The Greater Moncton Wastewater Commission (GMWC) was created by an order-in-council in 1983. The GMWC was then mandated to implement the Master Plan as laid out in the initial study.
From 1983 to 1995, the GMWC oversaw the construction of a 34.2-km network of collector sewers intercepting more than 80 untreated outfalls; the construction of a major pumping station along with eight smaller ones and the implementation of an advanced primary treatment system. Over the next decade it proceeded with the implementation of a long-term sustainable Biosolids Management Program incorporating a new innovative composting system.
The GMWC has been proven as an effective tri-community model and has demonstrated co-operation and the ability and efficiency to deliver. Its assets are well managed, well maintained and fully paid for. The operations and maintenance team has evolved to meet the needs of all operations and is prepared to meet the challenges of the future.
The governance bylaw was essentially unchanged since 1983. As a result of the Auditor General’s review of wastewater commissions in New Brunswick, a report was published in the fall of 2011. Governance and financial improvements were recommended. Subsequently, the Province of New Brunswick enacted Bill 56, an Act to Amend the Clean Environment Act, resulting in many changes on the governance and in the way the GMWC conducts its business. The main outcome was the formal appointment of two commissioners from each municipality for clearly defined terms. In addition, the Act clearly outlines the budget approval process, consultation with area stakeholders, reporting, etc. The Act’s main focus is to improve oversight, transparency and accountability.
The federal government, under the Fisheries Act, published new Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations in 2012 (WSER – July 2012). These regulations set timelines for the GMWC to meet new national performance standards. The Commission had mandated the preparation of a Long-term Sustainable Wastewater Treatment Strategy. The system upgrading (to meet new requirements), as well as other aspects, are laid out in this report. Following completion of a pilot program, an award was made for the development of a preliminary design to update the wastewater treatment facility to secondary treatment to meet this new regulation.
Commission meetings are open to the public and held every 3rd Thursday of the month at 6pm at the GMWC’s Riverview Operations Center. Should you be interested in attending, please feel free to contact us at 506-387-7977 to confirm meeting timing and location.