WC139 NovDec 2024 - Magazine - Page 17
Specific opportunities identified at project outset included:
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Effective Resource Management:
Wastewater analysis data would provide insights into the wellbeing of the workforce on a population level, helping H&S and
human resources teams to optimize resources such as counseling
services, education programs, and health initiatives.
Targeted Drug Prevention and Response Programs: By analyzing
substance prevalence and trends, the organization could identify
high-risk areas and tailor initiatives accordingly. This approach
would empower individuals with knowledge and support,
allocating resources – such as distribution of Naloxone kits –
effectively.
Proactive Monitoring for Drug Poisoning Agents: Regular wastewater
analysis would allow for early identification of emerging drug
trends and drug poisoning agents. It would strengthen HSE
management policies by enabling timely intervention and
targeted prevention measures, minimizing immediate threats to
individuals.
Improved Understanding of Polysubstance Use: Traditional drug
surveillance can only scan for a handful of substances, however
a broad range of substances can be analyzed in wastewater. This
would provide new insights into both licit and illicit substance
use at the facility to help inform educational and outreach
services.
Using the same equipment and infrastructure connections
from the SARS-CoV-2 surveillance, multiple dormitories were
specifically monitored for SoPA over the course of six months.
Water samples were collected bi-weekly during this time, with
104 samples collected in total.
Wastewater samples were sent for analysis using liquid
chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) technologies.
The comprehensive analysis included 48 different drugs
and contaminants, such as cocaine, opiates, amphetamines,
benzodiazepines, psychedelics, fentanyls, and various other
substances including drug poisoning agents such as xylazine.
Results
Regular wastewater analysis provided insight to the prevalence
of polysubstance use at the remote worksite. Priority substances
of concern with highest frequency were methamphetamine
and cocaine; cocaine (and its metabolite benzoylecgonine) was
found in 100 per cent of samples tested.
In addition to these, several fentanyls, opiates, alcohol and
drug poisoning agents were detected.
Xylazine was first identified during Week 18, suggesting that
this drug poisoning agent had entered the drug supply. This was
flagged as an urgent situation to H&S officials.
Naloxone was monitored to track opioid use and drug
consumption trends, specifically with the idea that identifying
the presence of naloxone in wastewater would serve as an
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
additional warning system for remote camps. The results
indicated that opioid overdose reverse medication was being used
by individuals at camp.
Learnings:
Wastewater analysis provided new and valuable insights into
emerging risks and the well-being of the workforce, both related
to viral infections and occurrence of substance use. In addition to
heightened awareness, analysis data also informed on the effectiveness of current prevention initiatives. While substances such
as ethyl sulfate (alcohol) had a low per cent frequency, xylazine
increased in frequency over the duration of the project; a finding
that has been observed within communities and workplaces across
Canada.
Wastewater analysis served as an additional KPI for resource
management and provided a necessary insight into the well-being
of the workforce. The remote industry camp was able to identify
high-risk areas and tailor their harm reduction strategies accordingly. Analysis data was used to assess the effectiveness of current
initiatives and make targeted prevention measures, minimizing
immediate threats to individuals.
wsp.com
WATER C AN ADA • NOV EMBER/ DECEMBER 2024
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