WWTP Project Update - October 2023

Summary of Recent Work Completed

1. Pumping upgrades
   • Installation of the new building mechanical (HVAC) system within the South Lift Station (SLS) is nearing completion.
   • Completed conversion of the former generator room into a new electrical room. New electrical equipment for the SLS is being installed and commissioned.
   • Ongoing health and safety enhancements within the facility, including improved access for City staff to the facility’s wet well. Public Works has been working closely with the City’s contractor (Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd., MRCL) for scheduling and completion of these tasks.
   • Preparation for installation of new security fencing around the SLS building and related out-buildings. The fencing will maintain public access to the existing trails in the area, while enhancing security around the City’s critical assets. This fence installation may carry forward to 2024.
2. Treatment upgrades
   • Completed transfer of the plastic Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) media into the MBBR tanks.
   • Exterior and interior finishes for main Process Building are now complete. All major process equipment and electrical equipment are now installed within the building and have been commissioned. Most systems are now in the final start-up phase or are already online.
   • Construction of the MBBR tanks and lift station is now complete. Facility lighting and electrical plug-ins are installed. All staircases installed for the structure, and exterior cladding installation is complete.
   • Upgrades to treatment lagoon cells complete and are in use by the City. This included removal of the existing 30+ year old aeration equipment, removal of the accumulated sludge, and the installation of the new aeration equipment.
   • All internal site works are now completed (culvert installation, final grading including ditch construction, permanent internal road construction, landscaping, etc.).
   • Conversion of the former blower building into a new storage building and workshop is ongoing. This work will continue into early 2024.
3. Storage upgrades, including landfill clay stockpile
   • All work related to the Landfill Clay Purchase project (project #1020) is complete.
   • Completed final modifications to flow control structures between existing storage lagoon cells. Deficiency cleanup in treated wastewater storage Cell I is now complete.
4. Final landscaping, construction of parking lot and trail access, etc.
   • New trail access / parking lot near the outdoor gun ranges and landfill entrance is now complete.
   • Installation of new municipal addressing sign for the main WWTP property is ongoing.
5. General requirements
   • Ongoing payments as outlined in the General Requirements portion of the contract.

Summary of Upcoming Work

Based on MRCL’s latest work plan, the following is a summary of the main activities that will occur, as well as the anticipated timelines for each activity. Administration has organized this summary using the same categories as noted above:

All work related to the Landfill Clay Purchase project is now complete.

The WWTP upgrade project is expected to be substantially complete by December 2023, with final cleanup of work being completed in the spring of 2024. Various construction activities will also carry into 2024, although these will not impact the performance of the upgraded WWTP. The December 2023 timeframe is later than what was required in the City’s contract with MRCL, which specifies a Substantial Completion date of the end of October 2023. Some of MRCL’s activities were delayed from their original contract dates as a result of cleanup activities from a chemical release from the Cargill canola crushing facility into the City’s WWTP in June 2023.

Current Financial Status of Projects, including Approved Scope Changes

The following is a summary of the approved budgets and current / projected spending for the WWTP and landfill clay purchase projects.

As noted in the following tables, the City has spent over $39,540,000 on the WWTP project to date. The remaining WWTP project expenses will be realized by the spring of 2024.

As well, the Camrose Regional Solid Waste Authority – for which the City acts as Administrator – spent over $1,551,000 on the Landfill Clay Purchase project. As this project is now complete, any further invoices from MRCL or from the City’s consultant (AE) will be billed entirely to the WWTP Upgrade project.

The next planned Council update for this project will be in January 2024. Full details from this recent update to Council can be found in the October 30, 2023, Committee of the Whole Agenda.