Whistler council flushes ahead with wastewater treatment revamp

Finger baffles, scum tower and influent are just of a few of the technical terms used to describe incoming replacements to Whistler’s wastewater treatment plant.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) was enlightened March 25 by Chelsey Roberts, manager of infrastructure projects, who presented a contract recommendation to council. The contract, ultimately supported by council, was for $1,044,290 (sans GST) to CHB Services Ltd, which came in with an estimate 22 per cent below engineers' estimated budget.

The plant will get upgrades to two sedimentation tanks and two sedimentation/equalization (EQ) tanks which keep the pipes flowing in Whistler. In a presentation to council, Roberts explained how the tanks work, why replacements to the aging infrastructure matter, and in general, “de-baffled” the mystery of dealing with Whistler’s dung.

The tanks have seen some minor parts replaced since 2021, and the next phase of upgrades includes replacing the finger baffle, skimming trough, motors and gearboxes in primary sedimentation tanks (PST) 1 and 2; and replacing the longitudinal collector system, cross-collector system, skimming trough, motors and gearboxes in PST/equalization tank (EQ) 3 and 4. PST 1 and 2 require concrete restoration and concrete inspections are slated for PST/EQ 3 and 4.

“The equipment being replaced has exceeded its useful life, leading to deterioration and potential failure," Roberts said. "A failure of this critical equipment would disrupt operation, affecting the plant efficiency and reliability. If the equipment becomes inoperable, it could compromise the wastewater treatment process, posing a risk to the environment."

PST 1 and 2 were built in 1986, and PST/EQ 3 and 4 in 1998.

Staff recommended awarding to contract to CHB Services LTD, whose bid was well below the next compliant bidder, Drake Excavating ($1.73 million; 29 per cent above estimates).

Councillor Ralph Forsyth was assured that despite the low-priced bid, staff check that submissions are compliant with the necessary job requirements.

Coun. Cathy Jewett asked whether there is any concern about capacity of the facility, to which Roberts replied a capacity review is slated for later this year.

Work is scheduled over two years to ensure the facility can still withstand Whistler’s waste during high tides.

The first phase is expected to start in May, with PST 1 and 2 getting glammed by November 2025, and the rest of the job wiped up by November 2026.