The township will proceed with a $15,586 maintenance agreement for “solar bees” at its wastewater treatment plant, although at least once councillor wondered if it was time the equipment was replaced.
The existing bees are solar powered circulators intended to assist in oxygenation and ammonia removal, improve sludge digestion and maintain small ice-free areas during winter months.
Two are being relocated from lagoon cell two to cell three to coincide with the installation of a new aeration system in cell two.
“If we are [proceeding with] the relocation we would be wise to have them inspected and regular maintenance performed on all units to ensure maximum effect of this system,” Public Works Director Larry Lynch said in his report to council.
But given the “passive nature” of the solar bees, as well as the “tremendous amount of maintenance” they have required over the past five years or so, councillor Jim Curry wondered if perhaps it is time to consider a “more active,” wind-driven model.
Several other councillors said they could not recall major maintenance being performed on the bees, but Curry said councillors would be surprised if they actually looked into the recent history.
Lynch said he believes ongoing improvements at the site, including the new aeration system in cell two and the addition of another lagoon cell, will help with any problems.
He said he’s unsure the capital cost for a new system to replace the solar bees would be justified.
Councillor Bruce Whale said perhaps the township should review the costs for solar bee maintenance and decide then if it’s time to look at other options. Lynch said he should be able to track down the bee maintenance figures.
But in the meantime, council unanimously approved a year round bee maintenance agreement with H2O Logistics Inc., at a cost of $15,586.
