N.S. Ingenuity Helps Evanston Deal with Waste Water

The Municipality of Richmond County has successfully completed a three-month pilot project that will help the community of Evanston deal with its waste water.

The project, funded in part by the Department of the Environment, relied on Nova Scotia technology to help solve a long-standing environmental concern.

"We're working with communities throughout the province on innovative solutions that will help Nova Scotia meet the challenges associated with water and waste water management," said Environment Minister Michel Samson. "In this case, we're using Nova Scotia technology to meet our environmental responsibilities, while creating opportunities for local businesses."

Staff in the department's Environmental Industries and Technologies division worked with the municipality to set up the pilot project. The department also contributed $23,651 toward the $47,303 project cost.

The project involved using new technology from MG Environmental Equipment Ltd. to address concerns associated with effluent discharges from the existing waste water treatment plant.

"We're very pleased with the results of our pilot project, which indicate we can upgrade and operate the plant for much less cost than originally thought," said Warden Richie Cotton. "The cost to implement the recommendations is estimated to be 15 per cent of the cost of a new plant. By doing so, the plant will be capable of providing treatment for a further 20 years."

An independent technical review of the project by University College of Cape Breton confirms these findings.

"We're proving over and over again that we can provide cost-effective solutions not only here at home but throughout the world," said Paul Sentner of MG Environmental Equipment. "In addition to increased sales for the technology sector, other municipal units could potentially benefit from the knowledge gained during this research project."

The Environmental Industries and Technologies division works with Nova Scotia companies to help them develop, manufacture and export environmental products and services. Its goal is to build a strong base of world-class companies that offer environmentally sound practices and products for use in Nova Scotia and throughout the world.