Remembrance Day – Monday, November 11. View holiday hours for City of Winnipeg facilities and services.
North End Water Pollution Control Centre (NEWPCC) plant shutdown
September 16, 2002 press releaseMechanical failure shuts down the North End Water Pollution Control Centre
Due to mechanical failure, the North End Water Pollution Control Centre is temporarily out of service. At approximately 1:15 p.m. today, staff were repairing one of the six pumps in the main pump room. Because of a faulty valve, raw sewage flowed into the pump room immersing equipment. As a result, raw sewage cannot be pumped through the regular wastewater treatment processes and began draining into the Red River at approximately 5:00 p.m.. One operator sustained minor injuries and is seeking medical treatment.
Staff are working around the clock and could have the facility back in operation within a week. Until repairs are complete, approximately 230,000 cubic metres of raw (untreated sewage) will drain to the Red River per day. Barry MacBride, Director of the City's Water and Waste Department says, "Because of high river flows from upstream of Winnipeg, the sewage will be diluted and we don't expect a major impact on river water quality. We will start monitoring river water quality tomorrow and should have results within a couple of days."
The North End Water Pollution Control Centre, located at 2230 Main Street, processes raw sewage from the north and central areas of the city, including about 370,000 residents. There is no impact to residents in the city of Winnipeg - they can continue to use the water and sewer services as usual.
MacBride says, "We advised Manitoba Conservation and Winnipeg Regional Health Authority immediately, and we will give them regular updates on our progress. Municipalities downstream of the Red River are being notified. There aren't any communities downstream of Winnipeg on the Red River that use river water as a source of drinking water."
- 30 -
Media inquiries may be directed to:
Kathy Taylor
Public Information Officer
Water and Waste Department
986-6000
This page was last updated on April 15, 2024 |