Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
Part C - Municipal Water and Wastewater Projects
C.2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECTS, PURPOSE AND ALTERNATIVES
C.2.1 WATER PROJECTS

C.2.1 WATER PROJECTS

C.2.1.1 Description of the Projects

Projects planned under this Class EA can generally be categorized as: 

 

A new water system refers to a project which may include a water source, treatment plant and/or distribution system. 

Expansion of an existing water system refers to the addition of new equipment or facilities or through improvements to operations and management activities to increase system capacity. 

Upgrading an existing water system consists of additions or replacements to existing equipment or facilities or changes in management practices which are intended to achieve a higher level or improved quality of system performance, while not increasing system capacity.

Water System Components: 

The following are typical components of a water system: 

The source of water for a community may be either from a surface water body such as a lake or river, in which case an intake extends into the water body; or from a groundwater aquifer, in which case the water is pumped from a well or wells. Many municipal water systems utilize both surface water and ground water. In addition, individual properties may be served by individual wells. 

The quality of the source of water supply is what mainly determines the degree and type of treatment necessary. Where the community draws its water from a surface water source, treatment will be necessary because surface water contains bacteria and may be turbid, coloured or contain algae or other organics, or may suffer some other quality defect. Where the community is serviced by a communal well or wells drawing on groundwater supplies, treatment may or may not be necessary, (other than a mandatory requirement for disinfection.) 

The treatment component will typically comprise a water treatment facility within which the incoming water is treated and pumped into the distribution system. Treatment may occur at a central pumping station or may occur at other points throughout the system where water is added, for example, at individual wells. The treatability of raw water from available water supply sources to achieve drinking water quality objectives will be the main environmental concern.

The water distribution component for communal systems will consist of watermains and may also include booster pumping stations. 

Water Storage Facilities will be connected to the distribution system and may be for the purposes of pressure equalization and/or ensuring adequate flows for the peak hour water demand and for fire fighting. These facilities may be underground tanks, above-ground tanks or elevated tanks. 

The development and implementation of a project under this Class EA will often involve additional work and activities incidental to the primary purpose of the project but which must be included in the project. These may include, for example: 

C.2.1.2 Purpose of the Project

Projects developed under this Class EA will be undertaken to address problems affecting the operation and efficiency of existing water systems, to accommodate future growth of communities or to address water source contamination problems. 

One or more of the following general objectives will be achieved: 

a) Eliminate or reduce risk of public health problems or nuisances.
b) Improve the quality of water.
c) Expand the capacity of the system.
d) Improve system efficiency.
e) Prevent system failure.
f) Improve disposal of treatment wastes. 

The purpose or objective of a specific project will be determined by existing or anticipated problems affecting operation and efficiency and the present or forecast demand for increased system capacity. 

The following describe typical problems and demands which may arise: 

a) Public Health: 

The well-being of human life may be affected or nuisances may be caused by such problems as: 

b) Water Quality: 

Water may not conform to the regulated or required water quality objectives as a result of such factors as: 

 
c) System Capacity: 

The existing water system may not be able to supply the quantities of water required, or to supply water at the required pressure due to such factors as: 

 
d) System Efficiency: 

Various facets of system efficiency such as labour, maintenance costs or energy consumption may be improved by design improvements and/or the introduction of new technology. 

The system may be considered inefficient for various reasons including: 

 
e) Potential System Failure: 

Concern may be expressed as to potential system failure due to such factors as: 

f) Disposal of Treatment Wastes:

The existing water treatment plant may exhibit problems related to the disposal of wastes generated, which may be attributed to:

C.2.1.3 Alternative Solutions

In many instances, there may be more than one way of solving problems or meeting new demands for system requirements. A number of solutions, termed "Alternative Solutions” may include, for example: 

a) New water system
b) Expansion or upgrading of existing water system
c) Modifying operational practices at water treatment plant
d) Expanding maintenance program
e) Reducing water demand
f) Obtaining water from another source
g) Limiting community growth
h) “Do nothing” 

In evaluating Alternative Solutions the following factors should be kept in mind:

 

For the alternative solutions identified above, a number of possible options are suggested: 

a) New Water System:   
b) Expand or Upgrade Existing System:   
c) Modify Operational Practices at the Water Treatment Plant:   
d) Expand Maintenance Program:   
e) Reduce Water Demand:   
f) Obtain Water from Another Source:  g) Limit Community Growth:   
h) Do Nothing: 

In the “Do Nothing” alternative, no improvements or changes would be made to solve the identified problem(s). This means that the problem(s) would remain in the system. It does not necessarily mean however, that no further development in the community would occur. 

The “Do Nothing” alternative will be documented in the ESR along with any other alternative solutions. 

The “Do-Nothing” alternative may be implemented at any time during the design process prior to the commencement of construction. A decision to “Do Nothing” would typically be made when the costs of all other alternatives, both financial and environmental, significantly outweigh the benefits.