Eastern Passage sewage treatment plant now meets federal standards

The new $6.4-million sewage treatment plant in Eastern Passage is now in compliance withfederal pollution standards, but theres a list of other plants in the city that still need upgrades.

The Eastern Passage facility replaces a 30-year-old plant with outdated equipment which led to sewage overflows. The modern system means what goes into the harbour meets the latest federal rules.

This is the very latest technology for the betterment of our community and the environment that we serve, said Halifax water general manager Carl Yates.

The new plant has also been expanded so it'll be able to handle any new development in the Eastern Passage-Cole Harbour area for the next 25 years.

Now that the Eastern Passage facility is complete Yates says the water utility can turn its attention to other plants that need upgrades.

The next plant on our horizon is at the aerotech treatment facility which is next to the airport, estimated to cost about $20 million, he said.

Other sewage treatment plants that require improvements over the next 20 years to comply with Ottawa's new standards include the Halifax and Dartmouth sites.