Stettler town council has approved a $354,750 contract to GFL Environmental Services Inc. for wastewater lagoon desludging, reallocating funds from a cancelled aeration project to cover a budget shortfall.
The decision made during the Oct. 6 council meeting, authorizes $292,000 for GFL’s work, alongside $30,500 for engineering & testing by Tagish Engineering, & a 10 percent contingency of $32,250 (excluding GST).
While the 2026 capital budget originally set aside $300,000 for desludging Cells A and B, council agreed to reallocate $55,000 from a previously approved lagoon aeration conversion project.
According to reports, the aeration conversion was scrapped after a draft assessment indicated that broader changes to the town’s wastewater treatment methods will be needed in the coming years.
Lagoon desludging, which occurs every six to eight years, is necessary to preserve treatment capacity and maintain environmental compliance limits.
GFL was selected over Taber Solids Control (1998) Ltd., which submitted a bid of $273,986.00
Administration noted Taber Solids’ bid omitted sludge disposal costs, which would have driven their total project cost close to $400,000.
Council heard GFL plans to dewater the lagoon cells rather than use a barge to allow sludge volumes to be verified through direct inspection.
The two to three week operation in 2027 is likely to generate odor complaints and increased truck traffic through parts of town.
Council noted they should lead a public awareness campaign to inform residents before work begins.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
