LANARK VILLAGE WATER/SEWER PROJECT
STATUS REPORT
SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2005
The Township of Lanark Highlands continues to make progress in planning for water and sewer services to serve residents and businesses in the Village of Lanark. Following is an update on the Water and Sewer Environmental Study Report that has been in progress for the past several years.
Water
Two test wells have been drilled on land owned by the Township near the intersection of Storie Road and Lanark Concession 2A northwest of Lanark Village. A pumping test has been completed to assess the potential of this site to support production wells to meet the community's potable water needs. Evaluation of the tests by consultants Golder Associates is expected shortly. Residents are asked to stay away from the two well sites until the test phase has ended.
Waste Water Treatment
The Township has located a potential site of about 40 acres for a lagoon based treatment system to the east of Lanark Village off Lanark Concession 5A. The site is presently owned by Cavanagh Construction and operated by Lanark Sand and Gravel. No farms or homes are located in the immediate area.
Several options are being considered for wastewater treatment, including:
· Mechanical Plant discharging to the Clyde River;
· Mechanical Plant discharging to the Mississippi River;
· Lagoon at the Lanark Sand and Gravel site discharging to the Mississippi River;
· Lagoon at the Lanark Sand and Gravel site with land application in the local area (property owners to be contacted);
· Lagoon with land application at a County-owned site at Sheridan Rapids Road and Dalhousie Concession 2A.
Selection Process
The options for treating wastewater will be reviewed using selection criteria and weighting factors developed by the Township in consultation with Stantec Engineering. This process will determine a preferred option and rank the remaining options in order of preference.
Completion of the Environmental Study Report
Once the selection process is complete, the consultant will produce a first draft of the Phase 2 Report defining the preferred options for both water and wastewater. The findings will be presented for comment to the Liaison Committee of official agencies and to the Public Advisory Committee. The Liaison Committee brings together representatives of the Ministry of the Environment (MOE), the Leeds Grenville Lanark Health Unit (LGLHU), Mississippi River Conservation Authority (MVC), and the Township.
The draft Phase 2 Report will then be presented to Lanark Highlands Council for comment and to receive permission to hold a Public Meeting where citizens can make comments and/or ask questions.
Once the input from these sources has been reviewed, Stantec will prepare a final Phase 2 Report and present it to the Township for approval. The Report will then be sent for comment to review agencies such as the MOE and interested parties including our neighbouring Townships.
The Township will then commence Phase 3 of the ESR process to further define the preferred options for water and wastewater. A draft Phase 3 Report will be prepared and presented to Committees, Council and the public using the same process as for Phase 2.. Once the final Phase 3 Report is approved by Council, it will be sent to reviewing authorities, interested parties, approval and funding authorities.
Council will not make a final decision on this project until funding has been defined and Village residents have been consulted with respect to affordability. If the project then proceeds, Village residents will be presented with various payment options for their portion of capital costs.
Citizens and organizations with questions, suggestions, or concerns are asked to contact either Mr. David Riis, Technical Advisor, at 264-3284, or Mr. T.J. Simpson, CAO of the Township of Lanark Highlands, at 259-2398 x 222.
The MLA is determined to stay closely involved in this ongoing project, ensuring that the best interests of Lake residents are duly considered.