January 31, 2020
Interim Phosphorous Reduction and Nutrient Removal Implementation Plan Released
Today, the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg released the Interim Phosphorous Reduction and Nutrient Removal Implementation Plan. The Project Technical Committee has reached consensus on the scope of work for 2020, which also includes testing for interim phosphorous removal to determine how much additional phosphorous can be removed from the city’s wastewater.
The report was a collaborative work between the Province of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg, along with advisory input from stakeholder groups Lake Winnipeg Foundation, International Institute of Sustainable Development, Lake Winnipeg Indigenous Collective and South Basin Mayors and Reeves, and is based on work undertaken by the City of Winnipeg as reported in the December 31, 2019, progress report submitted to the province.
The report includes an overview of all three phases of the City of Winnipeg’s plan for the North End Winnipeg Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC) project including cost estimates and preliminary timeframe for completion of the NEWPCC upgrade. Both the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg are committed to expediting the schedule whenever possible and will continue to identify opportunities to implement nutrient removal as soon as possible. The City of Winnipeg’s existing nutrient removal plan has been in progress since the NEWPCC Master Plan was approved in 2014. Phase 1 – Power Supply and Headworks Facility – will see the power supply upgrade completed in 2020 and a request for proposals on a design-build contract for the Headworks Facility will be issued in 2020. Phase 2 – Biosolids Facility – will see design work initiated in 2020 following City Council’s approval of the 2020-23 sewer rates.
The Project Advisory Committee (PAC) will continue to receive monthly reports on the progress, allowing for accountability, urgency and transparency in finding timeline efficiencies and identifying barriers early. The province and city appreciate the expertise, advice and valuable contributions from the committee. An update on timelines is due July 31. The PAC will continue to look for opportunities to accelerate the plan without compromising the safety and function of Winnipeg’s North End Sewage Treatment Plant.
“The province is pleased to move forward on this vital project to ensure the health and sustainability of Lake Winnipeg and our waterways,” Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard said. “We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively and efficiently with the Project Advisory Committee and the City of Winnipeg in expediting upgrades to the North End Sewage Treatment Plant for the benefit of all Manitobans.”
“I’m pleased to see the work of the Project Advisory Committee has confirmed the existing City of Winnipeg interim plan to reduce phosphorous from the North End Sewage Treatment Plant,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I look forward to continuing our work with the support of the Province of Manitoba to move as quickly as science will allow.”
Earlier this month, the City of Winnipeg awarded the contract for interim phosphorous removal testing to AECOM following the conclusion of a competitive RFP process. Testing of interim phosphorous removal options will occur through the remainder of 2020, with a final report expected from AECOM by December 31. A recommendation report on interim phosphorous removal is expected to be presented to Manitoba Conservation and Climate and to City Council for review and approval as soon as possible with the intention of expediting timelines safely throughout the year.
The PAC and Project Steering Committee will continue to meeting regularly, with progress reports being submitted to Manitoba Conservation and Climate monthly. These reports will also be made available to the public.
The Interim Phosphorous Reduction and Nutrient Removal Implementation Plan can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/eal/registries/1071.1/index.html.
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