INNOVATION July-August 2012

2011 2012 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

Water Treatment Plant Refurbishment Better Technical Options was awarded a contract to refurbish and automate the Water Treatment Plant at Normanton, Carpentaria Shire, Queensland, Australia. Supplying the towns of Normanton and Karumba, the Normanton plant has a maximum production rate of 4 ML/d. The original plant consisted of clarifiers followed by filters and there were numerous quality issues with the existing process. The upgrade involved a new inlet works including screening and air stripping tower for iron removal; the replacement of six clarifiers with a single unit; a high rate recirculating sand clarifier; and replacement of the chemical dosing equipment. The dosing rates are now flow paced and automated, and the filters have been overhauled and the filter media replaced. The plant now produces high quality water with reduced operating input. Owners: Carpentaria Shire Council. Consultants: Better Technical Options, H2Ope, Hyder Consulting. Professionals Involved: Mike McCoy PEng, Jonathan Baker PEng.

Ridgeway Elementary School Seismic Upgrade and Restoration

The 100-year-old Ridgeway Elementary School is recorded on the Canadian Registry of Historic Places for its turn- of-the-century architectural design and significance in the growth of North Vancouver. The $21.5 million Seismic Upgrade and Restoration of Ridgeway included the retention and restoration of the historic 1912 Edwardian Baroque heritage façade, building components, and clock tower. The addition of a three-storey classroom block with a gymnasium totaling 4,613 m 2 allowed for increased student capacity. The project has achieved LEED Gold, incorporating modern efficient systems such as stormwater management, flooring made from natural products, and roofing constructed from recycled materials. Owner: School District No. 44 (North Vancouver). Architect: DA Architects and Planners. Structural: Jones Kwong Kishi Consulting Engineers. Mechanical: MMM Group. Electrical: Cobalt Engineering LLP. Geotechnical: Centennial Geotechnical Engineers. Civil: CJ Anderson Civil Engineering.

Radar-based Bathymetry and Ice Thickness Mapping

In March 2011, WorleyParsons Canada conducted bathymetric and ice thickness mapping in Northern British Columbia on behalf of Canadian Kailuan Dehua Mines. The purpose of this survey was to aid in the determination of a shipping route based on sufficient water depth. Seasonal ice coverage and bottom features prevented the use of conventional acoustic surveys. Approximately 500 km of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) data were collected over a two-week field program. Manual water depth and ice thickness measurements were collected at 32 auger holes to calibrate radar velocity and to confirm interpretations. The GPR surveys were successful in determining the lake bottom profile through ice cover at depths up to 25 m. Owner: Canadian Kailuan Dehua Mines. Professionals involved: WorleyParsons Canada (Chris Slater PGeo).

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