Bigger Sewers Not Better
The Lethbridge Herald reports that no major upgrades are being recommended for city sewers after they were overwhelmed by a Canada Day rainstorm. City council, however, is considering whether to help homeowners pay for plumbing upgrades to prevent future sewer back-ups. “Larger pipes aren’t always the answer,” said Neil Evans, an engineer with the city’s water, wastewater and storm water department.

Hamilton Limits Phenols in Sewers
The Hamilton Spectator reports that four city industries, including the two big steelmakers, will no longer be allowed to exceed bylaw limits for phenolic compounds going into city sewers. U.S. Steel, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, tar producer VFT Canada and waste manager Newalta have overstrength agreements under which they pay the city to treat phenol compounds in their sewage. Similar agreements exist for other chemicals the Woodward Avenue wastewater plant is said to be capable of handling. But Jim Harnum, senior director of water and wastewater, told council’s public works committee that the plant’s effluent, which flows into the harbour, doesn’t meet the provincial objective of 0.001 milligrams of phenol per litre.

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