How can we precisely identify and eliminate pollutant sources in our watershed?
Project Description: Rehabilitating our urban river systems from centuries of human impact is highly beneficial from a triple bottom line perspective, yet complex to achieve. Pollutant discharges to the environment can occur from a variety of sources, including storm sewers, combined sewers, and from unknown sanitary sewer cross-connections. To improve the water quality in the urban river systems, it is important to identify, regulate, and minimize sources of pollutants to each receiver. The identification of the pollutant sources is key - like 'contact tracing' of a virus. Confirming the precise sources is important, so that there is certainty in knowing that the effort you put into eliminating the source will be worth the time and cost.
For this challenge, we are looking for new ideas to help improve the Chedoke Creek subwatershed by better tracing the contributing pollutants. The developed solutions should however consider flexible application in any of Hamilton's subwatersheds.
City Staff: Christina Cholkan, Water/Wastewater Planning, Public Works
Faculty, Course & Students: Dr. Zobia Jawed, McMaster University, Master’s Engineering Design Project (2 students)
Challenge Summary: Develop or research and recommend emerging water quality technology to monitor pollutants of concern at pipe outfalls or in-creek, preferably remotely and/or in near real-time.
Goal: To design a framework to monitor and track selected contaminants in Chedoke Creek, improving on existing conditions.
Deliverables:
Report
Analysis to be developed and presented using a triple bottom line approach and infographics where sensible
Includes actionable recommendations for City
Presentation
Visually-based pitch to the City summarizing methodology and actionable recommendations
