Essential site support was provided by Suzanne Carlson, Environment Officer, based in Prince George and Patrick Noonan, Environment Coordinator from Toronto during the upgrades. The specifications for the facilities were run through a CN sustainability software that considers social, economic and environmental factors in a system’s design and construction.

“We installed new technology that not only improved wastewater effluent compliance but also increased the energy efficiency of the plants,” says Syed. The new systems are 5% more energy-efficient, saving more than 121,459 kWh of energy per year or $11,239. The increased efficiency is expected to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other pollutants. Approximately 47,612 Kg of CO2 will be saved per year.

During the upgrades at Prince George, city bylaws were changed to include more stringent effluent limits. The team decided to use salvaged equipment to meet the new requirements from another CN site. The upgraded Prince George wastewater treatment plant is the first CN site using this treatment method with the help of the salvaged equipment. “The new design improves employee safety, environmental compliance, sustainability, and work efficiency thanks to automation,” adds Syed. “There were strong benefits all-around.”