SNOWS,
networking for watershed stewardship
The Saskatchewan Network of Watershed
Stewards (SNOWS) was created recently to foster public involvement
in managing and protecting watersheds. SNOWS is a partnership
involving federal and provincial agencies and key non-government
organizations (NGOs). It is designed to promote local stewardship
as a means to protect aquatic ecosystems, foster better communication,
provide coordination and cooperation among stewardship groups,
and promote interaction and partnerships among local stewardship
groups, government, NGOs and the scientific community. This
networking results in less duplication, greater cooperation
and better access to information.
Using a watershed approach makes
a lot of sense. This makes it easier to integrate issues,
values and concern since the people involved can more readily
see how they interact with one another including the consequences
of their actions. Further by using the watershed approach,
people are given the responsibility of ensuring the quality
of their water. SNOWS is a critical partner given the concerns
about water and its impact on ecosystems, and people's livelihood
and health.
Technology for the environment
In1971, the City of Saskatoon installed
a primary wastewater treatment plant and a major leap in environmental
protection was undertaken. New standards, new laws, and increased
awareness have all combined to ensure that municipal wastewater
standards are improved and regulated, not only for the good
of downstream communities, but to minimize the overall environmental
impact as well.
Over the past 32 years, Saskatoon
has made many changes and improvements to its wastewater treatment
facilities. In 1996, the City invested an additional $50 million
in biological nutrient removal (BNR) technology-making this
the largest facility of its kind in Canada. The BNR process
is very environmentally friendly, using no chemicals, but
rather naturally-occurring bacteria to break down solids.
Through advanced processing equipment and highly-trained personnel,
the wastewater division treats, manages, and safely releases
water back into the river, while recycling removed solids
and their associated nutrient value into practical and safe
land applications.
Processing wastewater involves
removing solids, harmful bacteria, as well as nitrogen, phosphorus
and numerous other elements that may be harmful to the environment
when disposed of in large quantities. Treating the City's
wastewater is also a time-consuming process. Treatment of
the wastewater can take up to 25 hours before the treated
water is discharged back to the river, and as long as 15 days
for the treatment of removed solids in preparation for future
land applications. In contrast, it takes the City only four
hours to process quality drinking water from the South Saskatchewan
River.
Treatment standards are continuously
improved, and the public and the environment are better protected
as a result. The City has plans to improve nitrogen removal,
use ultra violet light as a replacement for chlorination of
the treated water discharged to the river, and has a number
of capital initiatives aimed at odour abatement/reduction
and air quality improvements for staff and the public. Saskatoon
was visionary in having one of the first BNR plants in Canada,
a process that continues to be the process of choice for many
advanced treatment facilities.
The City of Saskatoon is committed
to serving its customers and protecting the environment. By
remaining on the cutting edge of technology, the City can
achieve those goals, keeping our water clean for future generations. |
