Infrastructure issues are cause for phased return to Merritt

Merritt residents are set to begin returning to the city at noon today, as phase one of the return home plan takes effect.

Phase one encompasses homes North of the RCMP station in the Bench area of town only. During this phase, roadblocks will remain on Voght Street at Grimmett Street, on Nicola Avenue at Juniper Drive, and on Nicola Avenue at Coldwater Road.

The phased return to Merritt has some residents asking why they have to wait, despite not being affected by the flood waters directly.

“Some of the lines (for the waste-water treatment plant) are badly damaged in the flood areas. This is one of the reasons why there may be a house that isn’t damaged by flooding, but because the sewer and water lines are integrated in those area (Like phase 3), we need to make sure its safe for people to be using those systems and make sure it’s isolated from the damaged sections,” said EOC Communications Manager Greg Lowis.

“We’re working to bring the water system back online in sections of the city. Lines need to be flushed, debris needs to be cleared,” added Lowis.

As for the waste-water plant, Lowis explained that for the time being, the Environment Ministry has given permission for the city to pump untreated effluent into the river.

Residents who are returning to Merritt are doing so under a boil-water advisory and will be asked to conserve water as only the Kengard Well is operational.

“The Kengard Well pumps at about 50 litres per second, which is about a quarter of our normal capacity,” added Lowis.

Phase one residents may return after 12 pm today (Tuesday Nov 23), further information will be provided for phase two residents later this week.