Chatham-Kent’s public utilities commission has selected a project management consultant for the rebuilding of the fire-ravaged water treatment plant in Wheatley.
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The plant sustained significant heat and smoke damage in the Sept. 13 fire. It’s been undergoing cleaning and restoration work since.
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At Thursday’s virtual meeting, commissioners approved a $121,875 contract with Stratford’s Kusiar Project Services Inc.
The work will include site inspection, construction and contract administration, a staff report said. One of the next steps is to secure a general contractor to rebuild the plant’s interior.
The fire prompted a boil water advisory for the Wheatley and Tilbury areas, which was lifted in early October. Since then, water has since been supplied through interconnects with Leamington.
Winmar staff continues to hand wipe and clean the facility, said Darren Galbraith, the commission’s general manager.
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“They expect to complete this part of the restoration the last week of this month,” he said. “Sealing of the walls will begin once the cleaning is completed, expected to be done at the end of May.”
The temporary water treatment system is “coming along very well,” with temporary piping now installed, Galbraith said.
Pumps were tested this past week. Veolia, a water management contractor, will be onsite for the next three weeks to commission the microfiltration treatment trailers, and train commission staff.
The commission also faces logistical issues with its current water supply.
“Last weekend, the Wheatley elevated tank had a low level,” Galbraith said. “I’m likely going to need to announce water restrictions for Wheatley and Tilbury next week until the temporary water system is in full operation.”
One reason for the change in water flow is increased agricultural use this time of year, given rising temperatures and longer daylight, he said.
“Obviously, the greenhouses, and more of the users in the Leamington area, use more water,” he said. “We’re on the residual end, we call it. That’s why we’re going to hustle and bustle to get these treatment trailers going and prevent any loss of pressure throughout the system.
“We knew this was going to come,” Galbraith added. “Spring has kind of happened about a month earlier than we expected.”
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