MEDIA RELEASE
Grand Opening Highlights Aquatera Innovation at Wastewater Treatment Plant
April 21, 2017
Grande Prairie, Alberta - Aquatera is celebrating a successful first year since the upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant were complete with an official Grand Opening, attended by Federal, Provincial and Local dignitaries today.
The $60.8 million project, which greatly increases the plant’s capacity to accommodate growth in the Grande Prairie region, was partly funded by $10 million from the Government of Canada through the Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component.
Those in attendance at today’s event were given a tour of the newly transformed facility, highlighting the replacement of outdated equipment with new technology and the addition of new biological nutrient removal bioreactors and two new secondary clarifiers. These significant upgrades mean that the facility will be able to meet higher treatment standards and increase treatment capacity by about 25 years, accommodating growth in one of Canada’s fastest growing regions.
Linked to this project is Aquatera’s Bioreactor Landfill Gas-to-Energy project, which was completed alongside these Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades. Turning Aquatera’s Landfill into a power generating facility means that the naturally occurring methane gas will now be captured and used to power the adjacent Water Treatment and Wastewater Treatment Plant facilities.
Revenues from carbon offset credits, combined with savings from generating a substantial amount of its own energy will provide Aquatera with an opportunity to stabilize rates for Aquatera customers.
Quotes
“Modern, efficient wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential to safeguarding the well-being of Canadian families, protecting our waterways and preserving our ecosystems. The Government of Canada recognizes that investments in green infrastructure—including water and wastewater projects like this facility in Grande Prairie—will help protect communities and support Canada’s ongoing transition to a clean, sustainable growth economy that will benefit Canadians for generations to come.”
The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
“Aquatera’s Core Purpose is Helping Grow Healthy Communities. It has been a privilege to see these two innovative projects implemented and see so much success during the first year of operation. It’s exciting to be able to use our own green energy to increase the amount of water that we’re able to treat and safely return to the Wapiti River.”
Andy Beal, Board of Directors Chair, Aquatera Utilities Inc.
Quick Facts
- The Government of Canada will provide more than $180 billion in infrastructure funding over 12 years for public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, transportation that supports trade, and Canada’s rural and northern communities.
- Budget 2017 proposes $21.9 billion for investments for green infrastructure. This amount includes $5 billion that will be available for investment through the Canada Infrastructure Bank.
- The Bioreactor Landfill Gas-to-Energy project is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 63,000 tonnes on average annually - which is equivalent to removing 13,500 vehicles from our roads each year. It is producing an average of 15.2 million kwh of electricity on landfill gas alone annually, which is enough energy to power 14,000 homes per year.
Associated Links
To learn more about Aquatera’s Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades: http://www.aquatera.ca/wastewater
To learn more about the Bioreactor Project: http://www.aquatera.ca/bioreactor
Government of Canada’s $180-billion+ infrastructure plan in Budget 2017: http://www.budget.gc.ca/2017/docs/plan/chap-02-en.html#Toc477707375
Federal investments in Alberta: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/map-carte/ab-eng.html
The Building Canada Fund – Major Infrastructure Component: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/prog/bcf-fcc-eng.html#mic-vgi
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Aquatera Utilities Inc. is the Grande Prairie region’s provider of water, wastewater and solid waste services. Its core purposes is helping grow healthy communities and aims to have the best people providing the best service for the best value. For more information: www.aquatera.ca
Contact
Chelsea Lewis
Communications and Change Manager
Aquatera Utilities Inc.
P: 587.297.0692