Pollutech Enviroquatics, a member of the Sarnia Lambton Industrial Alliance, has pioneered environmental consulting for industry and governments since 1969. Tim Moran, president of Pollutech, says the company performs 13 different tests using aquatic plants, bugs and fish for a variety of clients include all of Sarnia’s large petrochemical industries and others such as auto manufacturers, mining, steel producers, food processors, and the chemical industry from all over the world. But he’s expecting to be doing more work close to home as Ontario municipalities begin to comply with new regulations on waste water treatment plants.
In 2012, Environment Canada introduced Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations under the Fisheries Act. Municipal sewage treatment plant effluent now must be tested for toxicity.
Moran says the regulations require specialized pH stabilization tests using rainbow trout – a process Pollutech has been using since 1970s and has recently been accredited by the Canadian Association of Laboratory Accreditation to complete the tests for municipalities. “This test is specifically designed for municipalities,” says Moran.
Pollutech has already seen an uptick in their business because of the new regulations. “Some municipalities are starting the testing to understand the position they are in now.”
If the effluent fails the pH stabilization test, municipalities will have to set up monitoring programs to improve the quality of the water leaving the plant.
All of the pH stabilization testing will be done in the Pollutech’s Point Edward laboratories in the DMI building but with the company’s other clients, Moran expects “there is going to be a capacity problem.”
Moran says there is the “possibility of expansion” because of it. That would mean additional employees for Pollutech which already has 25 employees locally.