Land Based Netwashing Pilot Project

Table of contents

• 1.0 Introduction
• 2.0 Background
• 3.0 Objectives of the Pilot Project
• 4.0 Activities and Achievements of the Pilot Project
  • 4.1 Establishment of the Pilot Project
  • 4.2 Operation of the Pilot Project
  • 4.3 Additional Technology and Biosecurity Considerations

1.0 Introduction

This document provides a report on the activities undertaken and the accomplishments achieved by Newfoundland Aqua Services Ltd. (AIMAP) in executing the land based netwashing pilot project at Mill Pond, near Milltown in the Coast of Bays.

The pilot project was undertaken with the support of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the National Research Council of Canada, and the resources of AIMAP.

This report provides relevant background to the pilot project; identifies the objectives of the initiative; addresses the achievements and major milestones of the pilot project, focusing on site development and biosecurity issues in particular; summarizes the expenditures and financial aspects of the pilot project; and provides a summary of the status of the pilot project, identifying planned next steps.

2.0 Background

There has been significant growth in finfish aquaculture in the Coast of Bays region of NL in recent years. The industry in the region currently produces approximately 10,000 MT of product annually. Dramatic growth is projected over the next decade.  It is estimated that the industry will produce in excess of 40,000 metric tons of product within five years.

AIMAP is the only net services provider to the industry in the region. AIMAP has been providing repair, washing and antifoulant treatment services for nets used in the Coast of Bays aquaculture industry for fifteen years.  The netwashing has traditionally been conducted on floating barges, located in the same marine environment in which the finfish aquaculture is conducted.

The discharge into the marine environment of bio-foul materials (primarily seaweeds and invertebrates), removed in the marine based netwashing process could constitute an elevated risk of disease transmission amongst the fish stocks in the various areas of the region.

AIMAP and the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) believed that the established netwashing practice constitutes an unacceptable biosecurity risk. NAIA sponsored a two phased study to consider the feasibility of developing on-land netwashing facilities in 2008 and 2009.  This exercise affirmed the biosecurity risk associated with discharging organic wastes from marine-based netwashing back into the marine environment, and the desirability of moving netwashing operations on-shore.

Other major marine finfish aquaculture jurisdictions have moved their netwashing activities onshore to land based sites to mitigate the biosecurity risk. AIMAP has recently undertaken a review of netwashing practices and protocols in Norway, Scotland, New Brunswick and British Columbia, and is planning to implement a land based netwashing system in the Coast of Bays at a location near Milltown. 

AIMAP has undertaken the pilot project to examine technology alternatives and to inform the establishment of a commercial land based netwashing operation to serve the Coast of Bays finfish aquaculture industry in NL.

NAIA, AIMAP, and both levels of government have been involved in the discussions over the past two to three years to develop an approach to bring netwashing ashore in the Coast of Bays.

AIMAP facilitated a meeting of industry and government stakeholders in June, 2009, outlining its intended approach to examine land based netwashing and to consider implementation strategies, if deemed feasible. The approach was endorsed and stakeholder input was provided.

The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) provided financial support to conduct a preliminary examination of netwashing technologies and systems, and to conduct a strategic planning process to consider implementation options. This process facilitated AIMAP’ establishment of the pilot project and the due diligence that has led to the decision to establish a commercial operation at the Mill Pond site.

The pilot project has been supported through financial assistance provided by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (AIMAP), the provincial Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (ADMP), the National Research Council of Canada (IRAP), and by the private investment of AIMAP.

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3.0  Objectives of the Pilot Project

The primary objective of the pilot project has been to examine land based netwashing technology alternatives and to generate intelligence that would inform the establishment of a commercial land based netwashing operation to serve the Coast of Bays finfish aquaculture industry in NL.

More specific objectives have included:

• To identify an appropriate site for the land based netwashing operation;
• To assess technology options for the washing, waste filtration and separation, sterilization, antifoulant application and drying functions;
• To determine the most appropriate waste handling and management options;
• To develop a strategic approach and a business plan for the subsequent establishment of a commercial scale operation.

4.0  Activities and Achievements of the Pilot Project

A number of activities were undertaken in the planning, establishment and execution of the pilot project.  The activities have included:

• Research and due diligence on the most appropriate technology and  equipment options;
• Site selection, securing all necessary permits, authorizations and environmental clearances;
• Preparation and development of the site;
• Construction, establishment and commissioning of the equipment on the site;
• Commissioning and operation of the pilot net washing operation.

In addition to the foregoing activities related to the physical establishment of the pilot project, research and development initiatives have been undertaken and necessary consultations have been conducted with stakeholders. Extensive customer and industry consultations have been conducted throughout the process.

Liaison and consultations have been carried out with the Department of Environment and Conservation and with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture with regard to the handling, management and disposal of waste from the net cleaning operations.  Discussions have also been held with environmental waste management companies.

AIMAP has initiated research and development activities related to potential use of geothermal technologies in various aspects of the project; with the examination of potential copper extraction techniques; and with drying technologies that might be utilized to dry the antifoulant coated nets.

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4.1 Establishment of the Pilot Project

Representatives of AIMAP and the consultant conducted research, Internet searches, and held discussions with industry contacts to examine available technology options for the netwashing and treatment process. The functions of the process include: handling and management of dirty nets; washing of the nets; filtration of the waste stream; handling and management of both solid and liquid wastes; sterilization of the nets; application of antifoulant product to the nets; drying of the treated nets; and handling and storage of the treated nets. The process can, but does not necessarily, include mending of damaged nets.

The president of AIMAP, Mr. Boyd Pack, and the consultant visited other finfish aquaculture jurisdictions to observe the technologies and processes employed in their net washing and treatment operations. They visited several operations in Norway, one in Scotland, and two in New Brunswick. They obtained direct information on similar operations in Chile and in British Columbia. They also visited two equipment manufacturers in Norway.

Having conducted this due diligence, AIMAP determined which technologies and approaches it would utilize in the pilot project. The most effective and practical technology will be utilization of large mechanized drum washers with an integrated waste management and filtration system, as observed at certain operations in Norway and Scotland. The drum washers efficiently clean the bio-fouled nets, while containing the wastewater and waste materials within the system. The solids waste stream is separated, excess water is removed and returned to the enclosed system. The liquid waste stream is screened in an integrated filtration system and then run through a series of settling, mixing and holding tanks where particulates are settled out and removed. The fully filtered waste water is returned to the wash water stream in the system.

AIMAP also made preliminary determinations of the sterilization, net treatment, and drying technologies that would be utilized in the subsequent commercial scale operation that is planned.

The site selected is a large, relatively flat piece of land north of Milltown. The site was cleared and grubbed.  An existing building was demolished and removed.  Applications were made for necessary permits and clearances. A project submission was developed and submitted to the Department of environment and conservation in order to determine the extent of environmental assessment that might be required.

Power Supply:
Three phase power will be required for the commercial scale operation that is planned to follow the pilot project. Consequently, the decision was made to establish three phase power at the site for the pilot project.
 
Drum Washer:
A small, used drum washer was acquired for the pilot project. The drum washer has a 16 m³ capacity. This capacity is adequate for the pilot project, but 30 m³ capacity and greater is now the norm for the industry in Norway and in Scotland.

Drum Washer Cover:
AIMAP decided to utilize a cover over the drum washer to prevent rain and snow from accumulating in the process area and adding significantly to the liquids that would have to be managed.  The cover structure is fabric over a steel frame. The structure includes wheels on the perimeter that enable the structure to be rolled back and forth over the drum washer. This facilitates loading and unloading of nets into the drum.

Filter:
The belt filter was purchased from a Norwegian manufacturer. The electronic controls are synchronized with those of the drum washer. Three belt filters separate the solid waste stream generated by the drum washer.

Settling Tank System:
The liquid waste from the filtration system is directed to the sump tank. The liquid is then pumped to the mixing tank and subsequently is fed by gravity to the settling tank and to the holding tank for recirculation within the system. Suspended solids are removed from the settling tank system.

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4.2  Operation of the Pilot Project

Two factors significantly delayed commencement of the pilot project operations. The first was the amount of time required to secure regulatory approvals to operate the project at the Mill Pond site. AIMAP submitted a project description to the Minister of Environment and Conservation for determination of the extent of environmental review that might be required for the project. This is a time consuming process. The project was released from the requirement for additional environmental review by the Minister.

The second factor that caused delay was the impact of hurricane Igor. The hurricane caused very severe damage to the power distribution and supply network on both the Bonavista and the Burin peninsulas, as well as severing road connections in numerous areas of both peninsulas. Consequently, Newfoundland Hydro had to delay the work required to install three phase power to the Mill Pond site of the pilot project. Quite understandably, the priority was to reestablish the power distribution and supply network to residents of the two peninsulas.

The pilot project was subsequently energized and operations commenced in late November. Only five nets were processed through the system before freezing weather conditions necessitated a stop to operations in early December. Nevertheless, this period of operations enabled the fine-tuning and coordination of the various pieces of equipment. It also provided a good test of the integration and functioning of the entire system, including the settling tank system.

The pilot operations also generated solid and liquid wastes. Samples were taken of both, analyses were conducted an independent laboratories, and intelligence was developed that will inform the waste handling and management processes. The solid waste in the drum below contained a very high mussel shell content, reflected in the darker color.

4.3 Additional Technology and Biosecurity Considerations

Waste Management:

AIMAP has considered various methods of managing the liquid and solid wastes generated through the net washing and cleaning process.  AIMAP is working in consultation with the provincial Department of Environment and Conservation, and with the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, to determine which waste management options are environmentally acceptable and economically practical.

AIMAP has worked with a private, NL based industrial waste management company. This company is prepared to accept and treat the wastes, subject to the approval of the provincial Department of Environment and Conservation, and the required provision of an amendment to their operating certificate.  There are issues that would have to be resolved, and the cost of transporting all wastes generated to this company’s facilities on the Northeast Avalon Peninsula may be economically prohibitive.

The wastes that were generated through the limited operations of the pilot project this Fall are being stored in containers and under conditions that were developed in concert with the regulatory authorities. This is, however, only a very temporary solution. Discussions are ongoing with the regulatory authorities and with the waste management company.  Consideration is also being given to disposal of solid wastes in an engineered waste management facility in the province.

The primary operational focus of the pilot project was to establish equipment and technology to clean nets in a drum washer, to filter and separate the solid wastes, and to operate the settling tank system.

However, the pilot project also involved the assessment of other technologies, such as sterilization of the nets, application of antifoulant to the nets, and drying technology for the treated nets.  These technologies will be utilized in a planned commercial scale operation. The following text provides some detail of initiatives that were undertaken in these areas and in the broad context of biosecurity.

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Sterilization:

The nets will be sterilized in a tank containing water at approximately 60°C.

Antifoulant Application:

The vacuum bag technology creates a very even distribution of the anti-foulant product throughout the net. The technology also removes excess antifoulant product from the nets very effectively. This dramatically reduces the amount of anti-foulant product that is distributed on the ground / floor of the operation as the treated net is moved to a drying location or mechanism. The vacuum bag was located at a Norwegian net cleaning operation. Mr. Pack and the consultant saw two other vacuum bags at operations in Norway and in Scotland. They also visited the facilities of the manufacturer in Norway.

Nets are lowered and dipped in a large tank containing the anti-foulant product.  Even though the nets are held in position over the tank for a period of time, a significant amount of the anti-foulant product invariably drips onto the floor / the ground surrounding the dip tank. This was observed at numerous net cleaning operations in the various jurisdictions.

Other Biosecurity Issues:

Other biosecurity issues have been considered and assessed through the pilot project process. These have included:

Fouled Nets Holding:

Fouled or dirty nets are stored somewhere on site to await cleaning. The nets are piled on a concrete slab, open to the elements. Any rain or moisture seeps through the nets and follows the laws of gravity. This arrangement is not acceptable for the facility at Mill Pond.

AIMAP has considered a number of alternatives and options for holding fouled nets. One option would be to hold them under cover.  Another option is to hold them in secure, covered containers that do not allow any liquids to escape. AIMAP has fabricated aluminum boxes with covers and a frame designed for forklift handling. These boxes are expensive to construct. No decision has yet been made regarding an arrangement for holding dirty nets. The performance and economics of utilizing the aluminum boxes will be evaluated by AIMAP.

Other biosecurity Issues being considered by AIMAP in context of the design and operation of the planned commercial scale operation include developing separate entrances and exits to the site for access and handling of fouled and clean nets, and separation of clean and dirty process areas for the fouled and clean nets.

Work will continue on developing waste management and disposal measures in concert with the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, and with the private waste management company. 

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Summary of Pilot Project Operations:

This report has documented the activities undertaken and the accomplishments achieved through execution of the pilot project. AIMAP has determined certain technologies that will be employed in the commercial scale operation. Others will be determined during the completion of the pilot project this spring.
  
The pilot project will recommence as soon as weather conditions permit, probably in late March or early April. The plan is to operate the pilot project for an additional 8 to 10 weeks. This will provide operating data and information that will be valuable in determining the requirements and parameters of the planned subsequent commercial scale operation.

Concurrently, technology options, assessments and research and development will be undertaken in the areas of geothermal heating and cooling applications; potential copper extraction /precipitation from the waste streams; and waste handling and disposal options. Close consultations will be maintained with regulators and stakeholders throughout the process.

It is anticipated that the pilot project will conclude in June, 2011. Technologies and approaches to implementing the commercial scale operation will have been determined and reflected in a business plan and financing strategy.

AIMAP gratefully acknowledges the extensive collaboration and support that has been extended to AIMAP / the pilot project. Key collaborators have included:

The Department of Fisheries and Oceans; the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture; the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; the Department of Environment and Conservation; the National Research Council of Canada; the Marine Institute / the Canadian Center for Fisheries Innovation; the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association; and industry customers and stakeholders.