A new project that reduces the amount of phosphorous that leaves the North End Sewage Treatment Plant has officially come online.

The Interim Chemical Phosphorus Removal Project, which uses a chemical process, will reduce the amount of phosphorous by up to 30 percent.

"This allows us to make an immediate impact on the health of Lake Winnipeg in a cost-effective way while we continue to have discussions with the provincial and federal governments about funding more extensive solutions,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham.

The $19.3 million project will allow the city to maximize phosphorous removal in changing sewage conditions, while they complete the remaining upgrades at the plant.

This project is not part of the North End Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades and does not bring the plant into compliance, however, it will reduce the amount of phosphorous they contribute to Lake Winnipeg during the upgrades.

We care about Lake Winnipeg. This is why Council directed the Public Service to explore opportunities to safely speed up the North End Sewage Treatment Plant upgrades,” said Brian Mayes, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Water, Waste and Environment. “We want to do our part to protect Lake Winnipeg.” 

The North End Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade project has a budget of over $1.8 billion.