Upgrades are finished at the Lancaster Wastewater Treatment Facility, one of the city’s oldest plants serving the west side.

The City of Saint John said the $7.1‑million project replaced the aeration system that had been in place for more than 30 years.

The work included dredging the aeration cells and installing new floating fine bubble diffusers.

Officials said the system improves oxygen transfer in the wastewater, reduces energy use, and makes maintenance easier.

The city noted the previous system had operated for decades without major issues, but deficiencies in the underground infrastructure had begun to appear.

“This project is more than an infrastructure upgrade; it’s an investment in Saint John’s future,” the City said in a release, adding the improvements will extend the service life of the facility and support community growth.

Funding came from all levels of government. The provincial government contributed $1.3 million, while the federal government provided $1.5 million.