After several years of discussions over ammonia issues at Brighton’s wastewater treatment plant, council has finally agreed to move forward with a contract to remove at least 80% of the sludge.
This should help with the ammonia issues, although it won’t fix the problem, says Jeff Graham of GSS Engineering.
However, that’s okay, because council also approved using a new “fixed film” biological process, or MBBR system, after the treatment.
This is expected to target the ammonia exceedences and enhance the existing system.
Steve Saxton of J.L. Richards Engineering says that the current lagoon system works very well, and this addition has been proven to work in colder climates.
Sludge removal was approved at no more than $600,000, while the MBBR system was estimated at $4.5 million, and will go out to tender.
Council asked the financial director to submit a report on how to fund the projects, including borrowing.
The municipality just received seven charges from the MOEE for exceedences that occurred in 2013. Mayor Mark Walas says that each charge comes with a minimum fine of $50,000.
