Lagoon Aeration Trial – October 2, 2026

The Municipality of Kincardine's lagoon aeration system trial began September 8 and concluded on September 30. The trial was undertaken to assess the system's ability to improve treatment conditions and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in the aeration cell, while staff monitored treatment performance, odour conditions and air quality.

Throughout the trial, DO levels increased from approximately 0.20 mg/L at start-up to generally 0.50–0.60 mg/L. Levels have varied during the trial, reaching approximately 0.80 mg/L at times and dropping as low as 0.40 mg/L. While this represents improvement from the start of the trial, DO levels remain below the 1.5–2.0 mg/L or greater range staff were seeking.

Laboratory sampling also provided important information about treatment performance. Results received during the trial showed improvements in BOD removal through the aeration cell, including recent results indicating removal rates consistent with the treatment process's intended performance. However, some samples also showed higher BOD loading entering the aeration cell than staff had anticipated. Staff are continuing to review the results to better understand the conditions within the lagoon system.

Odour conditions improved significantly following the sodium nitrate application early in the trial and have remained generally low around the site. Air quality monitoring throughout the trial has not identified ongoing concerns.

The trial has provided the Municipality with valuable information about current lagoon conditions and how the system is performing. Staff are now working with the Municipality's engineering team and aeration system provider to review the results, identify opportunities for improvement and determine whether additional measures or investments may be required.

The Municipality will use the information gathered through the trial to inform next steps for the lagoon system and the upcoming sludge removal work. Further information will be shared once the technical review is complete and potential next steps have been evaluated.

The Municipality will continue to provide updates as this work progresses.

Contact the Project Team