Clean Production and Toxics

Sewage in the St. Lawrence: Solutions

In the last edition of Great Lakes News, we discussed some of the problems facing Quebec’s wastewater system. Overcoming these challenges can be met by a mix of infrastructure upgrades and ‘green’ solutions that prevent rainwater from reaching overburdened storm sewers.

In many municipalities along the St. Lawrence River, combined sewer overflows and cross connections are major sources of water contamination. A sewage overflow occurs when pipes used to transport both stormwater and sanitary water reach capacity and excess waste is diverted directly to the St. Lawrence River. A cross-connection occurs when sanitary waste is either illegally or inadvertently connected to the storm water system that discharges directly to the river.

Unquestionably, these issues must be addressed in order to improve the quality of the water flowing down the St. Lawrence.

Infrastructure upgrades can be a slow process, from funding to implementation. While continuing to demand that antiquated sewage systems be modernized to meet the demands of growing urban centers, some problems can be corrected quickly, without massive investment.

Fixing and preventing cross connections can be accelerated by ensuring builders, contractors, plumbers and owners understand why cross connections are a problem and how they can be avoided. In addition, a certification program can help ensure buildings are managing wastewater appropriately, while more rigorous inspections will mean problems are identified quickly, and solutions implemented sooner.

Combined sewer overflows are a more challenging problem to address. However, important steps forward can be made by minimizing the amount of water that reaches the storm drain. In this case, green is good. Integrating plants and green spaces into the design of new developments and the renovation of older buildings can ease the burden on sewer systems. Green roofs, rain gardens and permeable pavements all channel rainwater into the ground for plants to soak up. Rain barrels and similar catchments also allow for the beneficial use of rainwater.

In addition, several measures can be taken to encourage the reduction of water consumption. Industrial and commercial water meters would stimulate the development of technologies and processes that reduce water use. The further promotion of water saving domestic appliances and toilets could also contribute to reduce wastewater volumes to be treated.

Reducing sewage pollution doesn’t just mean having less water flow, it also means reducing the degree of contamination of waste water at the source. The adoption of regulations on sewage discharge by the industrial sector must be accelerated. In this matter, municipalities play an important role since they have the power to enforce regulations on their territory to reduce pollutants discharged into sewers by industries and businesses.

While the provincial industrial waste discharge reduction program is not completed, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal – Montréal and its surrounding municipalities – is developing a new bylaw to better control wastewater discharge to treatment facilities and in rivers. It is expected to be ready for 2009-2010.

Finally, to better control toxic pollution, proper management of household hazardous waste must be improved while the use of biodegradable products should be encouraged.

There is nothing new in terms of what needs to be done. The challenge is ensuring these solutions are implemented. Advancement depends on a collective, whereby all stakeholders develop a long term vision and see it through. When it comes to sustainable development, environmental and human health, protecting water quality is fundamental.

Great Lakes United will be working with Ecojustice to promote green infrastructure solutions. For more information contact Hélène Godmaire at helene@glu.org.

Written with the assistance of Andréanne Demers, Eau Secours.

© 2008 Great Lakes News.