Centre for Water Resources Studies, Faculty of Engineering
Research Capacity: The CWRS has expertise in hydrology, watershed protection and management, innovative methods of on-site wastewater treatment and disposal, drinking water treatment technology, urban water quality management, rain water cistern supplies, and international human resource development.
Projects Undertaken: Use of air flotation to reduce trihalomethane precursors in drinking water supplies; examination of innovative methods of nitrogen removal from domestic wastewater; development of methods to remediate failed septic systems; impacts of urban development on urban water quality and quantity; computer modelling of urban/rural water resources; linkage of GIS and hydrologic models; international human resource development related to environmental and water resources management; research organization.
The CWRS represents the expertise of a diverse group of scientists and engineers with skills in civil engineering, geology, biology, chemistry, and computer applications. Approximately 60 individuals from industry, other universities, and the private sector, provide ongoing advice to the CWRS with regard to the definition of applied research needs and the carrying out of research and development of new techniques. The CWRS has analytical capability in low level inorganic environmental contaminants and has a variety of laboratory models which are useful in determining the impacts of on-site wastewater disposal on soils and groundwater. Equipment for bench scale testing and research into air flotation and ozonation is also available. The Centre is recognized in Canada and internationally as a source of expertise in environmental research and development, consulting and human resource development.
Staff:Dr. William C. Hart, Ph.D., Director; Dr. Graham Gagnon, Associate Director; Dr. Donald H. Waller, Ph.D., P.Eng. Senior Research Associate; Dr. Mohammed Salah, Ph.D., P.Eng.; Mr. Richard Scott, M.A.Sc.
Company Details
Company Information
William C. Hart
Title:
Director
Area of Responsibility:
Management Executive
Telephone:
(902) 494-3900
Fax:
(902) 494-3501
Email:
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Products
Environmental Products And Services
Site Assessment, System Design, System Monitoring And Assessment, Operation And Management.
The first two phases of this applied research focused on experimental programs that addressed evaluation and improvement of on-site technology applicable in Nova Scotia. The results were reflected in modifications to provincial design guidelines, and in improved understanding of the capabilities of alternative on-site systems.
The current phase of the program continues experimental and field research, but has matured to recognize that effective application of the knowledge and understanding that has been gained to date can only be achieved in the framework of policies, regulations, and institutional systems that provide for appropriate designs, installation, maintenance and repair of non-urban sewerage systems. This shift in emphasis is reflected in current projects that are concerned with: water conservation, additives and water softeners; the long term performance of on-site systems; the role of wastewater management districts; the role of innovative collection and treatment systems for servicing; performance evaluation of existing and new systems; pumping frequency; and on-site systems to meet special needs such as seasonal systems and institutional systems.
Water Treatment Technology, Appropriate For Soft, Unbuffered Surface Waters Like Those Characteristic Of Nova Scotia.
A 2.5 year study characterized Nova Scotia municipal surface water sources and examined appropriate treatment options.
Potential treatment options appropriate for Nova Scotia surface water, or other waters with similar characteristics, were identified, and related to raw water chemistry: direct filtration, dissolved air flotation (DAF)/filtration, and settling/filtration. DAF was superior to settling in laboratory experiments; its performance has been confirmed in subsequent pilot plant tests.
Current studies are examining filtration options that are particularly compatible with DAF.
Technology Transfer/Human Resource Development Related To Environmental Protection And Management.
The ability of governments to protect and manage environmental resources may be limited by the level of training achieved by their regulatory, and pliancy personnel. In like manner, the ability or willingness of industry to comply with regulations may be limited by a lack of understanding of the problems seen by government. A lack of training in appropriate control technologies may inhibit the adoption of new techniques or management methods. Lack of comprehensive technical and environmental management training at the technical school or university level leads to fewer individuals being produced who have appropriate capabilities for managing environmental problems.
A variety of human resource development initiatives have been developed which include methods such as study tours, short term intensive training programs, both in Canada and abroad, and long term academic linkages.
Study tours for senior administrators have been designed to expose them to a variety of government and industry representatives in all regions of Canada. Meetings are held with senior bureaucrats and corporate officials in an effort to define both the environmental problems and the solutions which have been achieved or are being considered.
Long term training of ten weeks to one year has been carried out for middle environmental managers who are exposed to Canadian methods of environmental protection and management. Where possible, individuals are placed in industry, and or government offices, and laboratories, in order to provide hands-on experience with day to day problems and solutions.
Long term academic linkages have been carried out which provide curriculum assessment and development and faculty training in environmental methods and technologies. University linkages have involved members of government departments and industry as trainers, both in Canada and abroad. Fi
ve technology transfer workshops have been carried out in China, and have involved participants from across China and Canada.
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