🚧 Big news for #Sundre! Their innovative wastewater treatment tech is almost ready to roll out. 🌊💧A big step forward for sustainability in #Alberta! 🛠️💡 #Olds
Sundre's Sewage Treatment Tech Nears Completion: What’s Next?
The final stage of testing on Sundre's innovative wastewater treatment technology is wrapping up, and the town is gearing up for the next big step. After a year-long trial run with a scaled-down version of the new system, everything is on track for construction to begin this fall. The CEO of Soneera Water, Darrell Behan, has been at the forefront of this project, and he's confident that the full-scale facility will soon be underway.
A Year of Testing: What’s Been Happening?
For the past year, a smaller version of Sundre’s new wastewater treatment system has been undergoing rigorous testing. This trial period was crucial in ensuring the technology works as planned before scaling up to the full-sized facility. Initially, a pilot test using the complete system was planned for Sundre, but after discussions with key stakeholders, including Alberta Environment and Parks, a decision was made to take a more cautious approach.
Instead of jumping straight to the full-scale build, Soneera Water opted to test a scaled-down version of the technology first. This allowed Alberta Environment and Parks to provide input on the system’s design without requiring significant re-engineering later on. Behan explained that while this wasn’t a critical issue, it was in everyone’s best interest to follow this more measured path. As he put it, Alberta Environment and Parks wanted to ensure the system’s design was compliant before moving ahead with construction.
Now, as the testing phase enters its final months, the results are exceeding expectations. The system is meeting all the necessary regulatory standards, and Soneera Water is confident that the provincial government will give the green light for construction to start immediately after testing concludes.
What’s Next for the Facility?
With testing nearly complete, attention is turning to the construction of the full-scale facility. Behan estimates that building the new wastewater treatment plant will take about six months. The good news is that much of the groundwork has already been laid. The footings for the facility are in place, and the modular shed that will house the equipment is ready and waiting at the manufacturer’s site in Craigdhu.
Sundre’s existing wastewater release permit is set to expire in 2025, but Behan is confident that the new facility will be up and running well before then. The goal is to have the exterior of the building completed before winter sets in, so that work on the interior can continue through the colder months.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying on Budget
Like many projects around the world, the construction of Sundre’s wastewater treatment facility faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chains were disrupted, leading to demand surges, backlogs, and increased costs for materials like stainless steel. However, Soneera Water had the foresight to purchase the necessary materials during the pandemic, so the majority of components for the system are already secured. This preparation has bolstered Behan’s confidence that the construction timeline will be met.
Despite the delays and additional costs caused by the pandemic, Behan assured that the overall cost of the project remains unchanged. The projected cost of $11.5 million, with $7.5 million covered by the provincial government, has not increased. The town and province won’t be paying a cent more than originally planned.
While the system is highly automated, it’s not entirely a plug-and-play technology. The pilot demonstration unit has allowed Soneera Water to experiment and fine-tune the system’s operational settings. This flexibility has been crucial in addressing differences between initial assumptions and the reality of factors like pollutant levels, water and ambient temperatures, and flow rates.
A Look at the Technology Behind the Facility
The technology that will power Sundre’s new wastewater treatment facility has already proven its effectiveness in a small town in Saskatchewan called Unity. Developed by engineer Gonzales Lee, who also serves as Soneera Water’s vice-president of technical services, the system uses a process known as electroflocculation. This technique separates waste material from the water, making the treatment process highly efficient.
Shane Vollett, a representative from Sundre’s operations department, has been closely monitoring the testing process alongside a third-party tester. He’s pleased with the results so far, noting that there have been no issues with the technology. In fact, Vollett said the test results have exceeded expectations, and there is zero concern about the system’s scalability.
What Does This Mean for Sundre?
For Sundre, the completion of this project marks a significant milestone in modernizing the town’s infrastructure. The new facility will not only meet current wastewater treatment needs but also position the town as a leader in adopting innovative and sustainable technologies.
With construction set to begin soon, Sundre is on the brink of ushering in a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility that could serve as a model for other municipalities. Interest in the technology is already growing, with municipalities in Alberta and even neighboring British Columbia showing interest in adopting similar systems.
As the testing phase wraps up this September, all eyes will be on Sundre as it embarks on this exciting next chapter. With the groundwork laid and the technology proven, the town is ready to move forward confidently, knowing that the new facility will be a key asset for years to come.