Summerside seeks seaweed smell solution

The City of Summerside, P.E.I. is looking for a way to deal with tonnes of seaweed that wash up on a local beach, stinking up the neighbourhood.

Decomposing seaweed has been a problem in the west end of Summerside for years. The city is hoping someone can come up with an idea to turn that problem into an asset.

Carol Harris has lived in the neighbourhood, and still enjoys a walk along the west end boardwalk, when the smell doesn't drive her away.

"Unbearable, you couldn't even leave your windows open," said Harris.

"I lived a block away and you could smell it. It was terrible."

For more than 10 years the city has been using backhoes and trucks to remove the seaweed, 35 tonnes of it last year, and a local farmer has been using it fertilizer.

Summerside CAO Bob Ashley believes it's time for a more efficient solution.

"It is a bio-resource and there is a potential we hope for energy production, biofuel, value-added products, nutraceuticals, other forms of fertilizers or chemicals," said Ashley.

The city has put out a call for help with hopes of finding a consultant to help develop a feasible plan for making better use of that bio-resource. The tender closes Nov. 3.