Ottawa – Taking action on climate change and ensuring sustainability in operations is a priority for the Government of Canada. In support of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy, the Canadian Coast Guard is committed to finding innovative solutions to reduce the environmental footprint of its fleet while continuing to provide essential services to Canadians across the country.
After nearly ten years of research and engineering work with Montréal-based clean-tech company, Terragon Environmental Technologies, the Canadian Coast Guard is proud to introduce the first Sewage Wastewater Electrochemical Treatment Technology System (WETT-S™) now in operation on the Canadian Coast Guard Ship (CCGS) Earl Grey. This is the first-ever WETT-S™ being commissioned on a Canadian Coast Guard ship and in the world.
As opposed to traditional wastewater systems, the new sewage wastewater electrochemical treatment system does not rely on disposable filters. This Canadian-made cutting-edge clean technology eliminates about 75% more of the suspended solids, removing significant amounts of heavy metals and other harmful particles present in the wastewater that can pollute our oceans and waterways. The small amounts of remaining waste are held in special tanks on board the ship and then disposed in environmentally responsible ways.
As part of its fleet renewal plan, the Canadian Coast Guard supports innovation and technological advancement by incorporating green technology into its vessels and by engaging with leading Canadian green industries partners to share best practices related to vessel design and engineering. This partnership with Terragon Environmental Technologies is an important milestone in the integration of clean and sustainable technologies in Canadian Coast Guard ships, making them safer for the environment.
“Doing everything we can to ensure we have cleaner coastlines is the right thing to do for our ecosystems, our communities and future generations. I am proud of this important step taken today to adopt a greener water treatment technology on the CCGS Earl Grey and look forward to a wider use of ground-breaking clean technologies on our Coast Guard vessels.“ – Joyce Murray, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard