The GRCA works with municipal partners and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to improve the operation of wastewater treatment plants through a program called the Watershed-wide Wastewater Optimization Program (WWOP). The WWOP is an important initiative to support the GRCA strategic plan priority of improving river health. By working together, we have demonstrated a reduction in the amount of phosphorus and ammonia discharged in the Grand River watershed.
What is Optimization?
Optimization is a continuous improvement process that uses the full potential of people and infrastructure. This means using the existing equipment at the wastewater treatment plant to its maximum capacity before building expensive new tanks and treatment processes.
What are the benefits of Optimization?
The benefits will vary from plant to plant but optimizing the operation of a wastewater treatment plant has resulted in:
- Identifying potential cost savings and/or deferring capital investment
- Gaining a deeper understanding of the wastewater treatment plant
- Reducing the number of bypasses
- Producing better effluent quality
What are the Goals of the WWOP?
The overall goal of the program is to improve the quality of the Grand River by reducing phosphorus and ammonia from wastewater treatment plants. We have set out voluntary targets for these parameters. We work with municipal owners and operators to achieve these targets through the following activities:
- Hosting training and workshops
- Conducting on-site studies
- Providing technical support
- Preparing an annual report on wastewater treatment plant performance
- Hosting an annual workshop with municipal and MECP partners
- Delivering a recognition program to celebrate wastewater treatment plants that participate in the WWOP and achieve the voluntary targets
Additional resources can be found below.
