Containment booms are set up at multiple locations around Nanaimo as reduced capacity combined with heavy rains are causing untreated wastewater to leech into area waterways. (Alex Rawnsley/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

SEWAGE

Untreated wastewater overflowing into more Nanaimo waterfront locations

Nov 15, 2021 | 12:46 PM

NANAIMO — Continued inclement weather is again causing issues for Nanaimo’s sewage treatment.

In a public notice issued Monday, Nov. 15, the Regional District noted untreated wastewater was continuing to flow out of their system at the Brechin boat ramp near Departure Bay and the Millstone River near Maffeo Sutton Park.

Recent rainfall has compounded the issue, with new discharges at the CP Rail Yard and in Chase River. Several low-lying manholes are also leaking untreated wastewater.

“The temporary overflows are a result of ongoing construction to upgrade the wastewater conveyance system, which is causing a reduction in flow capacity, compounded by extreme and sustained wet weather events,” the notice read.

The issues are expected to correct themselves once construction is completed later in the fall.

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Approximate locations of where untreated wastewater is leaking into the ocean from an overloaded RDN system. (Google Maps/RDN)

Public notices are posted at each location and staff continue to monitor the sites regularly.

The work being done to upgrade the system will reduce the risk of similar events occurring in the future.

The RDN first experienced issues at the Brechin and Millstone sites in early November, with the smell of sewage present at both locations.

Rainfall is expected to taper off Monday afternoon, however, more is in the forecast for later in the week.

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