ODOUR PROBLEMS - REGIONAL SEWER TREATMENT PLANT NEW MINAS
The Municipality of the County of Kings is working with Regional Partners to upgrade equipment and infrastructure at the Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in New Minas, with the goal of reducing the severity and duration of odours that can impact our communities.
Engineering Studies Underway
Engineering consultants are working on a preliminary design examining the current and future needs of the entire wastewater collection and treatment system from Greenwich to Coldbrook. The resulting engineering report will include recommendations for the overall optimization of the Regional system.
The contract for the in-depth engineering report was awarded to CBCL through a procurement process in February 2025. It is anticipated the report, including recommendations for process improvements and technology upgrades, will be submitted this summer.
Priorities for 2026-27 Fiscal Year:
The following projects are planned for 2026-27 to enhance the treatment process and extend the useful life of critical assets:
- Remove sludge from Lagoons 3, 4 and 5 to improve airflow in the treatment and finishing ponds, remove built-up biosolids (sludge) contributing to problematic odours, and expand the capacity of the lagoons
- Remove geotubes storing dewatered biosolids on site
- Upgrade the drum screens wash system to improve pre-treatment filtration processes
- Continue design efforts to support the completion of engineering studies relating to the long-term needs of the Regional collection and treatment system
- Upgrade Regional lift stations to improve emergency operations, pre-treatment aeration and break up fats entering the collection system before the materials enter the treatment lagoons
The priorities for 2026-27 could change based on unexpected events, emerging needs, and the findings of the ongoing pre-design study.
Progress Reports
Significant Upgrades Completed to Date:
- Constructed an on-site storage pad to support routine lagoon maintenance
- Changed the inlet to Lagoon 1 to improve circulation and decrease sludge buildup
- Removed biosolids and problematic debris from Lagoons 1 and 2
- Replaced the aeration system and the main air supply lines for Lagoons 1 and 2
- Installed 800 new air diffusers in the primary processing lagoons
- Upgraded air compressors used to produce and optimize air supply to Lagoons 1 and 2
- Installed seven new aeration laterals in Lagoon 1
- Upgraded service roads to support long-term biosolids removal from site
- Replaced approximately 2 km of forcemain wastewater collection piping from Kentville to the treatment plant
- Upgraded select Regional lift stations within New Minas and Kentville
- Upgraded screening and monitoring equipment
Next Steps for Enhanced Operations:
- Work with our Regional Partners and heavy industry loaders to improve monitoring plans and develop actionable steps for assessing and managing materials entering the Regional plant
- Monitor sludge buildup, refine data collection, and enhance proactive maintenance interventions, including investigating options for the upstream pretreatment of sanitary influents that could help reduce odours
- Continuously adapt monitoring approaches to ensure the best possible plant performance and environmental stewardship outcomes
Regional Partners have invested approximately $12.3 million in Treatment Plant improvements (sludge removal contracts, the replacement of old aeration equipment and related yard infrastructure) since 2017.
The Regional Sewer System services most residences and businesses between Greenwich and Coldbrook and is funded under partnership agreements between the Municipality, Village of New Minas, Town of Kentville, and PepsiCo.
Citizens can be a part of the solution by being mindful of what they’re flushing down toilets and drains. Inorganic products and wipes of any sort – including those labelled "Flushable", "Disposable", or "Biodegradable" – interfere with the performance of aeration and screening equipment. The flushing of inorganic materials negatively impacts the treatment process, contributes to odours, and increases the risk of a sewer backup at a residence or business.
Contact Us for Regional Sewage Treatment Plant Inquiries
For any inquiries, please reach out to us at regionalsewer.inquiries@countyofkings.ca
Our team is committed to providing timely assistance and addressing any questions you may have regarding our operations, odour issues, or other related matters. With a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and the well-being of our community, we prioritize sustainability and strive to protect the health of our environment.
