Chilliwack, renowned for its natural beauty and vibrant community, is taking a significant stride toward environmental sustainability by investing $36.4 million in its wastewater treatment plant. This pivotal project aims to strengthen the biological treatment system, ensuring not only cleaner effluent but also increased capacity.
Meeting the Growing Needs
As Chilliwack experiences rapid growth, this investment emerges as timely and imperative. Coun. Chris Kloot underscored its magnitude, stressing its crucial role in accommodating the city’s expansion over the next two decades. Kara Jefford, Director of Engineering, further affirmed this expansion’s role in positioning Chilliwack for future growth, despite the challenges in predicting developments beyond city boundaries.
Funding and Implementation
The funding for this ambitious project comes from various sources, including the city’s sewer fund, development charges, and government grants. The project aims to enhance effluent quality, increase treatment capacity, and improve operational reliability. While concerns about odor issues were raised, it was clarified that this project primarily focuses on capacity enhancement rather than odor control.
Addressing Intermittent Toxicity
One key objective of this expansion is mitigating intermittent toxicity issues in the plant’s effluent. Existing biological treatment components, like the trickling filter and aerobic bioreactor, are crucial but nearing the end of their service life. The new expansion aims to replace aging infrastructure and comply with regulatory requirements, ensuring consistent effluent quality standards.
A Sustainable Solution
Chilliwack’s wastewater treatment plant plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health and the environment. Serving approximately 75,000 residents and processing a substantial volume of wastewater daily, it stands as a cornerstone of the city’s sustainability efforts. Additionally, by generating renewable energy through the anaerobic digestion of wastewater solids, the plant aligns with broader environmental goals.
Looking Ahead
With Tritech Group Ltd./Stantec Consulting Ltd. leading the project, Chilliwack anticipates completion by March 28, 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. It ensures that Chilliwack remains a vibrant and environmentally conscious community for generations.