Timmins reports secondary spill at Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant on April 24

The City of Timmins reported a secondary spill at the Mattagami Water Pollution Control Plant on April 24, saying 500.201 cubic metres of wastewater was by-passed between 8:10 a.m. and 9:12 a.m. The plant is located at 551 Airport Road.

The city’s Environmental Services Department asked residents to conserve water during rainstorms, saying high flows can contribute to bypasses or overflows when parts of the treatment process are overwhelmed.

In its public report, the city did not say what caused the April 24 spill.

The city said municipal wastewater is “99% water” from stormwater and from homes and businesses, such as washing and flushing.

According to the city, bypasses and overflows can happen when a treatment plant or a treatment process is overwhelmed, and are often associated with heavy rainfall and/or snowmelt. The city said that during these events, partially treated wastewater may be diverted away from part of the treatment process to prevent backups, overflows, or damage to the system.

The city asked residents to delay or limit water use during rainstorms, including laundry, long showers, and running the dishwasher. It also asked residents not to flush wipes.