Artemis Project names SolarBee among top 50 water companies
SolarBee, Inc., a manufacturer of solarpowered water circulation equipment, has placed number 6 in the “Top 50 Water Companies Competition” sponsored by The Artemis Project in San Francisco. The competition recognizes innovative companies worldwide that are making significant contributions to water quality. Chosen from a field of 120 candidates, SolarBee was recognized for its technology, intellectual property and know-how, as well as team and market potential. SolarBee’s solar-powered water circulators help improve water quality in freshwater lakes and reservoirs, potable water tanks and wastewater lagoons.
Carbonetworks wins key contracts, posts strong Q1 performance
Carbonetworks, a leading carbon management solution provider, announced a first quarter of 2009 with significant customer wins in addition to the company’s international expansion with new offices and executive team expansion. Through a competitive bid process both Becker Underwood, one of the world’s leading bio-agronomic companies, and Omnibuild LLC, a full-service energy and construction management company, selected Carbonetworks’ on-demand software platform to provide comprehensive carbon management solutions.
Nova Scotia approves Quick4 Chambers for septic systems
Nova Scotia Environment recently approved the use of Quick4 Chambers from Infiltrator Systems Inc. as a substitute for rock and pipe, to be used for onsite septic systems. Quick4 Chambers offer the fastest drainfield installation in the onsite septic industry, according to the company. Both the Quick4 Standard and the Quick4 Equalizer 36 chamber models provide advanced contouring connections, molded-in inlets/ outlets, and multiple piping options that eliminate pipe fittings. The chambers can be installed in any of the allowed system types as specified in the technical guidelines including contour trenches, mounds, area beds, multiple trenches and sloping sand filters. These chambers have a structural load rating of 71.2 kN with only 0.31 m (12 inches) of cover.
Technologies merged to develop zero-liquid discharge applications
SUEZ Environnement affiliate Infilco Inc. and GEA Process Engineering Inc. have agreed to merge their proprietary technologies to develop system solutions for zero-liquid discharge applications for the U.S. and Canadian markets. Infilco Degremont’s industrial water and wastewater treatment expertise for physical-chemical clarification and water softening, coupled with reverse osmosis technology to remove both suspended and dissolved solids – provided by another Suez Environnement affiliate, WPT-Anderson Water Systems, Inc. – will provide the necessary pretreatment solution for GEA’s evaporator-crystallizer sub-system expertise. Using this technology, the concentrated reject from reverse osmosis is evaporated until the dissolved solids supersaturate and begin to form solid crystals. The slurry of crystals is then dewatered and the resulting filtrate recycled completely within the system. The result is a true, zero-liquid discharge to the environment.
Concern about aging workforce in municipal water, wastewater and solid waste facilities spurs inquiry
ECO Canada has launched a new project to document the labour force working in municipal water, wastewater and solid waste management facilities across Canada. The study will document demographics such as age, education, compensation and experience. Results of the study will help municipalities better understand the labour market in this field. The study hopes to uncover symptoms of under-staffing and skills shortages as well as highlight potential recommendations to remedy the situation. Canada has a $33-billion fund called the Building Canada Fund, which is in place to upgrade, replace, and build new municipal infrastructure facilities and systems. However, in order to ensure funds are allocated according to need, detailed information about the municipal occupations involved in water and waste management is required before projects can move forward. The labour force that operates these facilities is currently dealing with a shortage of skilled workers and concern is mounting as the average age of the operators in this sector increases. Many are much closer to retirement than to graduation.
John Meunier creates Canadian subsidiary from parent
John Meunier Inc., a subsidiary of VeoliafiWater Solutions & Technologies, has createdfiits subsidiary, Veolia Water Solutionsfi& Technologies Canada Inc., based in Mississauga,fiOntario.fi“We created this subsidiary to bringfiVeolia’s global expertise in municipal andfiindustrial water and wastewater treatmentfito Canada. Veolia is a worldwide leaderfiin water treatment,” said Yvan Liégey,fipresident of John Meunier Inc. “As today’sfiwater issues require more sophisticatedfitechnologies and strategies, accessing thefiknowledge and experience of our globalfiorganization means that we will be able tofiprovide the most innovative and comprehensivefisolutions to our clients.”
Air Liquide leading hydrogen project at Montréal airport
Air Liquide is leading a $14-million hydrogen energy project to demonstrate an array of innovative hydrogen energy and fuel cell technologies on the site of Montréal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport and another international airport to be announced at a later date. The project is a collaboration between Air Liquide Canada, Natural Resources Canada, and Québec’s Agence de l’efficacité énergétique (AEE), with the involvement of 14 other companies. The project will involve an array of hydrogen-powered technologies and the fuelling infrastructure that supplies them. These technologies will help serve the airport’s 12.8 million passengers each year through transportation in shuttle buses, as well as passenger and utility vehicles, and through hydrogen-generated stationary and auxiliary power applications. Air Liquide will provide the hydrogen and install a station to fuel several vehicles at the same time at 350- and 700-bar pressures, and refill portable hydrogen tanks.
Partnership to provide new WWTP for Ontario non-profit
H2Flow Equipment Inc. and EIMCO Water Technologies are joining forces to provide Earth Rangers with a new wastewater treatment plant at its centre in Woodbridge, Ontario. The plan is to improve on current measures being taken to conserve energy and treat wastewater at the site. Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that empowers children to improve the health of the planet. Its headquarters, the Earth Rangers Centre, is certified LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold for new construction. According to H2Flow, the new treatment plant will provide better efficiency plus lower power requirements and will replace an older generation MBR. The treatment plant will feature flat-plate Kubota MBR panels. This technology works with nature by taking advantage of the naturally occurring biofilm, which forms almost instantaneously on submerged membranes. Treated wastewater will continue to be stored in the centre’s 310,000-litre underground cistern where it joins harvested rain water to supply non-potable water to its cooling tower, and for flushing toilets, cleaning floors and irrigating the grounds.
Ontario firms urging more cooperation with government
Ontario environmental firms are concerned the province may miss a crucial opportunity in the coming years if business and government do not find new ways of working together, according to a new study conducted by Deloitte for the Ontario Environment Industry Association (ONEIA). The research finds companies are eager to capitalize on growing world demand for environmental services, products and technology, but are concerned that industry and government need to work more cooperatively if this is to happen. The research engaged a broad range of companies in the province’s environment industry, including firms working in the areas of environmental engineering, alternative energy, recycling, waste processing, water purification, air quality and brownfields remediation. Firms say Ontario must quickly develop the optimal combination of focused regulations, pricing mechanisms and programs or risks ceding this important market to other jurisdictions in the world.
