South Pigeon Lake. reduced need for wastewater trucking, better protection of human health through improved wastewater management,

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1 South Pigeon Lake Regional Wastewater Collection System The new regional wastewater collection system represents a notable step forward in municipal infrastructure for the residents and municipalities on the south side of Pigeon Lake. Participating south-side municipalities are working together, through the South Side Wastewater Committee, to design and construct a system that: makes use of the existing residential wastewater system where possible, upgrading only where necessary, makes use of the expanded Mulhurst Lagoon, offers a dependable, consistent level of service through all our communities, will keep construction and operating costs as low as possible, and The system, designed to meet the wastewater collection needs of all six communities for the next 25 years and beyond, offers several advantages including: reduced need for wastewater trucking, better protection of human health through improved wastewater management, reduced nutrients added to our lake, wastewater service approaching an urban standard, long-term sustainability of our communities, and a positive impact on our property values. has proven to be reliable in other municipalities. Crystal Springs Norris Beach Ma-Me-O Beach Poplar Bay Grandview County of Wetaskiwin svofficepl.com county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca

2 The new system affordable, dependable, doable Considerable progress has been made in the design and construction of the wastewater collection system that serves the south-side communities of Pigeon Lake. The overall project consists of the following components: 1. The regional transmission line from southside communities to the lagoon 2. The local collection lines for each participating south-side community 3. Connection of the local collection lines to the regional line The Working Committee retained MPE Engineering Ltd. to complete preliminary design and cost estimates for the municipal collection system. This information forms the foundation of this brochure. The expanded Mulhurst Lagoon, owned jointly by the County of Wetaskiwin and the Northeast Pigeon Lake Regional Services Commission (NEPL), will process wastewater from the new system under contract. 4. Connection of the local collection lines to individual residential properties Benefits of the new system Environmental: A piped system around the lake will help protect our lake and the surrounding environment. Community expectations: Piped wastewater systems are becoming the social norm in developed communities. The new system will meet evolving community expectations for urban-level wastewater services. The system will eliminate inconvenient pumpout situations. Financial: The system will result in: anticipated reduced annual operating and maintenance costs for many residents, reduced impact on roads and road maintenance costs with less truck haulage required, construction, operational and administrative efficiencies, stable, predictable operating costs for municipalities and taxpayers over the long term, and an anticipated increase in individual property values. 2

3 Phased transmission and collection system Design and construction of the regional transmission line and the local collection systems will proceed in two phases as follows: Phase 2 communities: Poplar Bay Grandview County of Wetaskiwin (Woodfield Estates, Crystal Keys, Westerose, Birch Creek, Patterson Meadows, Highland Estates, Howey, Aspen Acres, Pidde, Antler Ridge and Grandview Meadows) The Phase 1 regional transmission line is complete and will be available to accept piped wastewater from Phase 1 communities as they complete construction of their local collection systems. Wastewater haulers will be dumping at the Westerose pumping station. Construction of the Phase 2 regional line will begin when its funding is in place. Each Phase 2 community can construct its local collection system as it is ready to do so. Connection to the regional line would then take place when the Phase 2 regional line is operational. Phase 1 communities: Norris Beach Crystal Springs Ma-Me-O Beach County of Wetaskiwin (Dorchester, Village at Pigeon Lake West, Silverwoods, Village at Pigeon Lake, Viola Beach, Woodwind Estates and Beachside Estates) 3

4 The regional system Lagoon expansion Expansion of the Mulhurst Wastewater Lagoon, owned and operated jointly by the County of Wetaskiwin and the NEPL, was completed in 2011 so the facility can accommodate anticipated volumes of wastewater from south Pigeon Lake communities. The Government of Alberta funded 93 per cent of the combined cost of the lagoon expansion and construction of the regional line. Regional transmission line The regional line: is being constructed in two phases as two pressurized systems, with Phase 1 complete, includes required lift stations, will connect directly into the lagoon, streamlining system operation and eliminating the routine need for trucks to empty at the lagoon, and automates the tracking of incoming volumes of wastewater. Construction of the Phase 2 regional line is subject to approval of funding. Regional line capital cost 93% Province OF ALBERTA Municipalities contribution shared by lot counts COUNTY 39.46% OF WETASKIWIN 16.11% ma-me-o beach 14.72% GRANDVIEW 11.59% CRYSTAL SPRINGS 11.54% POPLAR BAY 6.58% NORRIS BEACH * 90% Province OF ALBERTA PHASE 1 $ 13 M PHASE 2 $ 4.8m *Requested Annual operating costs for the regional line and lagoon These costs will be allocated to each municipality based on volumes of wastewater. Each municipality then will identify a rate schedule to charge its residents. The charge is estimated between $60 and $75 per year per residential lot. Regional transmission line governance and accountability Joint operation of the regional line When complete, the regional line will be owned and operated under a new regional wastewater commission, which will be: governed by a Board of Directors composed of elected representatives from each member municipality, accountable to its members, and approved and licensed by the Government of Alberta. Routine operation will be overseen by a licensed operator. The commission will invoice each participating municipality annually based on an agreed formula. Responsibilities of participating municipalities Each municipality will: enter into agreements with neighbouring municipalities and the new regional commission, spelling out the rights and responsibilities related to interconnection to, and use of, the regional transmission line, and bill property owners for the allocated costs for the regional line and lagoon services. 4

5 Local municipal collection system When complete, the local collection systems will be easy to operate and maintain, providing a piped collection system common to all residents in participating municipalities. The lines will be placed at sufficient depth to avoid freezing. The municipal collection systems will connect into the regional line at three locations: at the east end of the Village at Pigeon Lake, at a lift station, to be constructed during Phase 2 of the regional system near Secondary Highway 771, and on Range Road 10, just north of the Phase 1 regional system lift station. In addition, residents along the Westerose Acreage Road will tie into the closest manhole in the line. Each residential property will then tie into the corresponding municipality s local system. Design and construction of the local collection systems will occur in two phases, as follows: Phase 1 communities Norris Beach Crystal Springs Ma-Me-O Beach County of Wetaskiwin (Dorchester, Village at Pigeon Lake West, Silverwoods, Village at Pigeon Lake, Viola Beach, Woodwind Estates and Beachside Estates) LEgend Phase 1 communities Source: MPE Engineering Ltd. 5

6 Local municipal collection system Phase 2 communities Poplar Bay Grandview County of Wetaskiwin (Woodfield Estates, Crystal Keys, Westerose, Birch Creek, Patterson Meadows, Highland Estates, Howey, Aspen Acres, Pidde, Antler Ridge and Grandview Meadows) Phase 2 communities LEgend Source: MPE Engineering Ltd. Construction process and timeframe Design and construction steps for the Phase 1 and Phase 2 local collection systems: Preliminary design Complete Final design Tender Construct Commissioning Operate To be completed Construction of the Phase 1 local collection systems, contingent on municipal approvals, is expected to start between 2016 and Construction of the Phase 2 local collection systems can be concurrent with, or after completion of, the Phase 2 regional transmission line. 6

7 Design and construction costs Capital costs* for Phases 1 & 2 local collection systems (estimated $2014) Phase 1 Municipalities Number of lots Building Canada grant Municipal contribution** Norris Beach 116 $810,000 $400,000 $1.21 M Crystal Springs 204 $1.17 M $590,000 $1.76 M Ma-Me-O Beach 283 $2.04 M $1.02 M $3.06 M County of Wetaskiwin (Dorchester, Village at Pigeon Lake West, Silverwoods, Village at Pigeon Lake, Viola Beach, Woodwind Estates and Beachside Estates) 467 (Includes Phase 2) Cost $4.08 M $2.03 M $6.11 M (Includes Phase 2) Phase 2 Municipalities Poplar Bay 203 $1.55 M $780,000 $2.33 M Grandview 260 $1.54 M $780,000 $2.32 M County of Wetaskiwin (Woodfield Estates, Crystal Keys, Westerose, Birch Creek, Patterson Meadows, Highland Estates, Howey, Aspen Acres, Pidde, Antler Ridge and Grandview Meadows) TOTAL 1,533 $11.19 M $5.60 M $16.79 M Source of capital costs and numbers of lots: MPE Engineering Ltd. *These cost estimates: include a service line from the transmission main to the property line and an isolation valve at the property line, must be adjusted for inflation for all work extending past 2015, and include engineering fees and 18% contingency. ** each municipality will determine funding sources for the remaining portion of its own local collection system through such means as grants, reserves, capital budgets, local improvement levies or loans. Ownership and operation Each municipality will work in cooperation with its neighbours, yet will determine independently when it wants to proceed with its local collection system that would tie into the regional line. Each participating municipality will: finalize the detailed design of its local collection system in conjunction with neighbouring municipalities, identify the location of the isolation valve, which controls the hook-up of the homeowner s private system to the municipal system, either near the holding tank or at the property line, finalize capital construction financing, oversee system construction, implementation and operation, own and operate its own municipal utility, enter into appropriate agreements with neighbouring municipalities and the new regional commission relating to the connection to, and use of, the regional transmission line, arrange for licensed staff or a contracted firm to operate the local collection system and liaise with the regional commission as required, and pay the regional commission and bill property owners for use of the service. 7

8 The wastewater collection system on your property The final component of the new system is the homeowner s private wastewater collection system and its connection to the municipality s new local collection system. Based on the recommendations of the project s engineering consultants, the South Side Wastewater Committee has chosen the Septic Tank Effluent Pump (STEP) system to be purchased by all homeowners except those within the County of Wetaskiwin. The County will determine the best solution for each subdivision as it is developed. The STEP system has been used in many other Alberta municipalities and is proven to be very reliable, durable and cost effective. How the STEP system works The STEP system includes a holding tank and pump. Sewage is conveyed by gravity from your home to the tank. In the tank, the solids settle out and accumulate on the bottom where they naturally degrade. The liquid wastewater is pumped out of the vault and into your local municipal collection system. From there, it flows into the regional line and is carried to the lagoon even during low-flow periods. The STEP system: requires a power supply, requires no modification to your home s indoor plumbing system and only minor modifications to your holding tank, includes a backup prevention valve (check valve) that prevents sewer backup, may include an easily accessible filter for cleaning, and may include an alarm on the control panel that advises the homeowner should the system require attention. The STEP system operates most efficiently with a two-chamber tank. A single-chamber tank can be adapted for this system with a supplementary pump vault chamber. 8

9 PROPOSED GROUND MOUND AROUND COVER EXISITING GROUND EXISTING GROUND PROPOSED GROUND MOUND AROUND COVER FROM HOME PUMP TO PRESSURE SEWER MAIN 100mm PVC PIPE MIN. 2% SLOPE OR 40mm PRESSURE SEWER The two-chamber tank (recommended). The first chamber is used for primary treatment. Clear liquids are siphoned to the second chamber, then pumped out. The one-chamber tank can be retrofitted for use. Maintaining your system Below are a few simple steps for the homeowner to follow to ensure efficient operation of the STEP system. Inspect the tank periodically. Inspect the system components (pump and level indicators) annually. Clean the filter (if included with the system) annually. Remove sludge from the tank every five or six years assuming full-time use. Municipalities are exploring the best option for annual maintenance. With normal operation and recommended annual maintenance, a STEP pump is expected to last up to 20 years. Construction timeline Construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 residential systems and the tie-in to the new local collection systems will be done either at the same time as your local collection system is being installed or after it is complete. Specific timing is to be determined by each local municipality. 9

10 Private collection system cost to the homeowner Each homeowner is responsible for the purchase and installation charges of the private wastewater collection system located outside the home and connecting to the local municipal collection system. Estimated one-time purchase & installation charges ($2015) With existing 2-chamber tank With existing single-chamber tank (requires retrofitting) New construction or tank replacement (assumes 2-chamber tank) STEP tank/pump package $2,600 $3,600 $7,000 Tank/pump installation $800 $1,800 $4,500 - $6,000 Service connection* $1,700 - $2,700 $1,700 - $2,700 $1,700 - $2,700 Electrical connection from home to tank control panel $1,000 - $1,500 $1,000 - $1,500 $1,000 - $1,500 Landscaping** $1,000 - $3,000 $1,000 - $3,000 $1,000 - $3,000 TOTAL $7,000 - $10,000 $9,000 - $12,000 $15,000 - $20,000 Source: MPE Engineering Ltd. * Directional drilling costs can vary significantly depending on the location of the tank. ** Landscaping restoration costs will vary greatly depending on each property. Each municipality is investigating options to ease the financial burden on taxpayers. Annual operating costs for the pump and routine maintenance are estimated to be about $125, roughly the cost of a current pump-out. Homeowner financing Amortized over 5 5% (average rate) for any of these options remains manageable as the following example illustrates. $ 130/mo. $7,000 $ 190/mo. $10,000 $ 285/mo. $15,000 $ 375/mo. $20,000 10

11 Getting the work done efficiently and cost effectively All six participating municipalities are committed to finding ways to streamline the implementation of the new wastewater collection systems on homeowners private properties while containing costs to homeowners as much as possible. The municipalities are investigating cost-effective options to get the required system installed through preferred suppliers while minimizing the installation inconvenience for the homeowner. Homeowners will: approve and pay for any contracted work on their property, and liaise with their municipality and contractors as required. Although most homeowners will choose to have their private wastewater collection system installed as soon as possible, each municipality is examining timeframe requirements within which the installation must be completed. Residents annual operating & maintenance $ bottom line Trucking $125/ pump-out Wastewater fees (2014) Current operation ($2014) New system operating costs (estimated) Full-time residents Part-time residents Full-time residents Part-time residents $1,000 $250 N/A N/A $122 - $180 $122 - $180 N/A N/A Regional and lagoon servicing & disposal charge/lot Local lines servicing fee/lot Pump/tank operation & maintenance cost* TOTAL N/A N/A $60 - $75 $60 - $75 $175 - $190 $175 - $190 N/A N/A $125 $125 $1,122 - $1,180 $372 - $430 $360 - $390 $360 - $390 *Does not include amortization of $45 for future pump replacement. 11

12 let s stay connected The new regional wastewater collection system will offer an easy-to-use, reliable and safe service for many years and much better protection for our health. Residents will also appreciate the significantly reduced damage to roads when wastewater collection trucks are seldom seen. Large construction projects, of course, also pose some challenges. The South Side Wastewater Committee is committed to minimizing construction inconvenience and to keeping you updated on developments throughout each stage of the project as new information is confirmed. Check out the latest project updates on the Summer Villages Office at Pigeon Lake website, svofficepl.com or on your municipality s website. For further information, contact the following member of your municipal Council or: Sylvia Roy Chief Administrative Officer Summer Villages Office at Pigeon Lake sylvia.roy@svofficepl.com Frank Coutney Chief Administrative Officer County of Wetaskiwin fcoutney@county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca Phase 1 Communities Norris Beach Crystal Springs Ma-Me-O Beach County of Wetaskiwin (Phases 1 & 2) Mayor Brian Keeler Councillor Doris Bell Deputy Mayor John Slater Councillor Larry McKeever briankeeler@shaw.ca debell@shaw.ca slater.mmo@gmail.com lmckeever@county. wetaskiwin.ab.ca Phase 2 Communities Grandview Poplar Bay Mayor Don Davidson Deputy Mayor Brian Meaney donald_d@telus.net bmeaney@shaw.ca svofficepl.com county.wetaskiwin.ab.ca 12