Project Description:

The City of Port Colborne in collaboration with the Niagara Region initiated the Pollution Prevention Control Plan (PPCP) in 2022 and aims to update and enhance the pollution control plan from 2007.

The PPCP is a citywide project involving the implementation of flow monitoring and other related measures to tackle inflow and infiltration issues within the sanitary collection system. By identifying and addressing sources of excessive water entering the system, the plan aims to increase the system's capacity, reduce unnecessary costs, and minimize pollution discharged into the environment.

Through comprehensive data analysis, assessment, and strategic planning, the PPCP will provide valuable insights and recommendations for improvements to the wastewater management infrastructure. This collaborative effort between the City of Port Colborne and the Niagara Region demonstrates a commitment to environmental protection, efficient resource utilization, and the overall well-being of the community.

This project is intended to give a series of “budget ready”, prioritized, and sequenced actions, at specific times for a known cost, to allow all stakeholders to operationalize this plan and collaborate on the best value for money options for the City of Port Colborne’s wastewater system.

These options will consist of operational, maintenance, policy, public education, regulatory and capital infrastructure improvements to achieve an optimum state. Recommendations cannot be high-level “one size fits all” and must reflect the unique needs of The City of Port Colborne and the Niagara Region.

Recommendations will be supported by evidence pertaining to the age, hydraulic performance, state of good repair, development pressures, maintenance regime, available funding and staff resources available to operationalize the preferred course of action.

Background:

A citywide Pollution Prevention Control Plan (PPCP) is a comprehensive strategy developed by a city or municipality to minimize and manage pollution sources, protect water quality, and promote environmental sustainability. The purpose of such a plan is to outline specific actions, policies, and practices aimed at preventing, reducing, and controlling pollution across various sectors within the city.

The PPCP typically encompasses a wide range of pollution sources, including industrial activities, commercial operations, construction sites, stormwater runoff, wastewater treatment facilities, transportation systems, and residential areas. The plan takes into account the specific environmental challenges and priorities of the city and incorporates measures to address them effectively.

The key objectives of a citywide PPCP include:

1. Identification and assessment of pollution sources: The plan starts with a thorough evaluation of existing and potential pollution sources within the city. This includes studying industrial processes, land use patterns, transportation systems, and other activities that contribute to pollution.
2. Development of pollution prevention measures: Based on the identified pollution sources, the plan establishes strategies and measures to prevent pollution from occurring in the first place. This can involve implementing best management practices, adopting cleaner technologies, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging environmentally friendly behaviors.
3. Implementation of pollution control measures: The PPCP outlines specific actions to control and mitigate pollution. This can include implementing stricter regulations and enforcement, establishing monitoring programs, conducting regular inspections, and promoting compliance with environmental standards.
4. Stormwater management: A critical aspect of the PPCP is managing stormwater runoff to prevent pollution from entering water bodies. This can involve the construction of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens and permeable pavements, as well as implementing effective stormwater management practices.
5. Public education and outreach: The plan incorporates educational programs and awareness campaigns to engage and inform the public about pollution prevention and control measures. This can include providing information on proper waste disposal, water conservation practices, and promoting sustainable behaviors.
6. Collaboration and partnerships: The PPCP may involve collaboration with various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, community organizations, and residents. Partnerships can help leverage resources, expertise, and collective efforts to achieve the pollution prevention goals of the city.

By implementing a citywide Pollution Prevention Control Plan, municipalities can proactively address pollution issues, protect the environment, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. The plan provides a roadmap for sustainable development and guides decision-making processes to ensure long-term environmental stewardship.

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: $250,000

• City Funding: $125,000
• Niagara Region Combined Sewer Overflow Control Program: $125,000

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 2021 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:

November 2024