Press Release
The Brighton WPCP has a long history of non-compliance related to the TAN limit prescribed by the Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA). Since June, 2008, the monthly average concentration of TAN in the effluent from the stabilization pond was exceeded on sixty-five (65) occasions.
These TAN exceedances have resulted in the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) taking the following steps:
1. A Provincial Officer’s Order (POO) Number 1-HYYKW was issued to the Municipality of Brighton on October 17, 2018 requiring that by March 31, 2019, the Municipality of Brighton submit a Design Report for installation and operation of a specialized treatment system previously selected by Brighton, and that within thirty (30) days of the completion of the Final Design Report, submits a completed application for an ECA to the Director of Client Services and Permission Branch, MECP.
Subsequent Directors Orders have been issued amending the March 31, 2019 compliance date for submission of the Final Design Report to May 1, 2019 and the submission of a completed application for an ECA to July 12, 2019.
2. The MECP has laid charges against Brighton under the Ontario Water Resources Act MOE LSB file No. 18-12041.
Brighton has taken the following actions:
– A “Global Resolution” was agreed to between the Crown and the Municipality of Brighton whereby Brighton would plead guilty to 4 counts of TAN exceedances in 2016-2018, paying Fines and Victim Fine Surcharges in the amount of $250,000.
– A Final Design Report has been submitted to MECP for approval, including the use of a Moving Bed Biological Reactor (MBBR) System.
– Brighton has pre-selected the MBBR equipment supplier and authorized the creation of shop drawings and design calculations.
– Brighton has budgeted $7.1 Million for the construction of a MBBR System.
– Brighton is finalizing the application for an ECA and will meet the July 12, 2019 deadline.
– Upon approval by MECP of the Final Design, Brighton will prepare tender documents, and issue tenders in the fall of 2019.
– Construction of the MBBR system is currently scheduled for the late spring/early summer of 2020.
– Brighton will be actively pursuing third party (Federal/Provincial) funding to assist in the financing of this essential infrastructure project.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
