Public Comment Period on Intent to Make a Determination
Fire Pump and Generator Replacement at John Weir Foote Armoury

January 5, 2021 — The Department of National Defence must decide whether the proposed project is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this decision, the Department of National Defence is inviting comments from the public on the project and its potential effects on the environment. All comments received will be considered public. For more information, individuals should consult the Privacy Notice on the Registry website.

Written comments must be submitted by January 25, 2021 to:

Tony Bianchi, Engineering Officer
1 Yukon Lane, Toronto, ON, M3K 0A1
E-mail Address: Tony.Bianchi@forces.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

The existing fire pump and associated emergency generator at John Weir Foote (JWF) Armoury is near the end of its service life. As part of the on-going operation and maintenance for the JWFArmoury, both of these systems are scheduled for replacement.

The fire pump head has been assessed and was determined to be oversized. The rationale for the oversized fire pump is attributed to the recent James Street North underground infrastructure upgrade carried out by the municipality, which increased the municipal water supply pressure to the Armoury. As part of the life cycle upgrade, the associated system of galvanized steel pipes for the fire pump will also be replaced. The proposed new fire pump is a vertical in-line fire pump package with jockey pump, flow test bypass and controller.

The emergency generator is approximately 27 years old with 240 hours run time recorded. Though a well maintained and regularly exercised generator can have a service life between 10,000-15,000 hours, age is a contributing factor which impacts the equipment's life cycle. The engine exhaust stack is deteriorated beyond repair and requires replacement. Several code deficiencies were also identified for the generator fuel oil storage and supply system. Based on the age, condition and code deficiencies, the emergency generator is planned for replacement. The proposed generator replacement will include a built-in double wall base tank, muffler, sound enclosure and a new engine exhaust stack.