Two wastewater plants in Erin would be too costly, says a consultant.
Joe Mullan of Ainley and Associates Limited presented a report on June 6 on the viability of two wastewater treatment plants – one in Hillsburgh and one in Erin village.
Council asked Ainley for the report on May 2, noting the option was not explored fully during the town’s Servicing and Settlement Master Plan (SSMP) process.
Mullan pointed to insufficient water quality data, insufficient river flow data and high capital and operational costs as the reasons to go forward with the preferred solution of one treatment plant that discharges in the West Credit River south of Erin village.
Mullen explained that due to insufficient data, the town would require an assimilative capacity study (ACS) and a 7Q20 (minimum seven-day flow with a return period of 20 years) report, as well as approval from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) and Credit Valley Conservation (CVC).
He said that could take up to an additional 10 years.
“To complete an assimilative capacity study for that area, Hillsburgh would require the collection of flow data … over a number of years and then it would require a completion of an ACS and quite possibly, depending on when it would be done, and update to the class environmental process,” he said, adding the extra work could cost in excess of $500,000.
Mullan added there would be no guarantee the river in Hillsburgh would be able to support wastewater discharge, even after studies.
Infrastructure and
operating costs
Ainley’s report compared costs between a one-plant alternative and a two-plant alternative, as well as between servicing the existing community and a full build out.
The one-plant alternative would cost $60.7 million in capital for full build out ($30.9 million for the existing community).
The operational costs over 50 years could be $75.1 million for full build out ($31.7 million for the existing community). There would also be an additional cost of $5.2 million capital cost for the Hillsburgh to Erin forcemain.
Comparatively, the two-plant alternative would cost $98.3 million in capital for full build out ($42.9 million for the existing community). The operational costs over 50 years could be $100.1 million for full build out ($41 million for the existing community).
“This technical memorandum is concluding that the two-plant solution is significantly more expensive than the single-plant solution … it is our recommendation that project proceed to phase three based upon the alternative that was originally selected in the SSMP,” said Mullan. He added Ainley has not received any comments from the MOECC or CVC but expects them before the public meeting on June 22.
Councillor Jeff Duncan, who noted there are numerous ponds in the Hillsburgh area that could cause issues for the two-plant alternative, said he hopes the town won’t pursue this option further.
Councillor Matt Sammut said the cost will be a problem for the community and asked if the town can be flexible on who should connect to the treatment system.
“Absolutely,” said Mullan, adding that conversation will happen in phase three.
Sammut also asked if the town could partner with other municipalities for wastewater, similar to Rockwood, which sends its wastewater to Guelph.
Christine Furlong of Triton Engineering said that alternative was looked into in the early stages.
“There was no appetite by those municipalities to take waste from your community …” she said. “Right now you have an assimilative capacity study that says you can take care of your own problem for full build out … you can make your own future…”
Council accepted the report as information.
“Let’s get on with it,” said Mayor Allan Alls. “It’s time we move ahead and get this done.”
