Wastewater Project Making Life Better in Grand Etang

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Wastewater Project Making Life Better in Grand Etang

Residents of Grand Etang and St. Joseph du Moine, Inverness Co., are starting to see results from a pilot project that improves the local environment by better managing wastewater.

The project is promoting the creation of a wastewater management district (WMD) for the area. A WMD uses a community-based approach to managing sewage and septic systems. It involves the community in establishing standards and ensuring adequate maintenance of septic systems. A WMD may also be eligible for infrastructure cost-sharing arrangements.

Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash says the pilot project shows that affordable solutions are possible. "Whenever a community takes on part of the responsibility, it's easier to achieve stable, long-term environmental improvements," he said.

In the first phase of the pilot project, two Nova Scotia Youth Conservation Corps members and an engineering student surveyed the location and condition of all on-site septic disposal systems in the communities. Residents were offered a discounted price to have their systems pumped; 124 homeowners took advantage of the incentive.

Problems with domestic septic systems often lead to other consequences, like contaminated wells. "That's too high a price to pay," said Mr. Morash, "especially considering that almost all of the problems are caused by improper maintenance."

The pilot project also evaluated the use of new technology for disposing of materials pumped from domestic septic systems. About 318,000 litres (70,000 gallons) of material were processed through a de-watering system. The remainder went to a local sewage treatment plant where it is being turned into compost. Previously, the material was trucked for two hours to a disposal lagoon.

"This project is a great support to the people of Inverness County who are dedicated to improving their environment," said Health Promotion Minister Rodney MacDonald. "Our joint efforts will bring many benefits to this county and ultimately, a cleaner environment and healthier community."

The Department of Environment and Labour committed $20,000 to this phase of the pilot project. The Municipality of the County of Inverness is matching the provincial contribution. The next phase of the project will involve engineering studies to investigate options for ongoing management of wastewater.