News & Events

Beaver Mines Project Recap

Below is a recap of information relating to the Beaver Mines Water/Waste Water Project. For any further information please contact the MD Director of Operations at 403 627 3130 or email info@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca

Week ending November 5, 2020 - no further update on the water/wastewater project, still awaiting AEP approval

November 3, 2020, Bylaw 1320-20 public hearing is scheduled for November 24, 2020. Please note it is in reference to the entire “Cowley - Castle Water Line”, wastewater services that already exist, and garbage collection in the collection areas throughout the MD. This bylaw is not specific to Beaver Mines. It is our Utility bylaw for the entire MD.

Due to covid restrictions, we are limiting the attendance within the MD chambers by reservation only, but will also be holding the meeting virtually. BM residents will be involved more than most going forward as we walk through hookups, street/traffic disruptions, and everything else. These items are NOT a part of the utility bylaw.

There is no need, at this time, to flood this event with a large group from any one area. Your participation is always welcome, but we want to ensure that everyone is aware this bylaw is for everyone and all utility services, not just BM Water and wastewater.

For more information on this public hearing please visit here.

September 4, 2020 *email to residents (to be on the email list, send a request to Communications@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca)

Good Afternoon Residents of Beaver Mines,

If you are receiving this email, is it because the MD was supplied with your email address, with your permission, via the Beaver Mines Community Association, or provided it directly to the MD for communication purposes. If you no longer wish to receive emails now or in the future, please reply and request to be removed from the information updates. We sincerely appreciate the community’s dedicated involvement, the hours that members have taken to reach out and speak with our staff, and the patience that the Beaver Mines community has had.

Beaver Mines Distribution and Collection System:

Drawings will be finalized over the next couple of months with an anticipated tender in November 2020.
The next Design Review between Engineers and the MD is scheduled for September 10, 2020, further review once we have approval from Alberta Environment.

Beaver Mines Liftstation, Forcemain, and Waste Water Treatment System:

Drawings for the lift station and force main are in progress; and
Public notice of the EPEA application for the Beaver Mines Waste Water Treatment System is now with Alberta Environment. There were a few statements of concerns filed - we anticipate hearing back from Alberta Environment mid-September, 2020.
Alberta Transportation approved the installation of the forcemain in their right of way.

Regulatory Approvals Still Required:

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA)

Tentative Tender dates:

November 2020 – issue tender documents to pre-qualified contractors, tender close.
December 2020 – tender summary and recommendation sent to MDPC, project awarded.

*All tender dates are tentative and contingent upon receipt of regulatory approvals.

Tentative construction dates:

Construction commencing in spring 2021.
Water & Waste Water underground utilities, Treatment, Forcemain, and Lift Station operational by the end of 2021.
Final road restoration and completion (paving) in spring 2022.
Anticipated resident hookups by the end of 2021 or spring 2022.

** All construction dates are tentative and contingent upon tender, approvals, and 2021 weather.

If there are specific questions you have, please contact Aaron Benson at the MD at 403-627-3130 or email AdminDirOps@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca.

August 7, 2020 *email to residents (to be on the email list, send a request to Communications@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca)

Good Afternoon Residents of Beaver Mines,

If you are receiving this email, is it because the MD was supplied with your email address, with your permission, via the Beaver Mines Community Association, or provided it directly to the MD for communication purposes. If you no longer wish to receive emails now or in the future, please reply and request to be removed from the information updates.

Going forward, we want to ensure more open dialogue with the residents directly affected by this project. The updates we plan to send to the Beaver Mines list may be different from social media as they could contain more details – it is easy to miss the project update if you are not frequent on Facebook or the MD website. While no confidential information will be sent out to any resident, we feel that by having the ability to send individual emails to community members, we can ensure more coverage than can be reached with other ways of communication. We are interested to hear your thoughts and techniques that the MD can improve on communication.

Castle Area Regional Water Supply Project Update (as of August 7, 2020):

Contract 1 – Pipeline:
- The contractor has received utility locates around Beaver Mines. Due to delays in utility locates, the contractor has commenced other work within the project and will return to the Beaver Mines loop at a later date.
- Installation of a total of 18,425 m out of the total 25,400 of water pipe completed;
- The Castle Area Regional Water Supply is projected to be under budget with a proposed completion date at the end of November 2020.

Contract 2 – Mechanical:

Final commissioning for the booster stations will occur during August.

Beaver Mines Distribution and Collection System:

Drawings will be finalized over the next couple of months with an anticipated tender in November 2020.

Beaver Mines Liftstation, Forcemain, and Waste Water Treatment System:

Drawings for the lift station and force main are in progress; and
Public notice of the EPEA application for the Beaver Mines Waste Water Treatment System has been advertised in both newspapers, social media, and on the MD website on July 15, 2020. Concerned individuals have until August 14, 2020, to respond to the public notice.

Regulatory Approvals Still Required:

Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (EPEA);
Alberta Transportation;
Culture and Tourism.

Next Steps:

Next Design Review between Engineers and the MD is scheduled for September 2020.

Tentative Tender dates:

November 2020 – issue tender documents to pre-qualified contractors, tender close.
December 2020 – tender summary and recommendation sent to MDPC, project awarded.

*All tender dates are tentative and contingent upon receipt of regulatory approvals.

Tentative construction dates:

Construction commencing in spring 2021.
Water & Waste Water underground utilities, Treatment, Forcemain, and Lift Station operational by the end of 2021.
Final road restoration and completion (paving) in spring 2022.
Anticipated resident hookups by the end of 2021 or spring 2022.

** All construction dates are tentative and contingent upon tender, approvals, and 2021 weather.

If there are specific questions you have, please contact Aaron Benson at the MD at 403-627-3130 or email AdminDirOps@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca. We sincerely appreciate the community’s involvement, the hours that dedicated members have taken to reach out and speak with our staff, and patience that the Beaver Mines community has had.

July 8, 2020 Website/Social Media/Pincher Creek Echo/Shootin the Breeze /posted in office

PUBLIC NOTICE
MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF PINCHER CREEK NO. 9
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT ACT
NOTICE OF APPLICATION

In accordance with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 has applied to Alberta Environment and Parks for an approval to construct and operate the Beaver Mines Wastewater treatment plant. The wastewater treatment process includes one completely mixed aerated cell, two partially mixed aerated cells, one polishing cell, and Banner At-Grade system. The treated effluent will be disposed of to the Banner At-Grade system located at SE 16-006-02-W5M.

A directly affected person may provide input into certain regulatory decisions, as allowed by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (section 73). Specifically, any person who is directly affected by this application may submit a written statement of concern within 30 days of the date of this notice to:

Environment and Parks
Regulatory Approvals Center
5th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza
9915 - 108 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2G8
Fax: (780) 422-0154
E-mail: aep.epeaapplications@gov.ab.ca
The written statement of concern should include the following:

- the application number 001-464304
- describe concerns that are relevant to matters regulated by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
- explain how the filer of the concern will be directly affected by the activities proposed in the application
- provide the legal land location of the land owned or used by the filer where the concerns described are believed to be applicable
- state the distance between the land owned or used by the filer and the site in the application
- contact information including the full name and mailing address of the filer.

Please provide a telephone number and/or email address for ease of contact.

Environment and Parks will review each written statement of concern, seek more information if needed, and notify each filer by letter of the decision to accept or reject their written submission as a valid statement of concern. The Public Notice of this application will also be posted on the Department’s website at https://avw.alberta.ca/PublicNoticesViewer.aspx.

Statements of concern submitted regarding this application are public records which are accessible by the public and the applicant. Failure to file a statement of concern may affect the right to file a Notice of Appeal with the Environmental Appeals Board.

Copies of the application and additional information can be obtained from:
Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9
Attention: Aaron Benson

PO BOX 279
PINCHER CREEK, AB T0K 1W0
Telephone: 403-627-3130
Fax: 403-627-5070
E-mail: admindirops@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca

** Please note the timeline for submissions has passed and this is the process the MD is following from Alberta Environment.

If No Statements of Concern are received from the 30 day Public Notice

Jeffrey Wu (AEP, Regional Approvals Engineer) issues a Draft Approval after 30 days
Banner and the MD review the Draft Approval with identification of any changes. If there are no changes, the MD provides acceptance signoff.
The Director issues the Final Approval
Proceed with Tender

If Statements of Concern are received from the 30 day Public Notice

AEP reviews the SOC to determine validity and requirements for response i.e. directly affected individuals, technical, potential environmental impact, nuisance, political, personal preference, etc.
The SOCs which are considered not valid are directly responded to by AEP either stating that the individual is not directly affected, not warranted, or that their concern is not within their boundaries to provide a response.
The SOCs which are considered valid are either directly responded to by AEP under the basis that the application document has adequately addressed their concern, or request additional information from us to include in their response.
Once the response is issued to the SOC, the director can consider these sufficiently addressed or include Conditions within the approval document to accommodate the SOCs.
The Director then proceeds with decision (Approval)
The timing impact of any statement of concern, “valid” or not, will incur timing adjustments to the project and move our tender date to later in the year. It could take as little as 30-45 days, however it ultimately depends on the content of the SOC received. However, we believe that if we can still tender by late November to January, we will be able to take advantage of the lower construction costs being observed and ensure a competitive bid process.

July 9, 2020 Website/Social Media

Please take note that starting Friday, July 10, 2020 surveyors will be in the Beaver Mines area to prepare for subsequent construction and tree removal for the installation of the water pipeline for the Castle Area Regional Water Supply along the East side of the Hamlet.

Construction is expected to take between three to four weeks (weather depending). As construction is within the utility right-of-way, no traffic shall be disrupted.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the MD office at 403 627-3130 or email info@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca

July 10, 2020 Website/Social Media

Please take note that starting Friday, July 10, 2020 surveyors will be in the Beaver Mines area to prepare for subsequent construction and tree removal for the installation of the water pipeline for the Castle Area Regional Water Supply along the East side of the Hamlet.

Construction is expected to take between three to four weeks (weather depending). As construction is within the utility right-of-way, no traffic shall be disrupted.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the MD office at 403 627-3130 or email info@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca

July 3, 2020 Website/Social Media

What can we say? In a word, Grateful.

This week it was confirmed by the Minister of Transportation, The Hon. Ric McIver, that the MD of Pincher Creek was successful in obtaining funding through the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP). Administration applied for this grant for the Beaver Mines Wastewater Treatment Upgrade to stimulate economic recovery, support job creation, and have the funding available to complete the project without a burden to ratepayers.

Our Municipality will be receiving a grant of 75% the estimated eligible project costs, up to $4,561,730 for this project under AMWWP.

Alberta Transportation is pleased to be able to provide this funding. They recognize that supporting water and wastewater infrastructure is critical to the quality of life, economic growth, and resiliency of Alberta's communities.

Council acknowledges that without community support, and numerous letters to our Provincial colleagues for funding, this project wouldn't be proceeding as it is today. We look forward to seeing this $13M project move forward. As there are many components to the delivery of water and waste water services to this area, it is our plan for it to be fully completed and operational by Dec. 31, 2021. This is our target, but this will be influenced by approval wait times at many stages of the development which could push us into the 2022 calendar year for some components. Construction is slated to commence next month.

This is hardly a time of surplus in our Province, and for the Government to step up at this time and find creative ways to stimulate our economy and fund shovel-ready projects deserves to be recognized and applauded. We are truly appreciative of the Provincial and Federal support for this project.

Stay tuned and well done all.

January 30, 2020 Website/Social Media

Please note you will see activity across the street from the Beaver Mines Store today. The MD's contractors have begun clearing brush to allow for minor digging and geotechnical work to commence, locating the site for the Force Main and Lift Station required for the proposed Beaver Mines Water and Waste Water Systems being installed in 2020/2021.

We apologize for any inconvenience this and other activity may cause, but they are necessary steps as we move this project forward. Your continued cooperation and patience is appreciated. Please be safe and courteous when approaching equipment as they work, and allow them the space they need to maneuver safely and efficiently. Let's ensure everyone makes it home safely.

January 22, 2020 Website/Social Media

The Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 is pleased to announce that it will be proceeding with one of the land locations submitted under the Expression of Interest process for land acquisition. The site is located at SE 16-6-2-W5M, just northwest of the Hamlet and the 507 / 774 interchange.

This site is believed to provide a suitable location for the proposed wastewater treatment system to best meet the needs of the community. Site inspections and geotechnical evaluation will commence immediately to confirm the technical capacity and design requirements of the site.

Development Permit process has begun between the MD and the Project Managers and public involvement with this process will be advertised accordingly.

Once site suitability and development permits have been secured, the next step will be Environmental Approval with the Province.

Any questions may be directed to Aaron Benson, Director of Operations for the MD, at 403.627.3130.

Beaver Mines Regional Water Supply Contracts

All restoration work completed with the exception of grass seeding at disturbed areas. Awaiting confirmation from LW Dennis when seeding will be completed.

L W Dennis had not begun additional work at Metering Station prior to snowfall. Snow fence and gravel pad to be completed after snowmelt.

Substantial completion has been reached

Land consultant will continue to be arranging meetings with alJ landowners which URW was obtained from to have damage releases signed and discussions on any potential outstanding work, none known at this time.

December 11, 2019 Website/Social Media/Pincher Creek Echo (December 4 & 11)/Shootin the Breeze (December 4 & 11)/

Land Acquisition by the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9, near the Hamlet of Beaver Mines, for the purpose of constructing a waste water system. Current design, as was presented at Coalfields School on September 14, 2019, is for a 15-acre parcel to supply the hamlet with a waste water solution so that potable water may be delivered to the hamlet in 2020/21.

Those interested in entering into a Land Purchase Agreement with the MD can contact Aaron Benson, 403-627-3130 or AdminDirOps@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca. Please note, Leases are not an option with this agreement. Deadline for submissions is Friday, December 13, 2019 at noon. We thank everyone for their continued patience and co-operation as MD council and staff endeavour to move this project forward.

November 25, 2019 Website/Social Media

Beaver Mines Water and Waste Water Update

Hi Everyone,

Please note our land negotiations have had a significant setback. To this end, we will be advertising for interested landowners next week to continue this process. The MD is committed to finding a local solution to supplying water and a wastewater system for the Hamlet. We know this is disappointing for all involved, but we also trust there may be other viable options within the community and we truly hope to hear from those residents so we can move this project forward. Our engineers and land agents are ready to go as soon as the next site is selected. We will be limiting the window for interested parties to come forward to two weeks due to the timelines of our grant applications. We ask for your continued patience and cooperation and we hope to update you all again soon.

Sincerely,

Troy

MD of Pincher Creek No. 9
Chief Administrative Officer

October 8, 2019 Website/Social Media

Beaver Mines Water & Waste Water Collection

MPE received comments from MD on preliminary set of drawings last week. A revised set of drawings will be provided to the MD next week along with a set of specifications for review. Project to be finalized in November. Tentative tender date in January.

MPE has reached out to discuss timing of the project with Alberta Environment.

Beaver Mines Waste Water Treatment

Land negotiations are ongoing and once finalized we can proceed with finalizing a tender or quote package for the initial phase of the project.
September 24, 2019
Beaver Mines Regional Water Supply Contracts 1

All restoration work completed with the exception of grass seeding at disturbed areas. Awaiting confirmation from LW Dennis when seeding will be completed.
LW Dennis to begin additional work at Metering Station site requested by the MD this week.
LW Dennis has submitted a letter for substantial completion. Substantial completion will be dated August 30, 2019. Warranty period will begin on this date.
Land consultant will be arranging meetings with all landowners which Utility Right of Way was obtained from to have damage release signed and discussions on any potential outstanding work, none known at this time.

Beaver Mines RWS Contract 2

Substantial completion was achieved for all facilities prior to June 30, 2019.

Based on site inspections by MPE Engineering on September 11, 2019, DMT Mechanical achieved total completion by September 13, 2019. A site inspection will be held on September 25, 2019 to confirm with the MD of Pincher Creek. A reminder that grass seeding and any further settlement over the winter will be considered warranty items for the contractor to address in the spring.

Beaver Mines Water & Waste Water Collection

MPE is waiting on comments from a drawing package provided to the MD on August 21, 2019. A final package for review will be provided to the MD one week after the comments are received.
MPE will be finalizing all drawings and specifications in regards to the current scope prior to the end of September, 2019 and await approval from the MD to proceed with tendering the project.

Beaver Mines Waste Water Treatment

Land negotiations are ongoing and once finalized we can proceed with finalizing a tender or quote package for the initial phase of the project.

Castle Area Regional Water· Supply Contracts 1 Pipeline & Contracts 2 Mechanical: Castle Area Contracts 1:

LW Dennis has completed approx. I 0,200 meters of pipeline installation.

o Adverse ground conditions have continued to slow progress and a revised substantial completion date will be issued for the contract. The date will be discussed and agreed to by all parties prior to issuing. A revised contract date will need to be coordinated with the estimated completion date of the Beaver Mines W and WW system. No requests for additional funding will be allowed by contractor or consultant.

LW Dennis has completed pipeline installations from the Carbondale staging area to the West Castle River.
LW Dennis to complete the river crossings in the next couple weeks

Castle Area Contracts 2:

Nitro construction has completed framing and masonry block for both booster stations.
Process piping and pumps have been installed in the Castle Mountain Booster Station.
Process piping and equipment has commenced at the Castle Park Booster Station.
Final site grading at both booster stations is underway.
Commissioning of the booster stations will be delayed until the pipeline and the Beaver Mines W and WW system is completed and water is available.

September 11, 2019 Website/Social Media/Pincher Creek Echo (September 11, 2020)/Shootin the Breeze (September 11, 2020)/poster in office/poster at BM Store
Council for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek No. 9 along with MPE Engineering Ltd. &
Banner Environmental Engineering Consultants Ltd. Invite all interested residents to an open house for the Beaver Mines Water and Wastewater Treatment Project Saturday September 14, 2019 10:30 am
Coalfields School. This will be an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the project. For more information, or if you have any questions, please contact the MD office at 403 627-3130 or email info@mdpinchercreek.ab.ca

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