Onsite Wastewater System Upgrade: Nanaimo Regional Airport

by | Oct 13, 2020 | Operations and Maintenance, Wastewater Treatment | 0 comments

The Nanaimo Airport Commission (NAC) operates the Nanaimo Regional Airport. They have their own wastewater treatment and disposal on-site. NAC determined the wastewater system was in need of improvements. Odour concerns and increasing operational demands could impact regulatory compliance. A rapid increase in passenger demand in recent years also warranted an analysis of the capacity of the system. MSR Solutions reviewed the existing treatment system. We proposed upgrades to resolve the current issues and also improve capacity to meet future demands.

Wastewater Issues and Improvements

The existing wastewater treatment system at the Nanaimo Regional Airport had solids loading and equipment issues. These contributed to excessive maintenance costs and nuisance odours. In addition, increased passenger demands created a need for modifications to the wastewater system. These improvements increased capacity and reliability. MSR Solutions proposed the following improvements:

  • Reroute all collection piping directly into the existing lift station
  • Extend the gravity main from the new terminal building to the existing lift station
  • Replace the solids handling pumps in the existing lift station with grinder pumps
  • Install a 5,100 imp gal (23,100 L) Dan’s Precast equalization tank
  • Relocate the MicroFAST media to a new treatment location. In addition, we proposed installation of timer controlled pumps inside the new tanks to transfer sludge to an aerobic digestion tank.
  • Install a 3,560 gal (16,100 L) Dan’s Precast septic tank with air pumps and diffusers for aerobic sludge digestion.
  • Decommission the existing septic and MicroFAST tanks

Operation Complete

Information about the repairs and improved capacity of the current system went to The Ministry of the Environment. The wastewater system upgrade allows the airport to handle peak flow until 2028 without exceeding the maximum allowable discharge under the Registration. It also allows airport operations under its current Registration until flows become too great and they require additional capacity. The Ministry of the Environment received the filing in August. Construction was subsequently completed this fall with MSR provided field inspection. In February, MSR provided operator training and review of the O&M manual.

For other wastewater system upgrades we’ve been involved with, see our Wastewater Treatment Service page.