Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Improvements

A new secondary clarifier and concentric ring bioreactor is being built. This major upgrade will increase treatment capacity, provide system redundancy, increase seismic and flood resiliency, improve plant performance and effluent quality, decrease biosolids production and associated energy usage, and decrease carbon emissions and handling costs. 

PROJECT TIMELINE: 

Construction is anticipated to take place through summer 2025.

Current work done as of March 2025

Circular Clarifier/Bioreactor Tank

• Concrete works for the new tank are complete.
• Rotating clarifier mechanism has been successfully installed and tested.
• A network of wastewater piping, aeration piping and valves were installed throughout the site. All major ties ins are complete.
• Electrical kiosks, conduits and cable have been installed, along with control system upgrades. Final inspection and testing is underway.
• All ancillary items including pumps, aeration system, access stairs, safety railings, water service etc. have been installed. 
• Commissioning of the new tank and Operator training is scheduled for April.
• The new treatment tank is expected to be fully operational in May.
• Site grading and restoration activities will proceed into the Summer.
• Circular Clarifier/Bioreactor Tank Progress Photos:
  • Part 1
  • Part 2

Septage Receiving Station (SRS)

• Construction of the new SRS has been progressing well.
• Foundation, framing, roofing, rough plumbing and electrical, siding, windows, and doors are all complete.
• Install of mechanical equipment, finish electrical and plumbing work is ongoing.
• Access ramp construction is scheduled for April.
• Commissioning of the new station and Operator training is scheduled for May.
• The SRS is expected to be fully operational and accepting septage from commercial haulers in June.
• Public Works staff are coordinating outreach to users.
• Site grading and restoration activities will proceed into the Summer.
• Septage Receiving Station progress photos

Conversion of a Secondary Clarifier Tank Into a Primary Clarifier

• This scope of work will begin once the new circular is fully operational.
• A primary clarifier, also known as a primary settling tank, removes suspended solids and remaining grit from wastewater. Heavier solids to settle at the bottom and lighter organic materials to float to the surface for removal.
• Primary clarification reduces the burden on subsequent treatment stages.
• This conversion optimizes existing infrastructure, providing value for its remaining useful life.
• Primary clarification will help reduce biosolids production and aeration energy costs.
• Project completion is expected in July.

Upgraded Wastewater Treatment Plant Benefits

• Designed to be ‘Post Disaster’ able withstand seismic and flood events.
• Provide additional treatment capacity to keep pace with projected population growth. 
• Provide treatment redundancy in accordance with BC Municipal Wastewater Regulations.
• Improve the quality of the effluent released into the environment.
• Decrease biosolid production which improves energy usage, carbon emissions and handling costs.

Septage Receiving Station Benefits

• Improved access and security.
• Improved operability and hygiene for Operator and Haulers.
• Improved waste screening and debris removal.
• Automated volume monitoring and billing.
• Higher level of service to commercial haulers and the wider community.
• New heavy duty wash bay with run off containment via an oil grit separator.  

The Squamish Wastewater Treatment Plant is reaching full capacity and requires upgrades to meet population growth forecasts and redundancy requirements in accordance with the Municipal Wastewater Regulations. This refers to the need for 75% biological treatment capacity with the largest unit out of service. Currently the plant has 55% redundancy which would be reduced further based on projected future flows.

The existing treatment units are approaching end of life and and do not meet current seismic and flood protection design considerations. The new post-disaster infrastructure will be able to withstand seismic and flood events, which is of critical importance in light of recent catastrophic flooding events across British Columbia. 

A $12.3M contract was awarded to Tritech Group Ltd in August 2023 for the construction of the new circular treatment unit and septage receiving station at the WWTP. Tritech is a General Contractor based out of the Lower Mainland that specializes in WWTP construction.

Appropriate building permits were secured in September 2023 and the contractor mobilized for site setup with temporary power and fencing installed.

The scope of work includes:

• Construction of new secondary clarifier and concentric ring bioreactor.
• Conversion of an old clarifier tank into a primary clarifier (optimize existing infrastructure and create ongoing value from old infrastructure throughout its remaining useful life).
• New septage receiving station (septic systems from Squamish and recreational sites along the Sea to Sky corridor will benefit from the improved septic receiving station).
• Electrical and control system upgrades.

The total project cost is estimated at $20.2M.

The project is funded by a combination of Developer Cost Charges and grants and debt to spread the cost of the project out over time, ensuring that future taxpayers also support the upgrade.

GRANT FUNDING

The District of Squamish was the recipient of $7M from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (Green Infrastructure-Environmental Quality). Funding was granted with a provincial share of $3.36M 33% and a federal share of $4.03M.