The Challenge
EIA21 participated in the development of the Detailed Engineering for the new Lions Gate WWTP, one of the most advanced environmental infrastructure projects in Canada.
The scope included the review of the Basic Engineering package, preparation of structural loading and civil works drawings, and detailed engineering for structural steel, piping, pipe supports, flexibility and stress analysis, process engineering, electrical systems, instrumentation and control, as well as the coordination of HVAC and FOA (Forced-Air Odour Abatement) systems.
Unlike conventional wastewater treatment plants, the facility was designed as a building-based installation fully integrated into the surrounding urban environment. The project also incorporated cogeneration systems that recover energy from biogas generated during the sludge digestion process.
The project involved significant technical and coordination challenges:
- Development of a treatment plant integrated into several newly constructed buildings rather than a conventional outdoor industrial facility.
- BIM coordination among multiple engineering companies and contractors under the supervision of a client-appointed BIM Manager.
- Compliance with Canadian regulations and coordination with the Engineers of Record (EOR) responsible for reviewing and signing project documentation.
- Continuous integration of design changes related to architecture, HVAC systems, and FOA systems, which were particularly critical due to their large dimensions.
- Ongoing adaptation to successive architectural modifications throughout the project.
- Engineering development based on preliminary process and equipment information while maintaining demanding project schedules.
- Coordination, review, and validation of intelligent P&IDs developed by specialized third-party companies.
The Solution
To ensure project progress within the established schedule, EIA21 implemented a highly collaborative engineering approach supported by advanced digital coordination tools.
- Development of multidisciplinary Detailed Engineering.
- Consistency analysis and optimization of the Basic Engineering package.
- Preparation of civil works geometry and loading drawings.
- Continuous BIM coordination between architecture, civil works, process, and plant engineering disciplines.
- Daily clash detection activities to identify and resolve interferences before construction.
- Progressive integration of architecture, HVAC, and odour control system modifications.
- Continuous technical follow-up with the client through engineering meetings and multidisciplinary coordination sessions.
- Comprehensive review and validation of intelligent P&IDs to ensure alignment with the final design.
Results
- Successful development of the Detailed Engineering for one of Canada’s most important wastewater treatment facilities.
- Effective coordination of multiple engineering disciplines within a highly complex BIM environment.
- Design optimization through early clash detection and efficient change management.
- Compliance with all regulatory, construction, and operational requirements established by the client.
- Delivery of a technical solution aligned with the project’s sustainability and energy efficiency objectives.
