On December 4th, 2023, the Ontario Water Consortium (OWC) and Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) played host to a Wastewater Process Intensification Workshop, with generous sponsorship from Veolia Water Technologies. This gathering was the second in a series and was designed to address the pressing challenges brought about by population and employment growth in Ontario through the lens of innovative wastewater treatment processes.
The primary goal of the workshop was to arm municipalities with the necessary knowledge and resources to advocate for wastewater process intensification within their communities. The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including technology companies, consulting engineers, academic researchers, municipal representatives, and members of the provincial government. The intention was to foster collaboration and facilitate the exchange of knowledge among these key players.
The day began with a sense of anticipation as Rahim Kanji, Executive Director of OWC and Sangeeta Chopra, Director, Innovation, Process Optimization and Technical Services at OCWA, set the stage with a warm welcome, outlining the day’s objectives and underscoring the critical importance of wastewater process intensification.
A standout session early in the day was the ‘Map Your Wastewater Intensification Journey.’ During this activity, municipalities actively participated in self-selecting their intensification phase on a provided map. This dynamic exercise not only facilitated group discussions but also allowed participants to share unique stories, challenges, and potential solutions.
Next on the agenda were three expert panel presentations. Art Umble, Senior Vice President, Wastewater Global Practice Leader at Stantec, provided a forward-looking perspective, exploring the landscape of wastewater treatment in 2040 with a specific emphasis on Resource Recovery Facilities, drawing insights from the least regret concept in the UK and shedding light on the application of lagoon-based systems. Yaldah Azimi, Senior Program Manager at OCWA, presented on process optimization as a key intensification strategy, offering valuable insights into refining and enhancing existing processes. Last, Sudhir Murthy, CEO of NEWhub Water Corporation, shared expertise on the Horizontal Stack approach, covering concrete, mechanical, and digital aspects, providing a holistic view of intensification strategies in wastewater processes. Collectively, these presentations enriched the workshop by offering diverse perspectives on cutting-edge approaches to wastewater treatment.
Attendees then delved into the heart of the workshop—the Open Space Technology (OST) session held in the afternoon. The OST session empowered participants to co-create the agenda for the remainder of the day. This participatory approach ensured that the discussions aligned with the needs and expectations of the attendees, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for the outcomes.
Structured discussions during the OST session covered a spectrum of topics related to wastewater intensification. Participants self-selected conversations, with designated recorders documenting highlights and action steps. The day concluded with a symbolic closing circle—a moment for reflection on the rich tapestry of discussions and experiences.
Closing remarks by OWC and OCWA succinctly summarized the key takeaways and outlined the next steps for advancing wastewater process intensification in Ontario. The workshop emerged as a dynamic platform where ideas were not only exchanged but where challenges were confronted, and innovative solutions were forged.
By fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange, the workshop empowered attendees to infuse creativity and innovation into wastewater treatment processes. This collective effort is poised to contribute significantly to building sustainable and resilient communities in the face of Ontario’s growth challenges. The workshop marked a crucial step in laying the groundwork for implementing sustainable solutions that cater to the evolving needs of Ontario’s communities.
For more infortmation on the event, download the full workshop report here.
The presentations from our three expert panelists are available below:
Presentation – Art Umble
Presentation – Yaldah Azimi
Presentation – Sudhir Murthy