Title
Wabamun Wastewater Pump Replacement
Proposed Motion
That Council approve the purchase of a replacement wastewater pump at the Wabamun Wastewater Lift Station for $190,000 funded from the Water and Wastewater Restricted Surplus, as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
To obtain Council approval to purchase and replace a pump at the Wabamun Wastewater Lift Station to improve operational reliability, reduce maintenance requirements and provide dependable system redundancy.
Summary
The Wabamun Wastewater Lift Station is a critical component of the wastewater system, conveying wastewater from the Hamlet of Wabamun to the lagoon through approximately 4.9 km of force main. In 2023, a rotary lobe pump was installed to provide additional hydraulic capacity. However, the unit has experienced persistent operational and maintenance challenges, including loss of prime, excessive vibration, mechanical failures, and declining pumping capacity requiring the need for frequent operator intervention. Despite initially achieving the required flow rates, the pump's performance has deteriorated significantly between maintenance cycles, resulting in increased operating risk and up to $28,000 in annual maintenance costs. These issues have left the lift station operation increasingly reliant on the existing progressive cavity pump to maintain system operations.
The existing progressive cavity pump has demonstrated consistent long-term performance, can be maintained using in-house expertise, and benefits from readily available spare parts. As a result, Administration is recommending the removal of the rotary lobe pump and installation of a second progressive cavity pump to provide dependable redundancy, reduce maintenance demands and improve overall system reliability.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications:
Effective management of infrastructure supports reliable service delivery and aligns with Strategic Plan Goal A1, ensuring County infrastructure continues to meet the needs of residents, businesses and industry.
Financial Impact:
Cost: $190,000.00
Source of Funding: Water and Wastewater Restricted Surplus.