Council has delayed a decision on a new $346,000 aeration system for its wastewater treatment plant due to a last minute report and possible concerns with the unit’s effectiveness.
At its last meeting in June council received a report from R.J. Burnside and Associates outlining the need for the aeration system – as part of ongoing upgrades at the plant – to prevent ice build-up and assist with the addition and mixing of alum.
The replacement of the current aeration system in cell two will bring the rated capacity of that primary cell to 750 cubic metres per day.
Burnside contacted four equipment suppliers for proposals, all of whom submitted plans for different types of systems with prices ranging from $346,000 to over $1.1-million. The estimates include equipment and installation costs, as well as operating and maintenance costs over ten years. However, they do not include any possible electrical improvements or building additions.
Burnside suggested going with the low estimate from C&M Environmental, although its report suggested the price of $346,000 could go up once certain details are finalized.
But councillor Mike Downey asked what guarantee the township has that the new system will address the freezing that has caused problems at the plant in recent winters.
Mayor John Green said the report was submitted to council too late for his liking – the same day as the meeting on June 23.
Councillor Jim Curry suggested a meeting with Burnside as soon as possible to discuss the system.
Council agreed to receive the report for information only.
