RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

We have provided a summary list of the CENSOL & POLLUTECH experience with water treatment plants over the past 20 years of our 34 year corporate history. We are pleased to be able to report that our experience contains a high level of "hands on’ experience with these facilities, a knowledge base that can be transferred to this assignment. This experience includes not only conventional systems, but a wide variety of site specific processes. In summary we can report that we have achieved significant success with the following:

# evaluation of chlorine disinfection in a large number of municipalities in Ontario and Newfoundland having coloured waters with high humic acid content;

# accurate determination of chlorine decay in small, medium and large communal systems, where problems have been encountered due to organics, bacterial growth and the presence of dissolved metals;

# the formation of THMs in water treatment plants and distribution systems, using proven methodology to determine THM formation potential;

# treatment alternatives to reduce THM formation, using pretreatment (coagulation, flocculation and alternative oxidants) and application of these during bench, pilot and full scale evaluations;

# full scale investigation of chlorine consumption in treatment plants and distribution systems where we were responsible for monitoring chlorine decay, chlorine reaction rates, by-product formation, taste and odour complaints, and bacterial kill; and

# on-site evaluations of local conditions that had a significant impact on THM formation, concentrating on the use of chlorine in small communal systems plagued with problems due to cold weather, poor water quality, and inconsistent operations.

What we offer, therefore, is our "hands on" experience, rather than theoretical experience, in assisting the Ministry with this assignment. We would be pleased to assemble the project team to discuss these projects as part of the consultant interview process.

The CENSOL & POLLUTECH team is a process design specialist firm, not a civil/mechanical engineering firm. Therefore, we do not profess to have the expertise required for the "nuts and bolts" engineering that would be required if this study related to the final design of a facility. It is clear, however, that this is an evaluation of concerns and problems that would not be in the realm of expertise of a conventional consulting firm that did not have the expertise in process design and problem resolution that is available within the team. Our group contains staff that not only have the capabilities with respect to process selection and process design, but the required experts in water chemistry, microbiology, process costing and operational control.

We refer the reader to the following achievements:

# development of water treatment processes to avoid chlorination concerns in waters containing high levels of humic and fulvic acids, using small economical facilities that incorporated carbonate buffered systems, ozonation, permanganate oxidation, and chlorine dioxide disinfection;

# design of the first full scale municipal systems in Halton and Waterloo regions using permanganate oxidation for iron and manganese control (prevalent in Northern waters) for facilities where chlorination, chloramination and chlorine dioxide had been designed, installed and failed;

# design of full scale ozonation facilities, using bench and pilot scale test results, in Ontario and Newfoundland, where optimization of the process enabled the integration of the ozonation process into a cost effective and technically sound water treatment plant; and

# the design of a number of small and large municipal systems using conventional water treatment processes for coagulation, filtration and disinfection, where the final design was based on concepts developed in the CENSOL & POLLUTECH laboratories.

A great deal of our experience relevant to this assignment comes not only form the testing and design of appropriate facilities, but the operation of plants that are having operational difficulties. We have had "hands on" operational experience in a wide array of plants across Canada, as well as several internationally, that have suffered from inherent limitations built into the design.

The types of plants where our staff have been involved in the operations programs include:

# remote northern facilities operated by the Assembly of First Nations;

# large lake based systems operated by the Regional Municipality of Halton;

# major well based systems in use in the Region of Waterloo;

# chlorination only systems used extensively in the Province of Newfoundland;

# plants with taste and odour problems associated with algae breakdown products (ie. geosmin) in the Niagara and Haldiman-Norfolk; and

# systems that utilize water conservation and recycling devices in adverse conditions, such as those evaluated by DCIEM (Defence and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine).

Through our extensive experience with the composite correction programs, with both water and wastewater treatment facilities, we have had the opportunity to maximize it’s capabilities in process optimization. We might suggest that as an indication of our success in this regard that we refer the reader to the report on the Region of Hamilton Wentworth’s Woodward Avenue water treatment plant.

It is our understanding, from reviews prepared within the Ministry, that the report on this facility was rated as one that had achieved the objectives of:

# having a practical assessment of the actual conditions at the facility and how these are affected by design and operational limitations;

# provided "real time" results with respect to changes in operation that could improve the operation of the facility;

# achieved the objective of integrating the process evaluation team with the plant operations group so that a true transfer of technology was achieved; and

# resulted in the Ministry achieving optimum results for consultant’s expenditures, while maintaining the project on time and on budget.

The valuation of the treatment facilities does not end at the limits of the treatment facilities. As we can document, a large part of our success has been based on our understanding of how water quality conditions change within the distribution system as well as how they change with seasonal variations in water quality. It is for this reason that the team has gained recognition for it’s expertise in the evaluation of communal water systems.

In addition to the large number of systems in Northern Ontario where our staff have become "recognized experts", we have gained notoriety in Southern Ontario with respect to our ability to deal with communal problems. It is for this reason that the Region of Halton has utilized the services of our staff over the past decade to respond to consumer complaints. We would encourage the Selection Committee to discuss these assignments with Vince Suffoletta at the Region of Halton, Sal Ionella at the Region of Niagara, Bernie Dawtry in Haldiman-Norfolk, or Robin Puskas at the Region of Waterloo.

The approach utilized by the CENSOL & POLLUTECH team to investigate and solve water intake treatment problems closely parallels that for effluent treatment. The basic physical and chemical unit processes are utilized for both water treatment and effluent treatment. We will undertake to conduct initial analysis of raw water samples, followed by lab and pilot testing to isolate and confirm treatment alternatives.

Additional services provided by the the team for water treatment projects include:

! All necessary analytical work, including in-house analysis for trace organics, including trihalomethane formation;

! Field investigations of taste and odour complaints in municipal water distribution systems;

! Establishment of statistically sound taste and odour panels with testing to evaluate treatment alternatives;

! Investigations of corrosion in industrial and municipal water supply systems including calculation of corrosion indices and follow-up coupon testing;

! Raw water sampling to characterize plant intakes and minimize effects of intake location on chemical and biological impurities;

! Lab testing to identify disinfection requirements prior to pipeline distribution including evaluation of disinfectant residual retention in the system (ie. chloramination); and

! Specialized treatment evaluations such as reverse osmosis, ion exchange, distillation and cathodic protection.

Water treatment services are available for all type of needs, including pulp and paper mill water, conventional domestic distribution, high quality industrial water, and beverage or food related supplies.

The CENSOL & POLLUTECH team was an active consultant in the Ministry of the Environment's Province-wide "water treatment plant optimization study".

Typical examples of CENSOL & POLLUTECH's water treatment experience include:

Review of existing water treatment processes and projected technology to handle trace organics.

Investigation of raw water intake locations or alternative supplies to minimize water treatment needs.

Laboratory and pilot plant evaluation and demonstration of iron and manganese treatment by oxidation, sequestering and ion exchange.

Full-scale troubleshooting of an iron removal treatment system by oxidation and filtration.

Lab scale and field confirmation of sodium silicate sequestering of iron and manganese.

Field surveys to identify the source of odours in an existing distribution system.

Full-scale treatment evaluations to control taste and odour, inclusive of panel testing.

Identification of biological growth in an existing water filtration system.

Utilization of flocculant aids to improve settling and filtration capabilities.

Field studies to evaluate trihalomethane (THM) formation in groundwater and surface water supply systems.

Full-scale studies to document chlorine loss in a major Regional water distribution system, including chemical interactions in the system.

Laboratory studies to prepare a program for water pretreatment, ammoniation, chlorination and dechlorination to reduce THM formation and ensure adequate chlorine residuals.

Laboratory, pilot and full-scale studies for the first two major iron and manganese treatment plants in the Province of Ontario.

A major component of the services provided by CENSOL & POLLUTECH relate to treatability studies for municipal and industrial potable water treatment. In addition to dozens of bench and pilot scale treatability studies conducted in Ontario we have completed 14 assignments in Newfoundland and international projects in Uruguay (80 communities), Lesotho, St. Lucia, Nicaragua, and Turkey. We have also completed a major water intake and supply study for the City of Edmundston, Province of New Brunswick.

Our extensive experience at municipal facilities in Northern Ontario and Manitoba, as well as several of the Newfoundland projects, has given us considerable insight into the treatment of this type of water. We appreciate the seasonal variation, the problems of "organically bound" colour (dissolved metals) and the potential for THM formation. Our test programs are designed to accommodate these requirements.

A technical paper on treatment alternatives for these types of water, as presented at the "National Drinking Water Conference", in Newfoundland is available for review on request. In addition, our group presented a technical paper in co-operation with Health and Welfare Canada and The Assembly of First Nations (Brantford) on the formation of nDMA in the Band's drinking water supply.

Our field group has travelled to numerous reserves throughout Northern Ontario to investigate, operate, trouble shoot and test water and waste water treatment plants. We can document a number of facilities where our process studies have resulted in the design of well operating facilities and where our services have been effectively used to revitalize services that have failed. This past winter, we have been involved in trouble shooting a plant with severe cold weather impacts on the alum coagulation process.

The treatability group has conducted all of the bench and pilot scale treatability work for the large regional facilities in the Region of Waterloo (Greenbrook), Region of Halton (Halton Hills, Oakville), Region of Ottawa-Carleton (Embrun, West Carleton) and District of Muskoka (Huntsville). For Norther Ontario and international projects, we have air-transportable test facilities including lab equipment, treatability units and pilot plant units.

In the past, difficulties have arisen only where the client has not understood the difference between analytical services, bench scale treatability testing and the services we can provide to properly document a "troublesome" water supply. There is reason to believe that this source may present some problems. Therefore, as a team we should make it explicitly clear before we begin any work on the project (if we get that far) that it is best to work on this type of project in only one of two ways, namely:

1) We will provide equipment and manpower to execute a series of tests as proposed by the client, by the consultant or tests that are developed jointly by the team. If the tests fail, we will report the failure. If the tests succeed, we will report the results. If a new program or additional tests need to be completed we will define what must be done, and present an appropriate budget. We will not guarantee results under this approach, but the fee will be "not to exceed".

2) In the alternative, we will participate in a scientific and engineering project that is developed in accordance with an acceptable terms of reference. In the first stage we will outline and execute a number of bench scale treatability tests to define candidate processes and then we will prepare a program for pilot plant testing. At the pilot stage, we will execute the tests, present the results and identify modifications to the research program as the studies progress. If the client is unable or unwilling to continue to participate in the program we will discontinue the assignment and revert to a testing report only. If the client wants to arrive at a technically sound solution, we will continue to work with them as a team.

It is critical that all of the parties clearly understand the difference between the two approaches of testing and research. Testing can be used to provide good process design parameters for a problem that can be solved with the proposed solution. Testing can not provide a solution to a problem that has been incorrectly identified. That is the role of research.

Project Description: A number of water treatment projects were completed in the Province of Newfoundland for the removal of iron, manganese, and colour. These projects also dealt with the adjustment of the water to control water main corrosion. As a result of these studies several full scale facilities have been constructed, including the first ozonation oxidation system for iron and manganese removal. Bench and pilot scale studies were completed. The following communities were involved in the detailed bench or pilot scale studies leading to the final process design: Whitbourne, Portugal Cove, Burgeo, Harbour Main, Jerseyside, Dunville, Placentia, South East Placentia and Rose Blanch.

Project Description: A six month laboratory and pilot scale program was undertaken for the design of the Halton Hills (Acton) iron and manganese water plant. Bench scale screening tests were completed for sequestering with chlorine and chlorine dioxide with sodium silicate. Oxidation and filtration was evaluated with numerous forms of oxidation, followed by pilot scale testing of the potassium permanganate greensand filtration process. The process design was completed and a full scale facility is now in operation.

Project Description: This study consisted of a detailed evaluation of sequestering versus treatment as a means to handle iron and manganese in the Greenbrook well field. Tests were conducted on eight (8) wells with numerous alternatives. Based on lab test results, a pilot plant was installed and operated for 4 months to obtain detailed process design information. This information was used for the design of the full scale facility. Our work included public participation under the Class EA process.

Project Description: Bench scale screening followed by pilot scale testing for the treatment facilities for the village of St. Clements using a mobile facility that was installed in the pump station. The test results were utilized to design a small communal system for the Region of Waterloo. Special attention was paid to the handling of filter backwash in a non-sewered community.

Project Description: Bench and pilot scale tests were completed for the water treatment from the Village Estates and Wellesley well fields. This project was unique in that the water was collected from two sites and mixed prior to the pilot plant operation. Pilot testing included chlorination and sand filtration as well as permanganate oxidation and greensand filtration. Difficult to treat waters were identified and dealt with at the pilot stage prior to design and construction of a full scale facility.

Description: Review of the operation of the water supply and treatment needs for the reserve to handle the appearance of NDMA in the treated water. Lab and full scale testing clearly indicated the NDMA was created in the water treatment process and was not in the raw water. The problem was rectified and a control program was put in place. The results of the CENSOL & POLLUTECH study were reported in the MOEE’s (ACES) report on n-DMA in drinking water supplies and presented at the 4th National Conference on Drinking Water Supplies.

Description: A number of water treatment projects were completed with our air transportable laboratory and pilot plant facilities. These projects dealt with treatment for disinfection, chlorine oxidation, humic acids, THM formation and dissolved metals. Operator training was provided at the reserves with respect to routine plant operation, optimizing coagulant dose, analytical methods and the performance of standard jar tests. Plants included in the evaluations have consisted of: Sandy Lake First Nation, Nipissing Reserve #10, Chapleau Cree First Nation, Webequie First Nation, Muskrat Dam Black Water Bay, Whitefish River First Nation, Birch Island First Nation.

Description: As part of the MOE's (now MOEE’s) water treatment plant optimization program, CENSOL & POLLUTECH was retained to complete a detailed evaluation of the Woodward Avenue facility. This work consisted of an audit of all facilities, optimization of the alum coagulation process and evaluation of sludge disposal alternatives. Off-site and on-site jar tests were carried out to determine optimum coagulant dose and to assist in training operations staff as to implementation and interpretation of the tests.

Description: Numerous projects were completed for the Region of Halton to evaluate treatment for the Kerr Street plant over the past decade. Typical assignments included optimization of the alum coagulation process, corrosion control studies, and evaluation of chloramination versus chlorination.

Description: Over the last decade, staff from CENSOL & POLLUTECH have been retained to respond to citizen's water complaints in the communities of Acton, Georgetown, Burlington and Oakville. Field staff interviewed residents, collected and analysed samples and reported to regional Operations on actual versus perceived problems. The Region found much greater satisfaction from an outside contractor responding to the complaints as compared to Regional staff.

Description: CENSOL & POLLUTECH was retained on an emergency response basis to determine the impact of storm sewer discharges on the water plant intake due to construction activities. Our group conducted current studies on the Ottawa River, identified areas of concern and worked with plant operations to handle the problem. This project was primarily related to a matter of litigation. This project was unique in that it required the removal of downstream dam facilities at the E. B. Eddy paper mill to artificially lower the water in the river, as part of the current studies.

Description: Bench and pilot scale studies were carried out at the site in Cochrane to optimize a lime-soda softening process for the treatment of iron laden waters. The existing process was investigated and pilot tests were completed on an optimized process for design purposes.

Description: Bench scale testing was completed to review oxidation alternatives for iron and manganese oxidation as compared to an existing sequestering operation that was not adequate. Testing was completed at the site and preferred oxidants were evaluated at the pilot scale with mobile facilities. As this was a remote location, recovery of the backwash waters and reuse of the iron bearing sludges became a critical part of this study. Testing resulted in the design of a fully functional water treatment facility.

Description: This project dealt with the oxidation of sulphur bearing waters to improve the aesthetic quality of the water. Bench scale testing was used to evaluate oxidants and determine by-product formation (turbidity, dichloramines). Pilot scale filtration was used to evaluate oxidation and sand filtration. Extensive use of a taste and odour panel was used to evaluate treatment alternatives under the Class EA process. All work was conducted with mobile facilities at the site.

Description: Lake Erie waters were found to be causing serious taste and odour problems as a result of the zebra muscle infestation and associated algae blooms. CENSOL & POLLUTECH was retained to evaluate methods to destroy the algae residuals within the existing treatment and distribution system. Extensive work was carried out at the Region’s water treatment plants located in Port Rowan, Port Dover, Nanticoke and Dunnville, for chemical monitoring, taste and odour monitoring, control alternatives and public response.

Description: Waters from both the township and the army base are high in iron and both systems have problems with iron deposition and water quality complaints. The town treats by sequestering, the base by chlorination and iodine addition. The project was to determine how well each process worked, what would happen when the waters were mixed, and if treatment was not working what should the correct treatment protocol. CENSOL & POLLUTECH was asked to complete a number of field tests to determine whether the existing treatment systems in place at these two distinct locations were working and if not, why not. Test results were used to optimize the systems and report on expected problems if the two water supplies were integrated.

Description: The municipality was having difficulties with respect to the control of residual alum (aluminum) levels in the treated water, while at the same time optimizing coagulant dose for maximum turbidity removal. CENSOL & POLLUTECH staff carried out a study at the treatment facilities "hand-in-hand" with the operations staff to demonstrate the use of jar tests to resolve the ongoing problems. Tests were completed over a wide range of chemical doses with and without pH adjustment. The study was concluded with a full scale evaluation of the treatment works and integration of the test results into the routine plant operations.

Description: CENSOL & POLLUTECH was retained to carry out an evaluation of the alternatives to the community’s proposed water supply. In addition to a review of water quality, on and off-site testing was completed to determine the optimum treatment for control of turbidity, colour and THM’s.

Description: Bench and pilot scale treatability testing was carried out to determine optimum means to control colour, turbidity and dissolved metals in the municipal water supply. Difficulties were identified with conventional means to handle the dissolved metals due to by-product formation with the dissolved manganese. Through application of alternatives to the process the problem was resolved.

Description: The municipality was concerned with elevated levels of iron and manganese in the well water supplies. Prior to conducting treatability tests, CENSOL & POLLUTECH convinced the municipality to review alternate ground water supplies, so as to avoid the extremely high manganese levels. Unfortunately, a better source could not be located and thus the treatability tests resumed. Testing to date has shown good manganese removal with alkalinity adjustment and oxidation with permanganate or ozone. Chlorination was not an appropriate oxidant.

Description: Through the international consortium CENSOL, CENSOL & POLLUTECH have been responsible for all of the off-site and on-site treatability testing for 80 communities on well water supplies in the Republic of Uruguay. Preliminary testing involved the evaluation of ion exchange, electrodialysis and reverse osmosis for the removal of nitrates in the groundwater. Testing at some of the communities has also included GAC for organics control and oxidation for dissolved metals. Detailed costing is now being completed in preparation for the design and construction of air transportable water plants.

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