The Mayors of St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and Paradise say it’s impossible to meet federal secondary wastewater requirements by 2020. And without meeting the deadline, the municipalities face serious fines and penalties from Ottawa.

Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker, Paradise Mayor Dan Bobbett and St. John’s Mayor Danny Breen addressed reporters at the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility on Southside Road—this is where the secondary wastewater facility would be built. It’s estimated to cost $255-million.

With the federal government’s contribution of $111-million and the province’s contribution of will $59-million, the municipalities must cover remaining $85-million.

The mayors say they want to comply with new environmental regulations and work with Ottawa on this, but they need until 2030 to finish the project, otherwise they will face the penalties.

Seeking 10-Year Extension

Breen says the original estimates for the project were in the range of $220-million, with a one-third cost-sharing between the three parties.

Breen says they’ve worked hard over the past number of years to have Riverhead reclassified from a high to a medium risk, which would extend the date for secondary treatment to 2030—but he says they were unsuccessful.

Mount Pearl Mayor Dave Aker says this is about stewardship of the taxpayer’s dollars.

Aker says additional due diligence is required before any further development occurs. He says a 10-year project delay is in the best interest of our residents and our businesses.

The mayors are not happy an extension to meet deadlines has been extended to the province but not the municipalities. They say they have contacted local MPs but have yet to get any assistance. @VOCMNEWS pic.twitter.com/R8DwPRUxq2

— Renell LeGrow VOCM (@R_LeGrowVOCM) July 11, 2019