Plan to release millions of cubic metres of wastewater into Halifax Harbour delayed

Halifax Water is temporarily dumping wastewater in the Halifax Harbour. (Source: Jonathan MacInnis/CTV News Atlantic)

The plan to release millions of cubic metres of screened wastewater into the Halifax Harbour as part of system maintenance work has been delayed by a week.

Halifax Water originally said the work would start Monday. It will now begin on May 5 and continue until June 28.

The utility says the work, which includes upgrades to ultraviolet disinfection equipment, is “integral” to the system’s operation.

“During this scheduled work, it is estimated that up to 4,000,000 m3 of wastewater will be released into the harbour from 12 approved relief points between the MacKay Bridge and Eastern Passage. These locations are designed to occasionally alleviate pressure from high volumes in the collection system due to wet weather,” reads a news release from Halifax Water.

Customers in certain areas of Dartmouth are being asked to reduce their wastewater flows while the work gets completed by minimizing the use of running water, flushing toilets or doing laundry. It is also advised that people and pets minimize recreational activities in the water.

Halifax Water says the work will not impact traffic or its services in the area.

The utility’s definition of wastewater includes substances such as human waste, food scraps, oils, soaps, and chemicals.

Halifax Water has received approval from Environment and Climate Change to perform the work.

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