Vice president says steps are being taken

DEBERT, N.S. — As soon as Envirosystems became aware of the situation with the overpowering odour, according to senior vicepresident Scott Sangster, the company immediately began a number of short-term measures to deter the scent.

These included using deodorizers and stopping water transfer between the ponds.

The company had indicated to Colchester County council that nothing could be resolved until later in the year.

They are focusing on a long-term fix, Sangster says, which includes further water treatment and physical removal of built-up solids in the ponds. “From start to finish the dredging process could take up to six to eight months, and we are planning to start near the end of September,” said Sangster. “This would create a permanent fix to the odours being generated today.” The facility has stopped taking in wastewaters with higher sulfur concentrations in hopes of avoiding a buildup in the future.

“I would like to apologize for any impact we are having on the residents and businesses in the area,” said Sangster. “This isn’t something we accept, and we’re going to make sure this issue is resolved as quickly as possible.”

To avoid stirring up the buildup and making the stench worse, the company must wait for cooler weather.

“We are very concerned if we were to start the dredging now,” Sangster said, “the smell would get much worse. Ideally if we can get past the next three to four weeks, it will be a better situation for everyone.”