2019-48(4) Salmon Arm Wastewater Pollution Control Centre Stage IV Upgrades

The City of Salmon Arm’s Water Pollution Control Centre (WPCC) is a Biological Nutrient
Removal (BNR) facility with tertiary treatment, classified as a Level IV wastewater treatment
plant. Originally constructed in 1975, the WPCC has undergone various upgrades over the
years to improve capacity and performance. The plant currently has treatment capacity to
serve up to 15,000 population equivalents (PE), which corresponds to an annual average day
flow (AADF) of approximately 4,875 m3/d based on historical flow data. However, with the
City’s growing population and increasing wastewater demands, the facility is approaching its
capacity limits. Additionally, much of the WPCC’s infrastructure and equipment, particularly
within its secondary treatment processes, have reached the end of their operational lifespan
and require replacement to ensure future effluent standards are met and treatment efficiency is
maintained. The WPCC is located at 121 Narcisse Street N.W., Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1W3. The Stage IV Upgrades project will focus on expanding and modernizing the City’s
wastewater treatment infrastructure to accommodate future population growth and meet
increasingly stringent environmental standards. The project aims to increase the plant’s
capacity from its current limit of 15,000 PE, preparing the facility for anticipated service
demands over the coming years. To achieve this, the upgrades will replace or augment critical
components of the treatment process, improve operational efficiency, and ensure regulatory
compliance with effluent discharge standards. A key element of the Stage IV Upgrades project
is construction and integration of a new secondary treatment process to replace the WPCC’s
existing fixed growth reactors (FGRs).
Another central objective of the Stage IV Upgrades project is to maximize the reuse of existing
infrastructure through the upgrades. Much of the WPCC’s infrastructure, including concrete
tanks, pipes, and certain treatment components, may have the potential to be rehabilitated and
integrated into the upgraded treatment process. By prioritizing reuse, the City aims to extend
the useful life of these assets, reduce overall project costs, and minimize the environmental
impact associated with new construction. To support this goal, the City selected Brown and
Caldwell to evaluate existing infrastructure’s condition and suitability for incorporation into
the planned upgrades. This approach not only aligns with the City’s commitment to fiscal
responsibility but also supports a resource-efficient design that reflects the City’s commitment
to sustainable municipal development