$900,000 to Upgrade Septage Handling, Protect Groundwater

Groundwater will be better protected after 16 septage lagoon operators have been awarded about $900,000 to upgrade facilities by Nova Scotia's Septage Treatment Facility Assistance Program.

Pumper truck operators and Nova Scotia homeowners with septic tanks will also benefit from the program, because septage lagoon operators will be able to improve operations and service without passing all costs on to homeowners.

"Pumping home septic tanks regularly is an essential task in maintaining on-site sewage systems, and that material needs to he handled properly to prevent environmental impact," said Environment and Labour Minister Mark Parent. "Nova Scotia has new guidelines for the proper handling of this material, however we are working with operators to ensure all facilities are up to the task of meeting these goals."

About 400,000 Nova Scotians rely on 27 facilities to handle material pumped from home septic tanks. Under the assistance program, operators of septage handling facilities are eligible for assistance of up to $50,000 for upgrades to facilities, or up to $100,000 for the construction of replacement facilities and new technology to meet new guidelines.

"The assistance we have received from the program has been very helpful," said Joseph Landry, president of G. Landry's Vacuum Service Ltd., Dutch Brook, Cape Breton Co. "This program enables us to improve the service we provide to our customers, remain in our community, and helps us meet environmental standards required to remain sustainable."

To participate in the Septage Treatment Facility Assistance Program, operators should contact the Kentville office of the Department of Environment and Labour at 902-679-6086.

For more information on the Nova Scotia Septage Treatment Facility Assistance Program, see the Department of Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla .