The Ravensview upgrades are aim is to achieve long-term clean water supplies for future residents of Kingston, Ontario.
Water already extracted from Lake Ontario & waste that has entered this great lake already threaten the idea of sustainable water supplies for Kingston residents and businesses.
Only time will tell if Kingston's upgraded water pollution control plant will allow for water conservation now and in the future.
Kingston's efforts, however, to make and execute plans for the sustainability of water are credible.
Better late than never!
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
Environment Canada Warns Us
The great lakes, and therefore the water suppies, are threatened because of the cehmicals that infest them. The following excerpt is extracted from Environment Canada.... :
The Great Lakes: chemical hot spot
Over 360 chemical compounds that have been identified in the Great Lakes. Many are persistent toxic chemicals – alkylated lead, benzo(a)pyrene, DDT, mercury and mirex – potentially dangerous to humans and already destructive to the aquatic ecosystems.
For example, various species of fish now suffer from tumours and lesions, and their reproductive capacities are decreasing. Populations of fish consuming birds and mammals also seem to be on the decline. Of the ten most highly valued species of fish in Lake Ontario, seven have now almost totally vanished.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/manage/poll/e_hotspt.htm
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It seems to me that many people are very unaware of their individual contribution to water pollution. Considering that the great lakes have provided clean water, space for leisure activities, and tourism for decades; it is heartbreaking and scary to read that the changes being made to protect our water supply, now, may not be enough or may not happen soon enough to protect populations in the future.
The Great Lakes: chemical hot spot
Over 360 chemical compounds that have been identified in the Great Lakes. Many are persistent toxic chemicals – alkylated lead, benzo(a)pyrene, DDT, mercury and mirex – potentially dangerous to humans and already destructive to the aquatic ecosystems.
For example, various species of fish now suffer from tumours and lesions, and their reproductive capacities are decreasing. Populations of fish consuming birds and mammals also seem to be on the decline. Of the ten most highly valued species of fish in Lake Ontario, seven have now almost totally vanished.
http://www.ec.gc.ca/water/en/manage/poll/e_hotspt.htm
--------------------------
It seems to me that many people are very unaware of their individual contribution to water pollution. Considering that the great lakes have provided clean water, space for leisure activities, and tourism for decades; it is heartbreaking and scary to read that the changes being made to protect our water supply, now, may not be enough or may not happen soon enough to protect populations in the future.
Monday, July 9, 2007
Some Good NEWS!
Kingston's efforts are paying off! An update:
Mayors Set Conservation GoalsFor Great Lakes And St. Lawrence
Jul 12/07
At its fourth annual meeting held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, members of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative today announced significant progress with its Water Conservation Challenge. After only one year, twenty-eight cities have committed to a goal of 15% reduction in water consumption by 2015. The mayors also called on the Canadian and U.S. governments to pass comprehensive invasive species and ballast water control legislation immediately.
Mayors Set Conservation GoalsFor Great Lakes And St. Lawrence
Jul 12/07
At its fourth annual meeting held in Grand Rapids, Michigan, members of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative today announced significant progress with its Water Conservation Challenge. After only one year, twenty-eight cities have committed to a goal of 15% reduction in water consumption by 2015. The mayors also called on the Canadian and U.S. governments to pass comprehensive invasive species and ballast water control legislation immediately.
Kingston Is Making An Effort To Sustain Clean Water Supply
Besides the Ravensview upgrades, the City of Kingston (Utilties Kingston in particular) is putting a great effort into securing a safe, sustainable and plentiful water supply for the future.
Orignial sewers were built in Kingston as far back as the 1800's. As a result of their age, sewage flowed directly into the harbour without treatment for many years.
Utilties Kingston states that a better plan was implemented in the 1950's, 1980's and again in the early 90's...
For the past few years there has been an elevation in pollution concern and overflow concern... projects are underway in many areas to address these issues.
Although the map provided is hard to read, it does highlight some key areas in which projects have taken place OR are taking place today!
Orignial sewers were built in Kingston as far back as the 1800's. As a result of their age, sewage flowed directly into the harbour without treatment for many years.
Utilties Kingston states that a better plan was implemented in the 1950's, 1980's and again in the early 90's...
For the past few years there has been an elevation in pollution concern and overflow concern... projects are underway in many areas to address these issues.
Although the map provided is hard to read, it does highlight some key areas in which projects have taken place OR are taking place today!
Long Term Project Plans!
The following is an outline of the basic project plans from 2007-2009. Details of these upgrades can be found on teh Utilities Kingston website.
LONG TERM PLANS
2007
Start construction of new Biosolids Storage building
Start-up Co-Gen
Excavate for new Digester
2008
Begin mechanical work for BAF
Start first BAF cells (late in year)
Start building new Digester
Start-up new Dewatering equipment
Start using new Biosolids Storage
2009
Complete start-up of all equipment
Start testing BAF performance
Complete landscaping and restoration
Ribbon Cutting and Open House
LONG TERM PLANS
2007
Start construction of new Biosolids Storage building
Start-up Co-Gen
Excavate for new Digester
2008
Begin mechanical work for BAF
Start first BAF cells (late in year)
Start building new Digester
Start-up new Dewatering equipment
Start using new Biosolids Storage
2009
Complete start-up of all equipment
Start testing BAF performance
Complete landscaping and restoration
Ribbon Cutting and Open House
Urban Development in Kingston!
Kingston is undertaking several urban projects. This set of projects is referred to as 'the group of 7' and are outlined below. Number 1 project on the list is the Ravensview upgrades. I thought it would be interesting to see what other projects are happening in the Kingston area.
OVERVIEW: THE GROUP OF SEVEN
The $115-million Ravensview Upgrade: This project is bringing the city's sewage treatment facility up to environmental standards, allowing sufficient capacity for economic expansion in the central City and Kingston East. It also provided an immediate economic stimulus with construction jobs that began in July of 2006, with a planned completion date of 2009. This project is supported by the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Government of Ontario.
The Kingston Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre: This development project will create a nearly $46.1 million sports and entertainment centre of distinctive design, located on the North Block in downtown Kingston. It will have a significant impact on the local economy and cultural life in the community as a first-class, year-round venue for concerts, OHL hockey games (as the home of the Kingston Frontenacs), theatre, community events, trade shows and conference gatherings. As part of the downtown cluster of restaurants and clubs, it will create a complete entertainment experience. The Province of Ontario has pledged $4 million to the project. Construction began in the summer of 2006, with completion slated for December 2007.
The Multiplex Community Centre: Located on Gardiners Road at Fortune Crescent, this $33.6 million project will boost local sports and community events that take advantage of a modern facility on 25 acres with multiple ice pads and other associated recreational space. It can have an economic impact by allowing Kingston to attract more athletic tournaments; will replace aging arenas with a more economic and energy efficient operation; and allows consideration of adapting those older community centres to other community and recreational uses. Construction began in October 2006, with the first phase to be completed in the spring of 2008.
The Widening of John Counter Blvd: Reconstructing John Counter Boulevard. to create a four-lane roadway with bicycle lanes and a railway overpass will improve the city's basic infrastructure. The project is in the design stage with construction scheduled to begin mid-2007. The project will be completed in 2012 at an expected cost of $29.5 million.
The Refurbishment of the Grand Theatre: This $17.1-million renovation project will improve the traditional cultural centrepiece of the community, an important element of our infrastructure, and contribute to economic prosperity through its role in cultural tourism. The changes include more spacious seating in the auditorium, an expansion of the Baby Grand Theatre, and various user amenities. Council has approved the final phase of this project and the curtain is expected to rise in early 2008.
The Revitalization of Market Square: Now in its final phase, this $5.65 million project has reclaimed Market Square and restored it to its rightful prominence as a cultural hub and community gathering place. The project has involved extensive work to install below-street services, but its most visible impact is on the surface, with high quality finishes consistent with the surrounding heritage architecture. The skating rink has been embraced by the community and enjoyed extensive use during its first two years of operation, while the completed fountain doubled as a base for a Christmas tree during this past holiday season. The base can also be used as a stage or sound platform. Phase III of the project, now underway, focuses on rebuilding the Square's courtyards with a target for completion in August of 2007.
The Acquisition and Opening of the K&P Trail: Creating an urban-rural trail that could eventually run from City Hall to Sharbot Lake would provide a significant recreational boost and improve the "quality of place" citizens enjoy. A deal for the land for the City's share of the rural trail is now being completed. The acquisition and opening of the K&P trail will cost $600,000.
OVERVIEW: THE GROUP OF SEVEN
The $115-million Ravensview Upgrade: This project is bringing the city's sewage treatment facility up to environmental standards, allowing sufficient capacity for economic expansion in the central City and Kingston East. It also provided an immediate economic stimulus with construction jobs that began in July of 2006, with a planned completion date of 2009. This project is supported by the Canada Strategic Infrastructure Fund and the Government of Ontario.
The Kingston Regional Sports and Entertainment Centre: This development project will create a nearly $46.1 million sports and entertainment centre of distinctive design, located on the North Block in downtown Kingston. It will have a significant impact on the local economy and cultural life in the community as a first-class, year-round venue for concerts, OHL hockey games (as the home of the Kingston Frontenacs), theatre, community events, trade shows and conference gatherings. As part of the downtown cluster of restaurants and clubs, it will create a complete entertainment experience. The Province of Ontario has pledged $4 million to the project. Construction began in the summer of 2006, with completion slated for December 2007.
The Multiplex Community Centre: Located on Gardiners Road at Fortune Crescent, this $33.6 million project will boost local sports and community events that take advantage of a modern facility on 25 acres with multiple ice pads and other associated recreational space. It can have an economic impact by allowing Kingston to attract more athletic tournaments; will replace aging arenas with a more economic and energy efficient operation; and allows consideration of adapting those older community centres to other community and recreational uses. Construction began in October 2006, with the first phase to be completed in the spring of 2008.
The Widening of John Counter Blvd: Reconstructing John Counter Boulevard. to create a four-lane roadway with bicycle lanes and a railway overpass will improve the city's basic infrastructure. The project is in the design stage with construction scheduled to begin mid-2007. The project will be completed in 2012 at an expected cost of $29.5 million.
The Refurbishment of the Grand Theatre: This $17.1-million renovation project will improve the traditional cultural centrepiece of the community, an important element of our infrastructure, and contribute to economic prosperity through its role in cultural tourism. The changes include more spacious seating in the auditorium, an expansion of the Baby Grand Theatre, and various user amenities. Council has approved the final phase of this project and the curtain is expected to rise in early 2008.
The Revitalization of Market Square: Now in its final phase, this $5.65 million project has reclaimed Market Square and restored it to its rightful prominence as a cultural hub and community gathering place. The project has involved extensive work to install below-street services, but its most visible impact is on the surface, with high quality finishes consistent with the surrounding heritage architecture. The skating rink has been embraced by the community and enjoyed extensive use during its first two years of operation, while the completed fountain doubled as a base for a Christmas tree during this past holiday season. The base can also be used as a stage or sound platform. Phase III of the project, now underway, focuses on rebuilding the Square's courtyards with a target for completion in August of 2007.
The Acquisition and Opening of the K&P Trail: Creating an urban-rural trail that could eventually run from City Hall to Sharbot Lake would provide a significant recreational boost and improve the "quality of place" citizens enjoy. A deal for the land for the City's share of the rural trail is now being completed. The acquisition and opening of the K&P trail will cost $600,000.
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
The focus of my paper (Assignment#2) was on Ravensview effort to practice Environmental Stewardship. The following information is located on the Utilities Kingston website, Ravensview main webpage:
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
The City of Kingston is demonstrating its commitment to being a leader in environmental stewardship through a number of project components:
Biological Aerated FiltersDue to its very compact footprint and efficient treatment process, 11 BIOSTYR cells are being implemented to remove dissolved contaminants and provide high-level treatment. This will be one of the largest Biological Aerated Filter applications in North America for secondary treatment.
Combined Heat and Power Generation (Cogeneration) FacilityTo maximize effective use of the biogas (methane) produced through the anaerobic sludge digestion process, a cogeneration facility using a 370 kW low-emission reciprocating engine is being implemented to produce electricity and heat for the upgraded plant.
The implementation of environmentally friendly/sustainable methods for water treatment is a huge advancement for the City of Kingston. The inclusion of BAFs and a Cogeneration Facility will make a difference in the water quality and water supply for Kingston citizens, while also ensuring that Kingston is doing its part in looking after the quality of water in Lake Ontario.
ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
The City of Kingston is demonstrating its commitment to being a leader in environmental stewardship through a number of project components:
Biological Aerated FiltersDue to its very compact footprint and efficient treatment process, 11 BIOSTYR cells are being implemented to remove dissolved contaminants and provide high-level treatment. This will be one of the largest Biological Aerated Filter applications in North America for secondary treatment.
Combined Heat and Power Generation (Cogeneration) FacilityTo maximize effective use of the biogas (methane) produced through the anaerobic sludge digestion process, a cogeneration facility using a 370 kW low-emission reciprocating engine is being implemented to produce electricity and heat for the upgraded plant.
The implementation of environmentally friendly/sustainable methods for water treatment is a huge advancement for the City of Kingston. The inclusion of BAFs and a Cogeneration Facility will make a difference in the water quality and water supply for Kingston citizens, while also ensuring that Kingston is doing its part in looking after the quality of water in Lake Ontario.
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