top of page

Client

Calgary Airport Authority

Location

Calgary, Alberta

Year

2025

Wide system overview showing aeration compressor infrastructure positioned onshore and a network of 20 fine-bubble diffusers operating in the shallow pond. Installed onshore and a network of 20 fine-bubble diffusers operating in the shallow pond. Installed in Spring 2025 by AEC to replace an ineffective, high-cost nano-bubbler system and improve DO = odour outcomes from glycol runoff.

Project Summary 

In Spring 2025, Aquatic Engineering canada (AEC) installed a 20-diffuser fine-bubble aeration system in a shallow stormwater pond at Calgary International Airport (YYC). The Airport Authority contacted AEC in Winter 2024/25 seeking a reliable, low-maintenance solution to address chronic odour issues caused by glycol runoff from aircraft de-icing operations. The glycol loading consistently strips dissolved oxygen (DO) from the pond, creating odours and compliance challenges.

​

In previous years, the client installed a nano-bubbler oxygen system, but it was expensive, high-maintenance, and delivered limited results. AEC designed and delivered a simple, cost-effective, and highly serviceable fine-bubble aeration system tailored to the unique constraints of this extremely shallow waterbody (1-3 ft depth).

Calgary International Airport (YYC) Stormwater Pond Aeration System

Project Objective & Goals

  • Improve and maintain DO levels in a glycol-impacted stromwater pond to reduce consequent odour issues that affect airport operations.

  • Design an aeration system that oeprates effectively in extremely shallow water.

  • Ensure equipment can be easily removed seasonally to avoid ice damage.

Methods 

  • Designed a system layout based on oxygen demand calculations specific to glycol-loaded stormwater.

  • Deployed 20 Can-Air ECO fine-bubble diffusers, selected for their low profile and suitability for 1-3 ft pond depths.

  • Installed four CA-150 (1/2 HP) high-flow rocking-piston compressors, each paired with a 5-way manifold to provide an adequate supply of air to the diffusers.

  • installed 2,500 ft of sinking sirline, along with a heavy-duty protective covering on shoreline sections.

  • Positioned diffusers for maximum oxygen coverage despite reduced aeration efficiency in shallow water.

  • Worked with airport staff to ensure seasonal removeability—ECO diffusers are lightweight and can be removed by hand without equipment.

  • Mobilized and installed immediately after ice-out in late March, despite challenging cold-weather conditions.

Challenges 

  • An extremely shallow pond (1-3 ft) significantly reduces standard aeration efficeincy.

  • Seasonal ice formation in this shallow pond requires a system that can be removed without tools or heavy equipment.

  • Constant input of glycol and other contaminants requires consistent oxygen to prevent oxygen depletion and odour generation.

  • Tight installation window: the system needed to be installed as soon as the ice cleared.

Timeline

Design: Winter 2024/25

System Installation: March 2025

​

Full operation and performance operating continues from Spring 2025 onward.

Planned Solutions 

To address the unique shallow-water and glycol-loading challenges, AEC implemented:​

  • Low-profile Can-Air ECO diffusers optimized for minimal water depth.

  • Provide a lightweight system that airport staff can lift out seasonally for freeze protection.

  • Robust compressor and manifold configuration for even, constant air distribution across all 20 diffusers.

  • We selected reliable, readily available, in-stock equipment to ensure we could meet the clients' needs and schedule expectations.

Results 

  • The system has operated reliably with no reported issues since startup.

  • Dissolved oxygen levels have improved, and odours have been reduced.

  • The success of this project has led YYC to request additional services from AEC for other airport water systems.

bottom of page