2006 Audit Recommendations - Status Tracking

Document 3

Audit: Wastewater Management

(Lead: Richard Hewitt)

Audit Recommendation

Management Response

Budget Implications 2008 or Beyond

Related Council Motions

Status Update / Comments

Audit Management Response

Action Required Based on DCM Implementation Plan

Management Timelines (Q1- Q4)

($$ if known)

(Status, risks, issues regarding implementation, etc)

That the City develop a Wet Weather Flow Management Strategy.

Utility Services, Infrastructure Services

Management agrees with this recommendation.

This is an initiative that has been identified by the Infrastructure Services Branch as part of the overall asset management program for the wastewater and storm water systems. Commencement of this project is anticipated in 2008. The cost of the project will be estimated once the scope has been defined.

2008

1 February 2008 - The City is in the process of developing its pollution prevention and control plan in compliance with policy F-5-5 and in consultation with MOE. This is an important element of the overall wet weather flow management strategy.

20 September 2007 - No change.

Implementation still planned to be initiated in 2008. Budget $ to be defined.

That WDSD conduct an inflow and infiltration study of the overall sanitary sewer system to address sewer capacity and system integrity issues.

Management agrees with this recommendation.

This initiative will be led by the Infrastructure Services Branch in close collaboration with the Wastewater and Drainage Services Division of the Utility Services Branch. The recommendation will be included in the Wet Weather Flow Management Strategy for 2008. Cost estimates will be determined once scope has been defined.

2008

That WDSD bring forward a report to Council addressing all elements of their inflow and infiltration reduction strategies, including:

1. Inflow and infiltration data capture and monitoring;
2. Sewer system analysis;
3. Sewer system remediation plan development;
4. sewer system remediation plan implementation.

Utility Services, Infrastructure Services

Management agrees with this recommendation.

This initiative will be led by the Infrastructure Services Branch in close collaboration with the Wastewater and Drainage Services Division of the Utility Services Branch. These elements will be included in the Wet Weather Flow Management Strategy that will be initiated in 2008. Costs will be identified once the scope has been defined.

2008

That WDSD proceed with the Real Time Control program to bring the City into compliance with key components of the MOE Procedure F-5-5.

Utility Services, Infrastructure Services

Management agrees with this recommendation.

This initiative will be led by the Infrastructure Services Branch in close collaboration with the Wastewater and Drainage Services Division of the Utility Services Branch. Detailed design work is underway with construction planned for 2007 and 2008. It is estimated it will cost $18M for implementation of this program with $13M identified in the 2007 budget and $5M in 2008.

2008

30 January 2008 - The tender has closed for upgrades to the Rideau Canal Regulator and construction is underway. Funding has been identified in the 2008 rate supported budget to allow construction of the remaining regulator upgrades to proceed in 2008.

20 September 2007 - No change.

Detailed design work is underway with construction planned for 2007 and 2008. $13M was approved in the 2007 budget and an additional $5M will be identified in the 2008 budget.

That WDSD provide yearly Combined Sewer Overflow monitoring reports to Council and the MOE.

Management agrees with this recommendation.

Wastewater and Drainage Services will comply with all mandatory reporting requirements, which have not yet been established. Commencement of this report is anticipated for 2008 and annually thereafter.

2008

20 September 2007 - No change.

31 January 2008 - A report on 2007 CSO monitoring will be submitted to the MOE and Council

That WDSD develop a Pollution Prevention and Control Plan that meets the needs of the City and the requirements of MOE Procedure F-5-5.

Utility Services, Infrastructure Services

Management agrees with this recommendation.

Preparation of the plan and required infrastructure is actively in development with ISB as the lead and support from the operating branches. This initiative is anticipated to be completed in 2008.

Q4 2008

30 January 2008 - Part A of the Pollution Prevention and Control Plan has been submitted to the MOE. Parts B and C will be submitted in 2008.

20 September 2007 - No change.

On June 1, 2007, Infrastructure Services sent a letter to the Ministry of the Environment advising of timelines for completion of the Pollution Prevention and Control Plan. The plan should be completed by end of 2008. No budget $ defined at this time.

That Public Works and Services conduct periodic audits on newly commissioned sewer and drinking water infrastructure to provide appropriate feedback to the Construction Services – Development Division for their role in commissioning of infrastructure.

Management agrees with this recommendation.

A periodic inspection of some newly commissioned systems will provide constructive support to Construction Services starting in 2007.

2007

31 January 2008 - A shortage of manpower prevented completing this in 2007. An inspection of the new Mattamy subdivision in Kanata West is planned for 2008 Q1.

20 September 2007 - No change.

Will conduct inspections near end of construction season. Limited staff resources limits scope of inspections.

That Corporate Occupational Health and Safety monitor changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and provide all operating groups with possible impacts on their facilities and operations.

Employee Services, Utility Services

Management agrees with this recommendation.

Roles will be defined with the Corporate Occupational Health and Safety and USB to develop Service Level Agreements to facilitate USB needs, which will be lead by the Training Coordinator in 2007.

2007

Utility Services Comment:
USB defers to Employee Services

Employee Services Comment:
A COE Service Level Agreement already exists for Human Resources, which includes sections on the Occupational Health and Safety support and services provided by OHSD (link http://intraprod.city.a.ottawa.ca/resources/services/service_level_agreements/pdf/hr_tupw.pdf).
A Utility Services Work Plan was also established between OHSD and USB identifying the OH&S interface, support and service relationships between the two groups.

OHSD is ready to discuss revision of the Work Plan when initiated by the PWS Training Coordinator as indicated in the Audit Management Response.

1 February 2008 - Water and Wastewater Services Comment:
One of the most important training requirements for Branch Operators relates to Confined Space Regulations.

Cont'd

The PWS Training Coordinator has scheduled and confirmed all training dates for Confined Space Entry Leader Training with OHSD. Discussions are on-going concerning the provision of Confined Space Basic Rescurer Training. It is anticipated that there will be further discussion in 2008 with regard to changes to the COE SLA and the definition of the roles and responsibilities of Employee Services OHSD.

That the Utility Services Branch consider a full Quality Management System (QMS) for all environmental programs (Water, Wastewater, Biosolids, and Solid Waste).

Management agrees with this recommendation.

A Quality Management System (QMS) was implemented for Biosolids management in 2005. Drinking Water Services is implementing a QMS starting in 2007 for completion by Q4 2008. Wastewater and Drainage Services and, Solid Waste be will considered for a Quality Management System in 2009 once the QMS for Drinking Water Services has been completed including identifying the required resources to implement and maintain.

Q4 2008 / 2009

31 January 2008 - No change.

20 September 2007 - No change.