Timmins finishes emergency repairs at Mattagami wastewater plant; $1.2M spent, $2.2M committed; no overflows
Emergency repairs and a clean-out of the primary anaerobic digester at Timmins’ Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant are complete after a buildup of solids, rags, and debris. Costs total $1.2 million to date, with more than $2.2 million committed; no overflows or bypasses occurred.
The plant began experiencing issues in late February when solids blocked the digester’s recirculating pumps. Operators maintained treatment within effluent limits during the work. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks was notified immediately, with weekly updates provided as repairs progressed.
Commissioning of the primary digester is now underway. A clean-out of the secondary digesters will follow. Both the primary and secondary digesters are slated for relining in the 2026 capital budget.
“This situation reinforces why we ask residents to only flush human waste and toilet paper,” said Ken Krcel, Director of Public Works and Environmental Services. “No wipes in Pipes. Even wipes labeled ‘flushable’ do not break down like toilet paper. This can cause serious clogs in your home plumbing and in the City’s wastewater system, leading to expensive repairs and backups.”