Carlington Heights Pump Station Upgrade

Potable water pump station design and construction project
Contract no. ISD15-3008

Background

The City of Ottawa is planning to upgrade the Carlington Heights Pump Station (CHPS) Upgrade. The main objective of the upgrades is to improve the reliability of water supply to roughly one third of the City’s central water distribution system, and to provide additional capacity needed to accommodate future urban growth. The project is identified in the City’s current Infrastructure Master Plan.

The current design assignment follows the previous work completed under the Carlington Heights Pump Station Site Upgrade Environmental Assessment and Functional Design Study which identified and evaluated various infrastructure alternatives, selected a preferred alternative, and provided for a functional design of the required upgrades.

CHPS was originally constructed in 1963. It draws water directly from the adjacent Carlington Heights Reservoir and supplies a population of over 250,000. The City of Ottawa is divided into various water system pressure zones based on providing customers with an appropriate minimum and maximum water pressure. Figure 1 shows the City's various water pressure zones. The CHPS is currently a two zone station serving the Meadowlands East (ME) and 2W Pressure Zones. The 2W Pressure Zone also supplies all of the water to the 3W and 3SW Pressure Zones. The station is a back-up source of water for Zones 2W, 3W, 3SW and SUC Pressure Zones, and is the only source of water for the ME Pressure Zone under normal operating conditions. These zones are noted on the following map.

The 2008 Infrastructure Master Plan identified the need for additional capacity at the CHPS. The output of this pump station is limited by pump capacity and the size of the suction and discharge piping near the station. Improvements are needed so that this pumping station can provide adequate emergency supply to Zones 2W, 3W, and 3SW. These improvements will also add capacity to accommodate projected urban growth in these zones.

Project description

A new pump station, Morisset Avenue, will be designed and then constructed. The new pump station will be located on the west side of the reservoir, tight against the berm and adjacent to the existing communication tower compound. The existing pump station will remain in operation throughout the construction period of the new Pump station, as it is the only source of water supply to the ME Pressure Zone. The existing pump station will only be decommissioned and demolished after the new pump station has been fully commissioned and is operating to the full satisfaction of the City. The main components of the new pump station include the following:

• A new building complete with all new mechanical and electrical equipment to provide for the pumping needs for the ME Pressure Zone and the backup pumping needs of the 2W Pressure Zone.
• Backup power supply for the ME Pressure Zone pumps.
• A new 914mm diameter suction watermain connected directly to the existing 1200mm diameter watermain on the east side of the reservoir.
• Four new discharge watermains connected to existing watermains that supply water to the ME and 2W Pressure Zones.
• Demolition of the existing pump station after the new pump station has been fully commissioned.

Project timing

Design completion: winter 2022
Construction start: spring 2023
Substantial completion: fall 2024
Final completion: spring 2025

Budget

Project funds approved to date are $16,000,000.

Public involvement

A public information session took place on 15th May 2017 at the Carlington Recreation Centre on Caldwell Avenue, to present the background and the main features of the project to the public, and the expected impacts on the site access during the construction stage. A second public information session took place in spring 2022.

Accessibility

Accessibility is an important consideration for the City of Ottawa. The City makes every effort to provide access through and around construction sites. If you require a disability-related accommodation, please contact the project team listed below. Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

COVID-19

The City of Ottawa, in its commitment to protecting people and the community, continues to work closely with the industry and to comply with recommendations provided by municipal, provincial and federal health officials, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

For any emergency outside normal working hours on weekdays and weekends, call the City at 3-1-1.
Should you have any inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact:

Elsa La Corte
Acting Program Manager, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Facilities
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424 ext. 22753

The City of Ottawa continues to take precautionary steps to protect members of the public. As an alternative to hosting in-person public information sessions, information is being posted to Ottawa.ca and virtual information sessions are being held. The City remains committed to keeping the public informed of projects occurring in your neighborhood.

The City of Ottawa invites you to review and provide comments on the Carlington Heights Pump Station Upgrade Project by April 20, 2022.

A virtual public information session was held on April 13, 2022 at 7 pm.

The City has a proactive communications approach. The project team will update you on the project using different methods to communicate including letters and posting information on Ottawa.ca.

What: The Carlington Heights Pump Station (CHPS) was originally constructed in 1963. It draws water directly from the adjacent Carlington Heights Reservoir (CHR) and supplies a population of over 250,000. A new pumping station, called the Morisset Avenue Pump Station (MAPS), is to be constructed to replace the existing CHPS. Once the new MAPS is constructed and fully commissioned, the existing CHPS will be demolished.

Presentation [ 1.57 MB ]

Why: Improvements are needed so that this pumping station can provide adequate emergency supply to the City’s various drinking water pressure zones. This project will improve the reliability of supply to both existing and future development.

Where: The new MAPS will be constructed just south of the existing CHPS, adjacent to the existing CHR.

When: The current project schedule is as follows:

• Design completion: estimated as June, 2022
• Construction start: fall 2022
• Substantial completion: fall 2024
• Final completion: spring 2025

Who: The City of Ottawa has retained the design consulting firm, Parsons Inc., to develop the design for the new MAPS.

For further information about this project and/or to submit comments, please contact the City Program Manager:

Elsa La Corte
Acting Program Manager, Infrastructure Projects
Design and Construction - Facilities
100 Constellation Drive, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Tel: 613-580-2424 ext. 22753

Welcome

The City of Ottawa Infrastructure Services Department welcomes you to the Carlington Heights pump station upgrade project public information session.

Staff of the City and the consulting firm Parsons Inc. are available to discuss the material displayed at the public information session.

Project team

City of Ottawa: Jeff de Laat – Senior Project Manager

Consultant: André Proulx – Consultant Project Manager

Purpose of this session

The purpose of this public information session is to present the planned construction project of the new Carlington Heights pump station, the timing of the construction and the related construction activities.

Project objectives

The Carlington Heights Pump Station (CHPS) was originally constructed in 1963. It draws water directly from the adjacent Carlington Heights Reservoir (CHR) and supplies a population of over 250,000.

The City of Ottawa Infrastructure Master Plan (IMP) has identified the need for additional capacity at the CHPS.

Improvements are needed so that this Station can provide adequate emergency supply to the City’s various water pressure zones.

This project will improve the reliability of supply to both existing and future development.

Key components

• New pumping station located on the west side of the reservoir, tight against the berm and adjacent to the existing communication tower compound
• New 914mm diameter watermain connected directly off of the  existing 1200 diameter watermain on the east side of the reservoir
• Four new discharge watermains connected to existing watermains
• Demolition of the existing pumping station approximately 6 months after the new pumping station has been commissioned

Existing infrastructure [ PDF - 1.82 MB ]
Design rendering of the new pump station [ PDF - 3.1 MB ]

Budget

Approved budget/investment limit $13.6M.

Schedule

Design completion: Summer 2017
Tendering: Summer 2017
Construction start: October 2017
Construction end: October 2019

What to expect during construction

Hours of work

Permitted Monday to Friday between 7 am and 10 pm. Work may be permitted on Saturday, Sunday and Statutory holidays, if required.

Noise during construction

Noise By-Laws will be adhered to over the duration of this project. You may feel vibrations at your home or business due to the use of heavy equipment needed to complete this work. This is quite common and not usually a problem.

Reduced access

The construction zone will be fenced-off for the duration of the project with no access to the public. All public areas outside of the construction zone will remain accessible to the public.

Construction traffic

Expected traffic routes for construction vehicles is along Caldwell Avenue.

What to expect during construction [ PDF - 2.55 MB ]
Expected traffic routes [ PDF - 3.67 MB ]

Thank you for your attendance

All information/comments received will be maintained on file for use during the study and may be included in study documentation. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. Please note comments shall be accepted until May 29, 2017.

Prior to construction, affected residents will be notified of the commencement of work through the delivery of flyers.

Potable water pump station design and construction project

You are invited:
Monday, May 15, 2017
6:30 to 8:30 pm
Carlington Recreation Centre (Gymnasium)
1520 Caldwell Ave, Ottawa, ON K1Z 8H5

The City of Ottawa invites you to attend a Public Information Session to review a construction project planned in your immediate neighbourhood.

At the Public Information Session starting at 6:30pm, you will be able to review the design plans for the project and a short presentation will be provided at 7:00pm to explain the nature of the construction project and the anticipated impacts during construction. Representatives from the City, City Councillors Riley Brockington (River Ward) and Rick Chiarelli (College Ward), and the design consultant will be available to discuss the project and to answer your questions.

Where: The new pump station will be located on the west side of the reservoir, tight against the berm and adjacent to the existing communication tower compound.

Who: Design consulting firm, Parsons, has been retained by the City of Ottawa to develop preliminary and detailed design drawings and specifications for construction of the new pump station.

Why: The main objective of the upgrade is to improve the reliability of water supply to roughly one third of the City’s central water distribution system, and to provide additional capacity needed to accommodate future urban growth. The project is identified in the City’s current Infrastructure Master Plan.

What: The new pump station will be constructed adjacent to the existing station.  The existing pump station will remain in operation throughout the construction period of the new pump station. Once the new pump station is operational, the existing pump station will be decommissioned and demolished.  The main components of the new pump station include the following:

• A new building complete with all new mechanical and electrical equipment to provide for the pumping needs of the various areas in the City.
• Backup power supply for emergency use during power outages.
• A new 914mm diameter suction watermain connected directly to the existing 1200mm diameter watermain on the east side of the reservoir.
• Four new discharge watermains connected to existing watermains that supply water to the various water Pressure Zones in the City.
• Demolition of the existing pump station approximately 6 months after the new pump station has been fully commissioned.

When: The current project schedule is as follows:

• Preliminary and detailed design: Fall 2015 – May 2017
• Design assignment completion: June 2017
• Construction start: Fall 2017
• Construction completion: Late Fall 2019

Class Environmental Assessment and Functional Design

The City of Ottawa has initiated the Carlington Heights Pump Station Site Upgrade Class Environmental Assessment and Functional Design Study. The main objective of the study is to identify a preferred alternative for water supply infrastructure upgrades at the site [ PDF - 949 KB ]. These upgrades are needed to improve the reliability of water supply to roughly one third of the City’s central distribution system, and to provide additional capacity needed to accommodate future urban growth. The project is identified in the City’s current Infrastructure Master Plan.

This study will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA). The study will include identification and evaluation of infrastructure alternatives, selection of a preferred alternative, and a functional design of the upgrades.

There is an opportunity at any time during the Class EA process for interested persons to provide comments. With the exception of personal information, comments received become part of the public record.

For more information, or if you would like your name added to the mailing list, please contact:

Chris Rogers, P. Eng.
Senior Project Engineer
110 Laurier Avenue West, 4^th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
613-580-2424 ext. 27785
Fax: 613-580-2578
E-mail: Christopher.Rogers@Ottawa.ca

Project overview

The City of Ottawa has initiated the planning process for the Environmental Assessment (EA) Study for the proposed Carlington Heights Pumping Station (CHPS) Upgrades. The main objective of this study is to prepare the functional design and phasing plan for the proposed CHPS site upgrades in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) requirements. This will include identification and evaluation of a range of alternatives that focus on potential pumping station and suction/discharge piping upgrades.

The following information has been prepared to provide an overview of the project and an outline of the study process to date.

Project background

The CHPS was originally constructed in 1963. It draws water directly from the adjacent Carlington Heights Reservoir and supplies a population of over 250,000. The City of Ottawa is divided into various water system pressure zones based on providing customers with an appropriate minimum and maximum water pressure. Figure 2 shows the City's various water pressure zones. The CHPS is currently a two zone station serving the Meadowlands East (ME) and 2W Pressure Zones. The 2W Pressure Zone also supplies all of the water t the 3W and Barrhaven (BARR) Pressure Zones. The station is a back-up source of water for Zones 2W, 3W, and BARR and is the only source of water for the ME Pressure Zone under normal operating conditions. These zones are noted on the following map.

The 2008 Infrastructure Master Plan identified the need for additional capacity at the CHPS. The output of this pumping station is limited by pump capacity and the size of the suction and discharge piping near the station. Improvements are needed so that this pumping station can provide adequate emergency supply to Zones 2W, 3W, and BARR. These improvements will also add capacity to accommodate projected urban growth in these zones.

Environmental Assessment requirements

This project has been planned as a Schedule 'B' project under the MCEA document (2011). The purpose of the Class EA study is to confirm project need and justification, document existing environmental conditions, examine alternatives and potential impacts, and recommend a preferred alternative for the upgrade.

Consultation

Communication and consultation are an important part of the study process. The City will engage the public through a variety of methods including information posted on the City Web site and meetings, as required, with community associations and approval agencies. The project also benefits from a Technical Advisory Committee that provides guidance and support through the planning and design processes.

Existing conditions

Existing environmental conditions are characterized to determine sensitivities and provide a baseline against which the effects of each of the alternatives can be assessed. Overall, the baseline data was collected and analyzed for key environmental parameters in order to:

• Provide an understanding of existing conditions;
• Allow for predictions of how the proposed project may cause these environmental conditions to change; and
• Allow for predictions of how adverse effects can be mitigated and beneficial effects enhanced.

Key social, natural, and geotechnical conditions are represented on the following maps.

• Areas of archaeological potential surround the water reservoir beyond the existing access roads
• on-road cycling routes are identified outside of the study area
• Off-road cycling routes and multi-use pathways are located through Carlington Woods extending to the east and west of the study area
• Sanitary and storm sewers are located beneath the majority of the roadways
• Carlington Woods (Urban Natural Area 121) surrounds the reservoir and pump station to the south, east and west
• A water body resulting from the snow storage is identified west of Clyde Avenue
• A former landfill area at McBride Street and Raven Avenue was closed in 1953
• The depth to bedrock varies from 0 to 15 metres across the site

Evaluation criteria

Each Alternative was assessed against a series of criteria for the purpose of selecting a preliminary preferred alternative. Included in the table below is the rationale for the selection of the criteria and the indicators that will be used to assess the impacts/rate the effect.

Table 1 Evaluation Criteria

Alternative solutions

Alternative solutions were developed based on an understanding of the existing economic, technical, social/cultural, and natural and physical environmental conditions. Technically, these alternatives address existing condition-related issues, hydraulic limitations (pumping, suction and discharge), electrical limitations, and physical space limitations, within the existing pump station.

Eight alternatives were developed as follows.

• Continued use of all existing pumps
• Addition to existing building to house additional 2W pumps & standby power
• New suction connection through the west reservoir wall and continued use of existing suction
• New discharge line for new pumps

• Ultimate demolition of existing station
• New station & all new pumps tight to reservoir berm
• New suction connection through the west reservoir wall

• Ultimate demolition of existing station
• New station set into the reservoir berm tight to the reservoir wall to reduce suction line lengths to a minimum
• Gravity connection for 2W off the existing suction line but interconnected inside the station – and abandon the existing and long length of dead watermain

• Ultimate demolition of existing station
• Reinforcement of the reservoir roof & construction of walled-off pump wells
• New vertical turbine pumps to the reservoir floor
• Existing suction line retained as a 2W gravity connection
• New discharge lines for 2W and ME – and abandon existing

• Continued use of all existing pumps
• Addition to existing building to house additional 2W pumps & standby power
• New suction line off the 1W connection to improve net positive suction head available

• Ultimate demolition of existing station
• New station & all new pumps tight to reservoir berm
• New suction connected directly to the Zone 1W reservoir inlet pipe
• New piping connections to Zones 2W and ME along the south side of the reservoir

• Ultimate demolition of existing station
• New station and all new pumps tight to berm on east side of reservoir
• New suction connection directly off the 1W connection removing all constraints on reservoir level control
• Existing suction line retained as a 2W gravity connection (but an internal connection could be provided to allow it to be abandoned)
• Existing station is retained and dedicated to Zone ME

• Ultimate demolition of existing station
• New station & all new pumps tight to berm on east side of reservoir
• New suction connection directly off the 1W connection removing all constraints on reservoir level control
• Existing suction line retained as a 2W gravity connection (but an internal connection could be provided to allow it to be abandoned)
• New discharge lines for 2W and ME – and abandon existing
• Option 6 but located on the south side of the reservoir and set partially into the berm

Capital costs for the various options ranged from $4.4 M to $7.0 M. The estimates costs include construction costs, hydro allocations and engineering as well as a contingency.

Each alternative was evaluated and assessed a comparative score out of 10 for each criteria indicator with 10 representing the least impact/best result.

Sensitivity analysis

The weighting of each of the criteria groups were considered in evaluating the sensitivity of the evaluation results to variability in criteria weighting. Initially, weighting values for all criteria were scored equally. The weightings were then adjusted to varying degrees to test their influence on the outcome. Examples are illustrated below.

Options 2 and 6 are ranked in the top three when Economics, Natural and Technical are weighted high. Option 6 loses its top-three ranking when Social/Cultural is weighted high, reflecting the increasing influence of visual impacts and construction disruption. Options 2 and 6 consistently ranked amongst the highest in the various weighting scenarios. 

The key benefits of Options 6 and 2 are as follows:

Option 6

Key Benefits

• Uninterrupted operation of existing pumping station during construction of the new station
• Shorter construction period compared to options involving additions to the existing station
• Maximizes operational flexibility of the reservoir
• Good access for operations and maintenance
• Frees up land to west of reservoir for potential future uses.

Option 2

Key Benefits

• Uninterrupted operation of existing pumping station during construction of the new station
• Shorter construction period compared to options involving additions to the existing station
• Facility essentially hidden from view of nearby residents and users of the green space
• Reduced hydro supply extension compared to Option 6

Preliminary preferred alternative

A major advantage of a suction connection on the reservoir inlet/outlet line (Option 6) is that it effectively increases the volume of available storage in the Carlington Heights Reservoir by approximately 20 ML. This has both operational benefits and economic benefits. Despite the functional and operational advantages of Option 6, the environmental impacts of a major facility on the east side of the reservoir could be substantial, especially considering the fact that technically acceptable locations were available on the west side and would essentially be hidden from view for recreational users of the area (Option 2). Taking into account Option 6 represented the preferred technical solution but Option2, which places the station near the existing site, would be less intrusive, an option combining the advantages of both was developed as the Preliminary Preferred Alternative [ PDF - 371 KB ].

Impacts and mitigation

The CHPS will be designed and implemented with the benefit of contemporary planning, engineering, and environmental management practices. Best Management Practices (BMPs) will be implemented including:

• Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
• Construction and Traffic Management Plan
• Emergency Response Plan
• Environmental Protection

Following the incorporation of the BMPs, site specific, mitigation measures were identified to reduce potential negative effects. These include:

• Geotechnical Considerations
• Butternut Assessments (if required)
• Landscape Plan for new station
• Public Communications Plan
• Pedestrian Detour / Management Plan
• Hoarding and Exclusionary Fencing

Schedule and next steps

The study team will review comments and address concerns or questions that are raised by the public. Thereafter, the next steps in the study process are to:

• Confirm the preferred alternative solution (early summer)
• Prepare the EA report (early summer)
• Committee and Council meetings (summer)
• 30 Day Public review of EA Report (summer/early fall)
• Functional Design (fall)
• Design (winter and spring 2014)
• Construction (starting 2015)

Comments

Tell us what you think. Provide your comments by mail or e-mail by June 28, 2013.

Chris Rogers, M. A. Sc., P. Eng.
Senior Project Engineer
Infrastructure and Water Services Department
City of Ottawa 110 Laurier Avenue West, 4th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
613-580-2424, ext. 27785
E-mail: Christopher.Rogers@ottawa.ca

Carlington Heights Pump Station Site Upgrade
Class Environmental Assessment Report Available for Review

The City of Ottawa has completed a Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) study for the Carlington Heights Pump Station Site Upgrade. This project is needed to improve the reliability of water supply to about one third of the City's distribution system, and to provide additional capacity needed to accommodate future urban growth. This project has been planned as Schedule 'B' projects under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment document (2007). The purpose of the Class EA study was to confirm project need and justification, document existing environmental conditions, examine alternatives and potential impacts, and recommend a preferred site upgrade alternative.

Copies of the Carlington Heights Pump Station Site Upgrade Environmental Assessment Study Report are available for review at the following locations:

City Hall Client Service Centre 
110 Laurier Avenue West 
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1 
613-580-2400 

Alexander Community Centre
960 Silver Street
Ottawa, ON K1Z 6H5
613-798-8978

Carlington Recreation Centre
1520 Caldwell Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1Z 8M7
613-798-8920

The 30-day public review for this project begins on Thursday, November 28, 2013. Written concerns or comments may be submitted within 30 calendar days from the date of this notice to:

Chris Rogers, M.A.Sc., P. Eng.
Senior Project Engineer
Infrastructure and Water Services Department
City of Ottawa
110 Laurier Avenue West, 4th Floor
Ottawa, ON K1P 1J1
613-580-2424 ext. 27785
E-mail: Christopher.Rogers@Ottawa.ca

If concerns regarding this project cannot be resolved in discussion with the City of Ottawa, a person/party may request that the Minister of the Environment make an order for the project to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act (referred to as a Part II Order). This request must be received by the Minister at the address noted below, prior to January 6, 2014. A copy of the request should also be sent to the City of Ottawa at the above address. If there are no requests received by January 6, 2014, the project will proceed to design and construction as presented in the Class EA study. (Review period has been extended one week due to holiday season.)

Ministry of the Environment
The Honourable Jim Bradley
77 Wellesley Street West, 11th Floor, Ferguson Block
Toronto, ON, M7A 2T5
Tel: 416-314-6790 Fax: 416-314-7337

With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.
This notice first issued on Thursday, November 28, 2013.