Municipality of the District of Argyle - Wedgeport Wastewater Improvements Phase 3

completed

The project consists of the installation of 28 on-site wastewater systems in the community of Wedgeport. The project aims to improve the quality of the wastewater discharged. The community of Wedgeport, NS is one of first fishing communities within Nova Scotia and dates back to the first Acadian settlers. A large number of systems are described by a single clay pipe heading directly into the marsh, not being filtered by a tank or dispersion field at all. Other homes have made some upgrades in the 60’s and 70’ and installed a cess pool before directing the sewage into the ocean or ground. A study in 2012 (Phase1) presented the result of about 144 systems being inadequate or a severe risk to the environment and health of the residents. In 2016 the Municipality of Argyle received federal and provincial funding for the installation of on-site sewer systems within the newly established Wedgeport Waste Water District (Phase 2). We experienced minor cost increases by using advanced treatment units, which were needed due to environmental and property size restrictions. This phase sparked a keen interest of more residents and with an extended Wastewater district a waiting list of 50 property owners has been build up. Residents, council and staff are ready to initiate Phase 3 to allow for the development and improvement of another Wastewater Management District. The new phase will be rolled out as a design-built program to allow for a more cost and time effective management during the implementation phase.