Author(s): D. M. Fullarton; R. D. Scott; D. J. Kolijn; D. Maclennan
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: Numerical model; Hydrodynamic; Transport; Water quality; Combined sewers
Abstract: The Ottawa River has long been the lifeblood of the communities of Ottawa and Gatineau. From early days of voyageur travel, exploration and inland routes of commerce, to a present day recreational resource and source of drinking water. The Ottawa River has played an extremely important role to both communities. A healthy environment is vital to quality of life and the longer-term sustainability of communities. The City’s Growth Management Plan (Ottawa 20/20) recognizes and endorses this idea. The improvement of water quality in the Ottawa River is a complex but necessary challenge. The City has taken important steps in beginning to address the river’s water environment issues. One such step is the development of a water quality river modelling tool to support the evolution of an action plan to protect river water quality. This two-dimensional hydrodynamic and transport model extends from the Chaudiere Dam downstream to Masson-Cumberland, a distance of approximately 28 km. Over seventy point sources were defined in the model; including storm and combined sewer outfalls, creeks/rivers and wastewater treatment facilities. Hydrological models were developed for fifty catchments to improve wet weather loading estimates to the river. The numerical model was developed to support an assessment of the effluent inputs and bacteriological water quality in the Ottawa River and assist with the prioritization of water quality initiatives by assessing the predicted improvements on river water quality. Through incremental development, the Water Quality Model has become a "living" tool to assist in decision-making for complex problems associated with the water quality on the Ottawa River.
Year: 2016