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The new odour scrubber attached to Vernon's sanitary sewer system on Okanagan Landing Bench Road (Image Credit: City of Vernon)
By Liam Verster
Odour Scrubber, Chemical Treatments

Odour reduction from Vernon’s sanitary sewer system

May 10, 2026 | 6:01 AM

The city is taking actions to reduce odours from the sanitary sewer in Vernon.

A new odour scrubber was installed to the system off Okanagan Landing Bench Road near Paddlewheel Park in late April.

The scrubber will treat hydrogen sulfide levels in the sanitary collection system using clay and carbon media. Hydrogen sulfide is a toxic and highly flammable gas that smells of rotten eggs.

Additionally, city staff are expanding the chemical injection program to include a biological pre-treatment in the system.

“This enhancement will work alongside our existing chemical dosing to better balance microbial activity which aims to improve odour control, reduce degradation of the system, and support more stable treatment conditions within the system,” a city staff report stated.

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“To further support this process, an aerator will also be installed to enhance oxygen levels and optimize overall system performance.”

Vernon city staff will provide a further update on the results from the odour scrubber and expanded chemical injection program at a later date.

by Liam Verster
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