Latest news with #wastewater
Bloomberg
15 hours ago
- Science
- Bloomberg
Scientists Stumble Upon Way to Reduce Cow Dung Methane Emissions
Twice a day at milking parlors all over New Zealand, the world's biggest dairy exporter, sheds are hosed down to wash away cow dung into large manmade ponds. In an attempt to recycle the water in the lagoons, two local scientists — Keith Cameron and Hong Di — began testing the addition of polyferric sulfate, a chemical that's been widely used in wastewater treatment to separate liquids from solids. The process worked, but that didn't prove to be their most interesting finding.
CBC
16 hours ago
- Business
- CBC
Morden decides on solution for wastewater woes — but funding still an issue
The City of Morden is moving toward a solution for its wastewater woes, as its current lagoon system nears capacity, significantly slowing construction of new homes — but funding is still an issue. The southern Manitoba city has explored a number of options for a new wastewater treatment system in the last few years — including one that involved buying land in the nearby rural municipality of Roland, which wasn't popular among residents there — but Mayor Nancy Penner says she's relieved they've settled on a potential solution with a quicker timeline. The city now wants to purchase 80 acres of land east of its current lagoon site, it announced in a news release on Wednesday. The expansion and upgrades would allow the city to double its population by 2047 to 20,300 people, Penner said in an interview with CBC News. "We're just crossing our fingers that we can move forward," Penner said. "We'll go forward with the preliminary design work, and that can happen very quickly, so within the next year, we could be putting this project out to tender." Penner has previously said, despite commitments of $11 million from Ottawa and $28 million from the province for the project, the city is about $30 million short. The estimated price tag of $88 million to $108 million hasn't changed, she said Thursday. "It's not a money-saving venture, but we also realize the longer we wait, the more this project is going to grow, and we have to stop kicking this can down the road, and this council is adamant that we have a clear path forward," Penner said. "We will lobby governments, and we will look at other options of funding and see what we can come up with." CBC has reached out to the federal and provincial governments to ask whether discussions about contributing more money are underway. The city also needs an environmental licence and for the rural municipality of Stanley to approve a conditional land use application. Short-term solution The new system would have three new lagoon cells on the 80 acres, which would be covered with floating insulation to minimize heat loss and odour emissions, Penner said. The old cells would be decommissioned and used to hold treated water over the winter. Morden continues to work with neighbouring Winkler on a short-term solution that the mayors have previously said would allow Morden to pump excess sewage to a treatment facility in Winkler, possibly by fall 2026, pending a feasibility study. "We've approved, in principle, the temporary connection," Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens said in a text message. The twin cities continue to negotiate a municipal services agreement that will need final approval from both councils, he said. Siemens expects the agreement and approvals to be finished by early 2026. "They are as excited as we are [for the long-term solution], because they know when Morden grows, they grow, and what's good for Morden is good for them," Penner said. In the meantime, sewer and water rates won't increase this year as the city had hoped, she said. The Public Utilities Board has asked them to resubmit their application once their wastewater treatment project is set in stone. "It's frustrating. How do municipalities build a reserve to expand? But that's the way the system works, and we will comply with their rules," Penner said. The rates would have more than doubled over three years under the initial application. Penner said they will hold open houses to keep the community abreast of their plans as the project moves forward.
Sustainability Times
a day ago
- Business
- Sustainability Times
'Slashed by 30%': This U.S. Wastewater Plant Just Installed a 240-kW Solar Canopy That's Changing Everything
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 The City of Pendleton, Oregon, has installed a solar canopy at its Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility to boost energy efficiency. at its Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility to boost energy efficiency. 💡 The solar canopy is expected to generate approximately 325,000 kWh of electricity annually, reducing energy costs by about 30% . of electricity annually, reducing energy costs by about . 🌿 By shading the chlorine contact chamber, the canopy improves water quality and supports a healthier aquatic ecosystem. and supports a healthier aquatic ecosystem. 🏗️ The project, delivered through an Energy Savings Performance Contract, involves state grants and aims for future integration with a battery energy storage system. The City of Pendleton, Oregon, has taken a significant leap towards energy sustainability with the installation of a pioneering solar canopy at its Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery Facility (WWTRRF). This innovative project not only represents a milestone in the city's energy initiatives but also promises to enhance the performance of the facility. By generating approximately 325,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually, the canopy is set to reduce energy costs significantly while contributing to environmental conservation efforts. This endeavor, led by Ameresco, marks a notable advancement in the region's commitment to sustainable infrastructure. Solar Canopy Helps Reduce Energy Costs The solar canopy project in Pendleton is a testament to the city's dedication to developing efficient energy solutions. As highlighted by Kyle Willman, Superintendent of the Wastewater Treatment Resource Recovery Facility, the installation of the solar canopy is a major step forward. It not only aids in reducing energy costs but also minimizes the environmental footprint of the facility. By providing on-site energy production, the canopy helps in cutting down the operational expenses substantially. Moreover, the canopy offers additional benefits beyond just energy savings. By shading the chlorine contact chamber, it plays a crucial role in improving water quality and reducing effluent temperatures. These improvements contribute to a healthier aquatic ecosystem, benefiting the entire community. The partnership with Ameresco and the support from state and local authorities have been instrumental in realizing this forward-thinking investment, demonstrating the power of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainability goals. 'Eco-Friendly Solar Cell Shocks the World': Record-Breaking 16.65% Efficiency Ignites Global Race Toward Clean Energy Domination Innovative Energy Solutions This solar canopy is part of a broader infrastructure improvement initiative undertaken by the City of Pendleton. Delivered through an Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) with Ameresco, the project guarantees both price and performance, ensuring the participation of disadvantaged and local businesses. Lou Maltezos, President of Central & Western USA and Canada Regions at Ameresco, expressed pride in collaborating with the city to build a resilient future. Such innovative energy solutions not only bring significant economic benefits but also support essential city infrastructure. By offsetting about 30% of the WWTRRF's total energy consumption, the project exemplifies how strategic energy initiatives can enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, the project's funding through state grants, utility incentives, and city resources underscores the importance of leveraging various financial avenues to drive sustainable development. Future plans for a battery energy storage system (BESS) promise to further decrease operational costs, highlighting the city's commitment to long-term energy resilience. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Contributions to Environmental and Economic Goals The impact of the solar canopy extends beyond immediate energy savings. By reducing effluent temperatures and improving water quality, the project supports a healthier aquatic ecosystem. Such environmental benefits are crucial in maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources. The reduction in energy consumption directly contributes to Pendleton's broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions, aligning with global energy transition goals. Economically, the project has been a boon for the local community. It has facilitated job creation and supported local businesses, driving economic growth. The participation of disadvantaged and local enterprises in the project underscores a commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment. By setting a precedent for future projects, the solar canopy initiative serves as a model for other cities aiming to enhance their energy resilience and environmental stewardship. World's Most Powerful Flexible Solar Cell: Japan's Stunning Breakthrough Reaches 26.5% Efficiency, Setting Unprecedented Global Performance Standard Future Prospects for Sustainable Infrastructure The success of the solar canopy project in Pendleton sets the stage for future advancements in sustainable infrastructure. The planned integration of a battery energy storage system (BESS) will complement the solar canopy, further reducing operational costs and improving energy reliability. Such initiatives are crucial in preparing urban infrastructures to withstand future energy demands and environmental challenges. As cities across the globe grapple with the realities of climate change and energy scarcity, innovations like the solar canopy in Pendleton offer a glimpse into a more sustainable future. The collaboration between public entities, private companies, and local communities is essential in driving these changes. With the ongoing support for renewable energy projects, how will other cities follow in Pendleton's footsteps to build a resilient and sustainable future? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (20)
Zawya
a day ago
- Business
- Zawya
NWC completes wastewater networks project in Riyadh
Riyadh – The National Water Company (NWC), represented by its Central Cluster, has completed Phase 4 of its wastewater networks project in Al Dawadmi Governorate. The project aligns with the company's strategic plans to enhance water and environmental services infrastructure in the Riyadh region, valued at SAR 73 million, according to a press release. It covers the installation of more than 66 kilometers of wastewater pipelines, extending environmental services to several residential districts, including King Fahd, Badr, Hittin, A -Nahda, and Al Faisaliah. NWC highlighted that the project supports its efforts to lower environmental impact and address visual pollution, contributing to the delivery of higher-quality environmental services for more than 27,000 beneficiaries. Within the framework of Saudi Vision 2030, the company stressed its full commitment to implementing infrastructure projects according to approved schedules, ensuring the delivery of sustainable, high-quality environmental services. Last April, NWC commenced executing 14 water and sanitation projects in the Hail Region at a value exceeding SAR 1.20 billion. All Rights Reserved - Mubasher Info © 2005 - 2022 Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
BBC News
3 days ago
- Climate
- BBC News
Clean up under way after Warsash burst sewer main fixed
A burst sewer main has been fixed after leaking wastewater close to a riverside conservation area, shellfish habitats and bathing near the River Hamble were found flooded off the Passage Lane car park in Warsash, Hampshire, on Water said repairs were now "complete and all pumps are operational" and that its teams were set to clear up the area throughout the Tuesday and added that the area of the burst was under a watch for the next 24 hours, with the fleet of tankers brought in to remove sewage from the system "on standby as a precaution". The water firm has apologised for the Environment Agency said there was no ongoing pollution and no evidence that a designated bathing water area had been affected. You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X, or Instagram.
