Malfunction in sewage storage tunnel leads to spill into Ottawa River
The City of Ottawa says a malfunction in its combined sewage storage tunnel, meant to keep sewage out of the Ottawa River, led to an overflow of wastewater into the river last week.
In a memo, public works director Marilyn Journeaux said the instrument that measures the sewage levels in the Stanley Park shaft malfunctioned on Nov. 16 causing the tunnel to fill to capacity.
"This resulted in a small spill into the Ottawa River," Journeaux wrote. "Staff were closely monitoring the system and were able to rapidly stop the overflow. An investigation is currently underway that will identify more precise information on the malfunction allowing staff to minimize reoccurrence."
According to the memo, a total of 306 cubic metres of sewage spilled into the river.
"For context, 300 m3 represents approximately 0.1% of the daily volume received and treated at Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre (ROPEC) on a typical day," Journeaux said in the memo.
About 154 cubic metres spilled into the river in the Stanley Avenue and Keefer Street area, 70 cubic metres spilled in the Booth Street and Wellington Street area and 82 cubic meters spilled near Kent Street.
The spill was reported to the environment ministry.
The $232 million underground combined sewage storage tunnel is located eight storeys underground and can hold up to 43,000 cubic meters of sewage overflow during major rainfalls. It began operation in November 2020.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid says he has Bell's palsy
Philadelphia 76ers All-Star centre Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy, a form of facial paralysis he says has affected him since before the play-in tournament.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.