Southeast interceptor line repairs: “The decision is the right one and remains the most acceptable under the circumstances.” - Pierre Desrochers, chairman of the executive committee
2 octobre 2015
Montréal, le 2 octobre 2015 - Pierre Desrochers, chairman of the city's executive committee, along with Chantal Rouleau, member responsible for water and water infrastructures, and Réal Ménard, member responsible for sustainable development, the environment, large parks and green spaces, announced construction work that requires shutting down the Southeast sewage interceptor line to rebuild the Wellington snow chute because of the Bonaventure project.
“After a thorough review of the situation, our administration has concluded that closing the interceptor is inevitable despite the wastewater discharge, a step that we cannot bypass. This work is essential to maintaining and improving the interceptor, which serves the south side of the island. All possible alternatives to dumping the wastewater have been examined, and it is the only possible option,” said Desrochers.
Essential work
As part of the Bonaventure project, the city must replace the Wellington snow chute, which must be moved because of the lowering of the Bonaventure Expressway. For safety reasons, the connection work must be done while the interceptor is not being used.
Furthermore, city experts must correct defects inside the interceptor and inspect and repair other parts of the interceptor system at the station. Near the new chute, steel frames (strengthening hoops) have degraded to the point of detaching from the structure, creating an obstruction to water flow.
“Today, we are concerned about the state of certain portions of the line. The work planned for this autumn means that we can work in a coordinated way by integrating several jobs into one operation, so that we don't have to shut down the interceptor again. Experts will take advantage of the snow chute construction to evaluate the state of the structure and remove the deteriorated hoops. Finally, this will increase the interceptor's drainage capacity and reduce overflow episodes in the area,” said Rouleau.
Environmental impact of the dump
The closing of the interceptor on October 18 means that wastewater from the southeast boroughs, from LaSalle to Rivière-des-Prairies–Pointe-aux-Trembles, and including Montréal-Est, will be diverted. The volume will be less than 1% of the average volume that the J. R. Marcotte Wastewater Treatment Station handles annually. The major dilution capacity of the river means that this solution is the least damaging, notwithstanding the volume of water dumped.
“In this context, the city has taken every measure to limit the impact of the dump. The time of year was carefully chosen. In the fall, aquatic activities are greatly reduced, if not almost over. The volume of wastewater is at its lowest, and water temperature averages 13 degrees, which limits the proliferation of bacteria,” said Ménard.
Impacts of the dump on water usages
Activities involving direct water contact will be prohibited from October 18-28 on the banks and shores of the southeast portion of the island, except for the Quai King Edward section in the Old Port, where the restriction will be extended through November 15.
The quality of drinking water produced by Montréal and shoreline municipalities will not be changed. Tap water can be drunk without danger.
Residents of boroughs that border the river, from LaSalle to Rivière-des-Prairies, and industries in those areas, are asked to use the waste bin for all manufactured items other than toilet paper – not flush them down the commode.
“After carefully analyzing the situation, we are certain today that our decision is the right one. Montrealers will understand that this decision would never have been authorized if we were not positive that all possible measures have been taken to limit the negative impacts of a dump,” said Desrochers.