Wellington North is revamping its Frederick Street pumping station in Arthur to prevent future sewage bypass events in the village.
A report from Works Superintendent Gary Williamson noted that upgrades are being completed to various components the station to assist with sewage bypass issues. It will cost $11,092 plus GST to complete the work.
Williamson said one of the issues with the pumping station is it is the oldest one in Arthur, and it has only very basic alarms in place. He said there could be a “high level” alarm and the water kicks off.
“We don’t know whether the pump has simply kicked off or there actually is a high water level.”
He said the service is contracted through the Ontario Clean Water Agency, and if the alarm provides more information, its staff would know what priority level response should be.
Williamson said the situation was reviewed to see what is needed to deal with emergency overflows.
“Basically, the system needs to be rebuilt inside.” He estimated the cost at $11,000.
The work will mean a new alarm system, a variable speed drive for the pumping station and floats in the wet tank: “The whole nine yards – so it’s not that bad for the cost.”
The Ministry of Environment inspected the new Mount Forest treatment plant and commented on the annual report supplied to them regarding the Arthur treatment plant. There are no concerns in Mount Forest, but the bypasses that occur at the Frederick Street station continue to be a concern.
Williamson also noted that the MOE wants the municipality to conduct an infiltration study. Arthur had done a study in 1993 and implemented some of the required upgrades.
However, Williamson said that study is now considered out of date by the MOE since it is over five years old.
“The committee agreed that we need to work towards resolving the problems and that the inspection of manholes and using a camera to inspect half the sewers in Arthur this year would be a good start.”
Williamson recommended making use of the previous report to determine specific issues that can be identified and repaired. That work is moving forward, he said.
