Longueuil, November 4, 2022 – Starting November 7, the City will proceed with the second phase of work at the Centre d’épuration Rive-Sud (CERS) as planned. It has to replace the second of three bar screens – wastewater pre-treatment equipment that intercepts large debris in the water as it arrives at the plant on Île Charron. These bar screens were installed when the plant was commissioned in 1992 and have now reached the end of their useful life.
For the duration of the work, from November 7 to 21, the plant, which treats wastewater from the cities of the Longueuil agglomeration – Boucherville, Brossard, Longueuil and Saint-Lambert (with the exception of Saint-Bruno) – will operate at two-thirds of its capacity. Nevertheless, it should be remembered that the two existing facilities are sufficient to treat the quantity of wastewater arriving at the plant in dry weather, i.e. outside periods of thaw, snowmelt or heavy rainfall.
Measures in place to minimize environmental risks
The Town has obtained authorization from the Ministère de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs to proceed with the work. Given the risk of overflow caused by the reduced treatment capacity of the CERS during the work, the certificate of authorization stipulates that the work must be carried out during periods deemed less damaging for wildlife, i.e. between November 1 and March 1. Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs were also consulted to ensure compliance.
To further minimize the risk of wastewater overflowing into the river, Longueuil is implementing a number of measures, including carrying out work on a continuous basis to minimize downtime for the equipment to be replaced. This is the same process carried out last February, when the first equipment was replaced, and it went off successfully as planned. The city is also appealing to the public and businesses to help reduce the risk of overflow to the river by reducing their water consumption during this period.
“From November 7 to 21, we are once again asking residents of Longueuil, Brossard, Boucherville and Saint-Lambert, as well as those who work on the territory of these cities, to make an extra effort to reduce their water use, especially during rainy periods. That’s when the sewer system is under the most strain, and when the risk of overflows into the river is highest. This work is essential to ensure that the equipment continues to function properly to treat wastewater and protect the environment,” says Mayor Catherine Fournier.
Major investments in progress
With this work, the city is once again demonstrating its proactive approach by investing heavily in water management to improve its facilities and their environmental performance. Over the next three years, $101 million will be invested in upgrading drinking water and wastewater facilities within the agglomeration, including $31 million at CERS alone. A total of $1 billion will have to be invested over 10 years to modernize the agglomeration’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructures and equipment. These investments are part of the city’s Water Strategy 2020-2030, and the city is seeking support from the various levels of government, in particular to make the wastewater network more resilient in the face of climate change.
For more information on the work, how to reduce water use and the investments required, visit the Ville de Longueuil website and Facebook page.
About Longueuil Modern and forward-looking, Longueuil is the central city of the Longueuil agglomeration, which is home to over 434,000 people. Longueuil stands out for the quality of the essential services it offers its population, its rich and varied cultural program, and its strong potential for economic development. With its 360 years of history, Longueuil also offers a stimulating and welcoming environment where families can thrive, with large green spaces, peaceful residential and urban neighborhoods, and a thriving business community.
Source: Communications and Public Affairs Department
City of Longueuil
Telephone: 450 463-7270
[email protected]
longueuil.quebec
