Saugeen Shores is investigating some of its sewer stations after complaints about odour north of the Saugeen River in Southampton.
“Something is going on here that’s causing significant H2S concentrations,” R.J. Burnside’s Jeff Pazner told councillors Monday.
The Town recently retained engineering and environmental consultants R.J. Burnside & to look into the issue. They determined there were possible concerns at sewage pumping stations four and 5 located along Blanchfield Road and Eckford Avenue as well as in the Tyendinaga Drive and Mississauga Street areas.
“We’ve all heard of things going septic. That’s what happens when there’s no oxygen, the sewage is in the system for way too long, basically all the bacteria eats up all the oxygen and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is released as gas into the air causing that unpleasant odour,” says Pazner. He says it’s an intermittent smell.
Pazner says they’ve worked with staff to monitor the hydrogen sulfide in the areas of the pumping stations. He says the results were unexpected, noting, “The actual highest concentrations of H2S, which is very surprising was in the Tyendinaga Drive area and the Ottawa Avenue area,” explaining that portion of sewer has significant hydrogen sulfide concentrations.
Pazner says the next step is to put a camera through the sewer line there and flush the system.
He says in his experience, when an issue like this arises, it’s due to a certain user or resident who is discharging some atypical waste water. He says, typically those are businesses or industries, but Pazner says, “Talking to staff, I know that these are residential homes but something is going on here that is causing significant H2S concentrations. We believe it’s causing odour problems where we’re seeing it at pump station four and obviously down in this area by Blanchfield where we’ve received complaints.”
He says if there’s a blockage, hydrogen sulfide can build up because sewage is sitting too long. Pazner says while some have raised concerns about too much sewage and wastewater going to the number four pumping station, he says the more flow, the less likely there would be an odour issue.
He notes, that station is designed for 36 litres of sewage a second and the current average flow is one litre a second.
Pazner says if there is no blockage causing the problem, they can sample the water and use their video to see if there are any illegal connections and look at the type of industries or businesses in that area that might be affecting the sewer system.
He says other options to consider chemically treating for odour.
Staff say the investigation is expected to cost about $15,000 .
Vice Deputy Mayor Mike Myatt noted, “For the residents out there, I really really hope you do find a solution because it’s not pleasant.”
Councillors voiced support for continuing the investigative work.
Pazner noted, “This isn’t a Southampton problem. This is a very common problem municipalities have to deal with, and they’re not easy problems to solve. Sometimes it’s a needle in a haystack.”
Image from R.J. Burnside report