ODOUR PROBLEMS - REGIONAL SEWER TREATMENT PLANT NEW MINAS
The Municipality of the County of Kings is continuing to upgrade equipment and infrastructure at the Regional Sewer Treatment Plant in New Minas, with the goal of reducing the severity and duration of odours that can impact our communities.
Progress Reports
Significant Upgrades Completed Before the Spring of 2024:
- Construct an on-site storage pad to support routine lagoon maintenance (Complete).
- Change the inlet to Lagoon 1 to improve circulation and decrease sludge buildup (Complete).
- Remove sewage sludge and problematic debris from Lagoons 1 and 2 (Complete).
- Replace the aeration system and the main air supply lines for Lagoons 1 and 2 (Complete).
The installation of 800 new aerators in the primary processing lagoons marks a significant milestone. The new aerators, coupled with the removal of excess sludge from the lagoons, will improve how the plant operates.
Now, we are moving forward with the next phase of our ongoing odor management improvements. This involves allowing the treatment lagoons to settle to enable the biological treatment process to begin smoothly, just as it does during our regular operations. It is possible there will be periods of odor during this time. Reducing the severity, duration and impact of problematic odors will remain a top priority.
Moving Forward: Next Steps for Enhanced Operations
- Work with our Regional Partners and heavy industry loaders to create improved monitoring plans and develop actionable steps for assessing and managing the materials entering the Regional plant.
- Monitor sludge buildup, refine data collection, and enhance proactive interventions.
- Continuously adapt our monitoring approaches to ensure the best possible plant performance and environmental stewardship outcomes.
Regional Partners have invested approximately $9 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.
Documents