Archive for the ‘Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling’ Category

OPWA – National Public Works Week (NPWW)

National Public Works Week (May 16-22, 2010) is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works.  The OPWA Kick-off Event and Pioneers Luncheon (Thursday, May 13th) featured 7 excellent speakers discussing public works infrastructure/asset management current status, issues and several important future challenges.       

Kathleen Llewellyn-Thomas, Allan Magi, Andrew Pollock and Mike Price discuss “Challenges for the Next Decade”.

 Wally Wells, P.Eng., Wells Infrastructure Group Inc. (“Asset Management BC”) outlined the status of the Local Government Asset Management Working Group (LGAMWG).  The group has finalized their terms of reference, vision, mission and objectives.  The ‘way forward’ for the group will be:       

• PSAB 3150 follow-up (i.e. condition assessment guidelines)
• Integration – focus on core strengths and deliverables
• Communication – get the message out and solicit input from stakeholders; educate public and politicians
• BC Knowledge Product – follow up actions
• Pilot projects – find practical asset management (AM) solutions
• Tools – create a ‘tool chest’ for sustainable AM
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Michael Mortimer, P.Eng., Program Manager, CSA Standards provided an update on CSA training and publications for buildings and municipal public works.  The Municipal Infrastructure Solutions Program (MSIP) focuses on delivering practical, pragmatic and proven tools and services in the form of new standards, best-practice guides, technologies and training offerings.
Currently there are 14 technical committees/working groups established to guide the development of additional courses and publications.  CSA would welcome additional knowledgeable participants on these advisory committees.
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An excellent round table discussion –“Challenges for the Next Decade”- featured Kathleen Llewellyn-Thomas, P.Eng., York Region (transportation), Allan Magi, P.Eng., City of Birlington (facilities), Andrew Pollock, Niagara Region (solid waste) and Mike Price, P.Eng., Mike Price& Associates Inc. (water/wastewater).
Some of the issues/challenges outlined included:    

Transportation
• Fiscal sustainability
• Accommodating urban growth
• Succession planning     

Facilities
• Performance measurement similar to linear assets needed
• Consistent condition assessment approach (i.e. facility condition index)
• Energy management
• Funding/inflation
• Multiple use facilities to address aging population and recent immigration patterns/interests   

The new MTO maintenance facility at Hwy 401/Hurontario was built with the latest green technologies. It will require consistent condition monitoring and assessment to ensure full service life.

  Waste Management
• Recycling – move to full producer responsibility (Waste Diversion Act/June 2010)
• Composting – 2nd generation plants, different/conflicting methods; biofuel
• Disposal – landfill capacity; district heating potential/projects (Durham); fuel production from waste    

Water/Wastewater
• Source Protection – world-wide and in Canada
• Future design/capacities of infrastructure – considering reductions in usage (i.e. condos)
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The keynote speaker Reg Andres, P.Eng., Vice President, R.V. Anderson Associates Limited presented ‘Sustainable Infrastructure Management – Where We Are & Where We Are Going”. 
His main message for OPWA members….asset management has come a long way; OPWA members need to lead the way into the future; continue to get the message out regarding infrastructure management, funding and sustainability.
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RoadMap:
• National (Canada) Asset Management
• Asset Management International – Dr. Penny Burns (Australia) 
CentreLine:   “An asset without a user is an asset without a value” 

By Graham Zeisner in Association, Buildings & Grounds, Fleet, Roads & Bridges, Sewer & Wastewater, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling, Transportation, Water on May 19th, 2010 - No Comments »
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National Public Works Week 2010

When I joined APWA in 2004, I received a very comprehensive package of promotional material in the mail which included a letter of thanks, information about their services, the Info Now network, the historical society, benefits of membership and a publications/resources catalogue. Needless to say, I was impressed and as we all know…you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”.

Harry Campbell's graphic interpretation of the theme "Public Works: Above, Below & All Around You".

Over the years their publications and promotional materials have been consistently relevant, essential and timely. The National Public Works Week (NPWW) flyer that I received this week is no exception. The flyer cover – a copy of the 2010 NPWW poster by illustrator Harry Campbell – is an amazing interpretation of the theme “Public Works: Above, Below, & All Around You” .

Harry’s distinctive graphic line illustration work can be found in most major publications including The New York Times, Time Magazine, Newsweek, and many others. A graduate of The Maryland Institute College of Art where he also has taught. Campbell has received numerous awards from The Society of Illustrators, Communication Arts, and American Illustration.

National Public Works Week (NPWW) 2010 is celebrated on May 16-22. Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. The Week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often–unsung heroes of our society–the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.

The Association of Ontario Road Supervisors (AORS) has formally partnered with the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA) – A Chapter of APWA/CPWA. One of the goals of this agreement is to cross promote the partner’s significant events and awards including NPWW. OPWA has two awards available for NPWW in Ontario including:

  • Municipalities with more than 150,000 (The Bruce Brunton Trophy)
  • Municipalities with populations of 150,000 or less (The Roger Brown Trophy).

Township of Scugog staff and elected officials - winners of the Roger Brown Trophy.

The 2009 winner in the first category was the City of Brampton and the second category was the Township of Scugog. Congratulations to both Municipalities and their staff or organizing such great programs that met the strategic objectives of the program.

In my opinion, NPWW activities are like APWA publications. They’re opportunity to make a great impression…a lasting impression of your Municipal public works department and its important role in providing essential quality of life services in our communities. From my conversations with representatives of the winning teams, it doesn’t take a great deal of time or resources to make any NPWW celebratory event memorable. On the other hand, the benefits – award and trophies notwithstanding – including increased morale, teamwork and pride amongst participating Municipal staff are enormous.

So….don’t forget those dates…..May 16-22. If you and your Municipality are interested in supporting NPWW in Ontario please contact anyone at OPWA or AORS or better yet, talk to the Municipalities who have participated in the past. There is no sense in reinventing the wheel.
These folks have lots of experience and good ideas so tap into it.

CentreLine: NPWW is an opportunity to shout from the rooftops “We are public works”.

By Graham Zeisner in AORS, Association, Buildings & Grounds, Certification & Training, Fleet, Municipal Elected Officials, Parks & Recreation, Roads & Bridges, Sewer & Wastewater, Snow & Ice Control, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling, Stormwater, Transportation, Water, Winter on February 17th, 2010 - No Comments »
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Canada’s Local Governments/Cities Legislation Is Antiquated

According to a recent study by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy Canadian municipal law is characterized by its prescriptive rules-based codes of compliance. That contrasts starkly with modern local government laws of other countries which seek to facilitate best-management practice by setting outcomes rather than rules. The approach of other countries leads to a performance and service-delivery framework designed to effectively and efficiently meet the needs of local taxpayers and residents.

All Canadians rely on a municipality of some kind to provide essential infrastructure, and unlike their dealings with private enterprises, which are disciplined by competition, they face a monopoly for the services that a municipality provides.

The study – Creating proper incentives for Canada’s cities through smart provincial legislation: A best-practice model of local government – compares municipal law in New Zealand with equivalent law in Canada. The New Zealand Act provides for the following:

  • It sets local government outcomes that can be achieved within practically based best-practice management processes;
  • These include asset and financial long-term planning, consultative process and democratic decision-making

Recommendations and likely results:

  • Canada should adopt much of New Zealand’s local government legislation.
  • Federal support for local provincial government law reform could be an impetus for change for the provinces. This might take the form of linking federal infrastructure funding to the required improvements in law.

This adoption would have the following results:

  • It would improve local government performance. There is no argument that improvements are necessary, as Canadian municipalities score poorly when measured on a number of international performance scales.
  • The national economy would benefit directly from local government law reform. Much of the economy’s vital arterial economic lines of production and supply, the nation’s roads and the water and waste-water systems, are owned and managed by the municipalities.

RoadMap:  View entire report as .pdf – 57 pages

Ontario Municipalities have reported on their tangible capital assets and move from a modified accrual format to full accrual accounting with new financial statements since 2009.  The Municipal Finance Officers’ Association (MFOA) and the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), have forged a strategic partnership to provide ongoing information and education to assist municipal staff who will have to deal with the changes. The PSAB/Asset Management web site is designed to be a resource and information-sharing centre.ongoing information and education to assist municipal staff who will have to deal with the changes.

CentreLine:  Infrastructure assets can be properly maintained and monitored if  the legal framework of municipal operations is specifically designed to mandate best-practice asset management as measured by performance-based systems.

By Graham Zeisner in Association, Municipal Elected Officials, Roads & Bridges, Sewer & Wastewater, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling, Transportation on February 3rd, 2010 - No Comments »
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Green Bin Program Working Well In St. Clair Gardens

Well the big day finally arrived in my neighbourhood.  Today my green bin – filled to the top with organic material – got efficiently picked up by City of Ottawa contractual staff.


Despite some initial resistance (these people can’t be serious) and problems with the City of Ottawa green bin program the implementation seems to be going well.  I am a big supporter of this type of organic recycling for many reasons so my family and I have been filling the bin since it was delivered approximately 4 weeks ago.  Naturally, we generated a lot of additional organic waste over the Christmas holidays so the bin was completely full when I hauled it out to the end of the driveway today.

I followed the simple instructions that came with the bin when it was delivered and checked out the informative website as well.  As you will see by the attached video, the whole process took no longer than about 30 seconds from the time the truck arrived to departure.  As a result, the approximately 40lbs of organic matter in the bin will go to a composting plant rather than to the Trail Road Landfill.  Well done City of Ottawa.

CentreLine: Organic recycling is a responsibility shared by the Municipality and the home/business owner.  We must all do our part.

By Graham Zeisner in Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling on January 15th, 2010 - No Comments »
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The Municipal Role In Fighting Climate Change

The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) today released a new report showing the federal government can jump-start its national climate change strategy by partnering with municipalities on cost-effective, community-based projects.

Entitled ‘Act Locally — The Municipal Role in Fighting Climate Change’, the report chronicles what Canada´s municipalities are doing to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions – and how much more they could do as full partners in a national climate change strategy.

The report – prepared by ‘EnviroEconomics’ (Dave Sawyer and Seton Stiebert) outline the following strong rationales to focus our climate policy efforts at the municipal level and the related barriers:

1) Rationale for investing in local, community-based GHG emission reduction initiatives:

On June 25, 2008, Ottawa City Council unanimously agreed to issue a letter of intent to Plasco Energy Group to build, own, and operate a 400 tonne-per-day waste conversion (i.e. garbage into electricity) facility. Zerowasteottawa.com is the web destination for the City of Ottawa and Plasco Energy Group partnership.

On June 25, 2008, Ottawa City Council unanimously agreed to issue a letter of intent to Plasco Energy Group to build, own, and operate a 400 tonne-per-day waste conversion (i.e. garbage into electricity) facility. Zerowasteottawa.com is the web destination for the City of Ottawa and Plasco Energy Group partnership.

  • Significant emission reductions are ready to go.
  • Local, community-based emission reductions are low cost.
  • Significant health, social and economic benefits accompany municipal GHG actions.
  • Lower municipal operating costs

2) Barriers and challenges to maximizing the municipal potential:

  • Realizing the full municipal potential for GHG emission reductions is not a given, and several barriers exist, both at the local, as well as national or regional levels.
  • No carbon price in Canada;
  • Legislative barriers;
  • Access to capital;
  • Capacity and expertise;
  • Budgeting and financial reporting challenges.

RoadMap:  Backgrounder to report (PDF)

Learn More:  C40 Cities Climate Change Leadership Group

 

Toronto’s Climate Leadership in Copenhagen 

CentreLine:   “Municipalities have the proven, cost-effective projects to jump start Canada’s climate change strategy and, at the same time, increase competitiveness and build more livable communities”.

By Graham Zeisner in Association, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling on December 8th, 2009 - No Comments »

OPWA Ottawa Valley Branch Luncheon – Organic Recycling on the Menu

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The 'Norseman 80' is quite asthetically pleasing.

I have to admit it.  When the City of Ottawa dropped off my – or rather, their – new green organic waste bin at my house last week I was slightly disgruntled. I rolled it sheepishly and unceremoniously into my back yard, reluctantly checked the innards and took the printed material in the house.  “We don’t need a green bin” I declared to my wife.  “The nice stainless steel Lee Valley kitchen container and my composter in the back yard works just fine”.   The grumbling continued the next day at my neighbour’s house as we sized up his bin.  Like two guys dissing a high maintenance car we made several other disparaging remarks and jokes about this new municipal service.  “How will they empty them when they are frozen in the winter” my buddy wondered.

Well I got the answer to that question and more today at the OPWA Ottawa Valley Branch ‘In Town Luncheon’ at the Nepean Sportsplex.  Guest speaker Chris Wood, Waste Diversion Coordinator, City of Ottawa and project manager for the Green Bin Program gave us an excellent overview of the planning and implementation required to successfully launch organic recycling in Ottawa.  The presentation also included a little show and tell.

Chris adoringly displayed the 80 litre bin – tested to ANSI wind & stress standards; pest proof latch and the 6.6 L kitchen container – ventilated lid; contoured inside channels for air flow – declaring them both aesthetically pleasing.

Turns out we can make a real difference to the City and the environment after all.  (We knew that anyway but it sometimes it takes a really professional public works employee like Chris who is passionate about their project to encourage others to get on the bandwagon).

This new program can help:

  • Extend the life of existing landfills by diverting almost half of the City’s waste to the composting program.
  • Save taxpayers money. By extending the life of our landfills, we can delay sourcing and setting up new landfills – a very expensive proposition.
  • Reduce the amount of greenhouse gases our landfills generate by removing organic waste.
  • Turn waste into a usable product (compost) that enriches the earth instead of damaging it.
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Chris Wood had some organic waste bins for OPWA Luncheon show and tell.

Chris explained that the first phase of the Green Bin program will target the majority of Ottawa residents: People living in single and low-rise residences in urban, suburban and rural village areas that currently have single set out garbage and recycling pick up.  Over 2010-2011, the City will be investigating service for high-rise buildings, and residences with common pad collection. Roll out to remaining residences including rural, non-village residents will be determined with the new collections contract, set to commence 2012.

There is a lot of work yet to be done but the City is off to a great start and most importantly they have an excellent spokesperson and team leader in Chris Wood.  (Full disclosure here: I worked with Chris for many years at the former Ottawa-Carleton and he has always handled all his projects thoroughly and competently).

With all this new Green Bin 101 information , tips and fresh enthusiasm for recycling bouncing around in my head I returned home determined to make up to my new cart and container friends.  I pulled them out from beside the air conditioner, wiped them down with greater admiration for their creators and functionality. “By gosh. Chris is right.  You really do look nice….photogenic almost” I mused while taking some pictures. I even took the newbie out to the old compost bins in the back corner to rescue my Halloween pumpkin from an uncertain decomposition future and dumped it – with pride – into the cavernous hold of the ‘Norseman 80’. (Oops…no rolled up newspaper on the bottom!)  When my wife got home from work I told her matter-of-factly that our current kitchen container was inadequate because “It doesn’t have tiny holes for airflow”.

So when it’s my turn in the delivery schedule I’ll be the first one out to the end of the driveway…I’ll be a green bin champion.  And the best part is I get to retire the two special pitch forks I bought  to turn my compost piles.   Now if only we could solve the waste diversion issues in the ICI sector.

RoadMap: Chris Wood’s presentation – PDF

CentreLine: Promotion and support from public works associations will help green bin and other recycling programs throughout Ontario meet their objectives.

By Graham Zeisner in Association, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling on November 26th, 2009 - No Comments »
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FCM welcomes NDP support for enhanced Gas Tax Fund

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Ontario roads and bridges will require long term funding from the GTF.

“FCM applauds the NDP for supporting sustained investments in cities and communities through an increase in the federal Gas Tax Fund (GTF)…..more.

Learn More: NDP Press Release

CentreLine:  Current infrastructure funding is unsustainable.  Our gas prices are amongst the cheapest in the world.  It will take political and municipal leadership to apportion the Federal Gas Tax Fund properly. 

By Graham Zeisner in Association, Municipal Elected Officials, Roads & Bridges, Sewer & Wastewater, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling, Stormwater, Water on September 25th, 2009 - No Comments »

Site 41 – aka North Simcoe Landfill – Information Session Heats Up

Protest signs on site of proposed North Simcoe landfill

Protest signs on site of proposed North Simcoe landfill (photo courtesy of Canadian Water Treatment)

Little did I realize that Kerry Freek’s post – ‘Fighting for Aquifers’ – in Canadian Water Treatment was so timely and relevant.

Her central topic – a proposed landfill site in Tiny Township/Simcoe County – has created a considerable, well organized and informed group of protestors who are using a website and Twitter feed to update the public and maintain momentum for their cause.  (This is Web 2.0 at its finest… constituents interacting and communicating in a bi-directional fashion with their government.)

Today the protesters and those just interested got another chance to be heard at a public information session that hopefully will clear the air however it appears that the County politicians and consultants took plenty of heat and criticism for this project.

Learn More: North Simcoe Landfill (Site 41) Information (e.g. fact sheets, lab tests etc.)

Centreline: Well informed and engaged constituents enhance Municipal decision making.

By Graham Zeisner in Municipal Elected Officials, Solid Waste Disposal/Recycling on August 25th, 2009 - No Comments »
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