The Town of Bentley would like to inform residents that Baytex Energy Corporation, will be withdrawing treated effluent wastewater from local lagoons as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce freshwater use in the area.
The anticipated withdrawal period will be from April 15, 2026, to May 15, 2026, and it is anticipated that 120,000 cubic metres will be withdrawn.
Residents of the Town of Bentley, may notice piping being placed in and around Bentley by Baytex Energy, from our lagoons, across the Blindman River to support the drawing of this effluent from our lagoons. This work has been permitted by Alberta Environment and the Town of Bentley.
Background
In October of 2024, the Town of Bentley signed an effluent access agreement with Baytex Energy to allow for access to treated effluent from our wastewater lagoons. In return the town will be compensated $1.00 per cubic metre. Funds raised from the sale of the effluent, will be utilized for capital projects related to wastewater in our community.
The access agreement was encouraged by Alberta Environment, due to ongoing drought conditions in the region over the last several years. Alberta Environment preferred that we sold treated effluent to companies such as Baytex Energy, rather than releasing into the Blindman River.
Typically, the Town of Bentley releases the treated effluent in October of each year to ensure that our lagoon levels are maintained and continue to work effectively. All releasees are done in compliance with the code of practice for wastewater systems and water quality is always tested prior to and after release to ensure compliance.
