Crews are working to restore Squamish’s Wastewater treatment system after a mechanical failure was detected on January 14.
A rotating steel structure inside a clarifier tank stopped working, but the plant has seamlessly switched to it’s backup system.
The necessary repairs are expected to cost $110,500, according to the district, although a “worst-case scenario could put the costs at three-to-four times that amount.”
“The full extent of the damage will not be known until the steel structure is taken apart and repair crews can fully investigate,” according to release from the district. “The cause of the failure is also being thoroughly examined and investigated.”
The Ministry of Environment has been informed to monitor bacteria levels flowing into the Squamish River.
The timing of the repairs during a heavy rain period is not ideal, but the district said in the release they are taking precautions to prevent the system being overwhelmed.
“District crews are doing everything in their power to prevent or minimize any environmental impacts while this repair work is undertaken,” said district general manager Gary Buxton, in the emailed release.
“A number of safeguards have been implemented to ensure that the backup tank’s capacity is not exceeded and overwhelmed,” he said.
Environmental safeguards include a back-up holding tank being used, additional disinfection of the waste water and increased testing of the water exiting the plant.
A full cost and timeline for the repairs will be finalized once the extent of the damage is understood,” according to the news release.
