Construction set to begin on Residuals Management Facility at Medicine Hat’s Water Treatment Plant

Medicine Hat – On Monday, April 10, crews will begin construction on the Residuals Management Facility (RMF) at the City’s Water Treatment Plant (WTP). The project will improve water quality in the South Saskatchewan River by reducing the amount of bound chemical solids from the treatment process released into the river.

Water treatment residuals are particulate solids combined with chemicals generated in the normal course of treating and disinfecting potable water at a water treatment plant.

As part of its Approval to Operate a Water Treatment Plant issued by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (AEPA), the City is required to construct a Residuals Management Facility that would limit the amount of solids discharged into the river to below 25 milligrams per litre of total suspended solids (TSS) by the end of 2024. This is a phased requirement of all treatment plants in Alberta to sustainably preserve our natural water resources.

The facility will thicken and dewater the solids after they have been removed through the water treatment process and prepare them for transport to the landfill rather than return them to the river.

The RMF is estimated to cost $26.5 million, fully funded by federal and provincial grants under the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) program.

A perimeter fence is erected around the worksite at the water treatment plant on the south bank of the South Saskatchewan River. The parking lot near the river remains accessible and pedestrians are able still able to reach the river front around the fence, though it is encouraged to use the parking lot on the north side of the river for ease and convenience.

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