|
A recommendation came before Saugeen Shores Council on Monday night
that construction of a grit removal building and septage receiving
station at the Port Elgin Wastewater Treatment Plant, at a cost of
$2,310,000, be endorsed under the Building Canada Fund program.
The program initiated by the Canadian and Ontario governments, was set
out as the Infrastructure Framework Agreement worth more than $6.2
billion. Each level of government is to provide $100 million for
infrastructure improvements for those municipalities that have
populations less than 100,000. The projects are selected, after
applications are made, based on merit meeting the province's criteria of
environrmental sustainability, better health, improved local and
regional economic development, competitiveness and better quality of
life.
According to Dave Burnside, Director of Engineering Services, "The grit
removal building would provide preliminary treatment of sewage by
removing extraneous material in the wastewater and is expected to reduce
odour problems near the facility. In addition, a septage receiving
station would also be part of the design, particularly for rural
residents when land application for septage becomes heavily restricted
or prohibited by provincial regulations anticipated in 2010."
It is anticipated that two thirds of the more than $2 million cost would
come from the Building Canada Fund with the balance requiring long-term
funding to be repaid through devleopment charges and sewer user fees.
Vice-Deputy Mayor wanted to know if there would be a fee for dumping and
if the facility would accept septage from outside of the municipality.
(next column)
13/01/2009 04:24 PM |
(continued)
Burnside replied that septage will be accepted on
emergency basis only, and then, only if the plant is up to capacity. As
for fees, Treasurer, Lori Sweiger said they would be applicable.
Councillor Diane Huber asked, "Why, when there is any
money available, it always seems to go to one part of the municipality
and Southampton and Saugeen Township are always left out?" She also
questioned having such a facility on the main beach in Port Elgin. "I
am always worried about septage near the lake. Also, are these fees
just going to be for users or does everyone have to pay?"
According to Burnside, the project had been planned for several years
ago and everyone on the sewage system would share in the cost. Deputy
Mayor, Doug Freiburger asked the Treasurer if there any other debentures
on water treatment, such as at the Southampton Plant. Sweiger explained
that there is a debenture and it's being carried by all residents on
sewage.
Councillor Victoria Serda then questioned exactly what the effluent was
and if there were pharmaceuticals going into the lake. Burnside
explained that the effluent run-off went by way of Mill Creek and that
pharmaceuticals were not tested for. According to Burnside, by the time
effluent reached the lake anything it in it was mostly dissipated and at
a low level.
The move to submit application for funding was approved
 
|