September 12, 2026
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The Municipality of Kincardine's aeration system trial began Sept. 8, at the wastewater lagoon in Ward 1 (former Town of Kincardine), with the system coming on-line at approximately 10 a.m.
As expected, following the system's three-month shut-down, strong odours were experienced during start-up, in the affected areas, including Bruce Avenue and the Stonehaven subdivision.
In a press release, issued Friday (Sept. 11), the municipality states that staff is monitoring dissolved oxygen levels in the aeration cell. Additional sampling will monitor treatment performance and assess the results of the trial which is scheduled to continue for about three weeks.
As of Friday, staff reported that the odours improved within approximately 24 hours, and a sodium nitrate application Wednesday (Sept. 9) has helped reduce impacts. Noticeable odours are now primarily limited to the area close to the lagoon site.
Hand-held air-quality testing continues around the site. Some readings were recorded near the lagoon during start-up. No readings indicated an alarm or serious condition, and testing along the lagoon perimeter found no readings of concern. Daily monitoring has also identified no ongoing air-quality concerns.
Dissolved oxygen levels and site conditions have not yet improved significantly. This is expected at this early stage of the trial, with more noticeable changes anticipated around days seven to 14.
Staff will begin collecting samples next week to assess treatment effectiveness and removal rates with the aeration system operating. A second sodium nitrate application is available, if odour conditions worsen.
A small number of odour complaints have been received, but overall, the system is operating as expected.
Updates on the Lagoon Sludge Removal Project will be posted every Tuesday and Friday throughout the aeration trial. Residents can also subscribe to receive project updates directly to their E-mail inbox.
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