Water Waste Treatment Plant Upgrade: MBBR

The Cold Lake Regional Utility Services Commission (CLRUSC) is upgrading its wastewater treatment plant by integrating a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system to the existing lagoon system. This upgrade will modernize the facility, enhance treatment efficiency, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. MBBR technology improves the biological treatment process, allowing the plant to handle increased capacity and improve the quality of treated wastewater before discharge into the environment.

The MBBR system will feature an exterior uncovered tank and an operations building that will house disc filters, blowers, and provisions for future UV disinfection, along with necessary support systems (electrical, control room, etc.). 

Location: 62211 Range Road 421, MD of Bonnyville, SW 13-62-2-W4

Schedule

April 11, 2024: Sure-Form awarded contract

May 8, 2024: Project start-up meeting

Winter 2024: Outfall repairs scheduled

Winter/Spring 2025: Operations building scheduled to arrive on site

Nov. 1, 2025: Construction completion date

Updates

Aug 2024: Access road improvements completed

Nov. 4, 2024

• Site works and rough grading
• Operations building and MBBR concrete foundation wall works
• See Progress Update (video)

Background

The CLRUSC operates a lagoon-based Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) located southeast of the City of Cold Lake. The facility is governed by an approval under the Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEP) Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, which remains in effect until December 13, 2033. However, the current lagoon system has become less effective in managing the increasing wastewater demands of the growing population.

The decision to upgrade to Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) technology is driven by the need for a more reliable, sustainable, and scalable solution capable of meeting both present and future wastewater treatment requirements.

Improvements to the existing WWTF were necessary to address effluent quality issues, particularly the inability to consistently meet the acute lethality standards of the federal Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations (WSER). The new mechanical treatment processes will be installed downstream of the existing facultative lagoon, with treated effluent discharged into the existing South Storage Cell before being conveyed to the Beaver River.

To view a 3D rendering of the project, click here.

Budget

Estimated Cost: $33,500,00.00

Funding Sources:

• $8.76 Million: Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP) Grant 
• $3.62 Million: Cold Lake Regional Utility Services Commission 
• $5.97 Million: City of Cold Lake
• $14.66 Million: Debenture

How will this benefit the Community?

Improved Environmental Compliance

• The upgrade will enhance the quality of treated wastewater being released into local waterways, protecting the environment and public health.

Increased Capacity

• The new system will support future growth in Cold Lake and surrounding region, ensuring the city’s wastewater infrastructure can accommodate expanding residential and commercial areas.

Operational Efficiency

• The MBBR system is anticipated to reduces maintenance and operational costs while improving overall efficiency.

Strategic Alignment

This project aligns with the RUSC strategic plan by ensuring sustainable growth, protecting environmental resources, and supporting the long-term development of key infrastructure. It supports the region’s goals of enhancing livability, sustainability, and economic resilience.