As requested by the Province of Manitoba, we report on the incidents of untreated sewer release into the environment as a result of a disruption to our wastewater collection system. These events are usually the result of something unanticipated like a water main break or a power outage. When sewer operations are disrupted, the sewage can be released into the environment, which helps protect public health and prevent property damage like basement flooding.
| Date |
Location |
Estimated
amount |
Estimated
duration |
Cause |
| Dec. 2 |
1800 mm combined sewer outfall located at 246 Churchill Drive |
0.01 megalitres |
Approx. 5 minutes |
Faulty alarm |
- On December 2, 2021 at 1:30 p.m., an overflow occurred while work was being done at the Baltimore Lift Station to allow for the start of the St. Vital Bridge force main project.
- In an effort to contain any potential overflows, the crews onsite closed the outfall slide gate at the station before any work began.
- The crew monitoring operations at the station were relying on a high wet well alarm to notify them if levels became critical and the station pumps would need to be restarted. However, due to a faulty alarm, critical levels were breached and a discharge occurred when they were draining the temporary bypass pipeline across the St. Vital Bridge.
- The crew was advised that outfall instrumentation indicated an overflow may be occurring at 1:30 p.m. They inspected the outfall slide gate and found it was ajar and letting the overflow pass through. The outfall slide gate was adjusted immediately, at 1:35 p.m., to contain the overflow.
- A vacuum unit arrived on site at 4 p.m. to clean the chamber between the outfall slide gate and the flap gate. The outfall slide gate was reopened at 4:30 p.m. and the station resumed normal operations.
- The faulty alarm is being inspected and will be repaired.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River from the time the overflow was discovered until the blockage was cleared, is 0.01 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Thursday, December 2, 2021.
|
| Nov. 28 |
2700 mm combined sewer outfall located at McDermot Avenue and Waterfront Drive |
0.009 megalitres |
Approx. 2 hours and 25 minutes |
Blockage |
- On November 28, 2021 at 1:45 p.m., a maintenance crew performing routine operational checks on the McDermot storm relief sewer found a blockage that caused a weir overflow from a nearby combined sewer into the storm relief sewer located at the intersection of Pacific Avenue and Ellen Street.
- A vacuum cleaning unit was dispatched, arriving on site at 3:15 p.m. The cleaning crew was able to liberate the blockage and stop the overflow by 4:10 p.m.
- The weir and pump at the McDermot combined sewer outfall were inspected and the crew found that some wastewater was flowing to the river. As a result, the crew closed the outfall slide gate at around 6:40 p.m. to stop the flow into the river. Repairs are ongoing to the pump and weir to help reduce the opportunity for further overflows.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River from the time the overflow was discovered until the blockage was cleared, is 0.009 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Sunday, November 28, 2021.
|
| Nov. 26 |
300 mm wastewater sewer outfall located at 25 Avenue De La Digue |
0.18 megalitres |
Approx. 2 hours and 44 minutes |
Power outage |
- On November 26, 2021 at 5:51 p.m., our Wastewater Control Center received a power failure alarm from the St. Norbert Lift Station. A standby crew with a portable generator was then dispatched, arriving on site at 8:20 p.m. Manitoba Hydro restored power at 8:30 p.m.
- The station returned to normal operation at 8:47 p.m., after the crew reset the electrical panel and was able to restart the pumps.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River as a result of this incident is 0.18 megalitres.
- The incident was reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Sunday, November 26, 2021.
|
| Nov. 14 |
1600 mm combined sewer outfall located at 105 Mayfair Avenue |
0.34 megalitres |
Approx. 50 minutes |
Power outage |
- On November 14, 2021 at 5:05 p.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a power failure alarm from the Mayfair Pumping Station. A standby crew with a portable generator was then dispatched, arriving on site at 6:45 p.m. An overflow began at 6:10 p.m. while the crew was en route to the site. The overflow ended at 7 p.m. after the crews closed the outfall gates.
- At 7:24 p.m., while the crew was setting up the generator, power was restored. The station resumed normal operation and the slide gate was reopened at 12:30 a.m. on November 15, 2021.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River as a result of this incident is 0.34 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Sunday, November 14, 2021.
|
| Oct. 16 |
1200 mm combined sewer outfall located at 2782 Assiniboine Avenue |
0.007 megalitres |
Approx. 1 hour and 3 minutes |
Power outage |
- On October 16, 2021 at 9:43 p.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a high wet well alarm from the Woodhaven Lift Station. The standby lead operator was dispatched and arrived on site at 10:15 p.m. The lead operator determined that there was a loss of power. A standby crew with a portable generator was then dispatched, arriving on site at 11:30 p.m.
- The generator was connected to the station at 11:43 p.m. An overflow began at 10:45 p.m. while the generator was en route to the site. The overflow stopped at 11:48 p.m. Power at the station was restored at 12:40 a.m. on October 17 and the station resumed normal operation.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River as a result of this incident is 0.007 megalitres.
- The incident was reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Monday, October 17, 2021.
|
| Oct. 13 |
900 mm combined sewer outfall located at 1810 Wellington Crescent |
0.004 megalitres |
Approx. 8 minutes |
Water main break |
- On October 13, 2021 at 9:17 a.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received an overflow fail alarm from the Chataway Lift Station. A crew was dispatched and arrived on site at 9:25 a.m.
- The overflow began at 9:27 a.m. and it was the result of a water main break on Handsart Boulevard. The crew closed the outfall slide gate at 9:35 a.m. The outfall slide gate was reopened at 1 p.m. and the lift station resumed normal operation.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River as a result of this incident is 0.004 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Monday, October 13, 2021.
|
| Oct. 11 |
300 mm wastewater sewer outfall located at 25 Avenue De La Digue |
0.042 megalitres |
Approx. 2 hours and 24 minutes |
Faulty electrical breaker |
- On October 11, 2021 at 5:11 a.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a power fail alarm from the St. Norbert Lift Station. A maintenance crew arrived on site with a mobile generator at 6:15 a.m. and closed the outfall slide gate.
- Upon further inspection, the crew determined that the station had power but the pumps were not running due to a faulty breaker. At 7:13 a.m., the wet well alarm was at a critical stage where homes would be at risk of basement flooding. To avoid this, the crew re-opened the outfall slide gate to allow for a controlled release until 7:23 a.m. The electrical panel was reset and the station power was restored at 7:35 a.m.
- The faulty breaker on the electrical panel will be replaced on Tuesday, October 12, 2021.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River as a result of this incident is 0.042 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Monday, October 11, 2021.
|
| Oct. 9 |
300 mm wastewater sewer outfall located at 25 Avenue De La Digue |
0.094 megalitres |
Approx. 2 hours and 17 minutes |
Faulty electrical breaker |
- On October 9, 2021 at 7:26 p.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a power fail alarm from the St. Norbert Lift Station. A maintenance crew arrived on site with a mobile generator at 9 p.m.
- Upon further inspection, the crew determined that the station had power but the pumps were not running due to a faulty breaker. The crew did not close the outfall slide gate due to an ongoing rainfall event. The electrical panel was reset and station power was restored at 9:20 p.m. At 9:43 p.m., the wet well alarm cleared and the station resumed normal operation.
- The faulty breaker on the electrical panel will be replaced the week of October 12, 2021.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River as a result of this incident is 0.094 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Monday, October 11, 2021.
|
| Sep. 15 |
On the approach to the Willow Lift Station |
0 megalitres *all wastewater was contained and removed from site |
N/A |
Wastewater force-main leak |
- On September 15, 2021 at 11:30 a.m., a Wastewater Services crew reported a void on the approach of the Willow Lift Station, which is located near the intersection of Netley Street and Riverwood Avenue. Crews investigated and found a wastewater force-main leak. The leak was contained within the void and did not enter into a land drainage catch basin. A vacuum cleaning unit and excavation crew were called to the site around 11:52 a.m. and repairs began once emergency underground clearances were completed.
- Additional vacuum cleaning units were called in on September 16 to reduce levels and allow for ongoing repair work. These units will continue to pump until the repair of the wastewater force-main is repaired.
- Leak contents from the force main are being contained to avoid further soil contamination. The approximate volume of contaminated soil removed so far is 100m3 and any additional contaminated soil will be removed and disposed of safely.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Wednesday, September 16, 2021.
|
| Aug. 8 |
2400 mm land drainage sewer outfall located at Park Boulevard North and the Assiniboine River |
0.005 megalitres |
Approx. 3 hours and 43 minutes |
Wastewater force-main leak |
- On August 8, 2021 at 5:37 pm., a 311 Service Request was submitted for water leaking at the intersection of Newbury Crescent and Swindon Way. A Water Services crew attended and determined that a possible wastewater force-main leak was occurring and notified Wastewater Services at 7:45 p.m.
- A standby crew was dispatched and arrived on site at approximately 9 p.m. and determined there was a wastewater force-main leak at this location which comes from the Portsmouth Lift Station, located at 51 Portsmouth Boulevard. The leak was observed entering a land drainage catch basin at the intersection of Newbury Crescent and Swindon Way, which drains out of the 2400mm land drainage sewer outfall located at Park Boulevard North and the Assiniboine River.
- At approximately 9:20 p.m., vacuum cleaning units were called in to empty the lift station wet-well to ensure minimal wastewater would be pumped through the force-main.
- Emergency underground utility clearances and repair of the force main have been completed. The station was by-passed until the repair was complete. Any contaminated soil has been removed and will be replaced.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River as a result of this incident is 0.005 megalitres.
- The incident was reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Sunday, August 8, 2021.
|
| Jul. 27 |
2500 mm combined sewer outfall located at 530 Henderson Highway |
0.016 megalitres |
Approx. 24 minutes |
Water main break |
- On July 27, 2021 at 4:21 p.m., the Wastewater Control Center received an overflow alarm from the Munroe Diversion Station.
- A standby crew was dispatched and arrived on site at 4:28 p.m. and the overflow began a few minutes later.
- The overflow was the result of a water main break on Norwich Avenue at Beasant Street.
- The crew closed the outfall slide gate at 4:45 p.m.
- At 6:22 p.m., the overflow alarm was cleared and the station resumed normal operation.
- The outfall slide gate was reopened at 7:15 p.m.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River is 0.016 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Tuesday, July 27, 2021.
|
| Jul. 22 |
2500 mm combined sewer outfall located at 530 Henderson Highway |
0.096 megalitres |
Approx. 44 minutes |
Water main break |
- On Thursday, July 22, 2021, at approximately 6:56 p.m., our Wastewater Control Center received an overflow alarm from the Munroe Diversion Station.
- A crew was dispatched and arrived on site at approximately 7:25 p.m.
- The overflow began at 6:56 p.m. and was due to a water main break on Trent Avenue at Roch Street.
- The crew closed the outfall slide gate at 7:40 p.m. and a sample was collected.
- At 8:54 p.m., the overflow alarm cleared and the station resumed normal operation.
- The outfall slide gate was re-opened at 10:18 p.m.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River as a result of this incident is 0.096 megalitres.
- The incident was reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Thursday, July 22, 2021.
|
| Jul. 17 |
900 mm combined sewer outfall located at 1810 Wellington Crescent |
0.017 megalitres |
Approx. 53 minutes |
Water main break |
- On July 17, 2021 at approximately 12:27 a.m., the Wastewater Control Center received an overflow alarm from the Chataway Lift Station. A standby crew was dispatched and arrived on site at approximately 1 a.m. The overflow was the result of a water main break on Grenfell Boulevard. The crew closed the outfall slide gate at 1:20 a.m. At 1:28 a.m., the overflow alarm was cleared and the station resumed normal operation. The outfall slide gate was reopened at 2:45 a.m.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River is 0.017 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Saturday, July 17, 2021.
|
| Jun. 20 |
1600 mm combined sewer outfall located at 1 Cornish Avenue |
0.027 megalitres |
Approx. 31 minutes |
Water main break |
- On Sunday June 20, 2021, at approximately 12:01 a.m., our Wastewater Control Center received a weir overflow warning alarm from the Cornish lift station.
- A standby crew was dispatched and arrived on site at approximately 12:32 a.m.
- The overflow began at 12:09 a.m. and was due to a water main break on Arlington Street at Ellice Avenue.
- The crew closed the outfall slide gate, stopping the overflow, at 12:40 a.m.
- The station resumed normal operation when the weir overflow alarm cleared at 1:14 a.m. and the outfall slide gate was reopened by the crew at 1:45 a.m.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River as a result of this incident is 0.027 megalitres.
- The incident was reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Sunday, June 20, 2021.
|
| May 13 |
900 mm combined sewer outfall located at 1810 Wellington Crescent |
0.022 megalitres |
Approx. 1 hour and 22 minutes |
Power failure |
- On Thursday May 13, 2021, at 10:02 p.m., our Wastewater Control Center received a power fail alarm from the Chataway Lift Station.
- A standby crew with a mobile power generator was dispatched immediately and arrived on site at approximately 11:00 p.m.
- The crew closed the outfall slide gate at 11:15 p.m. and a sample was collected.
- At 11:18 p.m., while the crew was connecting the mobile power generator, Manitoba Hydro power was restored and the station pumps returned to operation.
- The outfall slide gates were re-opened at 11:40 p.m.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River as a result of this incident is 0.022 megalitres.
- The incident was reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Friday, May 14, 2021.
|
| Apr. 8 |
2100 mm combined sewer outfall located at 242 Metcalfe Avenue |
0.054 megalitres |
Approx. 1 hour and 16 minutes |
Sewer cleaning |
- On April 8, 2021 at 10:04 a.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a high wet well alarm from the Metcalfe Lift Station. The alarm was the result of sewer cleaning work by a private contractor immediately upstream of the Metcalfe overflow weir. The contractor was hired by the City to perform sewer rehabilitation work, which was being managed by an external consultant.
- A maintenance crew was dispatched and arrived on site at 10:45 a.m. Upon arrival, the crew immediately closed the outfall gate and 10:50 a.m. The slide gate was re-opened at 11:15 a.m. and the high wet well alarm was cleared at 11:35 a.m.
- After the incident, SCADA data for the lift station was reviewed and it indicated that the overflow started at 9:33 a.m. The City also reviewed notification protocols for this kind of work to ensure that Wastewater Operations is notified prior to any future projects of this nature.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River is 0.054 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
|
| Mar. 26 |
300 mm wastewater sewer outfall located at 25 Avenue De La Digue |
0.024 megalitres |
Approx. 1 hour and 31 minutes |
Power failure |
- On Friday, March 26, at 7:51 a.m., our Wastewater Control Center received a power fail alarm from the St. Norbert Lift Station. A maintenance crew with a mobile power generator was dispatched immediately and arrived on site at 9:10 a.m. At 9:12 a.m., Manitoba Hydro power was restored and the station’s pumps returned to normal operation. At 9:20 a.m., the crew checked the outfall and noticed discharge occurring. At 9:22 a.m., the high wet well alarm cleared and the station resumed normal operation.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Red River as a result of this incident is 0.024 megalitres.
- The incident was reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Friday, March 26, 2021.
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| Feb. 18 |
900 mm land drainage outfall located at the intersection of St. Charles Street and the Assiniboine River |
0.015 megalitres |
Approx. 2 hours and 47 minutes |
Blockage |
- On Thursday, February 18 at 3:48 p.m., a maintenance crew responded to service call reporting a high sewer level at 435 Sansome Avenue. The crew confirmed sewer level at the location was high, however no overflow was occurring at this time. It was determined the high sewer level was caused by a blockage downstream of the Sansome Avenue and Gagnon Street intersection.
- A vacuum cleaning unit was called in and arrived on site at 7:46 p.m. to clear the blockage. The cleaning crew observed wastewater entering the high-level overflow pipe and into the land drainage sewer, located at the intersection of Gagnon Street and Sansome Avenue, which eventually flows to the Assiniboine River. The vacuum cleaning unit immediately began cleaning the wastewater sewer containing the blockage and the overflow was stopped at 8:17 p.m.
- Although flow was observed entering the land drainage sewer on Thursday evening, it wasn’t until the following morning that a discharge into the Assiniboine River was confirmed.
- Wastewater Services will continue to investigate the circumstances of this overflow and will make any required operational modifications to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
- The estimated volume of wastewater discharged to the Assiniboine River, from the time of discovery to when the blockage was cleared, is 0.015 megalitres.
- The incidents were reported to the Manitoba Conservation and Climate Accident Reporting line on Friday, February 19, 2021.
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