Starting in June, Saint John Water in New Brunswick will create a three-month temporary bypass at its Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Facility to enable the installation of a new aeration system.
The new aeration system will extend the service life of the wastewater treatment facility and ensure its operations continue to meet regulatory compliance, Saint John Water announced in a public notice.
The bypass will be established to redirect incoming wastewater away from the aeration treatment pond to the existing settling pond within the facility. The wastewater will continue to be screened, and the settling pond will continue to provide treatment of the incoming wastewater at a reduced level compared to when the treatment facility is in full operation.
Throughout the construction period until September 20, Saint John Water is required to continue to sample, test and report effluent quality and quantity to regulatory authorities.
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“Residents should be aware of the potential for increased odour throughout the duration of the project (which is a result of the sludge removal from the aeration cells),” Saint John Water advised residents in a statement.
Once the new aeration system is installed and operational, local officials said that incoming wastewater flow will be directed back to the aeration pond for regular operation.
Halifax Water
Halifax Water remains in the process of releasing up to 4 million m³ of screened wastewater into Halifax Harbour from 12 relief points over 28 days as part of system maintenance work at its Dartmouth wastewater treatment facility.
The utility says the maintenance work includes upgrades to the facility’s ultraviolet disinfection equipment and must be completed by redirecting wastewater flows. The release, which is significantly higher than most years, is approved by Environment and Climate Change Canada and set to run until June 2.
