems The potential of the strategy to minimize impact to terrestrial habitats or systems, including possible effects on the shoreline and wildlife (including mammals, reptiles, and birds) and terrestrial features/functions Groundwater resources The potential of the strategy to minimally impact groundwater resources Social Environment Criteria Odour Noise and vibration Land availability Recreational uses around the plant Archaeology Community health and safety Occupational health and safety Construction health and safety The potential of the strategy to improve the visual character of the area The potential of the strategy to not increase odours The potential of the strategy to not increase noise during operation The potential of the strategy to be constructed within the bounds of the property owned by the Region at the existing site The potential of the strategy to not impact any recreational uses around the plant The potential of the strategy to not increase risk/liability to community health and safety The potential of the strategy to not increase risk/liability to operator health and safety The potential of the strategy to not increase risk/liability to construction worker health and safety Economic Criteria Capital costs Operating and maintenance costs Lifecycle cost Comparative costs for capital works The total estimated costs associated with a strategy over the course of its useful life
Evaluation of Wet Weather and Primary Treatment Alternatives Alternative Wet Weather and Primary ies Comments therefore operational integration is simple primary treatment Preferred Alternatives
Alternative Strategies - Secondary and Tertiary Treatment flocculation aeration 100% recyle return sludge pumps filters UV outfall to harbour filter backwash to head of plant tertiary aeration flocculation filters UV outfall to harbour 100% recyle return sludge filter backwash to head of plant Membrane Bio-Reactor primary effluent 2 mm fine screens aeration membranes 200% return sludge recycle UV outfall to harbour Proposed Expansion
Alternative Strategies - Secondary and Tertiary Treatment Filtration flocculation aeration 0.5 mm membranes UV waste sludge to head of plant Conventional Activated Sludge and Tertiary Nitrifying Membrane Bio-reactor aeration fi 2 mm aeration membranes return sludge UV outfall to harbour Proposed Expansion
Evaluation of Alternative Strategies Alternative Main Treatment Strategies Comments Conventional Activated Sludge with Nitrification and Tertiary Filtration Conventional Activated Sludge with Nitrification and Tertiary Clarification and Filtration Meets required effluent criteria Potential impacts on local residents due to new filter building located at south end of the plant Low future expandability due to full utilization of site space Some construction issues because of large footprint and little area for contractor equipment Lowest lifecycle costs Meets required effluent criteria with high reliability Potential impacts on local residents due to new filter building located at south end of the plant Low future expandability due to full utilization of site space Some construction issues because of large footprint and little area for contractor equipment Average lifecycle costs Membrane Bio-reactor Meets required effluent criteria with high reliability Fewer impacts on local residents Membrane technology is new to plant operators and will require training Easy to expand in future Easier construction because of more open site High lifecycle costs capital and operating Conventional Activated Sludge with Nitrification and Tertiary Membrane Filtration Meets required effluent criteria Potential impacts on local residents due to new membrane facility located at south end of the plant Membrane technology is new to plant operators and will require training Low future expandability due to full utilization of site space High lifecycle costs Conventional Activated Sludge with Tertiary Nitrifying Membrane Bio-reactor Meets required effluent criteria Potential impacts on local residents due to new membrane facility located at south end of the plant Membrane technology is new to plant operators and will require training Low future expandability due to full utilization of site space High lifecycle costs Preferred Alternatives
Conventional Activated Sludge with Gas Holding Sphere Grit Chamber Equalization Tank Filters Secondary Clarifiers Aeration Tanks Primary Clarifiers Membrane Bio-Reactor Gas Holding Sphere Membrane Basins Equalization Grit Chamber Primary Clarifiers Membrane Gallery Fine Screening
Proposed Mitigation Control dust and noise from the proposed construction Control stormwater run off Ensure safe construction zone and existing plant operations Landscaping
Next Steps omments from this PIC will be accepted until October 7th, 2009 preferred alternatives and complete Phase 3 of the 2009 and present for a 30 day public review Region of Halton 1151 Bronte Road Oakville, ON L6M 3L1 Project Manager CH2M HILL 255 Consumers Road Phone: 416-499-9000