Some of our facilities and equipment are located in proximity to the Bow and Elbow Rivers, the Glenmore Reservoir, and a number of other rivers, creeks, lakes and wetlands in and around Calgary. We carefully scrutinize all work conducted around these bodies of water, in order to protect them. Before proceeding with any activity in a sensitive area we ensure that the appropriate permits and measures are in place to minimize disturbance and potential impacts. Our operating procedures outline methods for stabilizing soil to minimize erosion and for installing silt socks and catch basin covers to reduce sediment entering watercourses.
We also manage the surface runoff water that collects in vaults and manholes across the city. This water must be handled properly to ensure that disposal does not have a negative impact on the aquatic environment.
Our Water Use
ENMAX does not require a significant amount of water for operations. Our water use primarily occurs at our office buildings, and at our service centre for washing and servicing equipment and vehicles. Our run-of-river generation harnesses a river’s natural flow but does not disrupt or divert river water from its natural course.
Water Discharge
For maintenance and repair purposes, ENMAX Power Corporation (EPC) must periodically pump water from our manholes and vaults into the municipal wastewater collection system. The source of water is either accumulated groundwater or surface intrusion as a result of precipitation. In 2007, our operations discharged 4,562 cubic meters of water into the water collection system – the same destination this water would have flowed to if it were not trapped in vaults. EPC has a procedure in place to ensure that any water being discharged is done so according to all regulatory criteria.
Representative samples of water discharged to the wastewater collection system are collected on a random, periodic basis and results are submitted to the City of Calgary regularly during the active discharge periods. Quarterly routine samples are analyzed for pH, total suspended solids, sulphates, and sulphides. Sulphate is present in groundwater in elevated concentrations in areas of Calgary and ENMAX Power Corporation has no control over this parameter. If other contaminants are suspected (e.g. oil and grease), water samples are analyzed prior to removal of the water to ensure water is disposed of appropriately. EPC works in conjunction with the City of Calgary and other stakeholders to address wastewater-handling issues.