Associated is pleased to be among the expert roster of presenters in the education program at the BC Water & Waste Association (BCWWA) Annual Conference held next week in Penticton, BC. Staff in our BC Water and Environmental practices have been selected as speakers, workshop facilitators, and moderators in the following sessions during the two-day event on May 15th and 16th.
Monday, May 15th
Truth and Reconciliation in the Water Sector
Presenter and Workshop Facilitator: Freda Leong
1:45pm-3:15pm | Salon D
Energy Neutral WWTF Ponderings
Presenter: Dean Shiskowski
3:30pm-4:00pm | Salon C
The idea of an “energy neutral” (or even positive) wastewater treatment facility (WWTF) has been around for quite some time. By definition, an energy neutral facility is essentially one where the energy needed for its operation is met in equal measure by the energy recovered within its analyst-defined, physical boundary. The Strass in Zillertal Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in Austria is probably the bestknown example, and it achieved this outcome almost 20 years ago. Thus, it is doable and achievable using today’s technologies. The trick, though, are the many site- and situation-specific nuances that apply to a given facility and thinking through the possibilities. This presentation provides Canadian context perspective, drawing on the findings of various analyzes, to assist facility owners in their consideration of the topic.
Small Wastewater Facility Design That Doesn't Stink
Presenter: Robyn Casement
4:00pm-4:30pm | Salon B
Small wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) (less than 500 m3/d) are designed, constructed, and managed to achieve the same environmental performance objectives as conventional WWTPs, yet a small treatment plant is not and must not be regarded simply as a scaled down version of a larger installation. Unique attributes of small WWTPs serving small groups of houses and individual establishments such as hotels and resorts include variable organic and fluctuating hydraulic loadings, and often reduced levels of operational attention and staffing, while being required to meet the same regulatory requirements as conventional WWTPs, including the management of sludge and biosolids. These items must be considered during the design of updates to develop successful solutions that will future proof the facilities. This presentation will address the unique considerations for registration, planning, design, and implementation of small WWTPs, and includes case studies. There are currently over 300 small wastewater systems operating in British Columbia.
Tuesday, May 16th
Grey Water Reuse Impact Assessment
Presenter: Cameron Macdonell
9:00am-9:30am | Salon B
Grey water is collected from household water sources such as baths, showers, bathroom basins, and laundry, but does not include wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, or dishwashers. Grey water treatment systems collect, store, treat, and may disinfect grey water to standards specified by a local authority for reuse. Water scarcity will increase due to increased drought frequency and increasing population projections. Reuse of greywater will allow populations to better cope with turbulent water supply issues yet will impact municipal potable water and wastewater systems. A model was developed to assess changes to potable water demand, and wastewater treatment plant influent flows, concentrations, and mass loadings due to grey water reuse. Two scenarios were modeled to investigate different rates of uptake in newly constructed homes for a medium-sized municipality. 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.
Young Professionals Symposium
Panelist: Sylvia Woolley
1:15pm-2:45pm | Salon D
Lessons Learned from City of Merritt's Drinking Water System Flood Recovery Plan
Presenter: Marta Green
3:00pm-3:30pm | Salon A
In November 2021, an atmospheric river caused significant flooding in the City of Merritt which led to a number of infrastructure failures including the water distribution system. This presentation outlines how an established source protection plan was a key factor for the timely recovery of the City’s drinking water system. The collaborative approach taken by the City with environmental health officers, operations and consultants contributed to a successful recovery. Also discussed is the flood recovery plan and water quality monitoring that was completed to ensure the return of high quality of drinking water in the system.
