About the author:
Winner profiles were compiled by SWS Managing Editor Katie Johns and Associate Editor Cristina Tuser. Johns can be reached at [email protected] and Tuser can be reached at [email protected]
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Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada Cost: $1.24 million Size: 215,280 square feet Owner: City of Waterloo Manager & Designer: Greenland International - Consulting Engineers Contractors: Clearflow Group Inc. & R&M Construction Ltd. Manufacturers: Clearflow Group Inc. |
Prior to this project, the city of Waterloo Council directed staff to proceed with undertaking a Stormwater Management Program and Funding Review Study collaboratively with the city of Kitchener, Ontario, Canada.
A review of the storm water program at that time showed the city of Waterloo was struggling to meet provincial and federal regulations and guidelines for storm water management and operations and maintenance. A concurrent assessment of all city-owned Storm Water Management Facilities (SWMFs) was also undertaken to determine both the current conditions of the facilities and if the facilities were continuing to meet their specified water quality and quantity control measures.
Under the assessment, the existing Pond #53 was discovered to have accumulated more than 3,000 cubic-meters of sediment since installation. The high sediment accumulation rate could be partially attributed to upstream development areas and because sediment had not been removed since assumption by the municipality. As a result, there were detrimental impacts on stream health.
During construction, it was discovered that the majority of the SWM Block base was founded on up to 5 meters of organic peat material.
Retrofit enhancements at Pond #53 were proposed by Greenland Consulting Engineers to improve sediment removal efficiency and achieve other benefits. The major benefit was the enhancement of sedimentation efficiency in the sediment forebay, resulting in improved water quality in habitat areas within the facility. Improved water quality is also attributed to the Greenland SWMF retrofit design. Pond #53 has been fully constructed and is operating.
