JP2G Consulting representative Ed Schultz, principal project manager provided an update on the Cobden Sewage Treatment Plan upgrades.
He said the building shell is complete, but there “is still equipment inside being finalized”, including connections and painting, along with “minor work to go on inside”.
He said the new generator has been installed and tested.
He said the final cleanup of the landscape “is expected to be completed this month.”
He said the revised value of the contract was $11,036,269.87.
“The plan is to operate the plant into a full-year cycle to go through one year in order to simulate year round operation, to get a full operation of the plant through the full season.” Schultz said.
“We have not yet reached substantial completion, where the facility can be used for its intended purpose, and all the safety systems are complete.” he said, and that they have ensured that all contractors have been paid.
He said that there are no other major upgrades proposed.
He cited COVID-19 and six days claimed for “delays due to weather”.
“We had limitations to jamming it into the cite, we would have had liked to have gone beyond.” he said, citing “Tight restrictions” as presenting other delays.
“I think it’s like the Santa Claus parade, saying ‘is he coming? I think he’s coming”, Councillor David Mackay said.
Schultz said that it was going to arrive, though he citing personnel shortages that the site manager “didn’t have a straight answer” for, that he said they felt were “unjustified”.
He said they were pushing to get those resolved before second week of August when they are scheduled to commissioned.
Councillor Daryl McLaughlin asked how they would “go about getting a tour.”
Planner Lane Cleroux said they could get permission when “it’s a little more complete” just before the testing phase.
Schultz said that there were some “tripping hazards.” preventing an immediate tour.
Councillor Niel Nicholson asked if there were penalties for being late, and Schultz said there were liquidated damages for $2000 a day for the builders for being late.
He said it gets “A little bit dirty” when they ask for the damages, which he said JP2G will pursue.
“We would hope that we wouldn’t have to.” Schultze said. “There was no pressing reason, we understood COVID was happening at the time.”
CAO Rob Trembley said they had received “legal advice” and “would not speak to the township’s stance publically.”
Nicholson asked if the delay had any impact on their ability to service the community of Cobden.
Lane Cleroux said they haven’t.
There were no further questions.
