Tavistock Wastewater Treatment Plant

Posted June 24, 2020 | Updated October 14, 2020

Project update
October 2020

To date, approximately 950 dry metric tonnes of biosolids have been removed from Cell 1 at the Tavistock Wastewater Treatment Plant. On October 14, 2020, County Council approved additional funding to use an alternate method of removing the remaining biosolids so that work can be completed by the end of 2020. Read Community Update #4

We continue to work towards the end goal of a fully rehabilitated primary lagoon cell in the Tavistock wastewater system. We thank the community for its understanding while we complete these required upgrades.

Construction at the Tavistock Wastewater Treatment Plant

Oxford County is upgrading one of the lagoon cells (Cell 1) at the Tavistock Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). This work is needed to ensure the lagoon system continues to operate efficiently and protects the local ecosystem. The project includes:

• removing the build up of biosolids and sludge;
• upgrading the aerators that treat sewage and help keep odour under control; and,
• repairing some of the erosion that has taken place along the banks of the lagoon.

Construction work is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2020. There will be no interruption to wastewater services during the construction period.

Odour concerns

A well-functioning lagoon system doesn't normally smell, although odour may result from seasonal changes or other temporary situations, like construction. Warmer temperatures and wind direction can also affect odour, and manure spreading at certain times of the year can compound the effect.

Odour from the Tavistock WWTP was more noticeable in May and June because water levels for Cell 1 were deliberately lowered for construction work, which exposed biosolids and sewage to the air. Biosolids need time to naturally dry out and stronger odours can be present when biosolids are first exposed to air.

It is not possible to fully eliminate odour during construction work, and for those living close to the lagoons, odours will be stronger. While we cannot prevent periods of strong odour during construction, we are responding to your concerns. Read the June 25 and July 22 community updates

Our commitment to you

Oxford County is committed to providing open and transparent communication throughout the construction period so that residents feel informed. This project page is a place for you to check for information, get project updates, and ask questions. It will be updated throughout the construction period.

You have our commitment that the health and safety of residents and the environment are our primary concern. The Tavistock WWTP is operated in full compliance with its Environmental Compliance Approval from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. All operational practices during construction were reviewed by the Ministry.

We are asking for your patience as we move through the construction process, which is temporary but essential to the continued operation of the wastewater treatment plant. If you have a question you don't see answered on this site, please submit it in the online form below. If you want to speak to someone in person, please call 1-800-755-0394, ext. 3194.