For Immediate Release
2003-07-15
For further information contact:
Allen Lucas, Utility Engineer, 546-1181 ext. 2250
Kevin Riley, Manager, Treatment Group, 546-1181 ext. 22241
UTILITIES KINGSTON AND CITY MOVE FORWARD AS CALL GOES OUT FOR UPDATED RAVENSVIEW ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
Friday's news that the Government of Canada will contribute up to $25 million to help upgrade Kingston's Ravensview water pollution control plant has accelerated the ambitious work plan for the sewage treatment plant, say Utilities Kingston officials.
Today, Utilities Kingston issued a 'call for expressions of interest' from consulting engineering firms to complete an updated environmental assessment for the sewage treatment plant.
The last time an environmental assessment was performed at the Ravensview Water Pollution Control Plant was in 1992.
THE NEED FOR IMPROVEMENTS
The Ravensview Water Pollution Control Plant sewage works have functioned well over the years with basic improvements. However, upgrades are now necessary if the plant is to contribute to the protection and improvement of public health and the environment.
The importance of constructing secondary biological treatment has been highlighted in recent years with the undetermined effects of exotic contaminants, which may be found in sewage. In order to protect the water users down stream, more stringent provincial and federal effluent standards also drive the need to enhance the treatment capability of wastewater treatment plants generally, but also specifically in this area.
In combination, the amount of new development in and around the City and the increase in capture of the combined sewer overflows increase the utilization of the Ravensview Water Pollution Control Plant.
The project will also assist in ensuring ongoing compliance with current and future discharge limits that have been or may be established for the plant. Currently during low flows, meeting the discharge limits on a specific day becomes difficult for various parameters, in particular soluble contaminants. While the annual plant effluent averages demonstrate overall compliance, it is unacceptable for the plant to discharge high contaminant levels for even short periods.
Increasing the capacity of the Ravensview Water Pollution Control Plant through an upgrade to secondary treatment will ensure continued growth and redevelopment of the areas it services.
The completion of this initiative will greatly enhance the quality of life of the residents of the City of Kingston and contribute to the protection and health of the environment and water quality in Lake Ontario.
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