Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant – Outfall Partial Replacement
This project focuses on the partial replacement of a section of a pipe (outfall) that runs treated wastewater from the Inverness Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The project aims to replace a 180-meter section of the 1,000-meter buried pipe that is at the end of its operational life. This section of pipe, originally installed in 1972, runs just inland of the sand dune and under the dunes, beach, and boardwalk into the water.
Location
The construction will take place on a section of the Inverness beach and boardwalk, 58 Beach #1 Rd., Inverness.
Project Timeline
| Phase | Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1) Site preparation | Equipment brought on-site; fencing set up. | Early April 2025 – Complete |
| 2) Archaeological assessment | Consultants will sift through soil looking for potential artifacts. | April 1 & 2, 2025 – Complete |
| 3) Marine construction | A floating excavator will trench the ocean floor for the new pipe installation. No impact to residents or the fishing community. | *April 7 -15 – Complete |
| 4) Onshore construction | Equipment will be on a section of beach and boardwalk. Construction area will be fenced off. A section of the boardwalk will be closed. There will be areas of the beach that are fully accessible depending on the where you enter the beach, however access to walk the entirety of the beach may depend on tidal conditions. | *April 7 – 25 |
*Dates subject to change due to weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.
What to Expect During Construction
Construction Hours
- Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Please note, Work hours may vary depending on tidal conditions.
Noise and traffic
- Increased foot traffic and construction noise are expected during work hours.
- There will be occasional construction vehicle movement in the area.
Safety concerns
- Unauthorized access to the construction site is prohibited for safety reasons.
- Please do not approach construction crews and avoid entering the site.
- Pedestrian safety: Always exercise caution when near the construction zone, especially when on the beach or boardwalk.
- Pets: Always keep your pets on a leash. Extra caution is advised at dusk due to uneven beach terrain.
- Please stay off the dunes. Access over the dunes can negatively impact dune vegetation.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out:
- Email construction@invernesscounty.ca
- Call toll-free 1-866-258-0233, select option #5.
Project specifics
- Tender Identification Number – MCI-TEN-2024-015
- Engineering Consultant – CBCL Engineering & Environmental Design Services
- Contractor – Zutphen Contractors
Environmental Impacts and Regulatory Compliance
Due to the sensitive nature of the area, this project is highly regulated to protect the environment. Several permits are required from various agencies, including:
- Department of Fisheries & Oceans
- Nova Scotia Environment & Climate Change
- Communities, Culture, Tourism & Heritage
- Natural Resources
The project complies with all relevant legislation, including:
- Nova Scotia Environment Act
- Fisheries Act (including timelines and restrictions)
- Species at Risk Act
- Canadian Navigable Waters Act
- Migratory Birds Convention Act
- Nova Scotia Endangered Species Act
- Wildlife Act
*The project was originally scheduled to be completed by April 15, 2025, however due to inclement weather conditions, the onshore construction phase of the project was extended until the end of April, tentatively between April 25 to April 30, 2025. As bird nesting season began April 15, the team is working closely with Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources to conduct daily site surveys to protect the nesting population.
Budget
The project budget is estimated to cost approximately $800,000. Funding comes from an investment of approximately $18 million, and is a collaboration between the federal, provincial and municipal levels of government.
- At the federal level, the Government of Canada contributed $7.2 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
- The Province of Nova Scotia invested $5.9 million
- The Municipality of Inverness County committed $4.9 million
Acknowledgment of Challenges
The Municipality of Inverness County acknowledges that this is a challenging time for public-facing projects due to supply chain disruptions, market fluctuations, and contractor availability. While we strive to provide the most accurate information, please understand that project timelines, costs, and other details are subject to change. We will keep the public informed with updates as they become available.