MacForest Eco Field Station - Smart Septic System

How can we better manage waste at the MacForest Eco-Station?

Project Description: The MacForest is the proposed location of the MacForest Eco-Field Station. This field station will be one of a kind as it will be the first LEED design and Passive housing building within North America. The MacForest Nature Preserve boasts incredible biodiversity with its mixed forests, wetlands, meadows, prairies, and much more. The infrastructure would be located off 1105 Lower Lions Club Rd, Hamilton. The MacForest Eco Field Station would provide a space for students, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. This challenge will specifically explore option to better manage waste from this building (both solid waste and sewage). The challenge will require students to explore smart septic systems that can be used at the facility along with smart waste collection bins.

Proposed project & Deliverables: Students will research and design smart septic systems, as well as smart solid waste collection bins.

Students are expected to:

  • Spend considerable time with the community partner to acquire a good grasp of the issue

  • Conduct regular meetings/consultations with community partner

  • Meet and report on progress and seek feedback of the community partner on a regular basis, as agreed upon between the community partner and faculty-lead

  • Suggest solution directions to the community partner and/or stakeholders, including getting community partner’s buy-in on solution directions

  • If development of prototype or proof-of-concept is included in the scope, the development of:

    • A budget for the prototype or proof-of-concept

    • The prototype or proof-of-concept.

  • Follow all regulations of M. Eng. Projects course(s): SEP 700, SEP 704, SEP 799 and/or MANUFACT 701, including report(s) and presentation(s).

(Note: This project may involve a combination of SEPT grad./undergrad. students)

Instructors: Dr. Zobia Jawed, McMaster University

Community Partner: Wayne Terryberry

Course(s): SEP 700 (Project in Engineering Design Part I), SEP 704 (Public Research Project, Part 1), SEP 799 (Project in Systems and Technology Part 1) and/or MANUFACT 701 (Project), Faculty of Engineering, McMaster University

Project Start Date/ Availability: Full-year course, Fall semester 2022 through Winter semester 2023

Location: Ward 12

City Strategy Priority: Clean and Green, Built Environment and Infrastructure, Community Engagement and Participation