Strathroy-Caradoc Council received an update on necessary upgrades to the Strathroy Wastewater Treatment Plant on Pike Side Road. Originally upgraded in 2000, the Strathroy Wastewater Treatment Plant transitioned from an aeration lagoon to a mechanical treatment facility with a rated capacity of 8,560 m³ per day. A decade later, in 2010, the plant’s capacity was increased to 10,000 m³ per day.
Currently, about 65% of incoming wastewater is pumped from the Albert Street Pump Station, with the remaining 35% arriving via the Metcalfe Street Pump Station. Treated effluent is discharged into the Sydenham River.
A major operational challenge is the plant’s reliance on a single aeration basin. Without a secondary system, staff cannot take the basin offline for maintenance or cleaning—leading to a buildup of solids that negatively impacts performance. A redundant aeration basin is essential to allow extended maintenance without interrupting treatment.
In addition to redundancy, upgrades are needed across the facility to improve operational reliability and replace aging infrastructure. Planned improvements include new process equipment, updated controls and instrumentation, electrical and mechanical enhancements, and general site work to ensure the plant meets modern standards for resiliency and efficiency.
To allow for essential maintenance and cleaning, a second aeration basin (lagoon system) is proposed. Construction is estimated to start in the fall of 2025 ending early 2028. To see the full report including costing, please head to our website.
Full project details are available in the report.
Written by: C. Soares