Sewage gone, harbour safe enough for shellfish Halifax water officials say

HALIFAX – Care for some Halifax harbour mussels?

According to Halifax Water officials, the municipality’s sewage treatment system is working so well that shellfish harvesting could be done safely in the harbour.

But the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said Wednesday the harbour is classified as a prohibited area, meaning it’s closed to the harvesting of clams, mussels and oysters.

A statement from the inspection agency said Halifax’s sewage treatment project is a positive development.

But it said any future shellfish harvesting would depend on a full assessment of all biological and contaminant sources.

Carl Yates, general manager of municipal water utility, told regional council this week that the $300-million treatment project is complete and meets water quality guidelines for shellfish catching.