City of Barrie Water Pollution Control Centre (Wastewater Treatment Plant) Expansion
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector
Water
Project value$84,000,000
Project Type
Capital Project
Sub Sector
Wastewater Management and Treatment
Grant amount$400,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
City of Barrie, ON
Loan amount$2,000,000
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
147,829
Project timeline
2005 - 2012
Project number
10133
Description
The City of Barrie plans to expand its wastewater treatment plant, the Water Pollution Control Centre, to accommodate municipal growth and improve the quality of the water flowing out of the plant and into the environment. The project team will upgrade existing wastewater treatment units to increase treatment capacity. The team will expand the plant’s capacity for water pumping, biological treatment, solid separation, disinfection, sludge digestion and use of biogas. With these upgrades, the City will improve the quality of the water flowing out of the plant, reducing the amount of phosphorus in the wastewater by 17 per cent, maintaining acceptable levels of ammonia in the wastewater and reducing suspended solids by 11 per cent. These improvements will allow the City to increase its water processing capacity while maintaining environmental sustainability and meeting more stringent environmental standards. The use of biogas for onsite generation of electricity will reduce energy requirements by up to 40 per cent. The project will contribute to the sustainability of Kempenfelt Bay and Lake Simcoe, promote the waterfront as an important centrepiece for the community and support economic growth and development in the area.
(Project description from original funding application)
Project results
- 1898730 cubic metres of water treated per year
Environmental outcomes
- Reduced energy use
- Renewable energy generation
- Reduced or avoided GHG emissions
- Reduced water consumption
- Improved stormwater management
- Biodiversity and ecosystem protection
- Reduced odour pollution
Social outcomes
- Increased staff health and safety
- Increased opportunities for physical activity
- Increased opportunities for recreational activities
- Improved service delivery and/or level or service
- Heritage conservation
- Community revitalization
Economic outcomes
- Reduced operating costs
- Reduced maintenance costs
- New or improved revenue streams
- Innovative financing
- Increased job creation or retention
- Lower taxes and fees
- Increased business attraction
- Use of feasibility tools
Lessons learned
- Stakeholder and community engagement
- Council support/buy-in
- Communication & coordination
- Data and reporting
- Resources
- Technical – Project specific
Applicant
City of Barrie, ON