Lagoon Sludge Removal Project

The Municipality explored this option, but delaying sludge removal until September is not practical. The contractor has already been secured through a competitive procurement process, and postponing the work would increase costs, create scheduling challenges, and allow additional sludge to accumulate, which could affect treatment performance.

The sludge removal project is expected to take about nine weeks, beginning in early August and continuing into late September. As a result, it will overlap with the planned aeration improvements that begin in September. The contractor will generally work six days per week to complete the project as efficiently as possible.

The additional aeration will be closely monitored by tracking dissolved oxygen levels, lagoon performance, and odour conditions. Current dissolved oxygen levels are typically 0.2 to 0.3 mg/L, with an initial target of at least 1.5 mg/L and a preferred operating level of about 2.0 mg/L.

Because water in the lagoon turns over approximately every five days, improvements are expected within 7 to 10 days after the second blower is activated. If results are not as expected, staff will assess additional operational measures. If significant improvements are not seen within 10 to 14 days and odours worsen, the operation will be reassessed and alternative approaches considered.

The Municipality recognizes that weather, particularly heat and wind direction, affects how odours are experienced. Where practical, operational activities such as increased aeration and odour control treatments will be timed to maximize their effectiveness.

Sludge removal, however, must follow the contractor's construction schedule. Regularly stopping work due to weather would significantly increase costs and delay completion.

Testing the upgraded aeration system during the warmest part of the year is also important, as these conditions provide the best opportunity to evaluate its long-term effectiveness. Throughout the project, staff will continue to monitor lagoon performance, weather conditions, and resident feedback and make operational adjustments where practical.

The Municipality is currently undertaking a sludge removal project at the Kincardine wastewater lagoons. During this work, sludge that has accumulated over many decades is disturbed and removed from the lagoon system. This process can create strong and unpleasant odours, particularly during warm weather and certain wind conditions.

Warmer temperatures increase biological activity within the lagoon system. As organic material breaks down, gases can be released, which may result in noticeable odours. Wind direction, humidity, and atmospheric conditions can also influence how odours are experienced in nearby areas.

The Municipality takes public health and safety seriously and understands residents' concerns about these odours. While the odours are unpleasant, the Municipality has not identified any information to suggest they pose a risk to public safety. Staff use gas monitoring equipment as part of regular safety procedures, and no concerns have been identified.

As part of the sludge removal process, odours are released and can be carried by the wind, making them noticeable in surrounding areas which is why residents may notice them. While the odours can be unpleasant, outdoor air movement also helps disperse them and prevents gases from accumulating in one location.

The Municipality continues to monitor conditions, review resident concerns, and work with project partners throughout the sludge removal process. If any risk to public health or safety is identified, the Municipality will take appropriate action and communicate promptly with residents. Protecting the health and safety of residents remains a top priority.

Over time, sludge naturally builds up in wastewater lagoons and must be removed to maintain treatment capacity and system performance. Some lagoon cells have not had sludge removed for many years, and the accumulated material is now taking up a significant portion of the lagoon capacity.

Removing the sludge is necessary to improve the operation of the wastewater treatment system and support its long-term performance.

Yes. The Ministry is aware of the ongoing wastewater lagoon improvement work and the Municipality's efforts to restore the system and improve performance.

Residents who have concerns are always welcome to contact the local Ministry office directly.

Individual odour events are not required to be reported to the Ministry. However, the Municipality documents operational issues and includes required information in annual reports submitted to the Ministry.

Municipal staff and project partners are actively working to reduce odours where possible through operational adjustments, additional aeration, and the evaluation of other treatment options. Staff continue to monitor site conditions and work with engineers and contractors to identify opportunities for improvement.

The lagoon system was built in the 1960s, long before many of the surrounding residential neighbourhoods were developed.

The odour issues are also related to the accumulation of sludge over many decades. The current sludge removal project is addressing long-standing infrastructure and maintenance challenges that cannot be resolved overnight.

The sludge removal program is a significant, multi-year investment. Approximately $750,000 of work is being completed this year, with additional sludge removal projects planned over the next two years.

The Municipality is removing as much material as practical each year to restore lagoon capacity and improve system performance.

The Municipality is beginning long-range planning for the future of the Municipality of Kincardine's wastewater treatment system. Staff will be working with engineering consultants and Council to evaluate future treatment options, infrastructure needs, and long-term investments required to support the community as it grows.

The current sludge removal project is an important first step in restoring the existing system and improving compliance and performance.