August 24, 1998

To:Works and Utilities Committee

From:Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

Subject:The Ultra Violet Disinfection Trial at the Main Treatment Plant

Purpose:

To clarify the present status of the Ultra Violet Disinfection Trial project at the Main Treatment Plant (MTP) in light of the change in contractor carrying out the trial, as well as a reduction in funding available for the project in 1998, due to a transfer of $715,000. from the project account to the MTP Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Program.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

There are no financial implications arising from this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Council Reference/Background/History:

At its meeting held on July 28, 1998, the Budget Committee recommended to the Strategic Policies and Priorities Committee, and Council, the adoption of the report dated July 24, 1998, from the Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services, wherein it is recommended that staff be authorized to transfer funds within the 1998-2002 Capital Works Program from the Ultra Violet Trials within the Main Treatment Plant project to the Biosolids Independent Review Committee project.

The Committee further directed that staff report to the September 9, 1998 Works and Utilities Committee on the following matters:

1. the impact on the Ultra Violet Trials project in view of the re-allocation of funds to the Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Program; and

2. the legal obligations of the previous owner of the selected contracted company as it relates to the City's contract with said owner for the Ultra Violet Trials project.

Comments and/or Discussion and/or Justification:

The Main Treatment Plant Environmental Assessment (MTP EA) report, which was adopted by Metro Council in its meeting of September 24, 1997, and directed to the Ministry of Environment for review and approval, recommended ultra violet irradiation as a preferred method for the plant effluent disinfection.

To assess viability of this technology for the MTP, Metro Works Department entered into an agreement with Elsag Bailey (Canada) Inc. for the MTP Ultra Violet Trial project. The project has three phases as follows:

- Plant effluent characterization;

- Collimated Beam Test (bench scale assessment of the Ultra Violet irradiation disinfection ability while dealing with pathogenic bacteria in the plant effluent ; and

-Pilot trial of the proposed Ultra Violet Technology in the actual plant conditions.

During the January 29, 1998 meeting with City staff, which took place after completion of the first phase and a part of the second phase of the project, Elsag Bailey advised us that their UV Business Unit assets and ongoing business operations were sold to Trojan Technologies Inc. of London, Ontario.

Elsag Bailey also introduced, during the meeting, representatives from Trojan who stated that their firm will assume all the responsibilities of Elsag Bailey in relation to the MTP Ultra Violet Trial project. A written statement was later provided by Trojan on the subject (copy enclosed).

Elsag Bailey also recommended that the City, after completion by them of the second phase of the project, issue to Trojan a separate Purchase Order for execution of the third phase of the project.

The first two phases of the project are now completed and the respective reports received by the City staff.

The estimated cost of the third phase of the project is $145,100. in total, as described in the enclosed letter from Trojan. The related Purchase Order to Trojan is presently being arranged by the City Purchasing Department.

The 1998 funds for the MTP Ultra Violet Trial after transfer of $715,000. from this account to the Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Program account remain at $225,000. after the GST rebate. This is sufficient for completion of the third phase of the project.

However, an issue of effectiveness of the UV technology with use of Ferrous Chloride solution for removal of phosphorous from the MTP effluent was brought up by Elsag Bailey in one of their reports. The use of this chemical may cause excessive scaling of the UV lamps. To address this problem, we have budgeted some $1,300,000. for purchase of a different chemical (aluminum based), and a chemical dosing system, to be tried for phosphorous removal instead of the Ferrous Chloride during a one year period. These funds will not be required in 1998, as the first part of the trial will be done under existing conditions.

Conclusions:

There will be no impact on the MTP Ultra Violet Trial, resulting from reallocation of funds from this project to the Biosolids Beneficial Reuse Program.

The selected contracted company for the MTP Ultra Violet Trial - Elsag Bailey (Canada) Inc. has completed two phases of the original three phase scope of the project.

The last phase of the project will be completed by Trojan Technologies Inc., the present owner of the Elsag Bailey's Ultra Violet Busines Unit, upon issuance by the City Purchasing Department of the related Purchase Order.

We are convinced, and have been formally assured by Trojan, the major provider of the UV disinfection technology in Canada, that they will successfully complete the Trial while meeting all conditions of the original Metro agreement with Elsag Bailey. Upon acceptance of a purchase order for the third phase of the project by Trojan, Elsag Bailey will be released from any further responsibilities related to the MTP Ultra Violet Trial, and the outstanding portion of their original purchase order will be cancelled.

Contact Name:

Mr. R. M. Pickett

Director

Water Pollution Control Division

Telephone (416) 392-8230

Fax (416) 397-0908

E-Mail bob_pickett@metrodesk.metrotor.on.ca.

Mike A. PriceBarry H. Gutteridge

General ManagerCommissioner of Works and Emergency Services

Water & Wastewater Services

wzw:mmFile No. 1001.20-131

Attachment

ultraviolettrials.doc