Group wants screens replaced to block floatables in Halifax harbour

A non-profit organization set up to protect and preserve three islands in Halifax Harbour is calling for the reinstallation of screens at sewage outfall stations to prevent buoyant sewage solids, or floatables, from entering the harbour.

The Friends of McNabs Island Society also want Halifax Regional Municipality to launch an education campaign to remind residents not to flush items such as tampon applicators, condoms and syringes down the toilet.

The floatables have been washing up along the Halifax waterfront since the municipality removed several screens last week because they were damaging the machinery.

The mess has forced the municipality to revive cleanup sweeps along the Halifaxs shoreline and beaches.

Cathy McCarthy is the president of the society set up to protect McNabs, Lawlor and Devils islands located at the mouth of Halifax Harbour.

"If the city can do anything to educate people to not flush this garbage down their toilet in the first place it would go a long way to help reduce the amount of plastic tampon applicators and condoms that end up in the harbour," McCarthy told CBC News on Sunday.

However, Mayor Kelly said that while reinstalling the screens is not an option at this time, the city is considering an educational campaign.

"This is not new to us," Kelly said on Sunday. "This is one that we know, has a benefit and it's one that we cant overlook as to the long-term strategy for the reduction of waste in the harbour," he said.

In January, a new $54-million sewage treatment plant in Halifax malfunctioned, causingraw sewage to overflow.

The treatment plant is not expected to be back in operation until next spring.

Meanwhile, McCarthy said members of the McNabs Island society and a group of Girl Guides plan to go to the island next weekend to clean up the floatables washing up along the shoreline.