Kitchener WWTP Completed Ahead of Schedule

Ball is pleased to report that the upgrade to the Region of Waterloo’s Kitchener Wastewater Treatment Plan (WWTP) was finished ahead of schedule and is now operational. This bid-spec project was the first joint venture between Ball Construction and Maple Reinders.

Construction of the new 8,700 square-foot tertiary treatment plant began in September, 2015, and involved dozens of companies and more than 100 workers. Part of a larger $320 million overhaul of the area’s waste water facilities, the tertiary treatment and outfall upgrade involves a third layer of water filtration.

The concrete structure—located at 368 Mill Park Drive— has a daily capacity of between 60–80 million litres. Its four mega disk filters improve the quality of the effluent water before it advances to the last stage of treatment, whereby it feeds into the ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system and clean water then returns into the Grand River.

Thanks to a strong commitment to the Gold Seal Certification program by both Ball and Maple Reinders, the project team ensured that many of the sub-contractors and workers were certified as well.

In-water construction in and around the Grand River and the relocation of fish and endangered mussel species from the river bed proved to be challenging. This involved first constructing a coffer dam made of rock and membrane liners, relocating the aquatic life, de-watering the area and then installing the new concrete 1,900 millimetre outfall pipe. A series of underground pipes to carry effluent water from the earlier stages of the treatment process into the tertiary building were also added.

The building footprint was not easy to work with, particularly since the walls involved a height variance of up to 20–30 feet. Fortunately, Ball was able to rely on its vast expertise in the area of concrete installations.

Both Ball and Maple Reinders are passionate supporters of the League of Champions safety program, and this commitment was evident throughout the project’s timeline. Indeed in May of 2016, the combined construction team from Ball and Maple Reinders assembled on site for a Lunch and Learn session to hear an important safety talk by Rob Ellis of MySafeWork. Site crews then signed a League of Champions safety jersey.

Thanks to some nicely timed warm weather and a highly coordinated workflow schedule, the facility became operational in August 2017.