Ms. Roberts introduced the report.
Councillor Tozzo asked how much money Utilities Kingston allocated to consultants for this project. He inquired if this project was not feasible due to the proposed location, or if it is not attainable in its entirety. Ms. Roberts noted that approximately one million dollars was dispersed in fees for this project. She added that this project is not feasible in its entirety.
Councillor Amos sought clarification regarding the expansion of current wastewater facilities. He asked if Utilities Kingston could meet the proposed 2029 timeline. Ms. Roberts explained that further costs required in the expansion of the Cataraqui Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant would be brought forward during the regular budgeting process and would be funded by development charges. She added that Utilities Kingston is projected to meet the proposed 2029 timeline.
Councillor Hassan asked how current operations deal with sludge. He sought clarification regarding the future of the project. Ms. Roberts explained that when wastewater comes into the plant, it is split into a liquid stream and a solid stream. She added that solids received go into anaerobic digesters that produce biogas and biosolid material. She noted that leftover biosolids need to meet non-agricultural source material requirements and is land applied. Mr. Fell explained that Utilities Kingston is recommending not to proceed with the project. He noted that there are no plans to revisit the project in the future.
Councillor Cinanni asked how wastewater operations will occur with respect to biosolid material without the proposed facility. He asked if this project would have been more economically viable when it was initially proposed approximately ten years ago. Ms. Roberts explained that Utilities Kingston will continue to manage with the current operation of wastewater plants. She noted that expansion of the Cataraqui Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant would be required in the future to ensure capacity is met. Mr. Fell explained that the timeline delay did not factor into the cost of the project.
The Chair was passed to Councillor Tozzo.
Councillor Chaves noted concerns from similar facilities in the United States. He inquired if there are different regulations for wastewater facilities in Canada. He asked if there are similar facilities in Ontario or Quebec. He also sought confirmation that biosolids are created at wastewater facilities in Kingston. Ms. Roberts explained that the processes at the wastewater treatment facilities in Kingston are similar to others in the Province. She added that the Ravensview Wastewater Treatment Plant is considered state-of-the-art in regard to secondary disinfection. She noted unfamiliarity with United States regulations.
Ms. Roberts further explained that the biosolids produced at wastewater treatment plants meet non-agricultural source material regulations and are land applied. She added that Utilities Kingston has a contractor that picks up the biosolid material and administers the certificates required for the biosolid material to be land applied. She noted that each year Utilities Kingston brings wastewater reports to Council. She stated that these reports are included on the Utilities Kingston website and includes details of locations where biosolid material is land applied.
The Chair was returned to Councillor Chaves.
Councillor Oosterhof asked at what point in the study it was determined this project was not feasible. He asked if consideration was given to electrical generation. Mr. Fell explained that the project could not significantly reduce GHG emissions. He added that the results of the business case through the work of external consultants had been reviewed over the last several months where it was determined the cost of the project is unattainable at $253 million dollars over a 35-year period and requiring between five to seven million dollars in a subsidy per year. Mr. Fell explained that although there are several potential uses for the biogas produced, Knox Farms was identified as an ideal location due to the proximity to a natural gas pipeline. He added that electrical generation was not considered as it may have an increased cost due to capital requirement.
Councillor Osanic sought clarification regarding biosolids. She asked if biosolids are used in producing electricity at Ravensview Wastewater Treatment Plant. Ms. Roberts explained that it is a contractor who takes the biosolids produced at the wastewater treatment plants and supplies it to sites that can accept biosolid material. She added that Utilities Kingston has one contractor who takes all of the biosolid material produced. Ms. Roberts noted that Utilities Kingston pays a fee to the contractor to remove the biosolids and the contracts between the contractor and their customers are theirs to make and are private. She explained that cogeneration is used to convert gas into electricity to be used on site. She added if there is excess gas, it needs to be flared.
The Chair afforded members of the public with the opportunity to speak.
Frank Dickson voiced support for the recommendation. He asked if there are similar facilities in Canada. He asked how Utilities Kingston will manage flaring of excess gas with population growth.
In response to public comments, Ms. Roberts stated that there are similar facilities in London and Petawawa. She explained that additional flaring will be needed as the city grows, however, there is a need to expand operations in the future.