Secondary bypass underway at Whitney-Tisdale wastewater plant in Timmins, city says

A secondary bypass began at 8:01 a.m. on April 28 at the Whitney-Tisdale Water Pollution Control Plant at 815 Gervais St. in Timmins, according to a notice from the City of Timmins’ Environmental Services Department.

The city said bypasses can occur when the wastewater system is overwhelmed, often during heavy rainfall and/or snowmelt, and it asked residents to conserve water during rainstorms.

The city listed the end date, end time and bypassed volume as ongoing. The notice did not give a cause for the April 28 bypass.

During a bypass or overflow, partially treated wastewater is diverted around part of the treatment process to prevent backups, overflows or damage to the system, the city said.

The city said municipal wastewater is 99% water from stormwater and household and business use, including washing and flushing.

In the same notice, the city asked residents to reduce water use during rainstorms by delaying or limiting activities such as laundry, long showers, or running the dishwasher. The city also asked residents not to flush wipes to help keep pipes clear.