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Waste treatment plant design recognized

Penticton’s waste treatment plant was recognized this summer with a major award

Penticton’s waste treatment plant was recognized this summer with a major award for using some of the most innovative technology in the province.

It is great to hear that technology at Penticton’s Advanced Waste Water Treatment Plant is being recognized as leading the way for the rest of the province,” said Deputy Mayor Helena Konanz.

The City of Penticton has invested heavily in key infrastructure areas to ensure operations are efficient and sustainable, and innovative technology and design helps us achieve those goals.”

The waste treatment plant was recognized by the B.C. chapter of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) at their annual technology awards in the category of Industrial Facilities Energy Use.

Each year, the ASHRAE Technology awards recognize outstanding achievements by ASHRAE members who have successfully applied innovative building design in the areas of occupant comfort, indoor air quality and energy conservation.

AECOM Canada submitted an entry for its work on the Penticton waste treatment plant, particularly for design elements using effluent as a heat source for HVAC systems.

An extensive upgrade in 2011 not only enhanced the capacity of the system to 27 megalitres per day, but changed technologies from chlorine disinfection to ultra-violet treatment and greenhouse gas-reducing solids handling processes.

This was also a cost-effective program, reducing domestic hot water use and energy consumption.

The overall purpose of the ASHRAE technology awards is to recognize association members who design or conceive innovative technological concepts that are proven through actual operating data and highlight technological achievements.

These innovations are communicated to other members across the world, fostering best practice models across industry sectors.

Each year, awards are presented in seven categories: Commercial Buildings (new and existing); Institutional Buildings (new and existing); Health Care Facilities (new and existing); Industrial Facilities or Processes (new and existing); Public Assembly (new and existing); Residential (new and existing); Alternative or Renewable Energy Use.