Councillor Jim Curry reported to council on efforts to increase the rating of the Mapleton sewage treatment plant in order to lift a provincially-mandated development freeze in the village at the March 4 meeting.
For several years, the township has been attempting to obtain Ministry of Environment approval to have flow rates for discharges into the Conestogo River on the plant’s certificate of approval increased from 750 cubic metres per day to 950 cubic metres per day.
However Curry, who chairs an ad hoc committee working on wastewater issues, said the other options are also being looked at.
“We’ve embarked on an aspect of looking at irrigation as part of our certificate of approval,” said Curry “We’re finding it’s quite common especially in the U.S. where wastewater, properly-treated, is used on crops.”
Curry said “because irrigation is relatively new in Ontario” Mapleton officials have been advised by the ministry to meet with MOE technical advisors as a next step.
Curry pointed out the proprietors of the Glenaviland Development, which is seeking approval to create a nine-hole golf course along with a residential subdivision on 122 acres, are interested in using treated wastewater from the plant to irrigate the fairways and rough areas on the proposed golf course.
“There’s a tremendous amount of work that’s gong on,” said Curry.
“It’s kind of thinking outside of the box … We’re moving in that direction and feel quite confident that we’re going to win.”
Council attempted to arrange a meeting on the topic with provincial environment minister Jim Bradley at the recent Ontario Good Roads Association conference, but was unsuccessful in getting a formal hearing.
However, said Mayor Bruce Whale, “We did manage to speak to Mr. Bradley and he was quite positive.”
Whale said Bradley urged local officials to proceed with meeting with MOE technical advisors.
