The facility on Innisfail’s newly-developed industrial land “helps protect the aquatic environment and the quality of source water for much of Central Alberta”, according to the South Red Deer Regional Wastewater Commission (SRDRWC) website.

The work is being done by the SRDRWC as part of the regional wastewater line that runs from Olds to Red Deer, where the water is then treated and returned to the Red Deer River.

The pond will be utilised in overflow situations when the wastewater line can’t effectively move the volume of material entering the system.

The town has been in consultation with the SRDWC for a number of years, working on the details of this project. Once the project is complete, it will provide an extra level of protection to residents in the event the wastewater system becomes overwhelmed.

As the work continues, soil removed from the construction site will be stored on a parcel of town-owned land north of the industrial area. This land has been designated for future residential and commercial development.

The soil will be used in the development of these lands if the proposed Naploleon Lake South subdivision moves forward; if the project does not proceed, the soil will be graded into
the existing site.

When complete, the site of the surge pond should remain dry and will only contain overflow material when the wastewater line is over capacity.d responsibility and absolutely no recognition.