With development on hold, TBM looking for more sewage capacity

The Town of The Blue Mountains is going to look at temporary options to increase sewage treatment capacity in Thornbury.

At its committee of the whole meeting on Sept. 17, council approved a staff report that requested permission to sole source a contract to JLR Richards to look at interim solutions to possibly expand sewage treatment capacity to allow for new development in town to proceed.

The town’s Mill Street pumping is at its maximum capacity and this has caused the town to place holds on some developments in Thornbury, as there is no sewage capacity remaining.

Council approved engaging JLR Richards on the project at a cost of $29,282. Council approval was required as staff have delegated authority on sole-source contracts up to $25,000.

The company will conduct a full analysis of the Mill Street pumping station to determine if there are any temporary measures the town can implement to open up additional capacity to allow new development projects to connect to the system.

The town is currently working on an expansion at the Thornbury Wastewater Treatment Plant and is also in the midst of designing a project that would add an additional force main to the system.

JLR has worked with the town in the past and is familiar with the system.

Members of council were fully supportive of the project and were pleased that it will be completed by a company with familiarity with the town’s system.

“It will save valuable time and money down the road,” noted Deputy Mayor Peter Bordignon.