Nova Scotia Supports Environmental Technology

New environmental technology that reduces dependence on septage lagoons, lowers transportation costs and creates economic opportunities was on display today, June 19, in Lunenburg County.

Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour, was on hand to see the Altinex Mobile Dewatering Truck demonstration at the home of a local resident who volunteered to have his on-site septic system pumped using the technology.

"The benefits of this technology are as much economic as environmental," said Mr. Parent. "The creation of jobs and future business, investment in manufacturing, and an overall cleaner environment is good for the province and I am proud to support it."

Septic pumpers using this technology will have to make fewer trips to and from discharge locations because the new truck can handle 10 times more septage then today's trucks. This will result in savings of about 80 per cent on fuel annually and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.

The truck, which is used throughout Europe, pumps septic systems and then separates the liquids from the solids. The liquid portion is put back in the septic system, which reduces the threat of septic failure. The solid portion may be composted and used in landscaping, land reclamation, silviculture and the creation of biofuels.

The dewatering truck technology is also a more cost-effective system which may encourage septic tank owners to pump more frequently. Several municipal governments and industrial users in Nova Scotia are in the early stages of planning to purchase the technology.

For more information on Altinex Dewatering Technology, see the Department of Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla .