Fredericton: Water, Wastewater & Solid Waste Timeline
Water consumption starts to decrease
The City of Fredericton launched a promotional campaign to decrease demand for water. The combination of this initiative, recurring campaigns and new water-saving technologies on the market have resulted in yearly decreases in water consumption since 2005.
Wellfield Protection Act
The area that supplies Fredericton with drinking water from underground aquifers became designated under the province’s “Wellfield Protected Area Designation Order – Clean Water Act.” As a designated protected area, limitations are set on the quantities of petroleum and chemicals that can be stored in the area, and land-use activities are restricted.
Future planning for wastewater treatment
The City became aware that new regulations for wastewater treatment would be coming into effect in the following years and began planning a detailed design for future upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities.
Recycling depots introduced throughout the City
Outdoor, self-serve recycling depots were introduced in two locations in the City to increase diversion and accommodate those that do not have access to residential recycling pick-up.
Construction and upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities
Large-scale construction and upgrades to the wastewater treatment facilities within the City began in order to meet and exceed federal standards. In phase one, additional aeration capacity was added within the main wastewater treatment site (Barker Street facility).
Composable bags for leaf & yard waste pickup
The city will now only pickup leaf & yard waste that is collected in compostable bags.
Recycling program creates waste diversion
Waste diversion (via the City recycling program) has stood around 10% since 2011.This accounts for about 40% of the maximum diversion that could occur given the current recycling programs.
Phases two and three of wastewater treatment upgrades underway
The City is working on phases two and three of the wastewater treatment upgrades. Phase two includes a UV treatment upgrade and new headwork to remove more solids before getting into the biological process. This increases system efficiency and results in an improved treatment process for cleaner water exiting the system. Phase three includes the installation of a new clarifier, which Is more efficient and provides additional flow capacity.
Recycling and garbage program review
The City hired a consultant to undertake a study on current recycling and garbage programs and to suggest future priorities and program changes. Ideas explored included increasing the diversion rate through introducing new programs and automating collection.
Threefold increase in wastewater treatment capability
Upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities this year will result in a threefold increase in wastewater treatment capability, from 25,000 cubic metres per day to 75,000 cubic metres per day, decreasing the risk of overflow events.
Improvements in the amount of solid waste being removed from wastewater
Upgrades have helped to increase the amount of solid waste being removed from wastewater being treatment. The removal rate is currently 99.8% and the City continues to investigate methods to improve this number.
Consistently within wastewater regulations
The City has met and exceeded all federal and provincial wastewater treatment regulations consistently for at least the past eight years.
Office garbage cans being phased out at City
Beginning with City Hall offices, individual office garbage cans are being phased out and will be replaced with recycling and garbage facilities in common areas. Employees have the option of maintaining a recycling bin in their office to increase recycling.
Vermicomposting being introduced at City Hall
Three vermicompost bins and two pounds of red wiggler worms have been purchased as a pilot project, so City Hall staff can compost lunch scraps, diverting waste from the landfill. Participating staff have been trained in proper care for the worms and their vermicomposting habitat.