Poop-filled pond at Halifax Public Gardens gets drained today

Workers began drainingGriffins Pond inside the Halifax Public Gardens Mondayin preparation to excavate a buildupof duck poop and other debris that has settled on its bottom.

That part of the operation is expected to take most of the week, saidErin DiCarlo, a spokesperson for the municipality.

There's about a metre or so of slimy sludge on the bottom of the historic garden'spond to be removed, a job that is expected to be completed by spring,weather permitting.

"Everything is going well," DiCarlo said Monday, adding nothing remarkable has turned up in the pond so far. "There's been no impact on people using the gardens."

For decades,ducks that frequent the Public Gardens have released their excrement into the murky waters of the pond. The accumulationofwaterfowl feces, leaf litter and other organic matter reached levels that spurred the municipality to launch a cleanup, which was announced in August.

The gardens will remain open to the public while the pond is being cleaned.

There may be some impact on traffic on streets surrounding the park while work is underway, includinglane drops on Sackville Street, the municipality said.