Lunenburg Wastewater Treatment Plant
This is the first summer in recent memory Lunenburg residents haven’t been talking about the wastewater treatment plant.
For the past few years complaints about the smell have been wafting over the town.
But since the installation of a biofilter this winter those complaints have disappeared.
Resident, Lorne Spence says before the installation, his family and their neighbours couldn’t go outside without being overpowered by the odour.
“It’s not an issue anymore and strangely enough, the complaints all go away with the issue. So to me, it’s fantastic. It’s obviously a good news story of implementing a change that worked and solved the issue.”
Spence says the biofilter is making a big difference.
“We’re all very happy to be able to use and enjoy the backyard again. More than anything, thanks for listening and getting the job done.”
Spence says it’s a good news story of implementing a change that worked.
Lunenburg Mayor Rachel Bailey acknowledges it took time for council to find a solution to the odour problem.
She is glad to hear residents are now seeing the benefits.
“We have had some folks actually come forward and thank us and recognize, and I guess point out, that the improvements have been made.”
Bailey says after a great deal of consultation and research council landed on the biofilter plan.
“It is a very simple process. It uses organic matter to filter the unpleasant odours that are emitted from the plant’s operations.”
Lunenburg Wastewater Treatment Plant overhead view
Bailey says considering the expense, council wanted to ensure they spent money on something that would fix the problem.
The price for the biofilter came in at just over $1.1 million dollars.
Bailey says humidity levels can still affect the effectiveness of the biofilter and the plant will adjust accordingly.
The mayor expects the biofilter will serve residents well for years to come.
She’s glad to hear the fix is making a difference and people are able to enjoy their summer outdoors.
Reported by: Ed Halverson
Twitter: @edwardhalverson
E-mail: halverson.ed@radioabl.ca
