Edmonton Sewer Overflow (Long-term Control Plan)

Client: City of Edmonton

The City of Edmonton needed a long-term solution to mitigate the impact of combined sewer overflow into the North Saskatchewan River. The combined sewers carry wastewater from domestic sewage and from commercial and industrial facilities, as well as surface runoff. The overflow problem occurs during wet weather when the downstream interceptor sewers become overloaded. The combined sewer overflows (CSOs) then spill a mixture of untreated wastewater and rainwater into the river. Combined sewer systems are not unique to Edmonton - more than 1,100 North American municipalities also have them.

To address the problem, the City of Edmonton hired UMA to develop a plan for long-term control of CSOs. Working with a team of City engineers, local consultants and other technical experts, UMA developed a plan for a major upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant and conveyance system. We also received input from the CSO Project Working Committee and interested local residents.

The success of the formal partnering process was recognized with the Consulting Engineers of Alberta (CEA) Award of Excellence for Project Partnering.