Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – At the March 19 council meeting, members received a detailed presentation from Rod Dupuis, Senior Operations Manager at the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA), regarding the municipality’s water and wastewater operations.
One of the key topics in the report was the condition of North Middlesex’s wastewater treatment facilities. Dupuis emphasized that regular maintenance and timely upgrades are necessary to ensure efficient operations and prevent costly breakdowns. Among the major maintenance tasks completed in 2024 was the replacement of the deteriorated digester railing and pipe hangers at the Ailsa Craig Wastewater Pollution Control Plant. Additionally, a condition assessment of the plant’s Trojan UV disinfection system determined that it had reached the end of its service life and would require upgrades to maintain regulatory compliance.
Another significant project involved the removal and proper disposal of 1,232 cubic meters of biosolids from the Ailsa Craig storage tank. Dupuis noted that while the tank remains in generally good condition, minor deficiencies were identified during inspections. These issues will be factored into capital planning for future repairs. To further enhance efficiency, OCWA staff conducted a complete aeration cleanout, replaced a backwash pump guide and check valve, and performed high-velocity flushing and closed-circuit television inspections in the wastewater collection system. These efforts align with the municipality’s ongoing commitment to infrastructure maintenance and operational efficiency.
Dupuis also provided an update on capital projects related to wastewater treatment. The Ailsa Craig Wastewater Pollution Control Plant energy optimization project remains a top priority, with a proposal already submitted for consideration in the 2025 budget. The project involves installing variable frequency drives on the plant’s HVAC system to reduce air exchange rates from 20 to 7 per hour, significantly cutting electricity usage. Additionally, the facility will install new heat pumps to reduce reliance on rooftop heating units, further decreasing energy costs. According to OCWA estimates, these upgrades could reduce hydro expenses by $10,000 to $15,000 per month, making the project a cost-effective long-term investment.
In the water distribution system, OCWA has been actively working to improve service reliability. In 2024, a total of 1,043 utility locates were completed, along with nine water main repairs, 12 water service repairs, and 11 new service installations. Staff also continued efforts to reduce water loss by installing data loggers at boundary meters and conducting acoustic monitoring of service lines, valves, and hydrants. These initiatives are expected to improve water conservation and help identify potential leaks more efficiently.
