Optimizing Bradford’s water pollution control plant

The Town of Bradford–West Gwillimbury is looking to enhance its wastewater treatment capacity. The feasibility study aims to provide an optimization and state of good repairs analysis of the Bradford water pollution control plant. The town’s growing population and the need to meet discharge regulatory requirements are the two primary motivations for this study. Operational constraints and system deficiencies are causing the plant to operate below its rated capacity. The study will analyze the performance, reliability, flexibility and robustness of the plant’s treatment processes, and recommend ways to improve its operation and maintenance efficiencies.

The expected environmental benefits include reduction in the nutrient load and contaminant level in the effluent water discharged into the Lake Simcoe watershed. The study also aims to identify ways to reduce the facility’s energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

The study is aligned with the goals and objectives of existing municipal policies and plans, including the town’s Water and Wastewater Master Plan, the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, and the Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Reduction Strategy.

Innovative aspect(s):

• While the proposed process is not unique, it has the potential to develop innovative practices in wastewater treatment technologies—improving plant performance and wastewater treatment capacity
• The study will assess ways to reduce the facility’s energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions by optimizing the water treatment process

Replicability:

• This study can be replicated by other growing municipalities in the Lake Simcoe watershed area facing similar challenges
• This study can provide knowledge on retrofits and upgrades necessary to address aging facilities in other growing communities, and to reduce energy requirements and greenhouse gas emissions