City of Thorold - Sanitary Sewer System Flow Monitoring and Smoke Testing
When the City of Thorold was looking to reduce inflow and infiltration (I/I) in its sewer systems, the Associated Engineering department partnered with Civica Infrastructure Inc. as a subcontractor to support the investigation. This case study explores the details of the project, its challenges, and key lessons learned.
Project Description
The City of Thorold partnered with Civica for a comprehensive I/I reduction investigation. At the core of this initiative, Civica performed sanitary sewer system flow monitoring and smoke testing to identify problematic areas in the system.
Flow Monitoring Details:
- Civica installed eight flow monitors—one permanent and seven temporary units, rotated every six weeks—to capture data from strategic areas for a three-month period.
- Data collected during wet weather inspections enabled the team to identify high-I/I zones effectively.
Smoke Testing Implementation:
- Focused on a smaller neighbourhood marked by elevated I/I levels, smoke testing pinpointed defects and sources of infiltration.
- Civica used GIS-based data collection methods, capturing photos and videos as part of the assessment process to provide clear visual documentation.
The project adhered to the timeline and budget, earning praise from the City of Thorold for its success. Civica’s robust communication protocol, implemented prior to testing, played a pivotal role in engaging residents and stakeholders.
Relevance of Experience
Civica’s expertise ensured the seamless execution of the project. With a proven track record in areas such as environmental monitoring, inflow and infiltration analysis, sewer flow monitoring services, and smoke testing, Civica brought its full breadth of experience to the project.
Key capabilities included:
- Conducting wet weather inspections to identify high-risk areas.
- Mapping and reporting using detailed GIS tools.
- Implementing defect remediation strategies and offering tailored recommendations for long-term problem resolution.
- Streamlining resident communication, critical for private property inspections like smoke and dye testing.
This broad expertise allowed Civica to conduct thorough analyses while ensuring all data was actionable and aligned with the City’s objectives.
Challenges Faced
Despite the overall success, the project presented unique challenges typical of sewer flow monitoring and smoke testing initiatives in municipal settings, including:
Stakeholder Coordination: Managing communication between the City, residents, and multiple consultants required exceptional organization. This was crucial, especially during private property inspections like foundation drain evaluations.
Resident Engagement: Smoke testing required access to private properties, which necessitated clear and consistent communication with affected residents to address concerns and ensure cooperation.
These challenges were mitigated through meticulous planning and a structured communication framework that kept all stakeholders informed and engaged throughout the process.
Lessons Learned
The success of Civica’s work in the City of Thorold offers valuable insights into managing I/I reduction projects efficiently.
Consistent Communication: Building strong communication lines with all stakeholders—municipal teams, consultants, and residents—streamlines progress and resolves issues quickly.
Robust Stakeholder Engagement Plans: Effective plans for resident engagement, especially when accessing private property, are critical for tasks like smoke and dye testing. This ensures transparency and cooperation, which are essential for project success.
These strategies not only enhanced the outcome but also strengthened Civica’s ability to manage similar projects in the future.
Contact Civica Today!
If your municipality or development project needs expert assistance with I/I analysis, wastewater monitoring, or sewer video inspection, Civica is here to help.
Contact our experienced team to learn more about our tailored solutions.