With each report, finalization of Erin’s Servicing and Settlement Master Plan (SSMP) seems to be moving further into the future.
On Nov. 5, a council update from Matt Pearson of B.M. Ross and Associates and Dale Murray of Triton Engineering backed up the proposed completion of this phase of the SSMP to June 2014.
Pearson’s report stated that in June 2013, as part of a review of the draft assimilative capacity calculation, Credit Valley Conservation installed a stream gauge at the 10th Line.
The intent was to sample from June to September, analyze the data and provide it to B.M. Ross by the end of October, so that the capacity could be recalculated.
Pearson said without that information the SSMP cannot proceed further.
“We need that number to drive forward the evaluations.”
He said, “Before we were using ranges, now there are actual numbers to work with.”
However, Pearson noted a meeting was recently held with the CVC and Ministry of the Environment. He said the good News is there is data regarding stream flows. That data limits how much effluent can go into a stream or waterway.
“There are still some question how the numbers were arrived at,” Pearson said.
The number now in, is lower than what was originally projected, he said.
“And lower has implications to the whole project. It means less effluent can go into the stream and less population to work with.”
Pearson said, “our goal was to get you the highest number we could (in terms of population).”
Mayor Lou Maieron suggested that as agriculture methods improve or a sewage treatment plant comes in and people move off septics, the numbers projected are constantly moving.
He said calculations are based on a number of factors including stream flow and nutrient input.
“I work with my own water system all the time, and if I put a certain amount of nutrients in, the fish are happy. If it gets too high, there are problems and I have to take corrective measures,” said Maieron.
He considered it to be the same for the assimilative capacity of the stream.
Pearson said right now, the town would be dealing with existing numbers to get permits to discharge.
“We don’t get to play with the range.”
He said council will need to make a decision on the number of people it can accommodate and how they will be accommodated and serviced.
“Maybe 20 years from now with a great technology there may be a chance to get more. But right now we need a target number.” Pearson added the CVC’s job is to protect the water course.
When asked how much the numbers had dropped, Pearson suspected the assimilative capacity might be dropped by 50%, but he stressed the final calculations have yet to be worked out.
Maieron said that big a change would really direct what action needs to be taken.
Pearson said the lower number gives the municipality less options in dealing with issues.
“Therefore we want to make sure the data is correct.”
In addition, Pearson commented on meetings with Murray and with the project team earlier that week.
“We have expanded on our updated work as set out Aug. 15 in a letter to Dale Murray. The work plan is expected to be complete by the end June 2014.”
Pearson said, “There are critical decision points for council that dictate whether this target is achieved. Meetings for the liaison committee and the core management team and a public meeting are identified.”
Pearson said the proposed schedule was included within council’s agenda package.
Items within that schedule included workshops to discuss alternatives, a review of the SSMP, a public meeting to present the draft report and acceptance of a final report.
He said if the negotiation process isn’t completed before Christmas, it will throw the schedule off. He stressed that while he can provide the data, it remains up to council to make a decision.
“You are either going to move forward – or stop.”
He stressed this phase of the SSMP is not going to provide all the detailed information on technologies for a wastewater treatment plant.
“That would be the next phase … if you move forward.”
