CITY OF WATERLOO WASTEWATER PLANT DELAYS

While sewage treatment is hardly the sexiest of environmental topics nevertheless it is of huge significance. The fact that the City of Waterloo plant is four months behind schedule; in the long run should not be significant. Far more significant are updates and improvements that aren't even scheduled yet. If and when the time comes that all sewage in Waterloo Region receives tertiary treatment prior to discharge to surface bodies of water, that will be a day worth bragging about.

Right now there are gaps in treatment capacity and quality. Emergency backups for power and holding capacities still require attention. Every single year there are spills and bypasses from our wastewater facilities into receiving bodies of water. That the Ontario Ministry of the Environment authorizes these bypasses during heavy rain and or other treatment plant emergencies does not justify them. More money should be funnelled towards the necessity of keeping our Heritage River, the Grand, clean for the future . This may delay or even end various "legacy" projects that our politicians want for their self aggrandizement, but so be it. A prime example is the LRT. Put that money instead into infastructure and sewage treatment. Future generations will thank us. Today's Waterloo Region Record story is titled "Waste water plant delays costing another $1.2 million".