Aldergrove Sewer Line Answers

The following has been sent out to folks living along Robertson Crescent, where the Township is looking to put a desperately-needed sewer line to connect Aldergrove to Metro Vancouver. I thought you might find it informative:

As you may be aware, the Township of Langley is moving ahead with a proposal to connect the East Langley sewage system – which services Aldergrove and Gloucester Industrial Estates – to the Metro Vancouver regional sewage system. The current connection to Abbotsford is undersized and poses a risk to the environment if an alternate connection is not built soon.

The connection to the Metro Vancouver regional sewage system is proposed to generally follow Robertson Crescent to Murrayville. The following "Questions and Answers" are intended to clarify why the sewer is being routed as such and to provide you with a better understanding of when and how this work will take place.

Q: Why is the sewer going down Robertson Crescent and not Fraser Highway?
A: Robertson Crescent was once a rail line and, as such, has a very flat grade. In comparison, Fraser Highway is much higher, with an elevation difference of nearly 20 metres over Robertson Crescent, which would mean the need for more pumping. This flat grade on Robertson Crescent also means more properties will be able to connect to the sewer by gravity. Using the flatter Robertson Crescent with less pumping will reduce the line's operating costs over the years to come and also means the production of a smaller carbon footprint over time. The Township would like this project to be as cost-effective and environmentally friendly as possible, for the benefit of all.

Q: Why hasn't there been a public open house?
A: A report was brought to Township Council on April 14, 2008. A public open house will be held once the detailed design of the sewer is near completion – at that time we'll be able to provide better information about the exact location of the sewer, the construction schedule, and the process for connecting to the sewer.

Q: When is the sewer expected to be built?
A: We expect construction to occur in 2009. In addition to a public open house, affected residents will be individually notified well in advance of the work commencing. It is expected that construction along Robertson Crescent between 264 Street and 240 Street will take approximately four months to complete.

Q: Does this mean that Robertson Crescent will become a major bypass highway?
A: No. There no are plans to widen Robertson Crescent. The road will be restored to as good as or better than its current condition.

Q: Will the sewer lead to development along Robertson Crescent?
A: The construction of the sewer is not linked to any development or neighbourhood plans. The primary purpose of the sewer is to provide much-needed service for the residents of Aldergrove and Gloucester Industrial Estates. Residents along the sewer alignment who are located within Metro Vancouver's Fraser Sewerage Area will also have the opportunity to connect to the sewer if they wish.

Q: Are there any fish or wild habitat issues?
A: As the sewer is expected to be generally located within the road cross-section, it should not have a significant impact on habitat. An environmental consultant has reviewed the fish and wildlife habitat along the Robertson corridor and will be recommending construction methods and timing to minimize any impacts. The project will also be subject to approval from senior environmental agencies, including the federal Department of Fisheries.

Q: Do we really need to build the sewer now?
A: The current sewer connection from East Langley into Abbotsford is undersized and poses a risk to the environment if it's not addressed soon. The sewer is being designed to provide a cost-efficient and effective service to Langley residents, and is expected to be in service for upwards of 50 years.