Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – During the February 19 council meeting, Amro Miqdadi, Assistant Regional Manager (London) and Project Manager at R.V. Anderson (RVA), provided an overview of the ongoing Parkhill Lagoon Dredging project. His presentation detailed the progress made in 2024 and outlined plans for the next phase in 2025.
RVA was retained by the municipality to assess and oversee dredging operations aimed at improving lagoon capacity. A technical memorandum evaluated the benefits of the investment, ultimately determining that the dredging activities would unlock capacity for approximately 372 additional homes in Parkhill.
The project was divided into two phases: the South Lagoon was completed in 2024, and work on the North Lagoon is scheduled for 2025. The primary goal is to remove accumulated sludge that has built up over more than 40 years, enhancing the lagoon system’s efficiency and longevity.
The contract was awarded to GFL, which used a performance-based approach for sludge removal. The dredging process involved pumping and transporting sludge to designated disposal sites, with continuous monitoring to ensure effectiveness.
Over an intensive 15-day period, approximately 4,284 dry tons of sludge were removed from the South Lagoon. Crews worked long hours, completing up to 81 round trips per day to transport the sludge. The project also included the installation of a new mid-level valve to improve water drainage efficiency.
While some residual sludge remains visible along the lagoon’s edges, RVA assured council members that the majority of the buildup has been successfully removed from beneath the water’s surface, where it matters most.
The next phase of the project will focus on the North Lagoon, with similar dredging and infrastructure improvements planned. To ensure long-term sustainability, RVA recommended implementing a sludge monitoring program every five to ten years and conducting dredging cycles every ten to fifteen years. This proactive approach would reduce the need for large, costly interventions in the future.
Additionally, innovative solutions are being explored to further enhance lagoon capacity. One proposal involves using baffling curtains to extend the flow path within the lagoon, allowing for increased discharge cycles and greater efficiency. While this approach requires regulatory approval, it presents a cost-effective alternative to building new treatment infrastructure.
Council members expressed appreciation for the detailed update and acknowledged the project’s importance in supporting future development in the region. With the successful completion of the 2024 phase, anticipation is high for the upcoming work on the North Lagoon this year.
