INNOVATION May-June 2019

CATHODE MATERIAL RECYCLING TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AND MINI PILOT PLANT DEMONSTRATION Kemetco Research and American Magnanese have developed a proprietary, economic and environmentally friendly technology for recycling cathode materials of lithium ion batteries. This technology is attractive due to the energy efficient hydrometallurgical methods. Reagents such as water and sulfur are conserved and reused within the process. No metal smelting is involved. In early 2019, a pilot-plant was built to demonstrate the process of recycling valuable metals, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese into fresh cathode materials. A Patent Cooperation Treaty International Patent application was filed. Lithium ion production in five years would be increased by more than 500 percent. The economic estimation for recycling 100,000 EV lithium ion batteries is worth more than $340 million. Kemetco staff: Norm Chow, P.Eng., Joey Jung, P.Eng., Doug Warkentin, P.Eng., Allan Yeung, Eng. L., Alex Cao, EIT.

ANNACIS ISLAND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT STAGE 5 EXPANSION Located in the most earthquake-prone region of Canada, the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant serves more than 1 million people in the greater Vancouver region. Considering the location and substantial reach of this facility, the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District (Metro Vancouver) is working to proactively mitigate future impacts of earthquakes or other weather-related events through innovative solutions. During the expansion, Brown and Caldwell added design features to enhance resiliency and operability. This resulted in Metro Vancouver’s first post-disaster secondary treatment facility, including first-of-their-kind structural and mechanical design features to accommodate the 1-in-2,475-year design seismic event. Additionally, Brown and Caldwell Consultants designed structural and mechanical capacity for one metre of sea level rise to reduce the impacts of climate change as well as enhanced electrical partitioning for critical infrastructure to increase reliability during power failures. Brown and Caldwell Consultants Canada Ltd.: Jaimie Hennessy, P.Eng.

SURREY COASTAL FLOOD ADAPTATION STRATEGY As the climate changes, coastal communities like Surrey, BC, can expect more flooding due to storm surge and sea-level rise. Managing this risk requires adaptation—actions that reduce exposure and vulnerability of people and property to climate-related hazards. Through a public planning approach, which incorporated engineering analysis built upon sophisticated

coastal, riverine, and hydrologic modelling, the Surrey Coastal Flood Adaptation Strategy tackled the hard questions. By engaging nearly 2,000 residents, stakeholders, and partners on long-term adaptation approaches, near-term infrastructure investments were developed to address today’s demands, while being consistent with long-term needs. A construction program valued at $187 million has been developed to increase resilience of critical infrastructure. Through collaboration, innovative solutions became clear including combining a sea dam with a five-lane transportation bridge to reduce cost and provide environmental enhancement. City of Surrey: Matt Osler, P.Eng., Carrie Baron, P.Eng. Northwest Hydraulic Consultants Ltd.: Monica Mannerström, P.Eng., Charlene Menezes, P.Geo.

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