Project Description:

The goal of this project is to identify and address sources of excessive inflow and infiltration that can overwhelm the sewer system, leading to issues like sewer overflows, increased treatment costs, and potential environmental impacts. The results of implementation can lower treatment costs, reduce capital costs to the Region, and provide additional capacity within the sewer system for future development and reduce the risk of basement flooding.

The project will identify and disconnect connections to the sanitary sewer system from downspouts and sump pumps. GM BluePlan Engineering Limited has been retained to perform the initial data collection, inspection during the contractor disconnection efforts, quality management, and project management services throughout the rehabilitation on private property.

Background:

An inflow and infiltration (I&I) project is typically a wastewater management initiative aimed at reducing or eliminating the entry of unwanted water into a sanitary sewer system. Inflow refers to the introduction of surface water (such as rainwater or snowmelt) into the sewer system through improper connections, such as downspouts or sump pumps. Infiltration, on the other hand, occurs when groundwater seeps into the sewer system through cracks, leaks, or deteriorated pipes.

The purpose of an I&I project is to identify and address sources of excessive inflow and infiltration that can overwhelm the sewer system, leading to issues like sewer overflows, increased treatment costs, and potential environmental impacts. The project typically involves a comprehensive assessment of the sewer system, including inspections, smoke and dye testing, flow monitoring, and analysis.

Once problem areas are identified, various measures can be implemented as part of the project. This may include repairing or replacing damaged pipes, improving sewer infrastructure, disconnecting improper connections, and implementing stormwater management practices to reduce the entry of surface water into the system.

External Support:

GM BluePlan Engineering Limited is a dynamic engineering, management and technology consulting firm built to provide a unique, full service, and full lifecycle service offering in the consulting engineering marketplace. The organization is a Canadian and wholly employee-owned firm with over 250 staff and seven offices in Southern Ontario that brings over 50 years of experience.

GMBP has an unmatched understanding of Port Colborne’s wastewater system as well as the City and Regional long-term planning context. The team is highly skilled, experienced in the industry, and is capable of providing exceptional short and long-term needs relating to infrastructure and wet weather management type projects.

Approved Budget:

Total Approved Budget: $300,000

• City Funding: $192,000
• Niagara Region Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program: $108,000

Grants:

The City of Port Colborne and the Niagara Region are working together to reduce the amount of inflow and infiltration entering the sanitary system through the Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program.

This project has been approved in the Niagara Region’s 2022 program. The cost-share program funds municipal projects to target inflow and infiltration reduction, which helps to reduce basement flooding, overflows to the environment and alleviates system capacity. Some examples of municipal projects funded through the program include:

• Studies: Targeted investigative work is completed on the sanitary system to assess the condition of infrastructure and to identify sources of inflow and infiltration. Flow monitoring is an example of an important study used to narrow down the location of possible high inflow and infiltration locations.
• Sewer separation projects: Combined systems are separated by the installation of new storm sewers
• Overflow storage tanks: Large underground tanks are used to store excess wastewater during heavy rain or snowmelt events. Once the wet weather event is over and capacity in the system is restored, the wastewater is pumped back into the pipes and transported to wastewater treatment plants to be treated.

Estimated Completion:

June 2024