Between the Poles

Greater Victoria wastewater treatment to meet new federal standards

I blogged recently about the first national sewage treatment standard in Canada.  Every year about 150 billion litres of untreated sewage are dumped into Canadian surface waters.  The Environment Minister and Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities have announced that the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations are now in force. The Regulations are established under the Fisheries Act and include mandatory minimum effluent quality standards that can be achieved through secondary wastewater treatment.  The regulations are intended to prevent untreated and under-treated sewage from being dumped into surface waters.

Victoria's untreated sewage outfall

Greater Victoria, British Columbia, produces about129 million litres of raw sewage each year.  Currently the Capital Regional District (CRD) of Greater Victoria, which is reponsible for the local water and sewage system, screens and dumps the waste without treatment into the Strait of Juan de Fuca through underwater outfall pipes.

Victoria's Core Area Wastewater Treatment Program

The governments of Canada and British Columbia and the Capital Regional District (Greater Victoria. comprised of 13 municipalities) recently announced $800 million in joint funding for the construction of a new wastewater treatment system for the CRD to improve treatment of wastewater discharged into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Called the Core Area Wastewater Treatment Program (CAWTP), it will be funded by $253.4 million from the federal government, up to a maximum of $248 million from the Province, and about $281.3 million from the CRD. The program includes three projects, a wastewater treatment plant and marine outfall, a Biosolids Energy Centre and conveyance system upgrades. The new facilities will be designed to satify the new federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations.

Public-private partnership (P3)

The Biosolids Energy Centre will be delivered through a public-private partnership, via the P3 Canada Fund.  The facility will consist of

• A sludge dewatering and stabilization facility
• A biosolids storage and truck loading facility
• Pumping stations
• 18km of pipes to carry the sludge from the wastewater treatment plant to the Biosolids Energy Centre.

The P3 Canada fund will provide $83.40 Million in funding.  The private sector partner will be responsible for designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the facility for a total concession period of 25 years. The CRD of Victoria will own the facility and will be accountable for the project to ensure performance objectives are met and taxpayer investment is protected.

GITA ANZ: Standards for underground utility data

As I have blogged about previously, one of the most difficult things to do in many parts of the world if to find reliable data about underground assets, utility networks such as water and waste water, power, gas, oil, and steam telecommunications including copper, fibre, and coax.  When I was in Penang, Malayia I encountered an interesting approach for mapping and maintaining a database of underground facilities that is unlike anything I have seen elsewhere.  It's called Sutra D'Bank (PENANG STATE GOVERNMENT SUBTERRANEAN DATA BANK) and is maintained by a joint venture company EQUARATER (PENANG) SDN BHD (EPSB) formed by Equarater Sdn Bhd and the Penang Development Corporation.

At the GITA ANZ conference in Melbourne, Bruce Potter of Cardno gave an overview of the progress toward defining an Australian standard for classifying the reliability underground utility data.  Their research has identified several international standards in other countries around the world including the UK, US, Canada, Malaysia, and Japan.

The Australian standard is intended to build on the ASCE 38-02 standard including the A, B, C, and D Quality Levels, but extend it to include

• 3D spatial accuracy as part of Quality Level A
• Metadata about the nature of the facility, its condition and status.

ASCE 38-02 - Standard Guideline for the Collection and Depiction of Existing Subsurface Utility Data

Published in 2002, this standard is intended to standardize the classification of the quality of location information about existing subsurface utility networks included on engineering drawings.  The standard defines four quality levels:

• D – Information derived from existing records or oral recollections.
• C – Information obtained by surveying and plotting visible above-ground utility features and by using professional judgment in correlating this information to Quality Level D.
• B – Information obtained through the application of appropriate surface geophysical methods to determine the existence and approximate horizontal position of subsurface utilities.
• A – Precise horizontal and vertical location of utilities obtained by the actual exposure and subsequent measurement of subsurface utilities, usually at a specific point.

Classifying the quality of data about underground utility networks reduces risk and allows engineers to make decisions about remedial measures to gather accurate location data for underground facilities.  When underground facilities are unexpectedly encountered during construction, there is the potential for catastrophic results.

This stantard has been endorsed by both AASHTO (A Guide for Accommodating Utilities Within Highway Right-of-Way) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Augmented reality technology preview

There is a new technology preview at Autodesk Labs, Augmented Reality for Showcase.  Augmented reality makes it possible to overlay information (graphics, text, video, sound) on to a live video feed of the real-world in real-time.  Based on Autodesk Showcase, which is an application that produces photorealistic high quality interactive 3D real-time rendering of design models, the Augmented Reality plug-in makes it possible to visualize models in the real-world as viewed through your web or video camera.

The process to overlay a design model on the real world as seen through your video camera is pretty simple.   You prepare your model in Showcase and then associate a supplied marker (jpg file) with your virtual object.  You print the marker and place it in the real world and point your web camera at the printed marker.  Then Showcase replaces the marker in your video recording with the model you've created in Showcase.  The technology preview will be available until October 31, 2012.  There is a video on Youtube that gives you an introduction to the augmented reality preview.

U.S. carbon dioxide emissions in first quarter of 2012 lowest since 1992

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), energy-related carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions during the first quarter (Jan to Mar) of 2012 were the lowest since 1992 for this period. The EIA says that CO₂ emissions in Q1 2012 were low because of a mild winter, the continuing decline in coal-fired generation and reduced gasoline demand. Energy-related CO₂ emissions totaled 1,340 million metric tons during the first quarter of 2012.   CO₂ emissions from coal were down to 387 million metric tons in Q1 2012, the lowest first quarter CO₂ emissions from coal since 1983. About 90% of the energy-related CO₂ emissions from coal come from electric power generation and utilities are burning more natural gas and less coal for electricity generation.  Burning natural gas produces about 50% less CO₂ per kWh than coal according to the EPA.

In its Annual Energy Outlook for 2012 the EIA has projected energy-related CO₂ emissions in 2020 to be more than 9 % below the 2005 level, and even in 2035 4% less than 2005.  Emissions per capita are projected to fall by about 1.0 % per year from 2005 to 2035.  Natural gas replacing coal, more renewable fuels, energy efficiency improvements, and slow growth in electricity demand are the primary factors leading to reduced emissions.  It should be noted that the EIA projection assumes no new regulations or legislation to limit CO₂ emissions.

Coal-fired generation projected to decline from 48% in 2008 to 38% in 2020

The Energy Information Administation (EIA) is projecting that based on current legislation, the proportion of electricity generated from coal-fired plants will continue to decline, reaching 38% in 2020. The decline is primarily due to the low price of natural gas and the EPA's Cross-State Air Pollution Rule and the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. The projected fuel mix is sensitive to natural gas prices and the performance of the economy.

The EIA is also projecting that 49 gigawatts (GW) of coal-fired capacity will be retired through 2020.  That is about one-sixth of the existing coal-fired power generation capacity in the U.S.

The projection of coal-fired retirements is sensitive to natural gas prices and economic growth and could range from a low of about 30 GW to 70 GW depending on the performance of the economy.  Most of the retirements are expected to occur in parts of the U.S. where there is excess capacity currently. 

The EIA's projection does not include possible future regulation such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed carbon pollution standard for new power plants.  

EPA is proposing that new fossil‐fuel‐fired power plants meet an output‐based standard of 1,000 pounds of CO₂ per megawatt‐hour (lb CO2/MWh gross).  New natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant units should be able to meet the proposed standard without add‐on controls, but new power plants designed to use coal would need to incorporate technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions to meet the standard, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The EPA's new proposed rule would not apply to existing units already operating or units that will start construction over the next 12 months.

Clean water trust fund bill gets mixed reactions

I blogged recently about the Water Protection and Reinvestment Act (HR 3202) which proposes a trust fund for water and wastewater infrastructure similar to the Highway Trust Fund.  In June there was a Congressional hearing on the bill before the Subcommittee on Water Resources and the Environment of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.  At that hearing the American Society of Civil Engineers, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies and the Associated General Contractors of America spoke in favour of the bill.

But Chips Barry, representing the American Water Works Association (AWWA), said AWWA was "not prepared…at this time" to support HR 3202. Mr Barry said that the AWWA would prefer that "funds raised locally be retained and spent locally, rather than being sent to Washington, D.C., first, and that communities that have adopted adequate rates not be asked to subsidize those that have not."  AWWA believes that a federal water infrastructure bank would provide a better way of achieving funding for water and wastewater infrastructure.  Late last year, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF) proposed the creation of a Water Infrastructure Finance Innovations Authority (WIFIA), whose purpose would be to lower the cost of infrastructure investments by increasing access to low-cost capital.   WIFIA would be modeled on the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovations Authority (TIFIA). AWWA/WEF argue that WIFIA could lower the cost of capital for water utilities while having negligible effect on the federal budget.  WIFIA would offer low interest loans and guarantees for large water infrastructure projects and those with national or regional importance.  Since water utilities providers are among the most fiscally responsible borrowers in the United States, with a tiny default rate of  0.04 percent, AWWA/WEF argue that WIFIA involves minimal risks and minimal long-term costs to the federal government.

Mr Barry also said that another problem with trust funds is that "federal trust funds routinely collect more in revenue than they are allowed to spend by congressional appropriation".  Excess revenue is often redirected by Congress to other spending.

Using BIM techniques to transform highway and road construction

A very interesting article by engineers from Sundt Construction, Tempe, Arizona, about applying some of the techniques used in vertical construction (tall buildings) to horizontal construction (highways, roads bridges). It's particulary interesting because it is another example of the convergence of BIM and geospatial technology.

One of the efficiencies that is gained in the construction of tall buildings is that with the exception of one or two ground level floors, the foundation and top floors, floor designs are identical.  Horizontal construction is more complex than vertical construction because of ground topography and existing infrastructure.  Because of this complexity Sundt says that horizontal construction could benefit more than buildings from building information modeling (BIM). Sundt uses the term "virtual design and construction technology (VDC)" for BIM for horizontal construction, others use "BIM for infrastructure".  Sundt has been working to transfer lessons learned in vertical BIM to highways and bridges.

A VDC project begins with a site model built on a 3D laser scan, typcially accurate to within a millimeter. Horizontal projects have to be very concerned with existing underground infrastructure.  The clash detection technology used in vertical projects to detect interferences between water, HVAC, structural and other subsystems can be used in a VDC project to avoid clashes with water, wastewater, electric power, telecommunications, and other underground infrastructure.  This highlights the importance of having an accurate 3D geospatial model of underground infrastructure, which is still lacking in many jurisdictions.

One of the ways VDC projects can achieve a degree of repeatability is through "subassemblies" which are used to parametrically model features, road surfaces, retaining walls, typical road details, bridges, grading standards, rail tracks, and utilities. With a digital terrain model (DTM) a VDC model can be used to calculate every foot of trench from exact existing elevations and exact trench depths and apply a slope formula to figure out the exact amount of excavation required.  And VDC models can be provided directtly to construction subcontractors enabling them to more easily add schedules (4D); and budget (5D) to the 3D model.

Sundt says that VDC is an improved process for collaboration between all players in the construction process including owners, surveyors, designers and engineers, and construction contractors.  In the future Sundt plans to create construction-ready VDC models for horizontal projects because they have the potential to transform the construction process, from surveying to paving to recording as-built information.

CE NEWS in the August print edition will be also be publishing an article that will include some of Sundt's BIM for infrastructure projects in the U.S.

Dedicated funding proposed for U.S. water and wastewater infrastructure

I have blogged previously about the issues facing water/wastewater systems in the U.S. and the challenge of funding replacement of aging infrastructure and upgrading to meet the requirements of the Clean Water Act.  According to the ASCE, most jurisdictions are spending between 1 and 1.5 percent on infrastructure, which is down from 5 to 6 percent spent in the 1960s and '70s.  In September 2002, an EPA Gap Analysis concluded that if there is no increase in investment, there would be a $6-billion gap between current annual capital expenditures for wastewater treatment ($13 billion annually) and projected spending needs.  The AWWA has estimated that the cost of repairing and expanding U.S. drinking water infrastructure will exceed $1 trillion in the next 25 years and $1.7 trillion over 40 years.

One of the most important funding mechanisms are state revolving funds which provide low interest loans for water and wastewater infrastructure.  The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies of the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a FY2013 funding bill that will cut state revolving funds for water and wastewater.

A bill has been introduced in Congress that will provide a protected source of revenue for water infrastructure similar to the Highway Trust Fund, which is funded by a tax on gasoline.  The Water Protection and Reinvestment Act proposes to raise revenue by assessing small fees on a broad base of those who use water and contribute to water pollution inlcuding

• 3 cent per container excise tax on water-based beverages.
• 3% excise tax on items disposed of in wastewater, such as toothpaste, cosmetics, toilet paper and cooking oil.
• 0.5% excise tax on pharmaceutical products. (Pharmaceutical residues found in our nation’s water bodies are an increasing concern for clean and drinking water utilities.)

The proposed revenue base has been analyzed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report and it is estimated that this would raise around $6.5 billion a year. The funds would provide grants and loans through the existing Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (CWSRF), as well as grants for energy and water efficiency; sewer overflow control; research, development, and technology demonstration; and workforce development.

It is reported that the bill is supported by the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Association of General Contractors, Sierra Club, Water Infrastructure Network, American Rivers, and others.

Energy subsidies in the U.S. 2002 to 2008

GOOD has published an illuminating infographic showing the relative subsidies including direct spending and tax relief for different sectors of the US energy market.

Tax     Direct  Total     

$0.3b     $2b   $2.3b CCS

$6.2b     $6b  $12.2b Renewables

$11b      $5b  $16.8b Corn ethanol

$53.9b $16.3b $70.2b Fossil

The infiographic is based on 2002 to 2008 data from the Environmental Law Institute's 2009 study Estimating U.S. Government Subsidies to Energy Sources.

The vast majority of subsidy dollars to fossil fuel is due to tax breaks including the Foreign Tax Credit ($15.3 billion) and the Credit for Production of Nonconventional Fuels ($14.1 billion, this credit has since been phased out). The Foreign Tax Credit applies to the overseas production of oil.

NRC report says carbon sequestration likely to cause earthquakes

According to Physics Today, a recent report by the National Research Council (NRC) warns that the injection of millions of tons of supercritical liquid carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel plants into deep geological formations is likely to create earthquakes and allow the greenhouse gas to escape into the atmosphere.  But other scientists disagree, saying that if sites are chosen carefully the risk of CO2 finding its way back to the surface is low.

There does seem to be a growing consensus that the cost of sequestration is making this option less attractive than other alternatives and that the risk of seismic activity is one more thing that could raise the cost of CCS.