Consultant services for an engineering study for a new production well for Williams Lake’s have been awarded.
During the regular meeting Tuesday, June 6, city council unanimously approved awarding up to $162,307 to TRUE Consulting for engineering services, up to $13,151 to Sugar Cane Archaeology for an archaeological impact assessment and up to $52,487 to Western Water Associates Ltd. for hydrology services.
Through the motion council also approved sole-sourcing for the services.
“Considering the time constraints and the importance of this project to get the ball rolling and this is basically only the consultation stage, I support waiving the [purchasing] policy at this point,” said Coun. Joan Flaspohler. “But if it was for the majority of the funds that need to be expended, I would not be in support.”
Coun. Scott Nelson, also supporting the recommendation, said it is an important project.
In 2014, the city realized one of the wells, number three, was not working efficiently.
When the federal government amended the guidelines for Canadian drinking water in 2019, Williams Lake’s drinking water averaged slightly above new acceptable concentrations of manganese.
At the time the city issued a press release noting the new maximum acceptable concentration for manganese had been classified as 0.12mg/L and Williams Lake averaged 0.14mg/L in its drinking water. This meant the city would need to build a water treatment plant as well.
Nelson said the city applied for a grant, but was turned down.
Now the city has $1.5 million in the budget to get going.
Coun. Michael Moses asked staff if the city was contracting the three consultants is because they already have “a lot” of experience with the project.
Muraca said all three have extensive experience with the city’s water system.
For example, he said, the emergency work for the archaeology permit it was Sugar Cane Archaeology that helped us so much because the delay for an arch permit is eight months with the Archaeology Branch.
“Being able to sole source when we know right off the bat we aren’t going to gain anything by waiting is allowed through the city’s purchasing policy, Muraca said.
It is anticipated the entire project will cost $1.5 million.
Public works manager Pat Mahood said the city has five wells, and three are working.
There are four at Scout Island and one on Duncan Street.
The city’s wells are about 200 feet deep, Mahood said.
monica.lamb-yorski@wltribune.com
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