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The third alternative under consideration is to utilize a surface water source with appropriate treatment. Stream flows in the vicinity of Abbotsford were evaluated during the dry summer of 2007. Porky Creek, the Eau Pleine River and the Popple River did not indicate surface flow during this extended dry period. Only Elm Brook, which is fed through a short tributary from the Abbotsford Wastewater plant, exhibited consistent surface flow during the summer of 2007. Below is a detailed discussion on each of the areas investigated for surface water supply.
East/Eau Pleine River
The location east of the City at the Eau Pleine River was chosen because of surface sand and gravel deposits that have been observed on property south of Highway 29 at the Eau Pleine River crossing. There are no private wells in this area and it is not known what the depth to bedrock is. The owner of this property was contacted by the City and has not agreed to water exploration on the site. Adjacent property owners have also not consented to allow water exploration.
During the drought of 2007, it was observed that at times the Eau Pleine River was not flowing. It is doubtful that the Eau Pleine River can be considered a sustainable water source for the volume of water that the City requires.
North/ Popple River
This surface water source was also evaluated during the summer of 2007. During this dry period, there was no discernable flow in the stream bed.
Similar to the Eau Pleine River, the Popple River does not have enough sustainable flow to be considered as a sustainable water source.
South/Elm Brook
An evaluation of existing surface water sources in the Abbotsford area led the City to Elm Brook as the only sustainable surface water source. The water flow in this portion of Elm Brook is primarily treated wastewater effluent. The proposed project consists of collecting surface water and treating it to a high purity level using a multiple barrier concept.
This alternative includes development of a surface water supply with limited interim groundwater supply from the west wellfield. The surface water source would utilize water from the City of Abbotsford's WWTP discharge to a tributary of Elm Brook. An intake structure will be constructed adjacent to the Elm Brook tributary. The water will be treated to potable water quality using a multiple barrier concept.
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