Urgent Action Required!

VILLAGERS COULD BE ON THE HOOK FOR $15 MILLION

On Wed March 26th the Village held their first Public Advisory Committee (PAC) meeting for the Constructed Treatment Wetland since 2002. Ron Hansen and myself attended as public representatives. Like most of Cumberland, I believed that we are going to have a wetland for our sewage treatment. I was shocked to learn that the new Village engineers, McElhanney, have recommended another option that would exclude the wetland. It’s a stand-alone mechanical plant known as an SBR (sequencing batch reactor). Why the change in direction?

McElhanney have produced a report updating the original concept. highlights are posted HERE. Their conclusion is that by 2012 the wetland as originally envisioned would reach capacity. Thus we can either augment the wetland with a mechanical pre-treatment plant – a small SBR (Option 1) or replace it with a stand-alone plant– a large SBR. (Option 2).

The engineers conclude that over a lifespan of 40 years, Option 1 will cost the same as Option 2. They also note that Option 1 has broad public and political support, has significant environmental and social benefits, can be expanded gradually and builds on the preceding design work. Most importantly the Village has already procured funds for Option 1 – there are no funds for Option 2. Option 2 has some treatment control benefits and a smaller footprint (i.e. no wetlands).

On Tuesday April 16th at 7pm there will be a public meeting where you will be asked to decide on whether the Village chooses Option 1 or 2. THIS IS A KEY MEETING. Your input or lack of it will decide on a critical financial, growth, and environmental issue. WE COULD BE ON THE HOOK FOR $15 MILLION to finance Option 2. If you cannot attend, write to council to let them know your opinion.

Please feel free to contact me as your PAC rep for more details. 336-7939 or email at: send2karenyahoo.ca

Richard Drake

Editor's Note: Find more information HERE.