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Expansion best option for Acton plant By LISA TALLYN Staff Writer Expanding Acton's Wastewater Treatment Plant to the tune of $19.5 million is Halton Region's preferred plan to handle future growth of the community. That option was selected as the best solution through the Environmental Assessment Study ongoing to look at providing additional wastewater treatment capacity for Acton. The current plant is operating near its rated capacity and additional capacity is needed to accommodate growth. Approximately 11 people attended a Public Information Centre on the EA study on the Acton Wastewater Treatment Plant hosted by Halton Region in Acton recently. Also considered in the study was building a new plant at a different location, but in the end that wasn't the preferred option. Advantages for expanding the existing plant include: no new property is required, minimal disruption, minimal potential for impacts on cultural resources, no loss of significant natural habitat, it's less expensive and can be designed to effectively provide the needed wastewater treatment. The only disadvantage according the study is that it would be more challenging than building a new plant because it would have to stay in operation during construction. David Andrews, Halton's Director of Wastewater Services said the plant would be upgraded to be "state of the art" and include peak flow management, new inlet works, new primary clarifers, modified activated sludge treatment process, a tertiary filtration and disinfection. It will be designed to reduce the release of phosphorus into Black Creek as a study of water quality found the phosphorous level didn't meet Provincial Water Quality Objectives. High levels of phosphorus can result in algae growth that reduces the level of oxygen in the water. Sewage treatment plan discharge typically includes some phosphorus, and in urban areas it can also come from storm water. In rural areas it can come from improper manure storage, livestock entering creeks and milk house wastewater. The study of the water in creek recommends strategies for phosphorus management including reducing the amount of phosphorus coming from the Acton Wastewater Treatment Plant, monitoring levels and implementing other ways to reduce levels in the creek. The current plant has a capacity of 1 million gallons a day of treated wastewater. After the expansion the capacity will increase to 1.5 million. Andrews said the EA is to be completed by the end of 2010. There will be a 45-day public comment period. Detail design will likely be done in 2011 and construction is planned to begin in 2012. Andrews said the expansion should take two years to complete. 3 Independent & Free Press, Thursday, December 16, 2010 Cheers! Ray Shier of Limehouse shows off his two award-winning wines from the recent Amatuer Winemakers of Canada competition. His 2008 Sauvignon Blanc received a silver medal at the Canadian level, and his 2008 Icewine was awarded both a Gold medal at the show, as well as Best in Show honours. Photo by Ted Brown Thank You for yet another successful 13th ANNUAL SUPER SPECIAL We're proud of preparing 344 vehicles for the winter months ahead. Look forward to our spring special starting in April.