Less complaints about Lively odour

BY BILL BRADLEY

Fewer Lively residents are calling about odour from a nearby tailings pond this year, according to Ward 2 Coun.

Jacques Barbeau.

The pond, owned by Vale Inco, has been used by the city for dumping activated waste sewage sludge for the past 30 years.

The material causing the smell is the solids removed from municipal wastewater during the treatment process.

One problem is that the pond is not deep enough to control odour. Another pond, which is much deeper, is being assessed.

“Compared to last year, calls are definitely fewer,” said Barbeau, who spoke to Northern Life on his cell phone from the golf course in Lively last week.

“There is a north wind. I can smell it somewhat but it is not as bad as last year,” he said.

A public information session is scheduled for Tuesday, July 22 in the west end of the city to discuss the results of research into various technologies for treatment and disposal.

Times and locations will be announced shortly.

A recommended treatment and disposal option will be presented by consultants at that time, said Nick Benkovich, the city’s director of water/wastewater services.

The city issued a release last week indicating that additional bioxide, an odour abatement material, is being applied to the sludge.

Lime has been applied to the shoreline and a coherent water resonator continues to operate in the pond, elevating oxygen levels.

Air monitoring stations have been activated around the perimeter of the tailings pond, and readings are taken by city staff every day.