The District of Sooke has begun the transition to bring sewer operations and maintenance in house.
On Tuesday, district council voted unanimously to end its contract with EPCOR Water Services.
The current agreement ends Sept. 30.
Municipal staff is beginning a six-month process to transition operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment system to the district.
A 2011 study concluded the district could see savings of up to $225,000 per year by assuming responsibility for the operations and maintenance of the wastewater treatment centre.
Total cost savings over a five-year period could total up to $1,127,630. These funds could be set-aside in a reserve fund with monies allocated to system improvements and projected growth.
Construction of the Sooke collection system and wastewater treatment plant began in 2004. The system was commissioned in November 2005. Individual domestic and commercial connections began in January 2006 and continued throughout 2006 and 2007. Additional connections have continued since that time for new construction.
The Sooke wastewater collection and treatment system is owned by the district and has been operated by EPCOR since 2006 under two five-year contracts.
The current contract calls for a six-month notice of non-renewal and lays out the transition requirement for a smooth turnover to the district. Currently, the district is responsible for all capital costs and any maintenance cost over $5,000.
“The bulk of the savings of bringing the operations, maintenance and administration of the wastewater treatment system into the district will be from avoiding ongoing management fees,” said acting mayor Rick Kasper.
EPCOR spokesperson Tim LeRiche said his company has shared a good relationship in the past with the district and “continue to provide reliable and safe wastewater services to the community.”