Update, Thursday, September 7, 2023 9:31 am – Additional investigations have determined a manufacturing defect to be the cause. The affected part has been fixed.
Thursday, September 7, 2023 – A release of raw and partially treated sewage spilled onto West Coast Road around 5:30 p.m. last night after a lift station electrical fault.
The District’s monitoring system notified staff of a station fault around 5:00pm. While action was taken to respond to the issue at the source, the lift station began overflowing approximately 30 minutes later.
“We’ll continue additional investigations to prevent reoccurrence,” says Manager of Wastewater Services Paul Bohemier at this early time in responding to the event. “We’ll also be working with environmental services to ensure diligence in our care for the environment. However, early indications show containment within the road and no significant environmental impact.”
While an electrical contractor worked to resolve the fault, a pump truck was brought in to clear the roadway. Further clean up helped to ensure any remaining discharge was removed.
Station operation was restored around 6:45pm. There were no service interruptions to households during the event.
The District is currently working to expand the wastewater plant capacity, which includes a force main upgrade in the area.
Media Contact:
Christina Moog, Communications Coordinator
Tel: 250.642.1634, ext. 678
e: cmoog@sooke.ca