Timmins reports secondary bypass at Mattagami wastewater plant on March 9

The City of Timmins reported a secondary bypass at the Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant at 551 Airport Road on March 9, diverting 1,591.869 cubic metres of partially treated wastewater around part of the treatment process between 3:49 p.m. and 7:20 p.m.

The notice provides a time window and volume for the bypass, information some residents may look for when checking on wastewater system events, especially during periods of heavy precipitation or snowmelt that can increase flows into municipal systems.

During a bypass or overflow, partially treated wastewater is diverted away from a treatment process to prevent backups, overflows or damage to the system.

The city did not state what caused the March 9 bypass.

Bypasses or overflows can occur when a treatment plant or part of the treatment process is overwhelmed. The city said these events are often caused by heavy rainfall and/or snowmelt.

The city asked residents to delay or limit water use during rainstorms, including laundry, longer showers and dishwashing.

The city posted the bypass notice on its website on March 10.