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City awards contract to clean up Livingstone Trail Lagoon

The City of Whitehorse has awarded a contract to remove built-up sludge from the Livingstone Trail Lagoon near Whistle Bend, which could potentially raise a stink in the neighbourhood - literally.

The City of Whitehorse has awarded a contract to remove built-up sludge from the Livingstone Trail Lagoon near Whistle Bend, which could potentially raise a stink in the neighbourhood - literally.

The contract, awarded to Norcope Enterprises for $152,675, entails using pumps to remove solids built up at the bottom of primary treatment cells. The sludge will then be stored and piled on drying beds.

The build-up reduces the overall capacity of the lagoon, according to a city administration report, and can cause increased odours during the spring and fall.

The lagoon, built in 1996, has been a part of the city’s sewage treatment system since 1997.

Due to the development in Whistle Bend, “there is an increased need to reduce the potential odours from the lagoon,” the report states.

“Odours are likely to occur,” said assistant city engineer Taylor Eshpeter at Monday’s meeting. “It’s a short-term pain for a long-term gain.”

Eshpeter said Whistle Bend residents would be notified before the work takes place next year.

David Albisser, manager of waste and water services, said he usually receives two or three calls per year from residents complaining about the smell.

But the sludge removal has to happen sooner or later, he added, otherwise the odours are likely to get worse over time.

The Yukon government will foot the bill for the project based on an agreement it has with the City of Whitehorse.