Recent reserve capacity calculations for the Arthur Waste Water Treatment Plant presented to council on March 9 by director of public works Matthew Aston indicate the facility is processing more waste than it is designed for.
That report shows Arthur’s plant continues to operate at a negative reserve capacity.
Calculations made by Triton Engineering Services are based on information from 2013 to 2015. The report indicated reserve capacity is minus 247 cubic metres per day “which indicates the treatment plant is currently processing more waste water than its design capacity allows.”
Current infiltration and inflow initiatives in the village anticipate being able to reduce the amount of waste water being processed.
The township also initiated an environmental assessment study, including a detailed review of waste water data and an evaluation of phased construction and/or a re-rating of the Arthur plant to increase capacity.
The report stated the negative capacity has grown steadily since 2013.
According to the report, the facility can service an “additional” population of “minus 361” residents (or minus 140 homes).
In Mount Forest reserve capacity is 680 cubic metres per day. That capacity is due to the waste water treatment plant built in that community several years ago.
Mayor Andy Lennox stated the report told him what councillors already know.
“The situation in Arthur is bad and getting worse.”
Councillor Steve McCabe commented on a statement made during a tour of the Arthur plant “… if one thing goes it would be a disaster … it is on borrowed time right now.” He considered it of the utmost importance that something be done to address the issue
