INDIAN TIME - Vol. 24 #31 - Seskeha / August 10, 2006 Edition - Page 10

SUMMARY:

For years the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) and its Department of Technical Services (DTS) has had the goal of building a water treatment plant in the District of Kawehnoke with the idea of having all residents connected to a waterline with the intent of ensuring the delivery of clean and safe drinking water. In 2001, that goal became a reality and construction of the new water treatment plant began.

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS:

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne is very proud to report that 80% of the construction for the new Water Treatment Plant was Akwesasne's own businesses and trades people. The official ground breaking of the Water Treatment Plant was scheduled for 25th, Ohiari:ha / June 2004 and all construction began.

SITE WORK:

Mitchell's Construction began site work, by clearing and grubbing the main plant site, the access road and the septic system area. With the assistance of MCA's Environment Department extensive measures were taken to protect all trees, plants and other wildlife pertinent to the environment. Most trees were preserved by relocation to nearby residential areas. In Seskeha / August, 2004 Mitchell's Construction returns to the site to install the raised bed septic system and the storm septic system.

EXCAVATION, CONCRETE, INTAKE, & MISCELLANEOUS:

Roundpoint Construction began the second task of excavation and concrete works. The first step was the excavation for the reservoir. This was carried out in a two-stage operation. Final excavation, pouring of the mud slab were completed, preparing the crew for the base slab rebar process. The next phase, concrete walls for the reservoir. By the end of Kentenha / October 2004, Roundpoint's contract is 53% complete. The next phase involves completion of concrete works for the foundation and reservoirs up to grade level including the floor slab.

PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDING:

Huey Point Industrials (& BBS Construction) are awarded the Pre-Engineering Building contract, which brings the construction phase to the process of erecting the structure of the building.

MASONRY, DRYWALL, HARDWARE & INTERIOR FINISHES:

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne in cooperation with the Akwesasne Economic Development Agency (AEDA) worked together to create a 'direct hire' crew for contracts that required manual labor, skills and experience. This was the opportunity to hire local trades people. Masonry was awarded to White's Masonry, joining the 'direct hire' crew. Steel Studs, Drywall, Insulation, Vapor Barrier and Suspended Ceiling, Hollow Metal Doors, Frames and Hardware as well as Interior Work were a few additional contracts that would require the skills and experience of our local trades people. The Aluminum Entry System and Windows contract was awarded to Cornwall Glass.

MECHANICAL & PROCESS PIPING:

The Mechanical and the Process Piping contracts were awarded to Oscar Ladouceur & Sons Ltd. of Cornwall, Ontario. These contracts would include plumbing, installation of the Gas Detection Equipment, Fire Panel, duct work, wastewater pumps, sludge pumps, piping to the wet well, instrumentation, etc.

ELECTRICAL:

Frank's Electric was awarded the Electrical contract. Frank's Electric began his electrical work in Tsiothohrhko:wa / January 2005. The contract work would consist of the installation of metal halide lights, Maintenance Control Center (MCC) Time Delayed Protections and power to all other equipment. Frank's Electric's work also included the installation of the diesel generator setup, power service to the building and exterior lighting.

STORM WATER OUTLET:

Lazore's Construction was contracted to install a cascading storm water outlet to the St. Lawrence River. This system will be used to pilot test chlorine dissipation capabilities.

LANDSCAPING:

Landscaping was completed by Jock's Excavation. The work included final grading, topsoil, seed and mulching.

WATERMAIN & HOUSE SERVICES:

Roundpoint Construction began installation on Ohiarihko:wa / July 2004. These works included installing the watermains along the main roads and providing house services connections and well capping measures.

MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL:

The new Cornwall Island Water Treatment Plant is classified as a Class "C" Level plant that will be operated and maintained by certified operators under the current Provincial legislation. All operators are residents of Akwesasne and employed by the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne.

MEMORIAL RECOGNITION:

During the construction of this project, we lost Mr. Huey J. Point and hereby request a moment of silence in his memory. An honest man, father, friend and relative...we will miss you dearly. Niawenko:wa / Thank You for your laughter, hard work and dedication to this project. Huey J. Point - April 16th, 1960 - January 8th, 2006

CONCLUSION: