Work will soon begin on a well pumping test at Diefenbaker Park as part of the South Delta groundwater well feasibility study.
At Monday’s Delta council meeting, municipal politicians approved a motion to provide relief from enforcement of Delta’s noise control bylaw for the purpose of conducting the well pumping test in the park.
In May, following a request for proposals, Delta contracted Advisian to complete the feasibility study, which will assess the ground conditions, if there is available groundwater and the potential available flow and water quality from the groundwater.
If the groundwater is found to be suitable, estimates will be prepared related to the construction of a well for an emergency potable water source should there be a significant disruption to Delta’s water distribution system, such as a major seismic event.
According to Delta, Advisian is planning to install a test well in the park next week.
“A subsequent well pumping test is required in order to determine available well capacity,” states a staff report. “A constant rate pumping test will require an onsite generator to be operational 24 hours a day for up to three days.”
The contractor will be using a generator with low noise production properties and will also install noise mitigation measures to further reduce the sound impact.
Delta will advise all surrounding residents of the construction schedule.
The project was originally scheduled for July, but Delta postponed it until September to avoid impacts to the park in the summer.
According to Delta, it’s anticipated the feasibility report will be completed by the end of the year.
If the idea proves to be feasible from both an emergency water supply and cost basis, design of the facility could start in 2018 subject to council approval.
