The three new Harbour Solutions wastewater treatment facilities (WWTF) utilize advanced-primary wastewater treatment technology. The advanced-primary treatment process removes up to 70 per cent of the suspended solids in the wastewater.
The process begins with flows entering the facility and passing through a series of coarse then fine screens. These screens remove the initial suspended materials.
From there the process moves onto the grit removal chamber where fine particles such as sand and gravel are removed. Flows then continue on to the mixing chamber where additives known as flocculent are added to assist in the settling process. These are the same type of flocculent used in the treatment of drinking water. These additives pull together some of the smaller particles and cause them to settle to the bottom of the clarifier, which is the next stage of processing.
The contents of the clarifying tanks are transferred to the Fornier Presses where they are de-watered before being trucked for further processing at the Biosolids Processing Facility.
The final stage of the treatment process is the disinfection of the effluent before it is released into the harbour. The Harbour Solutions Project will utilize an environmentally beneficial process known as UV disinfection. High-intensity ultra-violet lights are used to kill bacteria in the treated flows.
See the advanced-primary treatment process diagram for more detail. (Click on image for larger view).
It is very important to remember that wastewater treatment facilities are designed to treat human waste only. No technology presently exists that would allow for the treatment of the many chemicals, medicines, paints, solvents and other hazardous materials that presently enter our harbour, lakes and rivers. The best way you can help our environment, watershed and your new wastewater treatment facilities is to not pour these materials down your sink, toilet, storm drain at home or work.
Are you doing your part?
Remember, Only Rain In The Storm Drain.
