LRT Stage 2 – Confederation Line East Extension

The Confederation Line East Light Rail Transit Extension (O-Train) project will help alleviate pressure on transit systems from population growth by improving transit and providing a useful tool for building and achieving environmental, social and land-use objectives, thereby ensuring that Ottawa remains an economically viable, livable city.

The project consists of managing water from the 27-kilometre extension of the East-West Confederation Line with 16 new stations. The project also includes 3.4 kilometres of cut and cover tunnels and significant widening of the highway and other structures.

Location Ottawa, Canada
Year 2023
Capacity - System 1 : 100 m³/h
Capacity - System 2 & 3 : 11 m³/h

Challenges

  • The quality of water extracted from the site is variable and unpredictable, and must comply with specific City of Ottawa discharge criteria.
  • The lack of a dedicated, specialized water management operator requires the implementation of a simple, understandable treatment system; accessible technical support; and training for the site’s water management team.
  • The space available for water treatment and settling is limited due to the urban nature of the sites.
  • Additives in the water extracted from the site, such as foaming agents, hydrocarbons and concrete, make treatment more challenging.

Outcomes

  • Keep release of water at an acceptable level in accordance with City of Ottawa environmental standards.
  • Ensure there are no site shutdowns resulting from non-compliance of released water after treatment.
  • Save on specialized operational labour.
  • Shorten the learning curve for site water treatment operations and improve overall performance.