Sask. city hatches urgent plan to deal with stench from sewage lagoon

Meadow Lake's City Hall is shown in this 2012 Creative Commons photo. (Source: Julia Adamson, CC BY-SA 3.0)

Something stinks in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan and city officials say they’re working urgently to deal with it.

The public works director for the city — located nearly 300 kilometres northwest of Saskatoon — said in a news release Monday the city is working to “address ongoing concerns about the sewage lagoon and the persistent odour that has affected residents.”

Mayor Merlin Seymour acknowledged the stench, owing to a buildup of sludge in the city’s sewage lagoon, has been a longstanding challenge in Meadow Lake.

Seymour says he wants residents to know they’re working on it.

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“We regret that some residents have felt unheard,” he said. “Please know that we are listening, we are taking action, and we will keep the community informed every step of the way.”

The first step in the city’s plan starts on May 19 with a comprehensive survey of the lagoon.

“This assessment will provide crucial information on the scope of work needed to effectively de-sludge the lagoon,” says Hasan Akhtar, public works director.

Then, the city can hire a contractor to dredge and “dispose of the sludge responsibly, as early as possible this summer.”

According to Akhtar, sludge naturally accumulates in sewage lagoons over time, which can lead to strong odors and reduced efficiency in wastewater treatment.

As part of the remediation process, Akhtar says the city will review its maintenance strategies and explore long-term solutions for the lagoon.

“This project is not just about immediate relief — it’s about creating lasting improvements for the community.”

The city is cautioning residents the dredging process will likely make the smell worse, temporarily, but should improve things in the long run.