Two septic beds at the Algonquin Highlands township office along North Shore Road have been damaged during construction of an addition at the site and work associated with the mishap will cost the township about $20000.

“During the excavation of the foundation for the new office addition unfortunately two septic bed runs were damaged due to the inability to locate their exact location” read a report from chief administrative officer Angie Bird. “A local contractor inspected the septic bed and after some discussion and evaluation it was determined that the best course of action was to cap the septic tank creating a holding tank situation until a new system could be installed.”

The township received three quotes on the job and under the emergency procurement provisions of its purchasing policy awarded the work to Francis Thomas Contracting for a total of just more than $21360.

“As council is aware the project is unbudgeted therefore there is a possibility that the cost of the new septic system may need to be added to the total amount to be borrowed from working funds and paid out of a long period of time” Bird’s report reads. “The treasurer will evaluate this at year-end.”

“It’s because we had a crummy drawing” said Reeve Carol Moffatt. “It happened. It’s fixed and we’re good to go for the next generation.”

A new septic system is expected to last 25 to 30 years.

The $525000 office expansion project which will provide more staffing space at the municipal office is scheduled to be completed in late summer.