Corporation of the City of Sault Ste. Marie

Published purpose

The West End Treatment Plant Upgrades - Phase 2 for the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario project ensures that the West End Wastewater Treatment Plant will continue to meet the needs of Sault Ste. Marie's growing population and forecasted housing needs into the next decade. A reliable wastewater treatment plant is a critical piece of infrastructure required to support more homes. Wastewater in the City of Sault Ste. Marie is treated at two wastewater treatment plants: the East End Wastewater Treatment Plant (EEWWTP) and West End Wastewater Treatment Plant (WEWWTP). Both facilities discharge treated effluent to the Great Lakes, a sensitive and critical resource. The City is undertaking important upgrades to the WEWWTP to support planned growth in the west catchment area, reduce maintenance demands, and improve operational efficiencies. The upgrades include improvements to the aeration system, primary and secondary clarifier mechanisms, and conversion of the chlorine disinfection/dichlorination systems to UV disinfection. These improvements will enable 2,284 housing units and ensure high-quality treated effluent, complying with Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) criteria, while reducing chemical loading on the receiving waterbody and improving aquatic health.