Sewage being treated again in Merritt

One of the biggest hurdles preventing the full return to Merritt has been cleared, as City Officials report that effluent is again being treated at the wastewater treatment plant in Merritt.

“We are delighted to announce that the material we are putting out (at the wastewater treatment plant) is now fully treated,” said EOC Communications Manager Greg Lowis. “Public Works crews have been working incredibly hard, and I know there is still a lot of damage in there, but they have brought it back online and it meets the criteria as fully treated.”

Lowis did caution that while the plant is treating the waste again, issues still exist in the pipes leading to the facility.

“I know there is still a lot of work that they need to do,” said Lowis. “We still only have a single well online and supplying water to the system and that’s why only phase one has been returned home.”

A second well is being worked on by city crews and is currently pumping water but it’s not entering the system as of Tuesday night. Testing is continuing on the well to ensure it’s safe.

Phase one residents were able to return to Merritt yesterday, and the city is still on track to release further details on Thursday regarding phase two of the return home plan.

“We were so happy to be able to welcome some residents back today, even though it’s under a boil-water advisory and with limited services,” said Lowis. “We are asking them to limit their use of water.”

“We still anticipate releasing our plan on Thursday for phase two,” added Lowis.