Re: Searchmont Ski Resort –…

Re: Searchmont Ski Resort – Proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) – Submission to the Environmental Registry of Ontario

To the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks,

I am submitting this comment in response to the proposed wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) for the Searchmont Ski Resort. These concerns are based on a summary of findings from an independent wastewater treatment expert who reviewed the design brief.

No Backup Power Is Mentioned

The design does not mention backup power. For a continuous discharge system, loss of power would mean loss of treatment, pumping, and disinfection. It is not clear from the report whether or not the owner intends to include provision for backup power for water and sewage systems to permit continued operation during a power outage, and if not, what are the contingency plans for periods of power outage.

While backup power is not typically required by MECP for private systems, and many similar facilities operate without it, the absence of any discussion in the report is notable.

Backup power is important if the owner intends for the facility to continue operating during a power outage. Maintaining wastewater operations during an outage generally requires that the water supply system also have backup power; otherwise, no sewage is generated. The decision to include a generator is usually an owner‑level operational choice, rather than a regulatory requirement.

However, given the expansion plans proposed, and visitor capacity. I am suggesting that the MECP mandates a backup power for this ECA (if it is approved).  At the very least, it is something the owner and their consultant need to consider ensuring operational continuity during power interruptions – especially during peak flow season.

The public should also be informed on what back up power is chosen to address how the resort intends to manage the business in the event of a power outage.  A common occurrence in our region given the rural location and heavy snow bearing conditions.