The District of Sparwood is pleased to announce the official groundbreaking of the new secondary treatment process at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

The oxidation ditch constructed in 1968, is the original system that has served Sparwood for over five decades. This major upgrade to replace the ditch with Sequencing Batch Reactors (SBR’s) marks an important step in modernizing aging infrastructure, meeting environmental responsibilities, and preparing for future community growth.

The current plant performs several key functions—including collection, screening, secondary treatment, dewatering, UV treatment, and effluent discharge. The most substantial improvements in this project focus on the secondary treatment and dewatering processes, both of which are critical for ensuring high‑quality effluent before it is safely released into the Elk River.

Secondary treatment uses microorganisms to break down dissolved organic matter in wastewater. At Sparwood’s existing facility, this is achieved through an oxidation ditch and a clarifier. Wastewater circulates through a large oval-shaped oxidation basin where aeration and bacteria work together to break down organic material.

This partially treated water then flows into a clarifier, allowing solids—known as sludge—to settle. A portion of this sludge returns to the oxidation ditch to maintain the health of the microorganisms needed for continual treatment.

The resulting mixture, called mixed liquor, must be carefully maintained with proper oxygen levels and mechanical aeration. The dewatering stage then further separates solids from the system by processing settled sludge through a large centrifuge, returning excess water back to the start of the treatment process.

The need to modernize the wastewater treatment process was first identified by council in 2008. Key factors included preparing for new developments such as Cherrywood, Whiskey Jack, and Westwood; meeting environmental and public health obligations; and ensuring the system could support long-term community expansion.

Major benefits of upgrading the plant include:

• Improved health and safety for operators and the public;
• Protection of water quality and the Elk River ecosystem;
• Added capacity to support population growth and new development;
• More efficient use of the existing site and space for future expansion;
• Improved automation and control over levels of dissolved oxygen;
• Upgraded to meet requirements for registration under the Municipal Wastewater Regulation;
• Replacement of infrastructure that has exceeded its useful service life.

“These upgrades represent a major investment in Sparwood’s future. Modernizing our wastewater treatment process is not only a necessity, it also protects our environment, supports community growth, and ensures we meet our commitments to residents and the Elk River. Council is confident that these upgrades represent the most responsible and cost‑effective path forward. By modernizing our existing facility, we are maximizing value for taxpayers while delivering long‑term improvements essential to Sparwood’s growth and wellbeing,” said Sparwood Mayor David Wilks.

Construction, being completed by Industra Construction Corporation will be ongoing and is expected to be concluded in September 2027. The district will continue to provide updates to the community as major project milestones are met.

Lead image: Sparwood Mayor David Wilks, Councillor Chris Nand and District of Sparwood staff were joined by representatives from Industra and AECOM for the official groundbreaking for the Wastewater Treatment Plant.  Back row left to right: Mitch Young (Industra), Kris Burns (Industra), Dwayne Head (District of Sparwood), Willy Mortimer (District of Sparwood), Bradley Bent (District of Sparwood). Front row: Left to right: Ethan Pauli (District of Sparwood), Brenden Moore (Industra), Joshua Fita (Industra) Councillor Chris Nand (District of Sparwood) John Carrol (AECOM) Mayor David Wilks (District of Sparwood), Darrell Kaisner (District of Sparwood), Michele Schalekamp (District of Sparwood), Serhii Voronin (District of Sparwood), Mehrnoosh Maherani (AECOM). District of Sparwood photo

District of Sparwood

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