Cold Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant Nears Completion of Modern Biofilm Upgrade

The Cold Lake Regional Utility Services Commission (CLRUSC) is entering the final stage of a major upgrade to its Wastewater Treatment Plant, introducing new biofilm technology that will significantly improve how wastewater is processed before being released into the environment.

 

In October, members of Cold Lake City Council joined staff at the treatment site to mark a key milestone — the addition of millions of small, honeycomb-shaped plastic carriers to the facility’s new Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) system.

 

These tiny floating pieces, known as media, create large surface areas for microorganisms to attach and grow. The microorganisms help break down organic material in the water, making the process more efficient and consistent, especially during colder months.

 

Located southeast of the city at 62211 Range Road 421 in the Municipal District of Bonnyville, the Cold Lake facility has long served the region but required modernisation to meet stricter environmental regulations and accommodate the community’s growth.

 

> “This new system will make the treatment process far more effective, particularly for reducing ammonia levels, which are difficult to treat in winter,” said Azam Khan, General Manager of Infrastructure Services for the City of Cold Lake.

 

 

 

The upgraded MBBR system uses approximately 480 million media pieces, each designed to last up to 35 years if kept intact. Construction began in May 2024, following the contract award to Sure-Form the previous month. The project includes a new uncovered MBBR tank and an operations building equipped with disc filters, blowers, and the necessary space for future ultraviolet disinfection.

 

Despite the scale of the project, Khan noted that residents will not see any change in their tap water, as the work affects wastewater treatment, not the city’s drinking water supply.

 

Completion is expected in November 2025, according to the City of Cold Lake. Once operational, the upgraded plant will ensure continued compliance with provincial and federal wastewater standards, while providing better protection for the Beaver River ecosystem and the surrounding environment.