Halifax Water is planning to perform wastewater system maintenance on a few wastewater treatment facilities in Halifax and Dartmouth in 2025.
This maintenance work is integral to the system’s operation and must be completed by redirecting wastewater flows.
Why is this necessary?
This maintenance work is required to ensure the system continues to operate and meet regulatory compliance.
Why is untreated wastewater being released? Can this be avoided?
The wastewater system, as currently designed, does not allow for the diverting to another facility or for the retention of wastewater. Additionally, pump trucks cannot manage such a large volume of wastewater. As a result, the combined wastewater and stormwater flows must be released into Halifax Harbour.
How does this impact me?
During the indicated period, we are asking customers to minimize their use of running water, flushing toilets, and doing laundry. This will help reduce pressure on the wastewater system. Anything residents can do to support this is appreciated.
How do I know if I’m in the impacted area?
Refer to map of impacted areas.
Will this impact Halifax Water services in the area?
No. All services will be maintained during this work.
What is Halifax Water doing to minimize the impact on marine habitat?
Halifax Water is making significant efforts to minimize the impacts of this essential work on marine habitat and the environment and will use the following mitigation measures:
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Public Notification - A public service announcement (PSA) will be distributed to local news media outlets requesting voluntary water conservation to help further reduce wastewater flow in the collection system. This will also be amplified on our website and on social media.
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Short Timeframe - Reducing the time required by having supplies and equipment all on-site, maintaining a tight schedule with safety top of mind.
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Pre-work - We have planned multiple, complex, critical projects to be completed that will all require a bypass of the plant. This, in turn, significantly limits the volumes that would be otherwise discharged through separate, individual bypass events.
Who regulates this work?
Halifax Water is regulated by Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change and Environment and Climate Change Canada and is proceeding through the regulatory process for this work.
Has this work been permitted? By whom?
Halifax Water submitted a temporary bypass authorization application to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in advance of completing this work. As part of the application process,Halifax Water is required to provide details of the planned work and an overview of the methods of communication to advise the public. The application also requires information on the discharge points, the estimated volume and the estimated duration.
Once submitted, ECCC reviews the application and provides approval or denial.
Throughout the maintenance window, Halifax Water is required to track and report all discharge
volumes to ECCC.
Who notified of this work?
Halifax Water has notified neighbouring Mi’kmaq communities, the Shellfish Water Classification Program, and other impacted groups that utilize the harbour, i.e., diving groups, boating clubs and other key interested parties. Halifax Water has also notified the general public through public service announcements, social media and the Halifax Water website.
Will it impact on the harbour?
The harbour has many uses, including industrial and commercial activity, so we cannot speak to its overall water quality. However, understanding that we are releasing screened, untreated effluent into the harbour, it is strongly recommended that you avoid swimming in the harbour and limit your contact with harbour water during the planned shutdown.