Soneera Water Canada Ltd. and the Town of Unity have announced an agreement to upgrade the sewage water treatment facilities for the town.
According to a press release, Soneera Water will install a wastewater treatment system in Unity that will deliver clean water into Sink Lake, enhancing the water quality of the existing treatment ponds. Working in concert with Saskatoon-based civil engineering firm McElhanney Consulting Services Ltd., Soneera Water Canada expects to commission the system in summer 2016, the release states.
“The Town of Unity has recognized a requirement to upgrade the sewage treatment plant to facilitate growth,” said Darrell Behan , Soneera Water Canada’s CEO.
“Soneera Water Canada Ltd offers a modular solution, which can handle an 80 per cent growth … and be economically expanded as required in the future.”
The system, which uses electroflocculation to remove contaminants, was invented in Australia by Dr. Vivian Robinson.
Robinson was present in Unity Jan. 29 for the official signing of the agreement.
The Memfree technology invented by Robinson has enjoyed significant acceptance in Australia and was introduced into North America in 2014, the press release states.
The system is described as being a “green” option for the efficient treatment of waste water. The unit operates without filters in the primary treatment cells. Despite that, it cleans the water to nano filter level, removing all but the smallest pollutants such as salt.
The automated systems are monitored remotely, removing the need for expensive maintenance or on-site monitoring. The only chemical used in the process is acid that is applied, only if required, to neutralize the ph of alkaline in-feed water. No other chemicals are used in the process and electricity consumption is low.
After proving the technology in a variety of wastewater installations, Soneera Water LLC commenced marketing the product in 2015 in the United States. Soneera Canada Ltd. was established in November 2015, with registered offices in Saskatoon.
“I can’t stress how excited we are to enter this market. We have partnered with McElhanney for engineering services as the first step towards building a strong local presence,” said Geoff Hukins, Soneera Canada’s COO.
“We have invited the WSA to maintain an intimate involvement with the project and have committed to openly share progress throughout the trial phase. Pursuing local manufacture will be high on our list of to-dos as soon as we can gain critical mass to support the investment.”
Unity mayor Sylvia Maljan has also expressed enthusiasm for the project.
"The Town of Unity is excited about the prospect of pioneering this technology in Saskatchewan,” she said.
“Communities such as Unity are tasked with the responsibility of considering a perpetual list of infrastructure projects to replace, or in this case, add to our municipal service assets. We do not have the capacity to complete all of our capital requirements without being innovative, financially prudent and exceedingly diligent in our management of these projects. The Town of Unity looks forward to the development of this facility by Soneera, and wishes to thank all of our residents for their understanding and support as we embark on this next phase of infrastructure improvement."
