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Western Beaches Tunnel Pumping System Improvements

Helping reduce combined sewer overflows into Lake Ontario

  • $50M

    Construction Value

  • 50

    Metres Deep

  • 3.7KM

    Long

  • Toronto, Ontario

    Toronto, Ontario

Reconfiguring to provide better functionality, control, and operation

The Western Beaches Tunnel was constructed in 2000 to reduce the discharge of untreated storm water and combined sewer overflows (CSO) into Lake Ontario. It collects, stores, and treats CSOs from 10 sewer outlets before they reach the lake. The system consists of three large vertical shafts up to 50 m deep and multiple smaller drop shafts inter-connected by a 3.7 km long tunnel, providing a capacity of 85,000 m3.

Numerous problems plagued the pumping system due to the large range of operating conditions required by the existing configuration, including inability of the pumps to empty out stored CSO flows, inadequate sediment flushing and removal, flow surges causing damage to the structures, and flooding of surrounding areas—and, it failed after the first storm event. Solutions were needed—quickly. We saw an immediate need to simplify the configuration to provide better functionality, control, and operation. The preliminary design phase included a structural condition assessment of the 3.7 km long tunnel and three 27 m dia./50 m deep storage shafts, and a condition assessment and review of existing infrastructure and original design. A detailed investigation of options for pumping solutions was undertaken and settled on a two-stage configuration to allow cleaner supernatant to be pumped to the UV system, with remaining contents being pumped to the sewer for further treatment. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling was undertaken of the existing and proposed sediment flushing and a new sediment fluidization system was designed.

The chosen solutions included installation of new shaft dewatering pumps with capacities up to 43 ML/d and addition of dedicated grit/debris pumps located at the bottom of the shaft, new instrumentation, and upgrades to the UV disinfection system. We also inspected and helped improve the three shafts and tunnel. A new sediment fluidization system was designed using Computational Fluid Dynamics modeling. Upgrades to other building systems support the system improvements. The Phase 1 construction contract included all sewer chamber modifications, adjustable weirs at all nine lake isolation points, and construction of the new flushing pump and valve chamber. The Phase 2 construction contract will include the remaining upgrades for the pumping station.

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Meet Our Team

Susan Alarcon, Senior Associate, Water

Our team brings valuable water solutions and resources to communities across Ontario, improving the quality of life for everyone living there.

Jian Li, Principal, Business Centre Practice Leader, Water

My focus—service, performance, and the team. Providing practical engineering solutions to environmental challenges in our communities.
Jian Li Principal, Business Centre Practice Leader, Water Read More

Fangbiao Lin, Vice President, Global Practice Leader for Environmental Hydraulics

CFD modeling is my passion, solving flow problems is my satisfaction!
Fangbiao Lin Vice President, Global Practice Leader for Environmental Hydraulics Read More

Steve Fradkin, Tunneling Technology Manager

Although the work and results are generally unseen, the results of my work benefit everyone.
Steve Fradkin Tunneling Technology Manager Read More

Dave Eadie, North American Discipline Leader, Urban Water Resources

You must fully understand the problem before you can find the most effective fit-for-purpose solution.
Dave Eadie North American Discipline Leader, Urban Water Resources Read More

Valery Woloshyn, Principal, Regional Discipline and Project Management Leader

My work combines my love of the environment, problem solving, and teamwork. Trust and mutual respect are the heart of successful projects.
Valery Woloshyn Principal, Regional Discipline and Project Management Leader Read More

Susan Alarcon

Senior Associate, Water

Jian Li

Principal, Business Centre Practice Leader, Water

Fangbiao Lin

Vice President, Global Practice Leader for Environmental Hydraulics

Steve Fradkin

Tunneling Technology Manager

Dave Eadie

North American Discipline Leader, Urban Water Resources

Valery Woloshyn

Principal, Regional Discipline and Project Management Leader

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