KAWARTHA LAKES-The Health Unit has issued a warning to residents after 126,000 litres of raw sewage was released into the Scugog River today.
The warning comes after a sewage spill occurred at the Colborne Street pumping station. The spill reportedly occurred at 10:30 am today and was contained within 20 minutes according to the Health Unit. The Spills Action Centre was notified at approximatley 1pm and the Health Unit later that afternoon. It’s unlcear what caused the delay in notifying the appropriate authorities and the Health Unit. We are waiting to hear back from the City.
Officials are encouraging residents who draw their water from Scugog River to ensure they use a proper filtration and disinfection system before drinking the water.
Richard Ovcharovich, Manager, Environmental Health for the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit told Kawartha 411 on Wednesay that this should never happen. “Spills like this are not common and not insignificant.” The impact of this spill on the water quality would be minimal given the dispersion rate but that residents living downstream from the pumping station should be aware of the spill and take precautions according to the Health Unit. He also recommends that anyone drawing their water from any lakes or rivers, including Scugog River, should ensure they have a proper treatment system with filtration and disinfection to make sure their water is safe.
“Surface water can be contaminated by viruses, bacteria or parasites that can cause illness,” he said. “It’s important to treat the water before drinking or using the water to be sure it is safe.”
The City of Kawartha Lakes is investigating the cause of the sewage bypass. Ovcahrovich says he was told a contractor, working on behalf of the City was working on the sewer and tried to bypass the line in order to be able to complete the work. He says the bypass didn’t hold.
Currently, all pumps at the pumping station are working.
Pamela VanMeer is a veteran, award winning journalist. She won the prestigious RTDNA Ron Laidlaw Regional and National Award for Continuing Coverage of elder abuse in Long Term Care. She was a reporter/anchor at CHEX TV and CHCH in Hamilton before moving back home and starting Kawartha 411 News.
