Wetaskiwin Midpoint Project Update
Aerial view City of Wetaskiwin wastewater treatment site (2021)
The City of Wetaskiwin commissioned a project to upgrade the existing wastewater treatment plant located in the northeast section of the city. This upgrade was required to bring the existing facility – originally constructed in the 1970’s – in line with current standards and satisfy the new effluent limits issued in an updated Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA) Approval to Operate by the Province of Alberta.
Associated Engineering (AE) were selected by the City as designers, and reviewed various technical options for achieving the provincially mandated discharge targets. Ultimately a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) based post-lagoon treatment option that can reliably meet the new effluent limits was selected. Along with these new treatment components some existing infrastructure elements are also being upgraded to complement the new post-lagoon wastewater treatment process.
This project is being delivered under Graham’s Municipal Asset Partnership (MAP) model, an exciting alternative for municipalities that provides flexibility in financing and delivering new rate-based infrastructure in their communities. This delivery model allowed the City to execute a cost-effective project, ensured the City maintained complete ownership and control of their assets, and provided the City with access to cost-effective alternative financing in the face of a significant capital project.
Financial Close on the $55 million project was achieved in April 2022, with Graham Construction mobilizing to site and beginning early works for the new wastewater treatment facility in May of 2022.
Mickaley Junck, Graham Construction Project Manager:
The first year of the project has gone very well. Graham’s construction team mobilized to site early in the 2022 season and prepared the site for the new buildings required for the updated treatment process. Those buildings are now being constructed and fitted out during this 2023 season. Our team is excited about having achieved so much in the first half of the project schedule, and we’re enthusiastic about carrying this momentum forward to complete the project for the City of Wetaskiwin and the community.
Earthen berm separating lagoon cell (2022)
Since mobilization, Graham has been working with Associated Engineering, major suppliers, and subcontractors to detail and construct the facility. Over the course of 2022 the team detailed the various mechanical, electrical, and finishing components required for the new treatment plant. Following detailed mechanical and electrical design Graham began procuring the major mechanical and electrical components, which are now in fabrication.
Site works within reclaimed lagoon area, site crane (2022)
In the past year Graham has applied for the necessary permits which have been submitted and returned, allowing for the excavation, foundation preparation and construction of the new buildings. A section of one of the existing lagoon cells was isolated with a new earthen berm to reclaim the area for new facility infrastructure. The land reclaimed by this excavation provided the necessary space for the new MBBR and Tertiary Treatment buildings, and the foundations, concrete slabs, and walls for these new structures have since been completed. 90% of the new building concrete work is now complete, with structural steel members and roofing support installation begun. Underground utilities required to service the buildings have also been completed.
New aeration equipment (2022).
The legacy lagoon aeration systems have been replaced, and piping to facilitate the movement of effluent between the treatment buildings has been installed. The secondary treatment tanks have been placed in the MBBR and Tertiary Treatment buildings, with interior wall construction ongoing.
The remaining 2023 construction season will see the completion of site civil and concrete works, along with the continuation and completion of piping, pump, and major component installations throughout the new buildings.
During the course of the project Graham has made efforts to be an active member of the community. Graham embraces opportunities to participate in community events and to answer questions from the community regarding the project, and our progress. Since starting the project Graham has contributed to and participated in planting trees with the staff and kids from Sacred Heart School and attended the City of Wetaskiwin’s Open Houses in 2022 and 2023.
Tree planting with Sacred Heart School (2022)
Over the remaining project schedule Graham will enclose the new Headworks, MBBR, and Tertiary Treatment buildings. Installation of the remaining equipment and electrical systems will proceed, along with connection and testing of the individual components. Integration of mechanical and electrical systems will begin in the new facilities. The existing blower building and lift stations will be upgraded as required to complement the new elements of the treatment facility.
Overlooking new MBBR and Tertiary Treatment buildings (2023).
Once all upgrades and new component installation are completed, startup, dry and wet testing of individual systems can then occur. This will lead to confirmation of the individual system’s performance, and from that point commissioning of the system can begin. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational in the summer of 2024.
Site overview (2023)