The Wolfville Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) was originally constructed in 1979 to provide secondary treatment to the community. A series of aeration upgrades were completed 1991, 2013 (lagoon cell #1), and 2019 (lagoon cell #2). The most recent upgrades were completed in 2021 (Phase 1) which included new influent screens and replacement of the disinfection system.
Flow is delivered to the WWTP by two pumping stations; one from Grand Pre and the other from Wolfville. The facility currently includes influent screening, two-cell aerated lagoons, and Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection. Treated effluent is discharged to the Minas Basin.
With population growth, the facility has struggled with compliance issues and experiences flows above its rated capacity during peak wet weather events so the Town undertook a series of studies to understand the issues. Now, to manage these concerns and to prepare for increases in population, we are proceeding with a combination of aeration upgrades coupled with the construction of a third aerated lagoon cell to improve performance. This work is now underway.
Mass excavation and embankment is expected to start in July and will last for approximately eight to ten weeks. This includes the removal of soil, fill, rock or other material to prepare the site for construction followed by the importing of earthen/granular materials to prepare the lagoon berms and foundation for the blower building. Importing of material to site will result in an increase in truck traffic on Old Dyke Lane.
Construction of the cast-in-place concrete foundation for the blower building is anticipated to start mid to late July and last for approximately four to six weeks. This includes formwork and reinforcing (rebar) for the footings, frost walls, and building slab. Once complete, work on the building superstructure will commence. Interior/exterior masonry work is expected to start in mid to late August and last for approximately four to six weeks. The blower building should be ‘roof tight’ by mid to late September.
