Wastewater treatment plant pumps still working

Crews were onsite much of Wednesday at the wastewater treatment plan in Merritt and a more detailed report on the situation in expected later today.

“We had inspections done of our wastewater and drinking water systems today,” said EOC Communications Manager Greg Lowis. “The pumps are still running, but there is absolutely no treatment that can happen at this time. I know the crews had a look through the pipes and they discovered just huge amounts of silt. So, it’s not just the plant itself, but also a huge amount of debris that’s built up within the system that needs to be removed before it can be put back online.”

As the treatment plant remain inoperable, all raw sewage in the system is being discharged into the river.

‘That means we have to work with the Ministry of Environment, to make sure we do it in close as possible to compliance with all environmental legislation,” added Lowis.