Hello Ward 8 Neighbours,
The City is estimating that 59 million litres of sewage has been discharged over 26 years from 11 properties on Rutherford Avenue in the City’s north end.
For more details, please continue reading below…
HAMILTON, ON –The City of Hamilton estimates that approximately 59 million litres of sanitary sewage discharged into the Hamilton Harbour over a duration of 26 years from a spill being contributed to by 11 properties on Rutherford Avenue. The spill was confirmed on Monday January 9, 2023 at 1:45 p.m. with repairs being completed on Wednesday January 11, 2023 at 3:40 p.m. The spill was identified as part of a proactive risk-based inspection pilot program initiated by the City as a key outcome from the Burlington Street spill in November 2022. This pilot program is still underway.
City staff developed this estimate based on the water meter usage data from the 11 properties connected to the combined sewer pipe. Similar to the calculation for the spill that occurred on Burlington Street, there were several ways City staff could calculate the overall estimated volume of wastewater discharged into the Hamilton Harbour, but this methodology was identified as the most accurate representation of the discharge over the time period.
All sewage is now flowing into the Myrtle Avenue combined sewer and all appropriate blocking of the storm sewer has been completed.
The estimated cost of the repair work (excluding staff time) totals $37,529 which includes:
- Initial CCTV investigation and flushing – $1,512
- Vacuuming Costs – $10,017
- Excavation, parts and sewer realignment cost – $22,000
- Permanent road restoration – $4,000
City staff remain in close communication with the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) Spills Actions Centre and shared the estimated volume of discharge with them this morning.
There has been some discussion publicly about the possibility of the City receiving an Order from the MECP related to this spill. Hamilton Water staff have been meeting with staff from the MECP regarding a possible Order related to the November 22, 2022 Burlington Street Spill. Conversations have been productive, however, at the time of this news release, an Order has not been issued.
Questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, you can contact our office here.