Montreal inaugurates permanent odour treatment unit

Montreal invested almost a million dollars to solve this odour problem which was affecting residents living on Trésor-Caché Avenue and cyclists using the bike path nearby. The unit was constructed at the corner of Lafleur Avenue and LaSalle Boulevard.

“In 2002, our Administration requested that a solution be found to these odours. The installation that we’re inaugurating represents our efforts to cure a long term “bad breath” disorder”, said Mr. Forcillo. Mayor Manon Barbe said she was delighted with this facility. “It’s a memorable day for LaSalle. We’re happy to see the fruits of our labour that have led to finding a permanent solution to a persistent problem. After years of analysing the situation and conducting research and tests, the patience of Trésor-Caché residents has finally been rewarded. I am convinced that this technique can be implemented successfully for the entire length of LaSalle Boulevard and everywhere else in the island of Montreal.”

In 2006, tests were conducted with the air extraction/treatment device placed under the Mercier Bridge and was combined with sewer valves. This move brought relief to the residents of Trésor-Caché. The efficiency rate of the treatment is 98.5% while that of the extraction is 100%.

The underground chamber is equipped with a ventilator that extracts air from the sewer and then pushes it to a filtering device where the air undergoes active carbon treatment. It then undergoes a double treatment by ultra-violet rays to lift the odours and to disinfect the air. The process serves a section of the sewer that measures almost 800 metres. Other work was completed to relieve other areas affected by the odours. In the next few months, the new unit will be monitored by chemists and engineers in order to optimise the unit’s operations. This monitoring activity will lead to the fixing of parameters for the design and construction of future extraction and odour treatment systems to cover the entire stretch of LaSalle Boulevard.