Wastewater System

 Treating wastewater: how does it work?

Water enters the Wastewater Treatment Plant from the wastewater collection system and septic haulers. The wastewater goes through mechanical screening and grit removal systems which protect downstream equipment. Collected screenings and grit are automatically washed and compacted to reduce odours and volume.

The headworks is equipped with an automated septage and hauled sewage receiving station. The station incorporates a flowmeter and billing system for cost recovery. All waste is directed to an equalization tank to minimize loading fluctuations in the treatment facility.

Following preliminary treatment, flow is directed to aeration tanks (3 parallel tanks available) which remove organics and ammonia through biological treatment. The aeration tanks are equipped with energy efficient fine bubble diffusers and incorporate a small unaerated zone to enhance settling characteristics and reduce overall energy costs in the treatment process.

Biological solids in the aeration tank effluent are settled rectangular settling tanks, known as secondary clarifiers. The majority of these settled solids are returned to the aeration tank to enhance the treatment efficiency and a small portion is wasted to aerobic digesters for stabilization.

Treated effluent from the secondary clarifiers is disinfected prior to discharge to produce an effluent which is non-toxic to aquatic life. Under normal conditions, final effluent is discharged by gravity through a diffused outfall extending approximately 235 m offshore into Lake Ontario. To protect the treatment facility from flooding under extreme peak flow or high lake level conditions, an automated effluent pumping station is provided to overcome the head pressure of elevated Lake Ontario levels or increased flows to the facility.

Excess biosolids from the secondary clarifiers are directed to a two-stage aerobic digestion process for stabilization. The biosolids are stabilized to ensure compliance with all Ministry of Environment Guidelines. The stabilized biosolids are dewatered in a centrifuge to reduce the volume by approximately 90% and produce a moist soil-like product which is suitable for beneficial re-use.

Septage Hauling Program 

This service is only for depositing septage; no other waste will be accepted under this program.

Wastewater collection system

 The wastewater collection system (WWCS) collects and transports wastewater sewage from all residential, industrial, commercial, as well as other facilities connected to the sewer system to the wastewater treatment plant. The collection system is composed of gravity sewers, force mains and pumping stations.

The municipal collection system is monitored continually and operated within compliance of all applicable legislation.

Wastewater collection staff are responsible for the maintenance of sanitary infrastructure, CCTV camera, cleaning, and pipe repair, catch basin and manhole restoration. Staff also participate in confined space entries and spill response.

Preventing blockages and spills

Wastewater spills occur when sewers are blocked or restricted. This can happen for a variety of reasons, the most common being:

• Fat, oil, or grease (FOG)
• Flushable wipes (please, we beg you, do not flush these items!)
• Aging sewer pipes

Keep your pipes clean

• Meats
• Grease from poultry, hamburger, bacon etc. 
• Sauces, gravies, marinades 
• Cooking oils and lard
• Salad dressings
• Deep fried dishes
• Dairy products
• Soups and chili
• Pastas
• Pastries
• Butter, margarine or shortening

These are all foods that contain fats, oils and grease and they can clog the flow in your drains and sewers. When grease cools it can stick to our sewer pipes and over time block the sewers completely. They don’t wash away with hot water and soap.

From sink to sewers

Blockages originating from your house can back-up raw wastewater into your house, your neighbours or into yards, parks and streets. 

You can reduce the chance of a blockage by:

• Scrape dishes into the garbage/compost before washing 
• Wipe down cooking utensils and cookware before washing, preferably with a disposable, biodegradable cloth

• Pour excess fats, oils, and grease liquids into a container such as a tin can or
  a milk container and store in the freezer until full. Dispose the container in the
  garbage – it is not recyclable

• Placing strainers in your sink drain to catch food waste before it enter yours plumbing.

Other items that can not be flushed or disposed in our drains

• flushable wipes
• dental floss
• toiletries and feminine hygiene products

Throw these items in the garbage or recycling (where applicable). These items clog the drains and do the most damage to our wastewater system.

Common Myths

 Here are a few common wastewater myths to be aware of: 

• Garburators do not stop grease from going down the drain.
• Shredded food wastes can add to odours and blockages in your sewer.
• Commercial additives, including detergents, may not dissolve grease (undissolved grease may pass down your sewer and cause problems further in the sewer system).