Fondation Rivières was dismayed to learn this week that the city of Longueuil will dump 162,000 cubic meters of wastewater into the river. In fact, a main pressurized wastewater pipe measuring 900 mm in diameter, located in the bed of the St. Lawrence near the Highway 20 bridge at the Louis-Hippolyte Lafontaine bridge-tunnel, must be replaced over a length of 16 meters. This work is essential and the City has not identified any measure that could prevent the spill planned for 8 days and nights starting November 15.
Although the explanations provided by the City appear credible, Fondation Rivières questions the fact that the Contractor is paid an hourly rate for the operations he will have to carry out in the coming days. It appears surprising that 8 days and 8 nights are required for this work over a length of 16 meters. The causes of the break remain unexplained, especially since it is a steel pipe covered in concrete, which is the most resistant. Three pipes of this type supply the wastewater treatment plant located on Île Charron.
Finally, the Fondation Rivières reiterates that each cubic meter of untreated wastewater, thus discharged into the environment, should be subject to a fine in order to encourage municipalities to limit their discharges. The various water analyzes and contamination monitoring studies will never compensate for the damage caused. The amounts thus collected should contribute to reducing pollution, such as installing disinfection systems where there are none, such as in Longueuil.
The Fondation Rivières will intervene quickly with the new Minister of the Environment, Ms. MarieChantal Chassé, to ensure that the conditions governing excesses of this type are tightened and their pollution fairly compensated.
Video: Alain Saladzius comments on the planned spill in Longueuil
Photo: Dmitry Bukhantsov/Unsplash
