Grant: Applied Research and Development Grants - Level 1

Northern Cross Limited (NCL) is looking into treatment options for groundwater that is available on-site at itsbase camp but that is improper for drinking. Reverse osmosis, and another membrane system combined withthe use of anti-scalant were considered by NCL. Another option could be to use capacitive deionization.Capacitive deionization is an electrostatic water treatment technology making use of the ability of electrodes topull salts out of solution by using electricity at low voltage. This technology has the potential to be simpler,have less maintenance needs, have a lower environmental footprint, and lower capitalization and operationalcosts than traditional water treatment technologies. Being relatively new, a common concern is, however, thatthis technology requires ground-proofing. The three options will be compared and contrasted along their waterquality achievement, energy consumption, water recovery, consumable requirements, waste production,operational costs, and capital investment needs. Experiments will be conducted at lab scale in the YukonCollege's facilities. Set up of the experiment and data collection, will be assisted by an intern from the YukonCollege's Water and Wastewater Operator Programs. Comparing water treatment options will provide valuablehands-on data, which can lead to better informed decisions. If proven, the capacitive deionization option couldfurther reduce Northern Cross' environmental footprint. This project will help manage NCL's risks inimplementing the new drinking water production unit in northern Yukon and will strenghten the relationshipbetween decision-makers from the oil and gas industry with academic researchers and instructor at YukonCollege.