Town of Osoyoos apologizes for smells from the sewage plant

Photo: Contributed

Unpleasant smells are wafting through the town of Osoyoos again. Town council is apologizing for odour issues coming from the water treatment plant and asking for patience as they work through the issue.

“We take these odour issues seriously, and understand the frustration that residents feel as this issue remains unresolved and seems to recur each year,” the town stated in a press release. 

The increase in smell can also be chalked up to the hot weather and when the Town experiences its seasonal peak visitation in the summer months.

While the town addressed the issues within the sewer system are not a quick fix, they have budgeted $5M for system improvements in its financial plan. 

“Addressing this problem has proven difficult and despite it being a concern for many years a final solution has not been identified.”

The new Main Wastewater Pumping Station (MWWPS) should reduce the accumulation of sludge in the lagoons and improve bacteriological processes that treat wastewater. 

The Town added they’re still taking consultations to obtain advice and design solutions from qualified professional engineers who are experts in the field of wastewater treatment and disposal. The increase in smell is not a health concern. 

More information on the wastewater treatment plan can be found on the town’s website.