Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant - COMPLETED

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Construction of Powell River's new Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWWTP) was substantially completed in June 2023, and was formally handed over to the City's Infrastructure and Operations Department shortly thereafter. Engineering and Operations staff were initially integrated into the plant operations beginning in March 2023, as wastewater began to flow through the facility. By the time formal handover was reached, the City’s wastewater operations staff had received extensive training and were effectively managing all aspects of plant operations.





Environmental Impact

This leading-edge facility significantly improves how Powell River treats wastewater in order to minimize human impact on the marine environment.

City of Powell River Mayor, Ron Woznow

"The new consolidated wastewater treatment plant has a life expectancy of 50 years. During this time, it will significantly improve the treatment of our wastewater and minimize our impact on the marine environment," said Powell River Mayor, Ron Woznow. "It also more than complies with existing effluent quality standards and we are confident it will allow the City to meet any new treatment standards." - Mayor Ron Woznow

The facility is currently exceeding Government of Canada Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER) and the BC Government Municipal Wastewater Regulations (MWR) for effluent quality standards and is designed to be upgraded to meet future treatment commitments when necessary. The CWWTP is easier to operate, maintain and administer than the three antiquated facilities it replaced.


Conveyance

Outfall in-shore end, July 2022

The CWWTP treats all of Powell River's wastewater conveyed from four neighbourhoods - Wildwood, Cranberry, Townsite and Westview, and there have been discussions with Tla’amin Nation to treat their wastewater as well. For now, the City's sewage and wastewater is collected from existing systems through four new pumping stations and approximately eight kilometres of new pipe to the CWWTP for treatment, and the effluent is then discharged through a new state-of-the-art outfall, designed and engineered with enhancement of the receiving environment habitat in mind.





Funding

The City thanks the Government of Canada and the BC Government for their investment of $30,400,000 and $25,330,800, respectively, totaling $55,730,800 in joint funding. The City is grateful for the support from both senior governments.

The CWWTP is the largest public infrastructure in the City's history and is partially funded by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Through ICIP, British Columbia communities cost-share infrastructure investments between the Federal, Provincial and Local governments, as well as other partners.

Thanks to the Team


City of Powell River Engineering Services [from left] Manager of Engineering Services, Nagi Rizk, Tully Kurtz, Brett Osualdini, Janice McLean, Director of Operations and Infrastructure, Tor Birtig, Kyle Bombardir, and Mik Drosdovech

"I have had a long career and worked in many cities with many people, and hands down this engineering team is the best.

With all the challenges we faced on this project, including the COVID-19 crisis and supply chain challenges, this team was relentless, dedicated and unwavering to bring this project to completion.

I can’t be more proud of each of them and their support for each other.

Their outstanding work has resulted in a project our City will be proud of for generations to come." - Nagi Rizk, Manager of Engineering Services

We wish to thank our consultants for overall project management; the general contractor, Graham Infrastructure, all of the subcontractors, local businesses and the women and men responsible for building the plant, constructing the linear works and installing the four pumping stations so quickly. The entire project was completed in just over two years, from May 2021 to June 2023, which is a very significant achievement.



Scope of Work

The work generally involved bulk earthworks, underground utilities, retaining walls, roadwork, structural concrete work in the Odour Control Unit (OCU), Process Building and Bioreactor Complex and a timber-framed Administration Building. Internal building components consist of process pumps, blowers, motors, valves and a significant amount of mechanical piping, electrical equipment, HVAC and SCADA control systems. Specialized process treatment systems include two high-capacity Hydro-Dyne center-flow screens, two Hydro-Dyne washing-compactors, a Veolia vortex grit-removal system, four Ovivo aerobic bioreactor aerations systems with Aerzen hybrid blowers, four Ovivo secondary clarifiers contained within Dennerik stainless-steel tanks, three Wedeco ultraviolet disinfection reactors, a Sulzer dissolved aeration flotation (DAF) system, two Ovivo digesters (with Aerzen turbo blowers), two Haus dewatering centrifuges, an Aquafy chemical dosing system, the Biorem OCU and a Claro Septage Receiving System (SRS).


This engagement is provided in accordance with City Council’s Strategic Priorities and is in keeping with the City’s commitment to the principles of openness, transparency and accountability.

Construction of Powell River's new Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant (CWWTP) was substantially completed in June 2023, and was formally handed over to the City's Infrastructure and Operations Department shortly thereafter. Engineering and Operations staff were initially integrated into the plant operations beginning in March 2023, as wastewater began to flow through the facility. By the time formal handover was reached, the City’s wastewater operations staff had received extensive training and were effectively managing all aspects of plant operations.





Environmental Impact

This leading-edge facility significantly improves how Powell River treats wastewater in order to minimize human impact on the marine environment.

City of Powell River Mayor, Ron Woznow

"The new consolidated wastewater treatment plant has a life expectancy of 50 years. During this time, it will significantly improve the treatment of our wastewater and minimize our impact on the marine environment," said Powell River Mayor, Ron Woznow. "It also more than complies with existing effluent quality standards and we are confident it will allow the City to meet any new treatment standards." - Mayor Ron Woznow

The facility is currently exceeding Government of Canada Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER) and the BC Government Municipal Wastewater Regulations (MWR) for effluent quality standards and is designed to be upgraded to meet future treatment commitments when necessary. The CWWTP is easier to operate, maintain and administer than the three antiquated facilities it replaced.


Conveyance

Outfall in-shore end, July 2022

The CWWTP treats all of Powell River's wastewater conveyed from four neighbourhoods - Wildwood, Cranberry, Townsite and Westview, and there have been discussions with Tla’amin Nation to treat their wastewater as well. For now, the City's sewage and wastewater is collected from existing systems through four new pumping stations and approximately eight kilometres of new pipe to the CWWTP for treatment, and the effluent is then discharged through a new state-of-the-art outfall, designed and engineered with enhancement of the receiving environment habitat in mind.





Funding

The City thanks the Government of Canada and the BC Government for their investment of $30,400,000 and $25,330,800, respectively, totaling $55,730,800 in joint funding. The City is grateful for the support from both senior governments.

The CWWTP is the largest public infrastructure in the City's history and is partially funded by the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP). Through ICIP, British Columbia communities cost-share infrastructure investments between the Federal, Provincial and Local governments, as well as other partners.

Thanks to the Team


City of Powell River Engineering Services [from left] Manager of Engineering Services, Nagi Rizk, Tully Kurtz, Brett Osualdini, Janice McLean, Director of Operations and Infrastructure, Tor Birtig, Kyle Bombardir, and Mik Drosdovech

"I have had a long career and worked in many cities with many people, and hands down this engineering team is the best.

With all the challenges we faced on this project, including the COVID-19 crisis and supply chain challenges, this team was relentless, dedicated and unwavering to bring this project to completion.

I can’t be more proud of each of them and their support for each other.

Their outstanding work has resulted in a project our City will be proud of for generations to come." - Nagi Rizk, Manager of Engineering Services

We wish to thank our consultants for overall project management; the general contractor, Graham Infrastructure, all of the subcontractors, local businesses and the women and men responsible for building the plant, constructing the linear works and installing the four pumping stations so quickly. The entire project was completed in just over two years, from May 2021 to June 2023, which is a very significant achievement.



Scope of Work

The work generally involved bulk earthworks, underground utilities, retaining walls, roadwork, structural concrete work in the Odour Control Unit (OCU), Process Building and Bioreactor Complex and a timber-framed Administration Building. Internal building components consist of process pumps, blowers, motors, valves and a significant amount of mechanical piping, electrical equipment, HVAC and SCADA control systems. Specialized process treatment systems include two high-capacity Hydro-Dyne center-flow screens, two Hydro-Dyne washing-compactors, a Veolia vortex grit-removal system, four Ovivo aerobic bioreactor aerations systems with Aerzen hybrid blowers, four Ovivo secondary clarifiers contained within Dennerik stainless-steel tanks, three Wedeco ultraviolet disinfection reactors, a Sulzer dissolved aeration flotation (DAF) system, two Ovivo digesters (with Aerzen turbo blowers), two Haus dewatering centrifuges, an Aquafy chemical dosing system, the Biorem OCU and a Claro Septage Receiving System (SRS).


This engagement is provided in accordance with City Council’s Strategic Priorities and is in keeping with the City’s commitment to the principles of openness, transparency and accountability.

What do you want to know?

We invite you to ask your questions here about the new wastewater treatment plant.

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  • Share When will the tender be awarded for construction of the plant? on Facebook Share When will the tender be awarded for construction of the plant? on Twitter Share When will the tender be awarded for construction of the plant? on Linkedin Email When will the tender be awarded for construction of the plant? link

    When will the tender be awarded for construction of the plant?

    Mike Davidson asked about 3 years ago

    1. Thanks for your question Mike. A request for authorization to award the contract is anticipated to be presented to Committee of the Whole in April 2021.

  • Share Hello, Has the final general contractor been decided yet? Thank you, Ronald on Facebook Share Hello, Has the final general contractor been decided yet? Thank you, Ronald on Twitter Share Hello, Has the final general contractor been decided yet? Thank you, Ronald on Linkedin Email Hello, Has the final general contractor been decided yet? Thank you, Ronald link

    Hello, Has the final general contractor been decided yet? Thank you, Ronald

    rschwenger asked about 3 years ago

    Thanks for youir question Roland. The General Contractor tender closed on March 16, 2021 and staff and currently the three received tenders are being reviewed. A request for authorization to award the contract is anticipated to be presented to Committee of the Whole in April 2021.

  • Share Recent heavy rains and beach erosion have resulted in several fallen trees at the Willingdon Beach trail. Will heavy machinery laying 18 inch pipe on such a narrow fragile pathway result in further damage? on Facebook Share Recent heavy rains and beach erosion have resulted in several fallen trees at the Willingdon Beach trail. Will heavy machinery laying 18 inch pipe on such a narrow fragile pathway result in further damage? on Twitter Share Recent heavy rains and beach erosion have resulted in several fallen trees at the Willingdon Beach trail. Will heavy machinery laying 18 inch pipe on such a narrow fragile pathway result in further damage? on Linkedin Email Recent heavy rains and beach erosion have resulted in several fallen trees at the Willingdon Beach trail. Will heavy machinery laying 18 inch pipe on such a narrow fragile pathway result in further damage? link

    Recent heavy rains and beach erosion have resulted in several fallen trees at the Willingdon Beach trail. Will heavy machinery laying 18 inch pipe on such a narrow fragile pathway result in further damage?

    Scottle asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your question! We appreciate your interest in the project.

    An Environmental Impact study has been completed which indicates that the installation of the force main along the Willingdon Beach Trail alignment can be accomplished with very little impact to the environment and without causing any material change to the trail.

    Residents have raised concerns about protecting the Willingdon Beach Trail, making sure the trail is not destroyed and that the trees, and in particular the tree roots, along the trial are protected and preserved. This has been taken into consideration by the project team.

    The Willingdon Beach Trail was constructed many years ago as a rail system to move logs to the mill site. This swath of land is essentially free of trees and relatively free of roots. Since it is not an active roadway, it is possible to install the 450 mm (18 inch) diameter pipeline in a relatively shallow trench, with minimal disturbance to trees and root systems.

    A professional arborist is working closely with the city and engineers to develop construction methods that would strictly limit disturbance to the tree roots. The arborist has identified 15 trees along the route that may have some portion of their root systems extending into the trail. A ground penetrating radar unit has been used to provide 3D images of these root systems. Trenchless technologies for pipeline installation such as directional drilling as well as manual excavation will be utilized for these sections of the trail. 

    The route chosen for this conveyance avoids the lowest reaches of the trail at the southern extent with directional drilling of the main commencing from the upper Willingdon Beach Campground area. The lowest elevation of the main is approximately 10 m above sea level, thus avoiding impact from sea level rise or beach erosion.

    The intention for the trail is to leave it in as good or better condition than when the project started. 

  • Share have the contractors been shortlisted and are the bidding documents and drawings now available online? on Facebook Share have the contractors been shortlisted and are the bidding documents and drawings now available online? on Twitter Share have the contractors been shortlisted and are the bidding documents and drawings now available online? on Linkedin Email have the contractors been shortlisted and are the bidding documents and drawings now available online? link

    have the contractors been shortlisted and are the bidding documents and drawings now available online?

    Kevin@Victaulic asked over 3 years ago

    Thank you for your questions! We appreciated your interest in the project.


    The three shortlisted candidates for contractor are:


    Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd.

    1921 - 91 Street SW, Suite 201,

    Edmonton, AB T6X 0W8

    Darija Svilar - Estimator

    E-mail: darijas@maple.ca

    Telephone: 780-465-5980

     

    AECON GROUP INC.

    1003 Ellwood Road SW, Suite 301

    Edmonton, AB T6X 0B3

    Ibrahim Oladapo - Estimator

    Email:   ioladapo@aecon.com

    Mobile: 778.222.0954

    Gary Schroeder - Senior Estimator

    Email:   gschroeder@aecon.com

    Mobile: 587.336.7347

     

    Graham Construction & Engineering Inc.

    7216 Brown Street

    Delta, BC V4G 1G8

    Frank Schmitz, M.Eng. - Chief Estimator

    Email: frank.schmitz@graham.ca

    Telephone: 604.952.6182

    Mobile: 604.754.0118


    In answer to your second question: Drawings of the final design have not been received from Associated Engineering to present to City Council.

  • Share Why put the pipeline through Willingdon Beach trail? on Facebook Share Why put the pipeline through Willingdon Beach trail? on Twitter Share Why put the pipeline through Willingdon Beach trail? on Linkedin Email Why put the pipeline through Willingdon Beach trail? link

    Why put the pipeline through Willingdon Beach trail?

    CJSB asked over 3 years ago

    Thanks for your question! To answer, please refer to the report on the Selection of Conveyance Route from Westview to the new Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plan. The report is also available in the Documents Library. 

  • Share I was wondering if the contract has been awarded for the construction of the new facility, if so who is the contractor. Thanks on Facebook Share I was wondering if the contract has been awarded for the construction of the new facility, if so who is the contractor. Thanks on Twitter Share I was wondering if the contract has been awarded for the construction of the new facility, if so who is the contractor. Thanks on Linkedin Email I was wondering if the contract has been awarded for the construction of the new facility, if so who is the contractor. Thanks link

    I was wondering if the contract has been awarded for the construction of the new facility, if so who is the contractor. Thanks

    CMAW asked over 4 years ago

    Contracts have not been awarded. We are currently in the tendering phase of the project to select the contractors. To see the RFPs, please visit the City's website. Thank you.  

  • Share Can you lay out the plan to ensure the "most ambitious infrastructure project in the City's history" provides employment for local residents? With construction set to begin this spring, are there agreements with local contractors being created so they can hire the necessary staff? on Facebook Share Can you lay out the plan to ensure the "most ambitious infrastructure project in the City's history" provides employment for local residents? With construction set to begin this spring, are there agreements with local contractors being created so they can hire the necessary staff? on Twitter Share Can you lay out the plan to ensure the "most ambitious infrastructure project in the City's history" provides employment for local residents? With construction set to begin this spring, are there agreements with local contractors being created so they can hire the necessary staff? on Linkedin Email Can you lay out the plan to ensure the "most ambitious infrastructure project in the City's history" provides employment for local residents? With construction set to begin this spring, are there agreements with local contractors being created so they can hire the necessary staff? link

    Can you lay out the plan to ensure the "most ambitious infrastructure project in the City's history" provides employment for local residents? With construction set to begin this spring, are there agreements with local contractors being created so they can hire the necessary staff?

    Rob Hughes asked over 4 years ago

    We are currently in the Request for Proposal (RFP) phase of the project. It's early in the selection process, so we're unable to answer your question at this time in regards to local contractors and job creation. If you wish to see the RFPs, please visit the City website. Thank you.

  • Share Thank you very much for your last answer. Appreciated. There are 3 sewage outfall pipes now...will they be replaced? If yes, how far out to sea is far enough at the current 3 locations to protect both human and wildlife from the sewage outfall? In my last question, the answer was that there will be monitoring of wildlife during construction. Could you please be more specific, please. I wish to know what that monitoring entailed and I would like to view the report. Last, has there been, then, research done on how the building of the Liquid Waste Plant will impact general wildlife and vegetation? If yes, where can I find that study? If no, why not? Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. on Facebook Share Thank you very much for your last answer. Appreciated. There are 3 sewage outfall pipes now...will they be replaced? If yes, how far out to sea is far enough at the current 3 locations to protect both human and wildlife from the sewage outfall? In my last question, the answer was that there will be monitoring of wildlife during construction. Could you please be more specific, please. I wish to know what that monitoring entailed and I would like to view the report. Last, has there been, then, research done on how the building of the Liquid Waste Plant will impact general wildlife and vegetation? If yes, where can I find that study? If no, why not? Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. on Twitter Share Thank you very much for your last answer. Appreciated. There are 3 sewage outfall pipes now...will they be replaced? If yes, how far out to sea is far enough at the current 3 locations to protect both human and wildlife from the sewage outfall? In my last question, the answer was that there will be monitoring of wildlife during construction. Could you please be more specific, please. I wish to know what that monitoring entailed and I would like to view the report. Last, has there been, then, research done on how the building of the Liquid Waste Plant will impact general wildlife and vegetation? If yes, where can I find that study? If no, why not? Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. on Linkedin Email Thank you very much for your last answer. Appreciated. There are 3 sewage outfall pipes now...will they be replaced? If yes, how far out to sea is far enough at the current 3 locations to protect both human and wildlife from the sewage outfall? In my last question, the answer was that there will be monitoring of wildlife during construction. Could you please be more specific, please. I wish to know what that monitoring entailed and I would like to view the report. Last, has there been, then, research done on how the building of the Liquid Waste Plant will impact general wildlife and vegetation? If yes, where can I find that study? If no, why not? Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions. link

    Thank you very much for your last answer. Appreciated. There are 3 sewage outfall pipes now...will they be replaced? If yes, how far out to sea is far enough at the current 3 locations to protect both human and wildlife from the sewage outfall? In my last question, the answer was that there will be monitoring of wildlife during construction. Could you please be more specific, please. I wish to know what that monitoring entailed and I would like to view the report. Last, has there been, then, research done on how the building of the Liquid Waste Plant will impact general wildlife and vegetation? If yes, where can I find that study? If no, why not? Thank you again for taking the time to answer my questions.

    Inge Bessmann Norris asked over 4 years ago

    The three outflows will be decommissioned. In the Document Library on the right of your screen, you'll find Consolidated Wastewater Treatment Plant Environmental Impact Study for the Marine Receiving Environment - April 2018 (4.99 MB) (pdf); a report from the City's contractor, Associated Engineering. Answers to your questions regarding the impact of the wastewater treatment facility on the marine environment will be found in that document. 

    The City will do everything possible not to disturb wildlife or vegetation in construction.

  • Share How will the flora and fauna be protected? For example, there are eagle nests in the area of the WTP will they be considered for protection? How will the old-growth trees and the wildlife on the Willingdon Trail be protected when the WTP pipeline gets placed on that trail? I look forward to a response. Thank you. on Facebook Share How will the flora and fauna be protected? For example, there are eagle nests in the area of the WTP will they be considered for protection? How will the old-growth trees and the wildlife on the Willingdon Trail be protected when the WTP pipeline gets placed on that trail? I look forward to a response. Thank you. on Twitter Share How will the flora and fauna be protected? For example, there are eagle nests in the area of the WTP will they be considered for protection? How will the old-growth trees and the wildlife on the Willingdon Trail be protected when the WTP pipeline gets placed on that trail? I look forward to a response. Thank you. on Linkedin Email How will the flora and fauna be protected? For example, there are eagle nests in the area of the WTP will they be considered for protection? How will the old-growth trees and the wildlife on the Willingdon Trail be protected when the WTP pipeline gets placed on that trail? I look forward to a response. Thank you. link

    How will the flora and fauna be protected? For example, there are eagle nests in the area of the WTP will they be considered for protection? How will the old-growth trees and the wildlife on the Willingdon Trail be protected when the WTP pipeline gets placed on that trail? I look forward to a response. Thank you.

    Inge Bessmann Norris asked over 4 years ago

    Studies will continue to be conducted, and there will be monitoring done so that every effort is made not to affect wildlife during the construction of the facility. 

    Ground penetrating radar will be used to avoid any damage to the trees along Willingdon Beach Trail. Where roots are impacted, unidirectional drilling will be used. The City does not expect it to be necessary to remove any of the trees.

    The conveyance project would require excavation of a narrow trench along the pathway that would encompass the pipe and the City will mitigate as much of those tree roots as possible. Directional drilling will be used to avoid the root masses of 15 trees identified as being of concern.

    The City is confident a pipe can be put along pathway and the trail will look much as it does now.

    Thank you for your question. 


  • Share Would love to add my hand putting murals on it! on Facebook Share Would love to add my hand putting murals on it! on Twitter Share Would love to add my hand putting murals on it! on Linkedin Email Would love to add my hand putting murals on it! link

    Would love to add my hand putting murals on it!

    catnip asked over 4 years ago

    Catnip - The murals you've done on the Townsite treatment plant and the Haslam Lake reservoir are terrific. It remains undecided what will be done with the walls of the new wastewater treatment plant until Council is presented with a final design for review.

Page last updated: 31 Jan 2024, 09:26 AM