News Release
For Immediate Release
February 23, 2016
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – The municipal water system will be upgraded this year with an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) that will reduce interruptions in water services to MOT, Spruce Park and the North Side during power outages.
The contract to supply and install an APU (diesel powered generator) to one of the town’s water reservoirs, valued at roughly $130,000, was awarded to Newfoundland Electrical Limited during the regular monthly meeting of Council.
The equipment is an automatic system that will turn on as soon as there is a drop in power, meaning minimal interruption in the operation of pumps and fewer boil water advisories for these areas of town.
“This investment will provide a more reliable service to residents and businesses,” said Mayor Jamie Snook. “We are making continuous strategic investments in the quality and quantity of our water system to ensure health and wellness in our community.”
MOT, Spruce Park and the North Side are the main areas of Happy Valley-Goose Bay affected during power outages which occur at the D-19 reservoir, located in MOT. There is sufficient gravity flow to ensure water is provided to other areas of town during power outages.
Complete installation and functionality of the APU is anticipated for this fall. The equipment adds to the $3.8 million investment the 11th Council has made to upgrade the town’s water system in the past year. Other upgrades include:
• Building Canada Fund, Water Main Replacement Infrastructure Project (completed fall 2015);
• pressure reducing valve (completed July 2015);
• inspection to water reservoir (completed August 2015);
• water quality & quantity upgrades at the water treatment plant (completed August 2015); and
• expansion of the well field (scheduled for summer 2016).
The Town has also contracted independent research on the municipal water system which will assist in identifying further upgrades and improvements, including a Water and Sewer Master Plan and an extensive drinking water study being conducted by Dr. Merline Fonkwe (Memorial University, Labrador Institute). These final reports are expected later this year and will be made available to the public.
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For more information, please contact:
Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
o) 709-896-3254 ; c) 709-896-1609
publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com