Submitted. Upgrades to the JAMES Wastewater Treatment Plant dewatering system are now complete thanks to a $2.17 million investment from the federal and provincial governments.
The announcement was made today by the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade & Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, and Member of Parliament for Abbotsford, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister for Western Economic Diversification, Randy Hawes, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, Abbotsford Mayor Bruce Banman and Mission Mayor Ted Adlem.
“Our Government recognizes that it is important to work together with our provincial and municipal partners to find innovative solutions that meet our infrastructure needs,” said Minister Fast. “I am pleased to see the results of this funding, which is providing modern, reliable infrastructure, and providing a solid foundation for the continued creation of jobs, growth and long-term prosperity.”
The funding was provided for the upgrades through the Canada B.C. Municipal-Rural Infrastructure Fund (CBCMRIF), which supports the continued growth of B.C. communities as greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live. The upgrades to the plant include the purchase and installation of two new centrifuges to be used in the bio-solids and sludge dewatering process.
“Nearly a quarter million people in the communities of Abbotsford, Mission and Langley will benefit from the improvements that have been done to the JAMES Plant,” said MLA Hawes. “Our two senior governments recognize the need to support local communities with infrastructure that maintains a healthy, clean environment and protects the Fraser River ecosystem.”
“One of the greatest challenges facing BC communities is the cost of expanding facilities to meet growing demand,” said Banman. “Funding for this critical upgrade is the result of important cooperative partnerships between federal, provincial, and local governments and we are extremely thankful for the support of our partners.”
The new system will operate more efficiently, improve safety and water quality, and significantly reduce operating costs,” said Adlem. “Through investments such as this, we are delivering on our promise to help our communities become vibrant and productive places to live, work and raise families.”
The Joint Abbotsford Mission Environmental System (JAMES) Wastewater Treatment Plant is located in Abbotsford BC along the Fraser River and is jointly owned and operated by the City of Abbotsford and District of Mission. Approximately 95% of the biosolids produced at the JAMES Treatment Plant are trucked to B.C.’s interior and utilized for mine reclamation purposes at Highland Valley Copper Mine near Logan Lake. Drier biosolids provide a positive environmental impact by reducing the amount of greenhouse gasses emitted through the hauling process.