MAPLETON – Council here is digging into reserves to purchase an air compressor and dryer for the Mapleton Wastewater Treatment Plant, or Mapleton Lagoons.
Public works director Jamie Morgan said purchasing the $20,550 equipment is “kind of a have-to-do.”
“The sand filter at the Mapleton Lagoons requires a reliable supply of compressed air to function properly during discharge seasons,” states a public works report.
“The existing air compressor and dryer have reached the end of their useful life and are no longer operational,” it continues.
Morgan called the equipment “very, very crucial.”
The air compressor provides pressurized air to backwash the sand filters, a process township public works staff say is “critical to maintaining filter performance, ensuring effective treatment and meeting effluent quality standards before water is discharged in to the environment.”
The funds will come from the township’s environmental services reserve fund.
The equipment was not included in the 2025 budget because the failure was not expected.
The Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), which operates the wastewater treatment plant, secured a temporary air compressor to finish the discharge season this spring.
But now that season is over, “I’d like to get this purchased and get it installed this summer for Oct. 1, when we start discharging again,” Morgan said.
According to the report, the new air compressor must be fully installed and operational by October to meet regulatory discharge requirements.
The report came before council on May 13 because treasurer Patrick Kelly prefers “council is aware if we’re going to be digging into reserves on expensive items purchased like this,” Morgan said.
OCWA has received three quotes for the new air compressor and drier, which range from $20,550 to $21,370.
Township staff recommended the lowest bid, from Ingersoll Rand, and council approved the recommendation.
The compressor will be a heavy-duty two-stage air compressor designed for long service life and continuous operation, officials say.
“The smaller motors, 7.5hp, run slower and improve reliability,” the report states.
The dryer is a non-cycling refrigerated air dryer which prevents equipment damage and downtime.
