Waste water system needs serious cash for new parts: engineer

PENTICTON – The city's waste water treatment system needs the newest parts and not a repair job, city engineer Ian Chapman said.

He told city council at its last meeting to spend $170,000 for a new blower rather than refurbish the old one. He said it made more sense as a repair job will only extend the old blower's life for six more years.

"There is no quick temporary fix," Chapman said. It has to be done as soon as possible.

This is part of a $370,000 fix to the city's wastewater system. Chapman said a $200,000 fermenter is also needed.

Coun. Helena Konanz said these costs feel like they've been dumped on council after the budget process was finalized.

In his report Chapman wrote the fermenters are critical to the wastewater treatment plant. "The risk of failure of the existing structural (equipment) will increase with time." The new gear will also make it safer for city staff.

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