North Bay cleans up water with microfiltration plant

CH2M Hill is designing a water treatment plant expansion in North Bay, Ontario that will incorporate one of Canada’s largest pressurized microfiltration membrane water treatment plants.
The pressurized, hollow-fibre microfiltration equipment from Pall Canada has a summer capacity of over 70 ML/d and a cold water (3 degrees C) firm capacity of 57 ML/d.
The new treatment upgrade combines microfiltration membranes and ultraviolet disinfection to protect against pathogens such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The source water is Trout Lake, one of North Bay’s best sources characterized as generally low in turbidity, temperature, organics and alkalinity.
The selection of the membrane followed a comprehensive pilot program conducted in 2003.
The treatment technology as well as other green building features will be showcased to the public in the building, which is located in the city and beside the lake.
Construction is expected to tendered in 2005, with commissioning in early 2007.