Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment to participate in International Polar Year research
Fleming College’s Centre for Alternative Wastewater Treatment (CAWT) has been selected to participate in the International Polar Year (IPY), making it the only college in Southern Canada chosen to conduct a research project as part of IPY.The International Polar Year marks the largest-ever international program of scientific research focused on the Arctic and Antarctic regions. Thousands of scientists and researchers from more than 60 nations around the globe are expected to participate in IPY during the 24-month period beginning in March 2007. Canada has selected 44 science and research projects, which were officially announced by Indian Affairs and Northern Development Minister Jim Prentice in Ottawa on March 1.Under the leadership of CAWT Manager Dr. Brent Wootton, the project’s Principal Investigator Professor Mark Williamson and associated scientific and technical project personnel at Fleming College’s Frost Campus will develop constructed wetlands for the treatment of wastewater in Arctic communities.Constructed wetland systems for wastewater treatment are an example of a sustainable, environmentally progressive technology that is in its infancy in Polar regions. This project will develop new engineering and technology solutions to assist Northern residents to adapt to changing settlement patterns and the associated wastewater treatment health issues that arise.Several pilot-scale constructed wetland systems will be developed at the CAWT at Fleming College. The research activities at the centre will focus on arriving at a prototype design specific to arctic needs. Pilot scale systems to test these designs will then be built in communities in the Canadian Arctic while involving communities, scientists, local groups and individuals. These pilot systems will be monitored locally and publicized, encouraging community stewardship of water resources and further initiatives. For more information on the CAWT, visit www.flemingcollege.com/cawtLocated in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campuses in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 90 full-time programs in Law and Justice, Community Development, Health and Wellness, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, Technology and Skilled Trades, Fine Arts, and Business. Fleming College has 5,000 full-time and 10,000 part-time students and more than 50,000 alumni.