The Town of High River and Foothills County are looking at how combining upgrades to wastewater treatment facilities could save money.

High River Mayor Craig Snodgrass says both municipalities are at different stages of their own plants right now.

"Foothills County has future plans for their own wastewater treatment facility somewhere north of High River, between High River and Aldersyde or in Aldersyde and we've got our ongoing negotiations with Alberta Environment, because Alberta Environment wants us to upgrade our wastewater treatment plant that sits just north of Cargill."

A combined facility wasn't originally on the table because the Town's planned upgrade was utilizing the existing lagoons for treatment. 

After looking at available technologies, the idea of shifting to a full mechanical treatment facility was contemplated. 

That change to full mechanical may provide the Town with savings and make it possible to meet a higher wastewater effluent standard which makes partnering with the County possible.

MPE Engineering will apply for a $200,000 grant to study the advantages and disadvantages of doing a joint project.

According to a preliminary report, separate projects could cost $90 million to build and operate over 25 years while a combined plant would cost about $78.9 million, a saving of $11.1 million over 25 years.

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