ODOUR PROBLEMS - REGIONAL SEWER TREATMENT PLANT NEW MINAS
The Municipality of the County of Kings is actively working to reduce the severity, duration and frequency of recurring odours throughout this spring that have been prevalent in the vicinity of the Regional Sewer Treatment Plant in New Minas.
The recent wave of odours has been investigated and is believed to be a result of various factors. We regret that there is no quick fix for this complex and frustrating issue; however, the Municipality is working on a combination of immediate and long-term actions aimed at improving plant performance as we adapt to continuously changing conditions.
Some steps taken in recent weeks include:
- Cleaned every municipal-operated pumping station from Coldbrook to Greenwich
- Installed a pump that will continuously dilute the first lagoon with fresher, cleaner water, while also raising the level of the lagoon, effectively increasing its capacity
- Upgraded the filtration system in response to an increasing need to filter out problematic inorganic debris, such as disposable wipes and hygiene products
- Engaged a specialized wastewater subject matter expert to review and make recommendations on the Plant’s collection and treatment systems, and provide recommendations for addressing the odour coming from the lagoons
- Ordered a chemical additive that is specifically designed to reduce ammonia-related odours in the lagoons, which should be delivered this week
Ongoing multi-year, multimillion-dollar treatment plant upgrades:
- Last year, the Municipality completed a $2.6-million desludging operation to remove 8,000 tonnes of sludge and inorganic debris from lagoons at the Treatment Plant. This work removed a substantial portion of the materials linked to the “rotten egg” smell noted in previous years.
- Later this summer, the Municipality will undertake planned aeration system upgrades for the first two lagoons at the Plant. This work will optimize the aeration (the amount of air provided to the lagoons, a key component in having a healthy system) for the volume of wastewater that flows into the Plant, which should effectively reduce the severity and frequency of problematic odours in the future.
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.
The Municipality sincerely apologizes for inconveniences experienced as a result of odours coming from the Regional Sewer Treatment Plant in New Minas.
Please feel free to reach out to me as needed.
Aaron Dondale
Manager of Public Works
t: (902) 678-1807
c: (902) 698-3812
e: adondale@countyofkings.ca