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It could cost up to $1 million to dredge Cow Creek.
That’s according to a preliminary staff report from City of Sarnia construction manager Rob Williams.
The estimated cost could vary between $200,000 and $1 million, depending on the amount of sediment removed, whether it’s contaminated and other factors, he said.
Sarnia city council on Nov. 23 unanimously voted to consider at its Dec. 1 budget deliberations whether to include the recommended $750,000 for the project in next year’s spending plan.
A group of concerned citizens recently asked council to dredge the creek |
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Moving ahead with the work could mean other city projects planned for 2021 get put on hold, Williams said in his report. The work could start next summer after city staff procure consulting services, complete environmental testing, obtain required permits and prepare a tender.
Work, though, cannot happen during fish-spawning season from March to mid-July, Williams said while noting staff support to proceed with dredging.
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Coun. Bill Dennis asked for staff to prepare a list of projects for the Dec. 1 meeting so council could consider deferring so the dredging project can go ahead.
Coun. Margaret Bird urged quicker action, warning about potential flooding, safety and liability issues, and potential impacts to fish spawning.
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority is also looking into potential grants for the work and plans to report back prior to Dec. 1, Coun. Mike Stark said.
Sediment seems to have built up because high water levels have pushed sand over barriers designed to keep it out, Williams said in his report.
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