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ODOUR PROBLEMS - REGIONAL SEWER TREATMENT PLANT NEW MINAS

Area services by regional sewer treatment plant

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.

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.

Comic rendering of 3 Ps

Documents
2021-07-01 Desludging Overview.pdf (21741 KB)
2022-06-13 Regional Sewer Treatment Plant presentation.pdf (2360 KB)
2022-06-15 Regional Sewer Odour Update.pdf (694 KB)
2022-07-12 Regional Sewer Planned Upgrades and Activities.pdf (613 KB)
2023-03-13 Regional STP Community Update.pdf (149 KB)
2023-04-28 May 11 Public Meeting about Regional Treatment Plant odours.pdf (151 KB)
2023-06-06 Regional Sewer Update to Council.pdf (21992 KB)
2023-09-20 Regional STP Community Update 2.pdf (143 KB)
2023-10-10 Regional STP Desludging in October.pdf (127 KB)
2023-11-03 Regional STP Desludging Complete.pdf (235 KB)
2023-20-12 Regional STP Update - Public.pdf (162 KB)
2024-04-15 Regional STP Update Spring.pdf (211 KB)
2025-04-01 Regional Odour Frequently Asked Questions.pdf (76 KB)
2025-04-29 Regional Odour.pdf (171 KB)
2025-05-07 Response to Regional Sewer Odour Presentation.pdf (1297 KB)
2025-05-20 Regional Wastewater Plant Odour Update.pdf (217 KB)
2025-05-20 Response to Regional Sewer Odour Presentation.pdf (622 KB)
Lagoons 101 - How Wastewater Lagoons Work.pdf (652 KB)
Local Impact of Flushing Wipes and Inorganic Materials.pdf (957 KB)

Audio Files
Flush Gameshow.mp3 (531 KB)
The Three Ps.mp3 (505 KB)
The Unflushables.mp3 (529 KB)

Contact Us for Regional Sewage Treatment Plant Inquiries
For any inquiries related to the Regional Sewage Treatment Plant, 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.