PORT HOOD: During a presentation on Inverness County’s water and waste treatment processes, municipal staff received high praise from provincial environmental leaders for maintaining one of the cleanest and most organized sites in the province, despite overseeing one of the highest numbers of treatment facilities.
The Municipality of Inverness County operates 10 water treatment facilities spanning from Chéticamp to Port Hastings, managed by a dedicated team of professionals.
Providing updates to council at a meeting on March 6, water and wastewater operator Diana Austin explained that the department sources water from two primary areas.
“Groundwater is basically what we rely on within the communities. We have one community that sources surface water, and that would be Judique,” Austin stated. “Surface water is generally considered to be more accessible, although it can contain high levels of contaminants.”
Due to these contaminants, surface water requires more intensive treatment. Austin noted that municipal staff have developed specialized skills for each facility and work efficiently as a team to ensure safe drinking water for residents.
Reviewing key developments in 2024, Austin highlighted several advancements in municipal water management, including the introduction of a new safety program, the commencement of construction on a new sewer plant in Inverness, the implementation of an upgraded barrel grabber attachment, and the resolution of issues related to chlorine pumps.
During the meeting, Inverness County’s Deputy CAO, Melanie Beaton, drew attention to a letter received from the former environment and climate change lead for most of Nova Scotia’s water treatment plants.
“It’s a big shout-out to the operations and the water and wastewater operations team. So, to Erin Gillis, Chestley Carr, Kristin Jones, and all of the operators here,” Beaton stated.
The letter commended municipal staff for their exceptional work in maintaining high operational standards in a rural region with a significant number of treatment facilities.
“As we begin to get closer to closing out 2024, I just want to reach out to all of you and congratulate you on the exceptional work that has been completed and is ongoing in the county,” Beaton read from the letter.
In the spring of 2024, a comprehensive audit of all municipal water treatment facilities was conducted, with the province reporting that no deficiencies were found.
“Each facility was organized and spotless inside and out,” the environmental lead noted, further highlighting the cleanliness and efficiency of the municipality’s transfer stations.
The letter also mentioned that a Halifax-based waste specialist, who was present during inspections, was so impressed with the facilities that they expressed interest in bringing city staff to Inverness County for a tour to observe best practices in cleanliness and organization.
“I came to the Port Hawkesbury office 16 years ago and was given all of the Inverness files as part of my workload. In those 16 years, I have never seen the facilities operating as they are today,” the environmental lead stated. “Thank you all for your cooperation, great communication, and strong work ethic in maintaining these facilities.”
Beaton emphasized that this recognition reflects the leadership and dedication of the county’s water operators and staff, particularly in a department that has previously faced challenges, including fines and non-compliance issues.
“Look at how far we have come. The work that they do is truly vital to our municipality and our water and wastewater treatment facilities, which serve our communities,” Beaton said.
The councillors expressed their gratitude to municipal staff for their dedication. Councillor Lynn Chisholm remarked, “It’s such a gift to know that we have good drinking water.”
Councillor Catherine Gillis echoed this sentiment, stating, “Water is the most important thing that we have,” and noted that complaints regarding water issues are now rare. She also expressed her commitment to supporting the department’s ongoing efforts.
“It’s amazing what you’re doing,” she said.