Title
Acheson and Big Lake Area Water and Sewer Servicing Study Updates.
Recommendation
That the Governance & Priorities Committee accepts as information the following two reports:
1. The Acheson and Big Lake Area Water Servicing Study 2011 - AECOM October 2011.
2. The Acheson and Big Lake Area Sewer Servicing Study 2011 - AECOM January 2012.
Body
Purpose
Present and show how both studies will assist Parkland County in future system planning which will ensure the Acheson and Big Lake Areas are adequately served as future development occurs in the areas.
Summary
Parkland County previously completed an Acheson Industrial Sanitary Sewer Servicing Study and an Acheson and Big Lake Area Water Servicing Study in 2006 and 2007 respectively. These studies utilized existing flow rates from 2006 and 2007 to model the service areas. They also took into account the following servicing attributes.
1. The service area under development as of May 31, 2006.
2. The service area for near future development - based on development permits and pending approvals in 2006.
3. The ultimate service area under full development in the Acheson Industrial and Big Lake Areas.
The studies provided Parkland County with recommendations on line sizes, looping locations, lift station and reservoir locations, ultimate flows, system pressures and cost estimates for constructing and extending the water and sewer systems based on that data.
Since the completion of those studies there has been significant development and changes in the Acheson Industrial and Big Lake Areas. Therefore, in 2010 Parkland County retained an engineering consulting firm to update both studies. Some of the changes and updates that are reflected in these studies include:
1. Adjustments to the development projections as a result of actual development.
2. Adjustments to the major water consumers and sewage generators as result of the meat processing plant not being completed and other high end consumers/generators being established in other areas.
3. Flow rates have been revised based on current water consumption and sewer generation rates and the models were recalibrated and revised based on the new demands.
4. Water pressures, maximum daily demand with fire flows were calculated.
5. Water age analysis was completed; which is important on determining water quality.
6. New triggers that warrant water line looping, water and/or sewer line oversizing and reservoir expansions were identified.
7. Parkland County development standards were reviewed and revised.
8. Projected construction cost estimates were updated to reflect current costs.
The updated information will assist Parkland County in planning a future system that will ensure the Acheson and Big Lake Areas are adequately served as future development occurs in these areas. The updated utility models and cost estimates will be used for calculating offsite levies that will be charged to future development. Finally, the studies will provide accurate information so Parkland County can confidently report on future estimated water use and sewage generation that is submitted to the Capital Region Parkland Water Services Commission and the Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission.
Administrative Position
GPC accepts the information as presented. Updating our studies is crucial so that Administration has accurate information when collecting offsite levies, when approving additions to the water and sanitary sewer systems in the Acheson and Big Lake Areas, and when reporting to the Water and Sewer Commissions.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Both studies support the Parkland County development and sustainability plans.
The updated information and cost estimates will be used for calculating the offsite levies that will be charged to future development.