Field Trip

Exploring Innovation in Environmental Science & Sustainability

📅 Date: July 25, 2025
📍 Location: St. John’s, Newfoundland
🚌 Transportation: Shuttle service provided

As part of PEOPLE 2025, this exclusive field trip offers environmental researchers an opportunity to explore cutting-edge facilities, real-world pollution control strategies, and interdisciplinary research collaborations. Through direct engagement with leading experts, we will examine emerging technologies, policy implications, and practical challenges in environmental protection.

Due to facility capacity limitations, the field trip will be offered in morning and afternoon tours. Participants are kindly asked to bring their own lunch.

Morning Tour: Water Treatment Facility & Memorial University Main Campus

💧 Stop 1: Windsor Lake Water Treatment Facility

📍 Location: Windsor Lake, St. John’s, NL

The Windsor Lake Water Treatment Facility is a vital part of St. John’s drinking water infrastructure, ensuring clean and safe water for thousands of residents. The facility treats raw water collected from the Broad Cove River and Windsor Lake watersheds, with additional supply from the Little Powers Pond Pump Station. This advanced treatment system plays a crucial role in public health protection and sustainable water management.

🏗 Treatment Process

The facility uses a multi-step treatment system to ensure high water quality:

Screening – Removes large debris and particles
Membrane Microfiltration – Filters out bacteria and fine particles
UV Disinfection – Neutralizes harmful microorganisms
Chlorine Disinfection – Provides residual protection in the water system
Alkalinity Enhancement – Adjusts pH using hydrated lime and carbon dioxide

⚡ Facility Capacity

Summer Capacity: 70,000 cubic meters per day
Winter Capacity: 53,500 cubic meters per day (adjusted due to water viscosity changes in colder temperatures)

🔬 Stop 2: Memorial University (Main Campus)

📍 Location: 230 Elizabeth Ave, St. John’s, NL

Memorial University is a hub for environmental innovation and research. With world-class laboratories, cutting-edge pollution control initiatives, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the university plays a pivotal role in tackling global environmental challenges.

🏛 Main Campus Highlights

Visit The Northern Region Persistent Organic Pollution Control (NRPOP) Laboratory – a leader in pollution research
Learn about ongoing studies in wastewater treatment, air pollution, and climate change adaptation
Tour state-of-the-art engineering and environmental research facilities

📜 Did You Know?
The university is home to the Blue Whale Exhibit, featuring a 25m whale skeleton displayed in the Core Science Facility. It serves as a powerful symbol of conservation and scientific discovery.

📌 Learn More About the Blue Whale Exhibit

Afternoon Tour: Wastewater Treatment Facility, Johnson GEO Centre & MUN Signal Hill Campus

💧 Stop 1: Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility

📍 Location: 209 Southside Rd, St. John’s, NL A1E 1A1

The Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility is a critical part of St. John’s urban infrastructure, providing primary treatment for wastewater from approximately 135,000 residents across St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise. This facility plays a key role in protecting local waterways and improving the environmental health of St. John’s Harbour.

🏗 Facility Overview

Treats 135 million liters of wastewater daily
Removes up to 99.5% of fecal coliform before discharge
Converts organic sludge into biogas for energy recovery

🌎 Stop 2: Johnson GEO Centre & MUN Signal Hill Campus

📍 Location:

Johnson GEO Center: 175 Signal Hill Rd, St. John’s, NL
Signal Hill Campus: 100 Signal Hill Rd, St. John’s, NL
🌐 Visit GEO Centre

Built into solid rock, the GEO Centre is a must-visit for anyone interested in earth science, climate change, and environmental sustainability. The interactive exhibits and immersive learning experiences make it an exciting stop on our field trip.

🌊 Memorial University Signal Hill Campus Highlights

Explore innovation-driven research initiatives in sustainability
Enjoy stunning ocean views while discussing environmental solutions
Engage with researchers and professionals working on real-world pollution control strategies

🔍 What You’ll Experience

Discover Newfoundland’s geological history and its connection to climate and resource management
Explore interactive exhibits on climate change, ocean science, and renewable energy
Understand how natural resources shape sustainability efforts in Canada

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