Issue 3, 2015 - Associated Engineering

ISSUE #3 2015
Trenchless technologies facilitate installation of reclaimed
water pipeline from Calgary’s Bonnybrook Wastewater
Treatment Plant to the ENMAX Shepard Energy Centre
“Purple pipe” carries reclaimed water from the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant to the ENMAX Shepard Energy Centre
ENMAX’s Shepard Energy Centre is an 800 megawatt natural gas-fired,
to the Shepard Energy Centre. The pump station conveys reclaimed water
power generation facility in the City of Calgary. The facility can provide
to the facility via 15.5 kilometres of 500 millimetre diameter pipeline.
electricity to support over half of the city’s current energy requirements.
In North America, pipe carrying reclaimed water is coloured purple to
To operate, the Centre requires water for cooling and other process
indicate that the water in the line is not for consumption, and to avoid
purposes. Working together, ENMAX and the City of Calgary agreed that
accidental connection. Hence, the reclaimed water line is often referred
treated effluent from the City’s Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant
to as the “purple pipe”.
offers a sustainable source for this cooling and process water supply.
A 6.6 kilometre, 300 millimetre diameter cycled water pipeline carries
ENMAX and the City of Calgary retained Associated Engineering to
concentrated waste process water from the Shepard Energy Centre’s
provide design and construction services for a treated effluent water
cooling tower to the City’s sanitary sewer system.
pump station at the Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant and the
Traditional open-cut construction was not viable to install many sections
reclaimed water and cycled water pipelines.
of the pipelines due to existing infrastructure, water-body crossings, and
The treated effluent water pump station includes nine vertical turbine
environmental conditions along the routes of the two pipelines, located
pumps that can deliver up to 29 million litres per day of reclaimed water
in Calgary’s industrial southeast sector.
F E ATU R E D
ViewPoints - Climate Change
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(continued on page 2)
A RT I C L E S :
Tłıchǫ data management system
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Golden Ears Connector
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(continued from cover)
Project Engineer, Gabriel Jean, tells us, “A
The project schedule was demanding. Construction of some sections of
range of trenchless technologies were considered for the 17 required
the pipeline were required ahead of others to suit specific project or third
trenchless crossings. Pipe ramming, auger boring, and horizontal
party requirements. This resulted in a segmented approach to the design,
directional drilling were selected to suit the specific ground conditions
construction and procurement, which had some disadvantages, but also
and logistical challenges at each site.”
provided some benefits.
Pipe ramming was used to cross the effluent channel at the Bonnybrook
plant. Geotechnical investigations showed that this crossing was in sand,
so pipe ramming was well suited for the ground conditions.
Auger boring was used for shorter crossings, including two CN Rail
crossings and ten road crossings, as well as crossings of Glenmore Trail
and Stoney Trail-two major roads. Geotechnical investigations showed that
Use of trenchless technologies minimized
the impact of construction on existing
infrastructure, water bodies, the environment,
and the public
most of the auger bores would be in favourable soil conditions, with only
one crossing in bedrock. However, bedrock was encountered at a higher
Construction Project Manager, Aled Jones tells us, “ENMAX selected the
elevation in several places; groundwater and adverse soil conditions were
contractor for the pipeline at an early stage in the project. The contractor
also encountered. Working with the contractor, the team mitigated some
provided input during the design process for construction of sections
issues by adjusting the vertical alignment.
of the pipelines and many of the trenchless crossings. This benefitted
Horizontal directional drilling was used to cross two irrigation canals, and a
1300 metre long section comprising the Bow River, CP and CN Rail tracks,
Deerfoot Trail, and several roadways. The team specified high density
to incorporate feedback and lessons learned into the design and
construction of later phases of the project.”
polyethylene pipe for the canal crossings and epoxy coated and lined steel
Key personnel on this $30 million project included Graham Lang, Aled
pipe for the auger crossings. We used a robot to coat the interior joints
Jones, Gabriel Jean, Duane Strayer, and Jason Lueke.
of the 500 mm diameter steel pipe, which was too small for personnel to
For more information, see article in AE Today Issue 3, 2013.
enter.
PVC pipe installed through a steel casing at an auger bore crossings.
I N
TH I S
1 Trenchless technologies facilitate installation of reclaimed water
pipeline from Calgary’s Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant to the
ENMAX Shepard Energy Centre
3 Associated Engineering recognized by the Alberta Chapter of The
American Concrete Institute
3 Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada presents
Owen Mierke with 2016 Allen D. Williams Scholarship
4 ViewPoints - Sustainable engineering integration helps mitigate climate
change
5 New leadership appointments in environmental practice
6 Profile - Jason Lueke
2
design and construction. In addition, the team had the opportunity
Robot repairs epoxy lining at the steel pipe joints.
I S S U E :
7 Effective data management system helps to preserve the cultural
history of the Tłıchǫ people in the Northwest Territories
8 Golden Ears Connector features sustainable design solutions to
address site challenges
9 A comprehensive 10-year strategy helps Wood Buffalo meet immediate
and long-term needs and develop secure drinking water supply in Fort
McMurray
10 Building Communities
11 Employee News
12 Process and control upgrades at Saskatoon’s water treatment plant
increases capacity, improves performance and provides energy savings
Associated Engineering recognized by the
Alberta Chapter of the American Concrete Institute
Project team (l to r): Leo Panciroli, Dusanka Stevanovic, Mark Scanlon, Ben Gibson, Adam Firth, Michael Paulsen, Mike Yourechuk, and Dean Reidt
In July, the Alberta Chapter of the American Concrete Institute held
Project Managers, Eben Krueger, Ben Gibson, and Dave Anderson, along
their Awards of Excellence in Concrete, recognizing outstanding design
with all the staff who worked on these projects!
and construction efforts in the Alberta concrete industry. Associated
For more details on each project, please see past issues of AE Today:
Engineering received the top award in three of the five categories. The
Saline Creek Drive and Bridge Project in the Regional Municipality of
Wood Buffalo won in the Bridges Category; the Central Light Rapid
Transit Station Project in the City of Edmonton won in the Restoration
Category; and the Calgary Airport Runway Project for the Calgary Airport
Saline Creek (Issue 1, 2014), Central LRT (Issue 1, 2015), and Calgary
Airport (Issue 2, 2015).
Established in 1904, the American Concrete Institute is recognized as one
of the world’s leading authorities on concrete technology.
Authority won in the Civil category. Congratulations to the respective
Association of Consulting Engineering
Companies-Canada presents Owen Mierke
with 2016 Allen D. Williams Scholarship
In June, the Association of Consulting Engineering Companies-Canada
Federation of Consulting Engineers.
(ACEC) presented Owen Mierke, P.Eng., with the 2016 Allen D. Williams
A graduate of the University of
Scholarship at the ACEC Leadership Summit. The scholarship is awarded
annually to “a young professional who demonstrates a commitment to
the consulting engineering industry in their province or territory”, and
commemorates Allen Williams, a past ACEC Chair.
With the award, Owen receives funding for his registration, airfare, and
accommodations to attend the annual conference of the International
Saskatchewan, Owen is a civil
engineer specializing in municipal
infrastructure design and
construction.
Congratulations, Owen!
Owen Mierke receives the award
at the ACEC Leadership Summit
www.ae.ca
3
ViewPoints - Sustainable engineering integration helps
mitigate climate change by Juliana Tang, M.Sc., P.Eng., LEED AP
High water levels in the Bow River during the 2013 Alberta floods
The climate is changing. It is no longer a discussion of a future event, as
local economy stability? The answers are yes and yes. Do we need to
we are already seeing the impacts of climate change on communities
incorporate all of these elements into every project? No, but we should
globally today.
ask the question, to ensure that we do not ultimately regret that we have
There are two high-level strategies which are applicable in our efforts to
missed opportunities.
address climate change: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation focuses
Sustainable Design
on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which could include protecting
Sustainable engineering integration requires the collaboration of
the natural environment, supporting the local economy, reducing waste/
scientists, landscape architects, planners, and engineers to innovate,
pollution, and creating more efficient systems. Mitigation is conducted
share, and discover solutions that help mitigate and adapt to changing
through elements of sustainability.
climate. Understandably, our success also depends on governmental
Adaptation is about building robust and resilient communities to reduce
policies, and the buy-in of our clients to accelerate the implementation
our vulnerability and exposure to climate-based risks. This may include
process.
raising dykes that provide flood protection or contingency planning.
Leading the Way
One strategy can be implemented without the other; however, this could
Recognizing the importance of sustainable design, in 2007, Associated
be a missed opportunity. For instance, an adaptive measure for cities
Engineering formed the Sustainable Integration Design Interest Group.
with drier and hotter weather could be an increased use of mechanical
This group includes technical leaders from various disciplines to educate
air conditioning; however, this contributes to further climate change.
our staff on the principles of sustainability. Concurrently, our President
Rather, a sustainable community would incorporate green spaces,
and Senior Management developed a Carbon Neutral Policy and
stormwater impoundments, efficient building envelopes, and ground-
established a team to guide and advance our progress to becoming a
source cooling systems.
carbon neutral company, which we achieved in 2009.
We also need to understand the synergies between adaptive and
More recently, in November 2014, we hosted a three-day conference
mitigative strategies, and evaluate the benefits and effects. For example,
on climate change, and invited colleagues, clients, and leaders in the
flood walls can protect inland areas; however, these walls are often
industry to share their climate change experiences and knowledge.
massive, require tremendous energy to construct, and have adverse
Subsequently, Associated Engineering formed a Climate Change Task
impact on ecosystems and natural flood protection mechanism, as seen
Force to continue the discussion, develop training programs, and provide
in the Mississippi Delta.
guidance and resources to our staff.
How should we address climate change? Is it about incorporating the
A Holistic Approach
components of energy efficiency and phasing to renewable energy?
Many tools are readily available to guide sustainable design integration.
Do we consider water conservation, natural habitat protection, site
For example, LEED™, Living Building Challenge, Envision®, and
(continued on page 5)
restoration, waste reduction, infrastructure resiliency, social equity, and
4
ViewPoints
(continued from page 4)
Greenroads™ are rating systems that have been used in buildings,
of integrating sustainable design is a holistic approach. It is the
various infrastructure, and transportation, respectively. Whether or not
implementation of best management practices to achieve long-term
a project is seeking accreditation, the rating systems provide accepted
benefits and optimize a system, while protecting the environment,
guiding principles for incorporating sustainability into projects.
enhancing our quality of life, and achieving the project objectives. Most
Associated Engineering has facilitated and assisted our clients in
importantly, it’s our responsibility as professionals to preserve our
the decision-making process by using analytical processes with risk
environment for future generations.
assessments.
About the Author
Specific to climate change vulnerability assessments, we have used
Juliana Tang, M.Sc., P.Eng., LEED AP, is a Geo-
the Public Infrastructure Engineering Vulnerability Committee (PIEVC)
Environmental Engineer and Sustainable Design
Engineering Protocol to assess the vulnerability of water treatment
Specialist with our Regional Infrastructure
infrastructure in Calgary, wastewater systems in Metro Vancouver, and
group in Edmonton. She has 17 years of
buildings in Saskatoon.
experience in environmental engineering and
There is no shortage of information and tools to support climate change
adaptation and mitigation strategies. The fundamental understanding
Surrey City Centre Geoexchange System: an example of mitigation
has been a key team member in environmental,
municipal and industrial projects.
Dyking at the Pitt River considers climate change adaptation
New leadership appointments in environmental practice
Kerry Rudd, President & CEO of Associated Engineering, is pleased
company, and, in particular, to bring our experience in climate change
to announce the appointment of Brian Guy, Ph.D., P.Geo., P.H. to the
to help our clients understand the risks and protect their infrastructure
position of National Practice Leader, Environmental Science and Brent
from extreme weather events.”
Phillips, M.Sc., R.P.Bio. as General Manager of
As General Manager, Brent takes over
Summit Environmental Consultants Inc., our
the leadership of Summit Environmental
environmental science division.
Consultants from Brian, who has led the
In this new role, Brian will promote the growth
company since its inception in 1994. This
of our environmental practice across the
transition is part of our succession planning.
country. A specialist in climate change, Brian
Brent states, “Through thoughtful leadership
will also provide support and leadership in
and service excellence, Brian has built a
climate change mitigation and adaptation to
successful and strong business. I thank Kerry
staff and clients across the company. Brian
and Brian for their confidence in me, and look
tells us, “I’m excited about the opportunity
to work with our clients and staff across the
forward to working with Brian and our team
Brian Guy
Brent Phillips
to continue to build and grow our company.”.
www.ae.ca
5
For Jason Lueke, dedication, opportunities, and connections
led to a career in trenchless technologies
Dr. Jason Lueke, our National
researched trenchless methods, infrastructure utility design, and buried
Practice Leader, Trenchless
infrastructure management. This period was a challenging time for the
Services, credits his father for
university and Jason’s program, with the global economy in a recession.
encouraging him to study and go
as far as possible in school. His
father’s encouragement led him
to the University of Alberta, where
he studied civil engineering. After
finishing a Bachelor of Science
degree, Jason took a position as a
senior field inspector responsible
Herb Kuehne (left) and Jason Lueke
with the Schreyer Award received for
the West Edmonton Sanitary Syphon.
for pile inspections on a
commercial construction site.
Soon afterwards, the University of
Alberta invited him to return to pursue a Master’s degree.
Jason credits good fortune for teaming him with academic supervisor, Dr.
Sam Ariaratnam, who was researching a relatively new area: trenchless
technologies. After completing his Master’s degree, Jason entered the
Ph.D. program, researching directional drilling, and working part-time
for a contractor as a project manager on water and sewer pipe-bursting
projects.
Just newly married and finishing his Ph.D., Jason started looking for
full-time work that would utilize his growing knowledge in trenchless
technologies. He contacted Chris Skowronski (now Vice President,
Infrastructure), who he knew from their mutual involvement with the
North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT). Having met
Chris at several functions, Jason had heard some good things about
In 2012, Jason and his family decided to move back to Alberta. With
a desire to continue pursuing academia, Jason explored a teaching
position in a civil engineering degree program. Jason contacted Chris for
a reference, which in turn led to a call from Herb Kuehne and an offer he
couldn’t resist: to return to Associated Engineering in a role as National
Practice Leader of Trenchless Technologies.
Since returning to the company, Jason has provided technical support
to develop and implement projects with trenchless technologies.
Recent successes have included major projects in Winnipeg, Manitoba
and St. Albert, Alberta. Jason shares, “Our clients have become much
more aware and educated about trenchless technologies. They now
actively request trenchless solutions, so my job is less about selling the
technology and more about implementing designs that incorporate
trenchless methods.”
Jason enjoys his role providing technical guidance to staff. He tells us, “I
think this is the role I was destined to do.” He believes in treating others
as equals as it provides an environment for them to succeed and take
ownership. Jason says, “Sometimes, I think I learn more from the younger
staff than they learn from me.”
Outside of the office, Jason enjoys traveling and camping with his family.
He is an avid geocacher and is excited to share this hobby with his
children. With two sons active in Scouts, Jason serves as a volunteer cub/
scout leader.
Associated Engineering. Chris arranged a meeting with Herb Kuehne
Jason remains heavily involved in NASTT – on the board of directors,
(now our Senior Vice President, Civil Infrastructure), which resulted in
and as a volunteer instructor for three of their courses, both at a local
a job offer, and a position in our Edmonton office as an Infrastructure
Western Canada and North American level. He has presented at
Engineer. Jason credits the experience of working for Herb for preparing
numerous conferences, and co-authoured the NASTT Good Practices
him to be what he is today.
Manual for Trenchless Rehabilitation of Lateral Sewers. In 2010, Jason
Working in consulting engineering, Jason gets satisfaction in knowing
that thousands of people have a better quality of life as a result of the
received the Trent Ralston Award for Early Career Achievement in the
field of trenchless technology.
projects he has contributed to. Jason says, “I get excited about designing
When asked about what inspired him to a career in trenchless
solutions that improve the quality of life in our communities. That’s
engineering, Jason tells us, “Opportunities presented themselves and
what’s rewarding about being a consultant.” Jason enjoyed working with
things worked out well for me – right place, right time, right connections.
Herb on the West Edmonton Sanitary Sewer Tunnel W12, a project that
won the Schreyer Award, the highest honour for Canadian consulting
engineering firms. As well, he lists working with Chris on the Outfall #13
and #15 Rehabilitation project and the Double Barrel Sanitary Sewer
Rehabilitation project, both for the City of Edmonton, as other notable
career project highlights.
In 2009 Jason heard from his former graduate supervisor, now at Arizona
State University, about an Assistant Professor position at the school. After
careful soul-searching, Jason took the position. For Jason, utilizing his
Ph.D. degree and teaching and researching in an academic environment
was an opportunity he could not pass up.
Jason, his wife and two young sons moved to Phoenix, Arizona. He
took the position of Assistant Professor and taught soil mechanics and
6
Jason and family
Effective data management system helps to preserve
the cultural history of the Tłı̨chǫ people in the Northwest
Territories
The first step in the Regenerative Design process is to draft a Purpose
Statement. This statement has three components:
• The ‘function’ component: “What services would the data management
system do to protect and preserve the Tłıchǫ culture?”
• The ‘being’ component: “How will the data management
system support the Tłıchǫ people?”
• The ‘will’ component: “Why is a “Cultural Commons” important?”
The result of this work establishes a clear understanding, not only about
what the work is, but also the motivation and final impact that doing
the work will have for the Tłıchǫ people. The draft purpose statement
Tłıchǫ Government members participate in a Regenerative Design
Workshop
One of the most exciting challenges facing the new Tłıchǫ Government
(formed in 2005) is the preservation and growth of Tłıchǫ (also known
as Dogrib) culture and traditions. The Department of Culture and Lands
Protection is currently accumulating pictures, audio recordings, videos,
and documents from Tłıchǫ members. To date, over 30,000 items have
been collected and digitized. The items provide insights into Tlichǫ
history, cultural practices, and traditional knowledge.
Recognizing the importance and popularity of the data, the Tłıchǫ
Government engaged the environmental science division of Associated
Engineering to recommend an approach to develop and implement a
meaningful and effective data management system.
To begin, our project team led a two-day workshop in Yellowknife, NT,
to clarify the purpose and outcomes of the data management system;
present a range of feasible data management solutions/options and
their strengths and weaknesses; develop a clear path forward that would
produce a meaningful data management system; and provide a clear
framework for the data management system to meet government and
community requirements for at the next 10-20 years.
Senior Facilitator, Kathy Porter, designed a strategic planning process
to engage Tłıchǫ staff in exploring the challenges and opportunities of
storing the data in a secure yet accessible location. Rebekka Lindskoog,
an Information Management Specialist, prepared and presented the
background and technical information for the workshop.
A Regenerative Design framework, designed to accommodate individual
levels of expertise and knowledge, offered a new way of thinking
about the project’s purpose. A consensus-based decision process
was particularly appropriate for this approach as the understanding
that comes from sharing technical information along with cultural and
historical values is critical.
Kathy tells us, “As exploration progresses, understanding emerges
and interests and perspectives begin to converge.” The approach
allowed participants to integrate local and technical knowledge through
active dialogue, leading to a shared vision and purpose for a “cultural
stated, “To capture, share and categorize the Tłıchǫ way of life, in a way
that is accessible to Tłıchǫ people and government to maintain, preserve,
protect, and enhance public and private histories so that people are
encouraged to enjoy, share, teach, and learn to help increase pride and
dignity among Tłıchǫ people.”
The Regenerative Design Process helped
to clarify the purposes and outcomes and
provide future direction
The workshop objectives were framed using the Regenerative Design
Tetrad, where the dynamic tension between the motivation or the
intended goal and the means, including the resources required to take
the project in a certain direction, are considered. Kathy says, “By framing
the interests in this way, participants can begin to see how the Purpose
Statement and the seemingly divergent perspectives contribute to the
thinking that will be required to complete the Cultural Commons project.”
During the workshop, participants discussed the vast amount of
information that could be available for input into a data management
system. Workshop participants also considered their fears and hopes
(people, funds, and time) when considering how to address data
management. Rebekka says, “This information then formed part of the
consideration on the assumptions, risks, and constraints that could
support or hinder fulfillment of the Purpose Statement.”
With the draft strategic plan, the Tłıchǫ Government now has the
basis for developing and implementing a relevant, customized data
management solution to help store and access their sensitive and rich
history.
“The workshop objectives were fulfilled
through creative, competent facilitation...
A good process leading to a great product.
Masi cho!” Jim Martin, Senior Policy Advisor, Priorities &
Planning Tlıchǫ Government
commons” data management solution.
www.ae.ca
7
Golden Ears Connector features sustainable design solutions
to address site challenges
Preloading at Daly Road
Leoran Brook Bridge
The Golden Ears Connector is a 2.6 kilometre long, four-lane and two-
compatible with work carried out by other parties, such as the City of
lane arterial roadway that will provide safe and efficient access between
Surrey, Kinder Morgan, Metro Vancouver, and CN Rail.
Highway 17 (South Fraser Perimeter Road) and Golden Ears Way in
Surrey, BC, and will help to reduce travel times.
The project includes the Connector, improvements to seven
intersections, a multi-use path connection to the Surrey Bend Regional
Park, the Leoran Brook Bridge, traffic signals, roadway and intersection
lighting, drainage design, stormwater quality treatment design, a
1.8 metre diameter fish and wildlife passable culvert crossing, utility
relocations, traffic assessments, environmental assessment, and
restoration planting design.
As prime consultant to the BC Ministry of Transportation and
Infrastructure, our project team addressed several key challenges.
One of the challenges is the site’s soft ground conditions which
required a combination of ground improvement measures, including
sub-excavation, preloading/surcharging (up to eight months), and
lightweight fill to mitigate settlement. Our Project Manager, Ron Gratz,
says, “We developed an earthwork strategy that maximizes the re-use of
existing preload materials and concrete blocks for subsequent preload/
surcharge stages.
Another key design challenge was the need to minimize property impacts
to accommodate the roadway footprint within a limited right-of-way along
a section of Daly Road and to meet the water quality objectives. The team
developed a solution using a combination of bioswales, filter strips, and
mechanical treatment devices to provide water quality treatment for
runoff from all paved surfaces, to meet the water quality objectives prior
The project is located within an environmentally sensitive area. As part of
the design, we carried out an environmental assessment of the impacts
to sensitive watercourses and adjacent riparian areas, wildlife habitat,
and sensitive vegetation from the roadworks. A riparian restoration and
re-vegetation planting design was developed to offset the impacts and
to meet the requirements of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Authorization and to ensure compatibility with the existing sensitive
habitat.
The 68 metre long, three-span Leoran Brook Bridge, which crosses the
environmentally sensitive Leoran Brook ravine, is designed to minimize
in-stream work and impacts to riparian vegetation. Senior Transportation
Engineer, Priscilla Tsang, tells us, “Our design of the bridge and road also
takes into account the potential impacts of extreme storm events. We
evaluated backwater effects and potential flooding to establish the bridge
and road elevations.“
Temporary traffic management was a major design consideration. Ron
tells us, “We developed a two-stage construction staging plan to maintain
traffic and access during construction to local commercial and industrial
to discharging to the watercourses.
businesses, including access to the CN Intermodal Yard.”
The design needed to accommodate and consider a number of ongoing
The $14 million project is expected to be completed in March 2017. Our
works contracts, which were undertaken in parallel with the detailed
design. In addition, close coordination with a number of planned and/
or concurrent projects was also required to ensure that the design is
8
Bioswales, filter strips, and mechanical
treatment employed to improve stormwater
quality
key personnel on this project include Ron Gratz, Shaun Bidulka, David
Harvey, Helen Du, Jamie Fitzgerald, Josh Thiessen, Priscilla Tsang, Ana
Varhaug, Helen Yin, Shirlyn Lao, and Jason White.
A comprehensive 10-year strategy helps Wood Buffalo meet
immediate and long-term needs and develop secure drinking
water supply in Fort McMurray
The team met the challenge, developing a phased ten year program that
provided immediate benefits and improvements to water quality at the
end of each phase. The first phase, implemented in 2005, optimized the
water treatment plant processes and implemented new processes within
the facility’s footprint, almost doubling capacity of the plant and meeting
more stringent treatment requirements.
Upgrade program distributed cost over 10
years, providing value to taxpayers and the
Municipality
Filtered Water Transfer Station
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo was faced with the enormous
challenge of managing the needs of population growth of 90% over 10
years. Oil exploration, oilfield construction, and increased oil production
in the Fort McMurray region triggered a steep migrant population growth,
as well as high transient population. Providing municipal services to
address the volatile growth required dynamic planning.
The population boom resulted in a number of changes to the design
population as the design of the water treatment plant progressed. The
team addressed the changes in design population by developing a design
centered on using a peaking plant concept to maximize flexibility and
address a wide range of potential water demand scenarios. The design
used the existing plant as the production facility for base loads, with
escalating demands handled by the new, higher rate water production
units. The new, high rate, smaller footprint units were selected to fit
To meet drinking water demands, the Municipality needed to upgrade
on a site constrained by the adjacent hillside, river, highway, and an oil
and expand its Fort McMurray Water Treatment Plant. As the Municipality
pipeline.
embarked on its upgrade and expansion program, new regulatory
requirements imposed more stringent standards and requirements for
the plant. Faced with these challenges, in 2003, the Municipality retained
Associated Engineering to develop and implement a water treatment
strategy for the Fort McMurray Water Treatment Plant.
The $160 million program was distributed cost over 10 years which
helped the Municipality manage its capital budget while maintaining
water quality. Fort McMurray Water Treatment Plant accommodates
future population growth and provides residents with safe drinking water
for years to come.
Aerial view of the expanded Fort McMurray Water Treatment Plant
www.ae.ca
9
Building Communities
Baking in Burnaby for the Make-A-Wish Foundation
A dozen of our talented colleagues dusted off their pans and put on
their aprons to bring their very best baking to the “Brownies & Blondies”
theme, annual Top Baker competition in the Burnaby office. A total of
$185 was raised with all proceeds going to Make-A-Wish BC & Yukon.”
Scholarship awarded at University of British Columbia,
Okanagan campus
The University of British Columbia, Okanagan campus announced the
award of the first Associated Engineering (Summit) scholarship. The
inaugural recipient is Sarah Bird, who is entering the fourth year of her
Biology program.
The Associated Engineering (Summit) Award in Science is offered to a
student completing third year in the Bachelor of Science Program at the
Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences at the University of British
Columbia, Okanagan campus. Preference is given to students majoring
in Biology or Earth and Environmental Sciences who have an interest in
pursuing a career in the consulting field. Candidates must demonstrate
student leadership, have proven communication skills and a focus on
conservation and natural environment management.
Supporting the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre
In support of the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre in Vancouver,
our Burnaby office conducted another campaign to collect monetary
donations and previously used items. Among the items collected
included women and children’s clothing, blankets, towels, toiletries,
kitchen wear, and entertainment items such as books. The donations,
which are used by the women and children in the Centre, filled a few
delivery vehicles! Thanks to Stacy Boczulak for coordinating the donation
Delicious “Brownies and Blondies” baked goods displayed for sale
drive.
Almost $7,000 raised for Row for Kids Edmonton
In September, members of our Edmonton office competed in the
10th annual Row For Kids Regatta, marking the 5th consecutive year
Associated Engineering has entered a team into the charity race. Working
hard to train and raise money over the summer, the AEvengers raised
close to $7,000 towards the $180,000 raised by the event in total.
Along with outstanding personal fundraising by the team, highlights of
some of the office events include the ever-popular Email Bingo, an iPad
raffle, and a traditional Venezuelan lunch hosted by one of our rowers.
Team members included Mark Scanlon, Danielle Cook, Kevin Danyluk, Cy
Balitbit, Alex Mather, Lisbeth Medina, Nathan Polturak, Adam Rees, and
Laurel Richards.
Some of the collected goods waiting to be delivered
Sponsoring Water & Environment Student Talks (WEST)
Associated Engineering was proud to participate as a sponsoring partner
of the annual gathering of students and young professionals at the
University of British Columbia for the Water & Environment Student Talks
conference.
This event hosts delegates from across the Pacific Northwest to exchange
knowledge and current research on topics in water science, policy, and
engineering. The theme for 2015 was “Today’s Ideas for Tomorrow’s
Water”, raising awareness of how the work of conference participants
Our row team on race day
10
could impact our future water resources.
Employee News
Peter Spearey, MLArch, CSLA, AALA, NWTALA,
Thomas Hummel, MBA, CEM, P.Eng. has been
MALA has joined our Edmonton office as
appointed Manager, Building Services & Energy
Manager, Urban Planning and Design. Peter is
in our Toronto office. Thomas is a Project
a landscape architect with nearly 20 years of
Manager with 11 years of experience in multi-
experience with a focus on sustainable urbanism
discipline water and wastewater projects. He is
and placemaking. His expertise includes long-
also recognized as a Certified Energy Manager
range urban design strategies, streetscape
with the Association of Energy Engineers, and a
planning, and landscape design of academic,
Certified Yatesmeter Operator for testing pump,
civic, and health care facilities.
blower, and turbine efficiency.
Andrew Robertshaw, P.Eng. is the new
Ed Salenieks, M.A.Sc., P.Eng. has been
Manager of our Red Deer office. He has over
appointed Manager, Water Resource Recovery in
eight years of experience as a project manager
our Toronto office. Ed has 37 years of experience
and project engineer on a variety of municipal
as a project manager, design lead, and process
and environmental infrastructure projects.
engineer in the water and wastewater sectors.
Andrew’s experience includes water, wastewater,
He is responsible for directing wastewater
infrastructure, regional systems, asset
engineering services for pumping and treatment
management, and infrastructure rehabilitation
facilities for public and private sector clients.
projects.
Norman Di Perno, M.Sc., MBA has joined our
Akinbola George, M.A.Sc., P.Eng., PMP
Calgary office as Division Manager, Central/
has joined our Edmonton office as a Senior
Northern of our Environmental Science Division.
Water Resource Engineer. Akinbola has 15
Norm has over 28 years of experience in
years of experience in the application of one
environmental due diligence assessments,
dimensional, two dimensional, and three
environmental impact assessments, regulatory
dimensional numerical modelling to various
compliance audits, environmental risk
watersheds in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan,
assessments, hydrogeological assessments, and
and the United States. He also has expertise in
contaminated soil/groundwater assessment and
applying geographical information systems to
remediation.
water resource projects.
Austin Kanagasuriam, P.Eng. has been
Jasna Heinrichs, P.Eng. has been promoted
appointed Manager, Water Treatment in our
to Manager, EI&C, in our Calgary office. Jasna
Toronto office. Austin is a Project Manager and
has 11 years of electrical, instrumentation
Process Engineer with 16 years of experience
and controls design and project management
specializing in water treatment plant design
experience on wastewater and water treatment
and optimization. Austin has led the design
projects. She has expertise in power, arc flash
and delivery of several large water treatment
studies, digital bus, lighting, motor control
plants in Ontario and Alberta, as well as process
centres, instrumentation & controls, and
commissioning and optimization projects.
security.
AE Today is published for employees and friends of
Comments or suggestions for future issues can be made
the Associated Engineering group of companies.
to: Lianna Mah, M.Eng., P.Eng., FEC, Editor
Visit our web site at www.ae.ca for past issues of
(t): 604-293-1411
AE Today and for office contact information. If you
(f) 604-291-6163
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11
Process and control upgrades at Saskatoon’s water treatment
plant increases capacity, improves performance and provides
energy savings
The City of Saskatoon’s Water Treatment Plant supplies drinking water
Previously, these systems were operated in disparate manners or did
to approximately 350,000 residents and industrial water users in
not exist. As a result, the Programmable Logic Controller code and
Saskatoon and the surrounding area. The City embarked on a project
Human Machine Interface screens had to be configured in a manner that
to replace aging equipment and provide more automated control of
would be accepted by the operations staff, while continuing to provide
the treatment plant. Upgrades included distribution pumping, water
high quality, constant water service to the public. All of this had to be
storage, and ultraviolet disinfection which would also provide greater
accomplished under tight timelines and coordinated with our design staff,
capacity to meet demand needs of the City’s growing population. The City
City operations staff, and the various contractors.
retained a contractor to carry out the upgrades and engaged Associated
We commissioned the entire system, maintaining operation of the rest
Engineering to provide Programmable Logic Controller programming,
Human Machine Interface generation, and commissioning services, as
part of the contract.
Project Manager, Jared Suwala, tells us, “Our project team designed
the Programmable Logic Controller program to provide automatic
operation of all process equipment in predefined sequences accounting
for equipment failure and changing conditions. The Human Machine
of the plant, with no major interruptions to service or quality of drinking
water delivered to the public, which was the City’s biggest concern.
Redundant processors and split input/outputs
provide the City with a robust automation
system.
Interface screens were configured to allow operator to monitor and
12
control the water treatment plant, and make timely decisions.”
Mohamed Bennani, EI&C Technologist, says, “We used redundant
Associated Engineering staff worked closely with City of Saskatoon staff
processors and split the inputs/outputs on different remote racks to
and integrated their feedback into the final configuration. The project
provide the City with a very robust system.”
team was also responsible for loading the generated Programmable
The new reservoir provides additional storage, allowing the plant to run
Logic Controller code and Human Machine Interface screens into the
their process at a more consistent rate while handling the various flows
equipment and commissioning all process elements with the contractor.
experienced during the day. Consistent rate of operation will allow longer
Jared says, “This was a very extensive process where all viable process
filter run times and use less treated water for backwash, increasing
scenarios were tested and code adjusted if the operations described in
plant efficiency and providing energy savings. Ultraviolet treatment was
the process control narrative were not achieved.”
added to improve water quality and meet new regulations. The upgrade
A unique aspect of this project involved the merger of three separate
will allow the existing plant to handle future population growth without
major systems (distribution pumping, ultraviolet disinfection, and transfer
having to build a new plant to meet the required treatment capacity.
pumping) into one cohesive system, while interfacing with a complex,
Our key personnel on this project were Jared Suwala and Mohamed
redundant electrical distribution system, including backup power.
Bennani. The project was completed in October 2015.