TransAqua board to consider Moncton's call for compost site changes

Moncton's wastewater utility will consider a call by city councillors for major changes to address a foul smell in the city's north end.

Residents living north of Berry Mills Road have complained for years about a pungent sewage smell.

Moncton council voted Monday to ask TransAqua to consider moving its sewage composting operation into a building to contain the smell, or move it farther from homes. 

Another motion set to be debated in January could see the city insist on one of those options.

There was no discussion of the issue at TransAqua's commission board meeting Thursday evening. Michel Desjardins, the commission's chair, was absent and other members declined an interview after the meeting.

Brenda Dore Kidney, the commission's secretary, later sent an emailed statement saying they will discuss Moncton's vote at the commission's next meeting on Jan. 18.

Kevin Rice, TransAqua's general manger, said in an interview that addressing council's request would require spending money to know if it is feasible. Moving to a new location would potentially require provincial environmental approvals. 

"Right now, we don't have any funding in our 2024 budget to do that," Rice said.

"However, the commission certainly has the authority to be able to direct staff to say, 'Get us a proposal, let's let's start this study as soon as we can.'"

TransAqua is funded through wastewater fees paid by homes and businesses in Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview. That means any added costs would go on those bills. 

At issue is a facility the utility, previously known as the Greater Moncton Wastewater Commission, began operating in 2005 south of Berry Mills Road.

That's where biosolids removed from Moncton, Dieppe and Riverview wastewater are sent to be composted on large outdoor pads under large tarp-like covers. 

An upgrade at TransAqua's sewage plant has resulted in significantly more biosolids being sent for composting.

Rice said the upgrade was expected to result in a 25 per cent increase, but has actually led to a 76 per cent increase.