Commercial Wastewater Treatment Plant Design
Highland Consulting designs commercial wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) for a variation of flow rates including systems under Sewage System Regulation (SSR) and Ministry of Environment (MOE ) Jurisdiction.
Commercial Wastewater Treatment Plant Design and Discharge
In British Columbia, systems with flows less than 22,700 L/d are governed by the Health Act – Sewerage System Regulation (SSR) and the design criteria as outlined in the Sewerage System Standard Practice Manual – Version 3 (SPMV3), falling under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Health. For larger flow systems in BC and water discharge, the system falls under the Ministry of Environment (MOE) -Environmental Health Act jurisdiction and is required to be designed to Municipal Wastewater Regulation (MWR) standards.
We provide a practical solutions for treating high strength effluent whilst meeting or exceeding government compliance for a number of projects such as heli-ski lodges, work camps, abattoir’s, wineries, municipalities, RV resorts, restaurants and music festivals.
Our Process For MWR Systems:
Preliminary Investigation:
The initial phase for projects of this magnitude typically involves undertaking a feasibility study. This study encompasses an examination of the development plans, a review of any pre-existing site data, and a detailed site assessment. It also includes preliminary design calculations, system sizing, and conceptual drawings. A crucial component of this process is the Pre-Application Meeting with Ministry staff, which is a mandated regulatory step. This meeting serves to establish the project’s scope and outline the framework for the subsequent detailed work.
Environmental Impact Study:
Conducting an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) typically necessitates field activities such as drilling, gathering and examining soil samples, installing wells, and analyzing groundwater or surface water. On each site, it is standard to drill and set up at least four wells, which are instrumental in developing a comprehensive profile of the site’s soil and groundwater, obtaining baseline groundwater samples, and facilitating post-construction environmental sampling and surveillance.
This work is undertaken with peer professionals such as Hydrogeologists (P.Geo) and/or Registered Biologists (R.P.Bio).
Detailed Design:
Our team then integrates the insights from the site assessment and the Environmental Impact Study, along with the unique features of each project, to devise an appropriate Class A, B, C, or D system in alignment with the MWR stipulations. This process results in a comprehensive set of design drawings, associated required documents such as (but not limited to) Operating Plan, Commissioning Plan, Contingency Plan, Irrigation Plan (if required), Closure Plan (if required) and Proof of Assurance Plan.
Application Submission For MOE Review And Decision:
This process involves providing all the relevant information as discussed above and liaising with MoE Staff to assist in approvals. Estimated processing time is up to 12 months with MoE.
Construction Administration and Commissioning:
As construction of the system commences, HCL will produce a construction schedule plan to confirm the system installation process. Routine site visits will enable HCL to verify that the system aligns with our plans and recommendations or to authorize adjustments in response to unforeseen site conditions. In addition, we will be present during system commissioning, alongside representatives from technology providers, to ensure that the system operates according to the intended design.