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News Release Wastewater Upgrades

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Published: Wednesday, 15 July 2026 14:07

NEWS RELEASE

Town of Berwick

236 Commercial Street, PO Box 130

Berwick, Nova Scotia, B0P 1E0

berwick.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Town of Berwick Announces Capital Upgrades to Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure.

Berwick, Nova Scotia – The Town of Berwick is committed to providing essential services to residents, businesses, and industry in a safe, reliable, and sustainable manner. To continue delivering these services, capital upgrades to the Town's wastewater treatment infrastructure will begin this summer.

Safe and effective wastewater collection and treatment are fundamental to a healthy community. By reducing the risk of disease transmission, protecting fish habitat and water quality, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, these capital improvements represent an investment in the health, resilience, and future of the community.

During this capital work, there will be times when partially treated wastewater is discharged to the Cornwallis River, traditionally known to the Mi'kmaq as Jijuktu'kwejk (“The Narrow River”).

The Town has applied to Environment and Climate Change Canada for a Temporary Bypass Authorization (TBA) for the intended work duration. This TBA allows the operator of a wastewater system to bypass one or more treatment processes for a defined period of time. In this case, the TBA is required so that the Town can remove the existing tertiary treatment equipment, demolish the existing building, and rebuild and install a new clarifier.

During this time, there is a likelihood that a higher amount of suspended solids will be discharged to the river. The Town's operations team will work with Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change, and Environment and Climate Change Canada, to minimize the impact to the environment during this period.

Wastewater discharged from the facility during the temporary bypass will still go through pre-treatment, primary treatment in the aerated lagoons, polishing through the final lagoons, and bacterial sterilization through the ultra-violet lights.

The Town anticipates the temporary bypass authorization will be in place for a period of up to 15 months, starting in October 2026.

Every day, the Town's wastewater system protects public health by safely collecting and treating wastewater, helping to prevent the spread of disease while protecting our waterways and the environment. These capital upgrades will help ensure the system continues to operate reliably and meets the needs of our growing community for years to come.

Residents are encouraged to check the Town of Berwick's website and social media for updates and information regarding this project.

Media Contact

Town of Berwick