At the end of September a large open pipe appeared in Sechelt Marsh. Upon investigation the Sunshine Coast Natural History Society, which is charged with care of the marsh, discovered it was an overflow line connected to the new sewage treatment plant.
The line, they were told, would pump raw sewage into the marsh in the event of a failure at the plant.
“There was no consultation with us whatsoever,” said history society member Barry Pruden, who was surprised to see the pipe installed on Sept. 23. “We had no knowledge it was being done.”
District of Sechelt communications manager Connie Jordison said the “high level overflow pipe” was part of the design of the plant from the beginning.
“This overflow pipe is only used in the event of complete failure of the pumping station and the backing up of incoming wastewater,” Jordison said.
“In such an emergency, the pipe allows for controlled overflow from the sewer collection system direct to the waterway. Without it, wastewater would surface through manhole covers resulting in uncontrolled overland flow, before eventually draining into the marsh waterway.”
She said the old treatment plant didn’t have an overflow pipe connected to it, which was “considered a deficiency in the design.”
She also said there has never been an “overflow event” during the 34 years the old treatment plant has been operational.
Originally the overflow line was to be installed in November in conjunction with landscaping plans, but other pipe work done in September pushed the schedule ahead, Jordison said, noting the plan was to consult with the natural history society in November.
The District did not discuss the pipe plans with the society before it was installed last month.
Pruden said the installation warrants trespass in the marsh, which is owned by the Nature Trust of British Columbia, and that the pipe could mean the demise of many species, should an overflow event occur.
“We’re waiting to hear back from the Ministry of Environment and the Nature Trust to see what they have to say,” Pruden said, noting the natural history society made both groups aware of the situation.
He said the society also plans to write a letter to the District of Sechelt this week, outlining their concerns and asking for reports that show the need for the overflow line.
“We want to see if there are any other alternatives,” Pruden said.
In the meantime, the overflow line has been installed and is now “live,” meaning it will be used in an overflow situation if needed.
