The EWMCE uses a unique approach in its technology development activities since almost each of the projects is owned by an entrepreneur who is keen in seeing the project reach commercialization. Technologies considered here include all those which fall under the wastewater treatment, water re-use, as well as the solid wastes utilization for various purposes. The Centre has successfully worked on a number of technology development projects for various innovators/ entrepreneurs. Some of these projects include the development of micro bubble aeration units, biological aerated filters, optimization of zeolite media treatment systems and ceramic membrane pilot plant.

FINANCING OF PROJECTS

This is one of the major obstacles that prevent most innovators from having their inventions commercialized. At EWMCE, innovators can use their own funds to finance their projects when they are undergoing refinements/ testing; however, federal and provincial funding programs are available including  the most common ones being the Alberta Innovation Voucher Program and Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).

Alberta Innovation Voucher Program

The Alberta Innovation Voucher Pilot Program is an initiative of the Department of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology within the Government of Alberta. The program is designed to enhance the ability of small technology and knowledge-driven businesses operating in Alberta to contribute to the growth and diversification of the Alberta economy.

You can view a PDF presentation from Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. For additional details about the Alberta Innovation Voucher Pilot Program, please visit http://www.aet.alberta.ca/technology.aspx. EWMCE is a recognized service provider for the voucher funding recipients.

Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP)

IRAP is a federal government initiative and supports small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada to grow stronger, faster and bigger through innovation and technology. IRAP helps firms to develop technologies and successfully commercialize them in a global marketplace. For more information, visit http://www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/ibp/irap.html.

HOW EWMCE CAN ASSIST

EWMCE welcomes potential funding recipients for discussion in order to identify projects that may be eligible for the Voucher, IRAP or any other funding program. EWMCE can also help with the application process. If your project is approved for any of the funding, EWMCE can then work with you to further define your project, create a statement of work, identify and engage third-party vendors (if needed) to complete the appropriate portions of the work, monitor the project's progress, and upon successful completion, take care of the redemption of the voucher and/ or other respective payments.

FACILITIES

EWMCE facilities are designed for testing and scale-up of new technologies from bench-to-pilot-scale. The facilities use process streams from full-scale municipal operations, ensuring the highest level of authenticity in all testing or piloting activities.

Facility for Wastewater Technology Development and Testing

 The Technology Development Program, housed in the Wastewater Research and Training Centre (WRTC) at the EPCOR Gold Bar Wastewater Treatment Plant, operates a 350 m² research facility and a complementary laboratory. The facility provides access to numerous on-site wastewater process streams including: raw sewage, primary effluent, waste activated sludge, final effluent and digested sludge. The waste streams are available for both bench scale work and large scale pilot projects requiring large stable volumes. The facility is also able to supplement, import or generate waste streams with customized parameters. In addition, lagoon supernatant and centrate can be obtained from the lagoons at Clover Bar.

Solid Waste Research & Development Facility

Completed in 2004, this facility provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for research and technology development in all areas of solid waste. It is located within the Edmonton Waste Management Centre at Clover Bar, alongside real-life waste applications and processes being undertaken by the City of Edmonton, including the following:

• Co-composting
• Materials Recovery Facility
• Leachate Collection and Treatment
• Landfill Gas Recovery and Use
• Environmental Monitoring Systems
• Engineered Landfills
• Biosolids Treatment Lagoons and Mechanical Dewatering
• Roadway/ Asphalt Recycling
• Serviced Sites for Private Processing

Advanced Energy Research Facility

The advanced energy research facility (to be completed soon) will include a well-instrumented pilot plant and advanced laboratory equipment. It will focus on the conversion of various types of non-hazardous waste from the oil & gas, agricultural, forestry and other industrial sectors, and the municipal sector to produce green transportation fuels and chemicals that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EWMCE will use this facility to develop/ test technologies originating from different innovators as well as those originating from within but backed with a strong need assessment as well as proven potential for commercialization.

To learn more, please visit The Facilities section.