One of the most important parts of a community’s infrastructure system in terms of maintaining public and environmental health is the wastewater collection system.

A wastewater collection system is the means by which all of our used water from our homes and businesses is gathered and conveyed to the wastewater treatment plant.  The wastewater collection system has a lot of different components in order to make this happen including, gravity sewers, pumping stations, force mains and manholes.

The Yarmouth wastewater collection system has been in place for many decades.  A lot of upgrades and improvements have taken place since the late 1980’s through to today.  In 1992, a significant upgrade included incorporating all of the collection system to bring the wastewater to one point.  That’s when the Yarmouth Wastewater Treatment Plant was commissioned.

At this facility, the wastewater is treated to meet minimum regulated quality requirements before it is released to the harbour.  Keeping this in mind, it is important to know that the wastewater collection system and the treatment plant are designed to convey and treat, respectively, regular domestic wastewaters.

Some may not realize that problems can occur if materials that are not regular wastewater components are permitted to reach these systems. Damage to collection and treatment equipment and the environment can occur as a result.

Problem materials which reach the wastewater collection system can include something as simple as grease and fat from the kitchen which may contribute to blockages in the collection system. Food or garden related organic materials should be placed in the green cart.

Other materials that should be prevented from reaching the collection system would include diapers, rags and other common items from the home such as plastic materials (e.g. sanitary napkins, condoms), bandages, cigarette butts, razor blades.

• Hazardous chemicals (e.g. muriatic acid, insecticides, herbicides, etc.)
• Unused prescription drugs
• Petroleum products (e.g. fuel oil, gasoline, waste oil, etc.)
• Paints, paint remover, etc.

If we all contribute to ensuring that our waste, of all sorts, is handled in the proper manner, the environment, and ultimately everybody, will benefit.