Retained by VMP to perform a structural investigation and feasibility analysis for potential restoration and/or adaptive reuse of the slow sand water filtration structures, Robert Silman Associates (RSA) finalized their McMillan Structural Report last Friday.  The full version of their findings and analysis is available for download on our Resources Page.

As detailed in their thorough analysis, slow sand filters are industrial structures, never intended to provide the level of safety and serviceability required for occupied use.  Unsafe conditions currently exist at McMillan due to the age, soil settlement and unreinforced nature the vault structures, which are susceptible to sudden collapse.  All adaptive reuse options and restoration work will require extensive repair and retrofitting dependent on the type and intensity of the proposed use, following further testing of the bearing capacity of the sub-grade.