WC142 MayJune 2025 - Magazine - Page 29
The drone-collected data therefore gives precise data and volume estimates. The data processing results in a 3D model of the pond bottom.
Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. They are
consolidating their approval process into a single approval system
for stormwater management systems, with the goal of bringing
awareness, placing higher emphasis on maintenance and a proactive approach to asset management of stormwater management
systems. “Hamilton is right at the front of adaptation, and it’s
open to innovation to be able to deliver its service more effectively and efficiently,” says Quintero.
This initiative is also directly tied into Ontario’s new excess soil
regulation, which provides a more stringent regulatory environment for the movement of soils from one site to another. When
it comes to the dredging and understanding the challenge of how
many metric tons are being removed from the pond, being able
to estimate more accurate quantities helps to comply with the
new regulation.
“This project was really great for testing and validating the
equipment and the technology,” says Wong. There was a steep
learning curve of trying to figure out how to set up the flight
plan and figure out what the capabilities of the technology
are versus what the limitations were. The team used different
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
approaches to try and figure out the best method to get the
information required. “Other municipalities can capitalize on
that understanding and use our learned experience and processes
in their respective storm pond monitoring programs. I think the
technology definitely provides another option for others looking
to get survey data in support of the stormwater assets maintenance programming,” continues Wong. “We’ve refined our needs
for our own program. We understand the limitations and the
benefits of the technology so we can make better decisions on
how we’re going to capture information in the future.”
Looking ahead, Hamilton Water aims to continue refining
its sonar-based survey approach, integrating advancements in
artificial intelligence and machine learning to further enhance
predictive maintenance strategies. As municipalities across Ontario and beyond seek to modernize their stormwater management
programs, Hamilton’s proactive adoption of sonar technology
serves as a leading example of innovation in public works. By
combining environmental stewardship with cutting-edge technology, the city is paving the way for safer, more efficient, and
data-driven stormwater infrastructure management.
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