Nova Scotia

Shelburne sewage stench to be addressed this week, mayor says

People complained Friday evening that the smell had become "really bad," Mayor Karen Mattatall said.

'Our sewage treatment people are attempting to manage' the smell, says Karen Mattatall

Shelburne Mayor Karen Mattatall said she will meet Monday morning about the sewage smell in town. (CBC)

Public officials on Nova Scotia's South Shore will meet Monday to try to reduce the stench of sewage that's settled over a town.

People in Shelburne, N.S., complained Friday evening that the smell had become "really bad," Mayor Karen Mattatall said.

"We know that there is an odour. We know that. We're aware of that, and our sewage treatment people are attempting to manage that," she said Sunday.

"Whether it's the weather, whether it's something wrong with the plant, that I can't tell you until we've had a chance to find out."

Sewage plant upgrades

The Town of Shelburne is scheduled to begin upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility Oct. 1.

During a visit by Prime Minister Justin Trudueau last month, the town was promised approximately $1.18-million in federal funding and $590,000 from the province for the work.

In the meantime, ​"We certainly want to alleviate [the smell] if possible," Mattatall said. 

"It's exceptionally hot, and there have been a couple of times over the summer that the issue has been raised."

A "couple of things" have been brought to the town's attention as possible causes, she said, but she would not elaborate. 

The mayor said her meeting with the chief administrative officer is first thing Monday morning.