Residents have until Oct. 30 to comment on the first round of public consultation for Russell Township and The Nation Municipality's proposed shared wastewater plant. The Sept. 29 open house in Embrun presented a preliminary preferred location, while leaving technology, connecting-pipe routes and detailed design for later work.
The project is following a Schedule C Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. The process moves from identifying the problem and comparing possible solutions to evaluating design alternatives, preparing an Environmental Study Report and, eventually, detailed design and construction.
The study is now in its second phase. Its preliminary preferred solution is a consolidated plant at the existing Embrun lagoon site, serving Russell, Embrun and Limoges. That recommendation remains subject to consideration of public comments; the open house was not a construction approval.
Residents can comment on the proposed location and issues they want considered as the team develops treatment options and connecting routes.
The timetable displayed at the meeting calls for the project team to compile the first consultation's comments and confirm its recommendation this fall. During winter 2026–27, it plans to identify preliminary preferred treatment technologies and design concepts.
A second public information centre is targeted for the second quarter of 2027. It is expected to present the proposed routes for the pressurized wastewater pipes, along with preferred technology and design concepts, for comments from residents, Indigenous communities, review agencies and other interested parties.
An Environmental Study Report and public review would follow in the assessment process. The displayed schedule does not give a construction start or an opening date for the plant.
Questions and comments can be sent to Russell's Jonathan Bourgon at JonathanBourgon@Russell.ca, The Nation's Marc-Olivier Gratton at MOGratton@nationmun.ca, or CIMA+ consultant Bradley Young at bradley.young@cima.ca. Residents can also ask to be added to the project contact list to receive future notices.