City of Thunder Bay, Feasibility Study for the Use of Loch Lomond's Water Resources
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector
Energy
Project value$138,160
Project Type
Feasibility Study
Sub Sector
Renewable Energy Generation – Hydro
Grant amount$69,080
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Thunder Bay, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
108,843
Project timeline
2006 - 2011
Project number
9040
Description
The City of Thunder Bay is in the process of converting its existing dual-supply water system to a single-source supply that will use only water from Lake Superior to fill the needs of the entire City. In this study, the City will investigate the feasibility of using components of the Loch Lomond system as standby infrastructure to generate hydroelectric power and supply untreated water to local businesses for industrial use. The study will also develop plans and estimates for treatment facilities and water mains that would be needed for the Loch Lomond system to provide treated potable water to the Fort William First Nation. The City estimates that the Loch Lomond standby facility has the potential to produce 500 KW of hydroelectric green power. This would decrease GHG emissions by 5,000 tonnes per year by replacing coal fired energy production during peak energy demand periods and reducing energy consumption at the water treatment plant. The standby Loch Lomond facility would have the ability to provide 12 million gallons per day (MIGD) of untreated water to local industry leading to a reduction in chemical use at the treatment plant and decreased energy consumption.
Applicant
City of Thunder Bay, ON