The Water & Sewerage Company Inc. (WASCO) has been receiving complaints from residents of Beausejour and its environs, Bonne Terre and Aron Vale regarding the overpowering odors emanating from the wastewater ponds at Beausejour. Our investigation has revealed that several factors are contributing to this issue, including reduced sunlight, lack of wind, and saltwater intrusion from a nearby hotel property. These conditions have caused the growth of odor-producing bacteria in the pond, which naturally treats wastewater.

It should be noted that the conditions at the Beausejour ponds have been less than ideal since December, 2024. The long periods of cloud cover and reduced sunlight, the lack of wind, reduced oxygen dissipation and now the ingress of salt water from one of the hotels have all exacerbated the situation.

WASCO is fully committed to swiftly resolving the situation and is actively taking immediate steps to alleviate the discomfort of residents. One of the key actions we are implementing is the transfer of water from a better-functioning pond to the affected one to help reduce the odor. Additionally, we have augmented aerator action time to 100% to increase oxygen dissipation for bacterial breakdown of organics and to make the ponds more aerobic.

Having identified the source of the saltwater ingress, WASCO has alerted the Company to cease this practice. However, as a result of the dissolved salts settling in the sludge layer at the bottom of the ponds, we will embark on a desludging exercise during the drier part of the year to reduce the amount of sulphates and increase pond retention capacity.

WASCO will continue to monitor the situation closely and ensure that all necessary measures are in place to prevent further issues. Rest assured, we will keep residents informed with regular updates as we work towards a long-term solution. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated.