Smiths Falls council has approved the preferred option for upgrading solids handling operations at the town’s Water Pollution Control Plant, allowing the project to move into the preliminary design stage.
Council endorsed an Anaerobic Digestion with Cake Haulage, a system that would treat wastewater sludge in anaerobic digesters before dewatering it into a solid material for transport offsite.
It carries an estimated capital cost of $31.3 million and a 30-year net present value of $36.7 million.
Manager of Water & Wastewater Andrew MacNaughton says the existing sludge drying system, installed in 1993, is nearing the end of its service life and has become increasingly difficult to maintain.
MacNaughton says they’ve added a second shift in order to maintain the equipment to the best of its ability.
Councillor Peter McKenna says this option is best for the environment.
Moving the project into preliminary design will allow the town to refine costs and design details while positioning itself to pursue provincial and federal funding opportunities.
While not the lowest-cost alternative studied, consultants with CIMA+ concluded it offers the best balance of operational reliability, environmental performance, long-term sustainability and future flexibility.
Detailed design could take place in 2027 and 2028, with construction beginning in 2029 and the new system entering service around 2030 or 2031.
Story by Grant Deme
