The proprietor of a business in Saskatoon’s Marquis Industrial district has expressed concerns about the detrimental impact of toxic gas emanating from a malfunctioning city sewage facility on the value of his property. Derek Hanneson, the owner of Hanneson Construction Inc. situated on Kinnear Avenue, highlighted the significant investment he made in acquiring the building, which has now been rendered practically worthless due to the presence of high levels of H2S (hydrogen sulfide) gas released at the nearby dump station.
During a recent meeting of the environment, utilities, and community services committee, Hanneson described the noxious gas as potentially harmful, with its foul odor resembling rotten eggs and causing physical discomfort to individuals entering the building. Russ Munro, the director of Saskatoon water, admitted to the malfunctioning state of the dump station, also known as the Marquis waste hauler disposal station, where the gas removal system is failing to operate as intended.
Munro acknowledged the potential dangers of the gas and explained that monitoring procedures are in place, including sounding an alarm if the gas concentration reaches 10 parts per million. He mentioned that the blower system, responsible for controlling gas emissions, operates only at night and outside of business hours to minimize disruption to surrounding industrial activities. However, finding a sustainable solution to the issue poses challenges, as shutting down the facility would result in unfiltered gas release.
A budget request of $1.4 million is pending council approval, with proposed design and construction timelines extending to 2027-28. The relocation of the disposal station from the Silverwood Heights neighborhood aimed to reduce adverse effects on homeowners, with the facility now situated north of the Silverwood Golf Course.
In a separate matter discussed at the committee meeting, advocates for bird conservation raised concerns about the hazards posed to avian wildlife by the reflective windows on the north side of Saskatoon city hall. Mercy Harris of Bird Safe Saskatoon reported incidents of bird collisions resulting in injuries or fatalities, with a petition urging city hall to implement bird deterrent measures estimated at $49,863. The Saskatoon Nature Society emphasized the importance of protecting bird species, particularly during migratory periods, and called for action to prevent further bird strikes.
Furthermore, Saskatoon Climate Justice representatives urged city hall to address the provincial government’s decision to extend the operation of coal-fired power plants until 2050, citing potential setbacks to emission reduction efforts. Jory Vermette emphasized the necessity for clean energy adoption and urged the committee to engage with the provincial government on the coal extension issue to safeguard environmental conservation goals.
The diverse array of environmental challenges discussed at the committee meeting underscores the ongoing efforts and collaborations required to mitigate risks and promote sustainable practices in Saskatoon.
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