Cold Lake Regional Utilities Services Commission Wastewater Treatment Plant Feasibility Study
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Water
Project value$330,000
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Wastewater Management and Treatment
Grant amount$165,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Cold Lake, AB
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
15,661
Project timeline
2010 - 2011
Project number
10114
Description
The City of Cold Lake will study the feasibility of a regional wastewater treatment plant that would include sustainable and conventional wastewater treatment options and allow for water re-use. The goal is to replace the existing four lagoons, which are nearing maximum capacity and are having a huge impact on the environment through their semi-annual discharges into the Beaver River. The study will focus on the operations of the Cold Lake Regional Utilities Services Commission (CLRUSC) whose members include the Municipal District of Bonnyville, consisting of the City of Cold Lake, the Town of Bonnyville, the Village of Glendon, two summer villages, and eight hamlets; as well as 4 Wing Cold Lake of the Department of National Defense and Cold Lake First Nation. Researchers will review the level of treatment appropriate for a regional wastewater treatment system that would discharge into the Beaver River and identify potential treatment technologies. The aim is to incorporate sustainable and conventional technologies in combination. Emphasis will be placed on the use of sustainable systems including plant materials such as reed beds, as an alternative to mechanical treatment facilities. Researchers will evaluate natural versus mechanical removal of nutrients and smaller versus larger regional treatment facilities. Life cycle analyses and cost benefit analyses will be completed. The study will identify treatment options that would allow for water to be reclaimed from the regional wastewater treatment facility, and identify potential uses and customers for that water. If the study shows that a regional wastewater treatment plant with water re-use will benefit the area, CLRUSC will proceed with the construction of a new facility. The new system would reduce phosphorus discharge into the Beaver River by 4.6 Tonnes per year and nitrogen discharge by 16.1 Tonnes per year. Reduced consumption of potable water and increased operational efficiencies in the new regional system would reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 958 tonnes per year or 50 per cent.
(Project description from original funding application)
Project results
- 1515 tonnes of GHG emissions avoided
- 3491 GJ of energy savings per year
Environmental outcomes
- Reduced energy use
- Renewable energy generation
- Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
- Use of sustainable practices
Social outcomes
- Increased staff health and safety
- Increased opportunities for recreational activities
- Improved availability and accessibility of information
- Improved public education or awareness
- Recognized as an exemplary project/municipality
- Increased civic engagement in community issues
Economic outcomes
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Increased service life
- Lower taxes and fees
- Increased business attraction
- Use of feasibility tools
- Partnership development
Lessons learned
- Initiative support
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Council support/buy-in
- Communication & coordination
- Data and reporting
- Resources
- External factors
Applicant
City of Cold Lake, AB