Residents in Gananoque who have noticed an unusual or unpleasant odour around town recently are being assured there is a reason for it. Town officials say the smell has been traced to the municipal sewage treatment lagoon, located north of Highway 401.
Officials explain that biological digestion processes within the lagoon function differently during cold winter temperatures, which can result in noticeable odours. The treated sewage outflow pipe crosses King Street East at Carmichael Drive as it makes its way toward the St. Lawrence River.
Depending on weather conditions, including temperature changes, airflow, ice formation, and snow cover, odours may become more noticeable at certain times during the winter and early spring.
Town staff note that while the smell can be unpleasant, the system continues to operate as designed and does not pose a risk to public health. Residents are thanked for their patience as seasonal conditions impact normal lagoon operations.
(By: Tim Baltz)
