Keep those pipes clean, Callander.
Of the three sewer backups last year, two were preventable and caused by residents. The Swale Street incident was caused by baby wipes – “they are not biodegradable,” Councillor Jordy Carr emphasized – and the backup on Main Street South was from too much grease in the pipes.
“For the fine component,” Carr added, “I would like to see a percentage of the cost to repair as a fine.” So instead of say a $100 fine, “if you cause 100 thousand dollars in damage your fine would be 10 per cent of that damage.”
That’s one suggestion, and more will come, as the by-law must return to council for final approval. In the current draft, the suggested fine is “not more than $5,000” for an individual who contravenes the laws. For business, that can be up to $50,000 for a first offence and $100,000 for any subsequent conviction.
Why so high? “It impacts so many people, and damages so many homes, when people misuse the sewage system,” Carr said. “We need to take this really seriously and ensure people are aware of the consequences.”
Essentially, the by-law prohibits people from flushing or pouring things into the sewer that do not belong in the sewer. No paint, chemicals, fats and greases, no gasoline, or medical waste.
And the bigger the sewage opening the bigger the problems. The by-law would prohibit people sweeping ashes and pieces of wood through the sewer grates on their roads, pouring formaldehyde and all manner of chemicals down the hatch undercover of night.
No more, Callander says.
“It’s the impact on the neighbours,” Mayor Robb Noon added. “Whatever has happened, if has been caused by someone, they have to bear some of the responsibility for that.”
Council also plans to put together a campaign to help educate people that flushing wipes and pouring the content of your deep fryer down the sink doesn’t help anyone in town. The campaign would address the wide range of sewage abuse and how you, stalwart resident, can prevent it.
However, “ignorance isn’t always an excuse for bad behaviour,” Councillor Carr added. “We all know, there are three things that go down the drain – water, human waste, and toilet paper.”
Consider that your reminder, Callander. The by-law will return to council before the final version is put in the books.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
