Reports on untreated sewage

Estimated amount: 0.29 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 1 hour, 15 minutes

Cause: Firefighting efforts

Incident details and response: 

• On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 2 p.m., wastewater maintenance crews began monitoring at the Syndicate Wastewater Lift Station as pumps ran to lower wet well levels. Both pumps were running due to ongoing firefighting efforts at 785 Main Street.
• The crew closed the outfall gate at 3:07 p.m. At 4:45 p.m., the flow bypassed the gate and discharged to the Red River. The crew was able to fully close the gate at 5:45 p.m.
• Sewer levels continued to increase due to firefighting flows. Due to high sewer levels,  the crew performed a controlled release for 15 minutes to relieve the system and prevent area basements from flooding.
• The crew remained onsite to monitor the lift station and reported flows had returned to normal on January 16, 2025 at 8:30 a.m.

Estimated amount: 0.00004 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 15 minutes

Cause: Insufficient cleaning

Incident details and response: 

• On January 15, 2025 at 10:30 a.m., a maintenance crew observed wastewater slowly discharging through an overflow from a combined sewer to the local land drainage sewer system. This drainage system eventually flows to an outfall to the Red River located at 11 Pioneer Avenue.
• The crew used a vacuum cleaning unit to clear a blockage, stopping the discharge at 11:20 a.m.
• The maintenance crew had originally been assigned to investigate an earlier overflow at this location on January 10, 2025. It was found that the cleaning work performed on this date was not sufficient and further work is required.
• A sewer plug was installed in the pipe so no overflows can occur while work is done to restore proper function of the combined sewer.

Estimated amount: 0.0027 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 20 minutes

Cause: Pipe blockage

Incident details and response: 

• On January 10, 2025 at 11:30 a.m., a crew performing regular inspection activities observed wastewater discharging through an overflow from the combined sewer at 161 Portage Avenue East. This overflow connects to the area land drainage sewer that eventually flows into the Red River through an outfall located at 11 Pioneer Avenue. 
• The crew determined that the combined sewer on Portage Avenue East was partially blocked, causing the combined sewer to back up and discharge through the overflow. They used a vacuum cleaning unit to clear the blockage, stopping any further discharge from occurring at 1 p.m.
• We will review the sewer infrastructure at this location and make any necessary improvements to prevent future unnecessary discharges.

Estimated amount: 0.0012 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 20 minutes

Cause: Leaking diversion weir 

Incident details and response: 

• On January 2, 2025 at 10:25 a.m., a crew performing regular maintenance activities observed wastewater discharging through the positive gate chamber to the Assiniboine River outfall. The crew acted to close the gate and further spilling was stopped at 10:45 a.m.
• Upon investigation, the crew determined the diversion weir was leaking, allowing wastewater to escape between the bottom of the weir and concrete floor. To prevent further discharge, repairs were made to the weir. After the weir repair was completed, the remaining wastewater held between the weir and positive gate was pumped out before reopening the weir and returning the station to normal operations.
• Wastewater Services will continue to monitor the weir and will attempt to further optimize its performance as needed.

Estimated amount: N/A

Estimated Duration: Approx. 6 hours, 14 minutes

Cause: Contractor error

Incident details and response: 

• On December 6, 2024, at approximately 10:17 a.m., Wastewater Services was informed that a 200mm wastewater force main has been struck by a private contractor performing a sewer service renewal  at 128 Wexford Street. This resulted in a wastewater leak from the force main within the contractor’s excavation.
• The leak was contained in the excavation site and did not enter the land drainage system. The street was closed to traffic for the safety of the public, and a sample of wastewater was collected for later analysis.
• The contractor employed a vacuum cleaning unit to control the wastewater flow and allow repairs to occur. At 4:31 p.m., Wastewater Services was informed the force main had been repaired by the contractor.
• Following the repair, the excavation site was backfilled to stabilize the soil around the force main. The contractor was instructed to remove and properly dispose of all contaminated soil.

Estimated amount: 0.16 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 26 minutes

Cause: Water main break

Incident details and response: 

• On November 29, 2024 at 8:15 a.m., our Wastewater Services SCADA Centre received an alarm from the Aubrey Lift Station indicating high levels in the wet well. A crew arrived at the station at 8:48 a.m. and began preparation to close the positive gate.
• While the crew was setting up equipment, wastewater levels continued to rise and the station began discharging the wastewater into the Assiniboine River at approximately 9:12 a.m. The crew was able to close the positive gate by 9:38 a.m., preventing further spilling.
• Wastewater Services determined that a water main break had occurred at the intersection of Logan Avenue and McPhillips Street, which likely caused the excess flows. Once the crew determined the water main break was under control, wastewater in the outfall gate chamber was dewatered to lower the levels.
• The positive gate was opened at 4:25 p.m. and the station returned to normal operations.

Estimated amount: 0.0013 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 1 minute, 30 seconds

Cause: Contractor error

Incident details and response: 

• On November 1, 2024, a contractor hired to clean and inspect wastewater sewers by the City of Winnipeg accidentally caused a small discharge of wastewater to the Assiniboine River.

• At 9:08 a.m., our Wastewater Services SCADA Centre received a weir overflow alarm at the Riverbend Lift Station. The alarm was cleared after 1 minute and 30 seconds, indicating that the overflow was of short duration before being stopped.

• A Wastewater Services maintenance crew attending the worksite was notified, and their investigation found an accumulation of sand had temporarily blocked flow in the sewer, causing the discharge to the Assiniboine River.

• The crew closed the outfall slide gate at 9:40 a.m. to prevent further spilling, and remained onsite while the contractor worked to finish cleaning the sewer. Once the work was completed, the gate was re-opened at 2:45 p.m. and operations returned to normal.

• Wastewater Services is reviewing this incident, as well as policies regarding contractor communications, and will develop improvements if necessary.

Estimated amount: 0.012 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 1 hours, 30 minutes

Cause: Blockage

Incident details and response: 

• On October 25, 2024 at 1:15 p.m., the Wastewater Services SCADA Control Centre received a weir overflow warning alarm from the Galt Flood Station. Standby crews arrived at 2:35 p.m. and verified the overflow of wastewater from the flap gate. The crew closed the positive gate at 2:45 p.m. to mitigate further spilling.
• The crew found a wastewater blockage at the intersection of Disraeli Freeway and Main St., and bypass pumping was set up to redirect wastewater flow from Lily St. and Alexander Ave. to Lily St. and Pacific Ave.
• Once the wastewater levels were reduced, a vacuum truck cleared the flow between the weir and positive gate, and the positive gate was re-opened on October 26, 2024 at 2:35 a.m. 
• At the time of this report, the bypass pumping system at Lily St. and Alexander Ave. remains in operation to redirect wastewater flow. Wastewater Services continues to determine the cause of the blockage while working to alleviate it and restore flow. Plans are in place to inspect and televise the wastewater pipes to determine any potential issues and prevent future incidents.

Estimated amount: 0.009 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 6 hours, 22 minutes

Cause: Blockage

Incident details and response: 

• On October 14, 2024, at 3:53 p.m., the City of Winnipeg 311 Call Centre received a call from a resident indicating wastewater was coming out of a manhole at the intersection of St. Anne’s Road and Rose Avenue. A crew arrived and found that wastewater was slowly overflowing from the manhole and entering a nearby catch basin, which was connected to a land drainage pipe on Lavalee Road leading to an outfall at the Seine River.

• The crew determined that overflow was due to a blocked pipe and began preparing a vacuum truck to alleviate the blockage. The crew began cleaning the pipe and collected a wastewater sample for analysis at 6:30 p.m. At 10:15 p.m., the blockage was cleared and wastewater was no longer being discharged. The crew then cleaned the surrounding area.

• Wastewater Services will inspect and degrease the wastewater pipes on St. Anne’s Road and Rose Avenue to determine any potential issues and prevent further incidents.

Estimated amount: 0.15 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 2 hours, 23 minutes

Cause: Power failure

Incident details and response:

• On September 30, 2024 at 5:14 p.m., Wastewater Services SCADA Control Centre received a power fail alarm from the Willow Pumping Station. The station began discharging wastewater to the Red River at 5:20 p.m.
• A maintenance crew arrived and set up a generator at 7:43 p.m. to provide temporary power to the station. Power was restored at 9:51 p.m. and the station returned to normal operations.

September 30, 2024 - 242 Metcalfe Avenue 

Estimated amount: 0.004 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 15 minutes

Cause: Power failure

Incident details and response:

• On September 30, 2024 at 4:06 a.m., the Wastewater Services SCADA Control Centre received a power failure alarm from Metcalfe Pumping Station. At 4:45 a.m., standby crew arrived at the station and verified wastewater was being discharged into the Red River.
• The crew closed the outfall gate at 5 a.m., to mitigate further spilling. A maintenance crew arrived and set up a generator at 6:55 a.m., providing temporary power to the station.
• Power was restored at 4:17 p.m. and the station returned to normal operations.

Estimated amount: .84 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 1 hour 10 minutes

Cause: Power failure

Incident details and response:

• On September 21, 2024, at 3:53 p.m., the Wastewater Services SCADA Control Centre received a power failure alarm from the Mager Drive Pumping Station. The station began discharging wastewater to the Red River at approximately 4:30 p.m., and a standby crew arrived at 4:42 p.m. The power outage was found to be caused by a structural failure on the Manitoba Hydro electrical transformer base.
• Due to high wet well levels, the outfall gate was left open to prevent residential basement flooding in the area. A maintenance crew set up a generator at 5:08 p.m. to provide the station with temporary power. The crew closed the outfall gate to mitigate any further spilling at 5:40 p.m., when the wastewater level was reduced.
• A crew remained onsite to monitor the generator until Manitoba Hydro completed transformer repairs at 9:45 p.m. Power was restored and the station returned to normal operations.

Estimated Amount: 0.1 megaltres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 14 hrs 14 minutes

Cause: Missing weir structure

Incident details and response:

• On September 16, 2024 at 12:30 p.m. a crew arrived at the Clifton Lift Station for regular maintenance activities. At 12:45 p.m., the crew observed wastewater spilling from the positive gate to the Assiniboine River. The crew was able to determine the station pumps were operating normally, however, the weir structure by the flap gate was missing.
• Due to ongoing rainfall at this time, the positive gate was not closed in order to prevent residential basement flooding. To prevent further discharges to the river, a standby crew worked overnight to construct a new weir, which was completed at 2:59 a.m. on September 17, 2024.
• The station has since returned to normal operation, and Wastewater Services will continue to monitor the new weir and work towards optimizing its design as needed.

Estimated Amount: 0.50 megalitres

Estimated Duration: Approx. 1 hr 40 minutes

Cause: Power failure

Incident details and response:

• On August 29, 2024 at 8:29 p.m., the Wastewater Control Centre received a pump failure alarm from the Ferry Road Lift Station due to a power failure. This caused the station to begin discharging wastewater to  discharge into the Assiniboine River at approximately 8:50 p.m.
• A standby crew arrived and closed the outfall gate at 10:30 p.m. to stop further spilling. 

• The gate was reopened and the station returned to normal operations when the discharged was confirmed to have stopped.

Estimated amount: 1.5 megalitres
Estimated duration: Approx. 1 hr 39 minutes
Cause: Power failure

Incident details and response:

• On June 16, 2024, at 6:02 a.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a power fail alarm from the Tylehurst Lift Station. Due to heavy rainfall at the time, the station discharged wastewater to the Assiniboine River through the combined sewer outfall, until a crew was dispatched to provide temporary power using a mobile generator, restoring power at 7:28 a.m.
• While waiting for power to be restored to the lift station, the generator malfunctioned and the lift station lost power again, causing another overflow to the Assiniboine River at 1:07 p.m. The crew was able to close the outfall gate at 1:20 p.m. to prevent further spilling, and power was restored at 2:09 p.m.
• The outfall gate was reopened at 2:35 p.m. after confirming the discharged had stopped, and the lift station returned to normal operation.

Estimated amount:   1.61 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 1 hour and 9 minutes

Cause: Wet weather event

Incident details and response:

• On June 5, 2024, our Wastewater Control Centre indicated that the D'Arcy Pumping Station continued to experience high wet well levels that may exceed the capacity of the bypass pumping system. 
• At approximately 12:12 a.m., the Wastewater Control Centre a pump turned on at the D’Arcy Pumping Station to divert some of the flow directly to the Red River, to prevent flows from reaching levels in the system that could cause basement flooding in the southwest area of the city. 
• The discharge ended at 1:21 a.m., when the wet well level fell to within the capacity of the bypass pumping system.
• While the bypass system continues to operate properly, the heavy rainfall led to sewage levels exceeding the capacity of the bypass pumping system.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount:  1.98 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 1 hour and 14 minutes

Cause: Wet weather event

Incident details and response:

• On June 4, 2024, at approximately 9 a.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a high-level alarm from the D’Arcy Pumping Station, indicating that the bypass pumping system was not keeping up with incoming flows, due to heavy rainfall at the time.
• At approximately 12:30 p.m., the Wastewater Control Centre a pump turned on at the D’Arcy Pumping Station to divert some of the flow directly to the Red River, to prevent flows from reaching levels in the system that could cause basement flooding in the southwest area of the city. 
• The discharge ended at 1:50 p.m, when the wet well level fell to within the capacity of the bypass pumping system.
• While the bypass system continues to operate properly, the heavy rainfall led to sewage levels exceeding the capacity of the bypass pumping system.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 5.25 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 4 hours and 10 minutes

Cause: Wet weather event

Incident details and response:

• On June 2, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the Wastewater Control Centre received a high-level alarm from the D'Arcy Pumping Station, indicating high wet well levels that may exceed the capacity of the bypass pumping system. 
• The levels continued to rise, and, at 9:34 p.m., a pump turned on at the D’Arcy Pumping Station to divert some of the flow directly to the Red River, to prevent flows from reaching levels in the system that could cause basement flooding in the southwest area of the city. 
• The discharge ended at 1:44 a.m. on June 3, 2024, when the wet well level fell to within the capacity of the bypass pumping system.
• While the bypass system continues to operate properly, the heavy rainfall led to sewage levels exceeding the capacity of the bypass pumping system.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 0.37 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 16 minutes

Cause: Pump issue

Incident details and response:

• On May 27, 2024, at approximately 11:40 p.m., the D’Arcy Pumping Station began discharging. The discharge was the result of some debris that was caught in the pump machinery.
• Our contractor responded and quickly addressed the issue. They swapped out parts that were impacted by the debris. The pump is now working.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 12.2 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 8 hours and 28 minutes (intermittent)

Cause: Wet weather event

Incident details and response:

• On May 24, 2024, at approximately 10:15 a.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a high-level alarm from the D’Arcy Pumping Station, indicating that the bypass pumping system was not keeping up with incoming flows, due to heavy rainfall at the time.
• The levels continued to rise, and, at 6:04 p.m., a pump turned on at the D’Arcy Pumping Station to divert some of the flow directly to the Red River, to prevent flows from reaching levels in the system that could cause basement flooding in the southwest area of the city. To minimize the overflow, only one of the three pumps at D’Arcy Pumping Station was activated.
• The D'Arcy Pumping Station stopped discharging at 10:10 p.m., however, the rain continued and it began discharging again at 11:10 p.m. and continued until 1:21 a.m. on May 25.
• While the bypass system continues to operate properly, the heavy rainfall throughout the day and saturated soils led to sewage levels exceeding the capacity of the bypass pumping system at different points throughout the day.
• Overflows also happened during these times on May 25:
  • 11:55 a.m. to 1:01 p.m.
  • 3:17 p.m. to 4:24 p.m.
• Additional rain forecasted for this weekend may also lead to further discharges.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 1.22 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 49 minutes

Cause: Wet weather event

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on May 17 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• On May 18, 2024, at approximately 12 p.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a high-level alarm from the D’Arcy Pumping Station, indicating that the bypass pumping system was not keeping up with the incoming flows due to a wet weather event occurring at that time. The levels continued to rise, and at 8:20 p.m., a pump turned on at the D’Arcy Pumping Station to release wastewater directly to the Red River in order to prevent flows in the system from reaching levels that could cause basement flooding in the southwest area of the city.
• The discharge ended at 9:09 p.m., as soon as the wet well levels fell to within the capacity of the bypass system. In order to minimize the overflow as much as possible, only one of the three pumps at D’Arcy Pumping Station was activated.
• While the bypass system continues to operate properly, the heavy rainfall over the past few days led to sewage levels exceeding its capacity.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 14.24 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 10 hours and 56 minutes (intermittent flows, continued from previous day)

Cause: Wet weather event

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on May 17 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• On May 17, 2024, our Wastewater Control Centre indicated that the pump at D’Arcy Pumping station, which was activated on May 16, 2024 at 7:54 p.m., continued to discharge wastewater to the Red River until 2:43 a.m. Through continuous monitoring of our control systems, it was determined that wastewater was also discharged during the following periods of time on May 17:
  • 6:38 a.m. to 7:55 a.m.
  • 9:26 a.m. to 11:55 a.m.
  • 1:33 p.m. to 2:58 p.m.
  • 5:29 p.m. to 6:42 p.m.
  • 10:18 p.m. to 11:49 p.m.
• Throughout the day on May 17, 2024, the D’Arcy Pumping Station intermittently discharged wastewater into the river to avoid reaching sewage levels that could cause basement flooding in the southwest area of the city. Each discharge period ended when the wet well level fell to within the capacity of the bypass pumping system. In order to minimize the overflow, only one of the three pumps at the D’Arcy Pumping Station was activated during each overflow period.
• While the bypass system continues to operate properly, the heavy rainfall over the past few days led to sewage levels exceeding its capacity.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 5.54 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 4+ hours (ongoing at time of report)

Cause: Wet weather event

Incident details and response:

• On May 16, 2024, at approximately 7 p.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a high-level alarm from the D’Arcy Pumping Station, indicating that the bypass pumping system was not keeping up with incoming flows, due to heavy rainfall at the time. The levels continued to rise, and, at 7:54 p.m., a pump turned on at the D’Arcy Pumping Station to divert some of the flow directly to the Red River, to prevent flows from reaching levels in the system that could cause basement flooding in the southwest area of the city. To minimize the overflow, only one of the three pumps at D’Arcy Pumping Station was activated.
• While the bypass system continues to operate properly, the heavy rainfall throughout the evening led to sewage levels exceeding its capacity.
• This location will continue to discharge wastewater to the Red River because of sustained high flows from infiltration due to saturated soils. Additional rain forecasted for this weekend may also lead to further discharges.
• Reports will be posted throughout the Victoria Day long weekend to advise when wastewater is being discharged to the Red River, however, incident details, including estimated amounts and duration, will not be available until Tuesday, May 21.
• In late 2023, the Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system, after the river crossing pipes downstream of D’Arcy Pumping Station failed. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 0.003 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 20 hours and 22 minutes, from time of notification

Cause: Blockage

Incident details and response:

• On May 13 at 9:09 a.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a notification that wastewater may be discharging from an outfall at 491 Tremblay Street. A maintenance crew was dispatched to the site to investigate. They found a blockage in the sewer, which caused an overflow to the Seine River. A vacuum cleaning unit was called in to clear the blockage. At 1 p.m., the blockage was cleared and the overflow stopped.
• Our 311 Call Centre was notified of the discharge on May 12 at 4:38 p.m. A resident reported that they believed wastewater was flowing from the overflow pipe while walking along the shore of the river. The concern was miscommunicated to another City Department before it was properly relayed to Wastewater Services. This caused a delay in our response. We are working with 311 to avoid delays like this in the future.

Estimated amount: 0.07 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 1 hour and 25 minutes

Cause: Power failure

Incident details and response:

• On May 11, at 12:15 p.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a power fail alarm from the St. Norbert Wastewater Lift Station. We dispatched a standby maintenance crew to the site, along with a mobile generator to provide temporary power.
• The power was restored at 1:40 p.m., while the crew was traveling to the site. Upon arrival, the crew closed the outfall gate at 2:01 p.m. to stop any further possible spilling. Our crew then cleaned up any accumulated wastewater in the outfall gate chamber with a vacuum truck.
• At 8 p.m., the overflow had stopped, so we re-opened the outfall gate and returned the lift station to normal operation.

Estimated amount: 0.02 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 4.5 days

Cause: Air release valve leak

Incident details and response:

• On April 12, 2024, operations employees noted a discharge from a manhole located on the south west corner of the City of Winnipeg Drinking Water Treatment Plant (WTP) parking lot. We suspected that this leak was related to a leak from the Aqueduct and not an immediate concern. The leak substance appeared clear in colour and had no odour.
• On April 15, we began to investigate the potential location of leak in the Aqueduct. On April 17, we discovered a leak on the wastewater air release valve support pipe in the manhole. WTP employees were able to isolate and stop the leak at approximately 11 a.m. that same day.
• The majority of discharge was collected by the water treatment plant’s land drainage catch basin and eventually discharged into the Red River Floodway.

Estimated amount: 0.002 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 14 minutes

Cause: Power failure

Incident details and response:

• On March 3, 2024, at 3:32 p.m., our Wastewater Control Centre received a power fail alarm from the Woodhaven Wastewater Lift Station. A standby maintenance crew arrived on site at 4:30 p.m. with a mobile generator to provide temporary power.
• At 4:45 p.m., while the crew was connecting the generator, they noticed wastewater overflowing into the river. The generator was connected at 4:59 p.m., which brought the lift station online and stopped the overflow.
• Power was restored and the lift station returned to normal operation at 5:14 p.m.

Estimated amount: 0.29 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station discharges to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• One bypass pump was operating, but not able to bypass all incoming flow. The flow that could not be bypassed around the D’Arcy Pumping Station was discharged to the Red River. The discharge happened between 12:00 a.m. and 12:13 a.m.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system continues to expedite their work.

Estimated amount: 6.9 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• One bypass pump is now operating but not able to bypass all incoming flow. The flow that could not be bypassed around the D’Arcy Pumping Station was discharged to the Red River.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system continues to expedite their work.

Estimated amount: 6.5 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• One bypass pump is now operating but not able to bypass all incoming flow. The flow that could not be bypassed around the D’Arcy Pumping Station was discharged to the Red River.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system continues to expedite their work.

Estimated amount: 6.0 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• One bypass pump is now operating, but not able to bypass all incoming flow. The flow that could not be bypassed around the D’Arcy Pumping Station was discharged to the Red River.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system continues to expedite their work.

Estimated amount: 6.5 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• One bypass pump is now operating but not able to bypass all incoming flow. The flow that could not be bypassed around the D’Arcy Pumping Station was discharged to the Red River.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system continues to expedite their work.

Estimated amount: 10.4 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• One bypass pump is now operating but not able to bypass all incoming flow. The flow that could not be bypassed around the D’Arcy Pumping Station was discharged to the Red River.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system continues to expedite their work.

Estimated amount: 16.4 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah. The next reports will be available on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• One bypass pump was brought into service at approximately 5:10 p.m. and was operated until approximately 10:15 p.m. at which time the bypass pump experienced mechanical problems and was turned off.
• At approximately 10:20 p.m., the D’Arcy Pumping Station resumed operation and the discharge to the Red River via the 900 mm wastewater overflow outfall resumed.
• The mechanical problems that affected the bypass pump are still being investigated to determine the cause.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system continues to expedite their work.

Estimated amount: 18.6 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• The Water and Waste Department hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system. One bypass pump was brought into service at approximately 6:50 p.m., and was operated until approximately 8:20 p.m., at which time the bypass pump experienced mechanical problems and was turned off.
• At approximately, 8:50 p.m., the D’Arcy Pumping Station resumed operation and the discharge to the Red River via the 900 mm wastewater outflow outfall resumed. The mechanical problems that affected the bypass pump are still being investigated to determine the cause. The contractor continues to expedite the completion of the bypass pumping station.

Estimated amount: 21.6 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system is expediting their work.

Estimated amount: 19.4 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system is expediting their work.

Estimated amount: 21.6 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system is expediting their work.

Estimated amount: 25.9 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is no longer passing flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station. The flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the 900mm overflow outfall.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system is expediting their work.

Estimated amount: 31.6 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is still passing some of the flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station for treatment, however, the remainder of the flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the leak in the 800mm pipe and the 900mm overflow outfall.
• The contractor hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system is expediting their work.

Estimated amount: 25.9 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 24 hours (continued from previous day)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• This is a supplemental report to the incident reported on February 8 at 3100 Abinojii Mikanah.
• The 800mm pipe is still passing some of the flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station for treatment however, the remainder of the flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the leak in the 800mm pipe and the 900mm overflow outfall.
• The contractor we hired to install an emergency bypass pumping system (see November 30, 2023 report on untreated sewage for more info), is expediting their work.

Estimated amount: 10.8 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 15 hours plus (ongoing at time of report)

Cause: Pipe leak

Incident details and response:

• At approximately 9 a.m. on February 7, 2024, operations staff were reviewing the data from the flow monitoring device located in the Fort Garry river crossing pipe outlet chamber and noticed an anomaly. A maintenance crew was dispatched to investigate.
• The maintenance crew arrived around 10 a.m. They found a sinkhole over the 800mm sewage pipe on the west side of the Red River. The maintenance crew observed sewage in the sinkhole, indicating a pipe leak.
• Around 10:15 a.m., the crew opened the 900mm overflow outfall slide gate to relieve the pressure in the 800mm pipe. A maintenance crew remained on site to monitor the sinkhole and pipe chambers.
• The Water and Waste Department had already hired a contractor to install an emergency bypass pumping system (see November 30, 2023 report on untreated sewage for more info). The bypass pumping system will take sewage from upstream of the D’Arcy Pumping Station, bypass the D’Arcy Pumping Station and the 800 mm pipe, and discharge it into the chamber located on the east side of the Red River.
• The 800mm pipe is still passing some of the flow through the D’Arcy Pumping Station for treatment, however, the remainder of the flow from the D’Arcy Pumping Station is discharging to the Red River from the leak in the 800mm pipe and the 900mm overflow outfall.
• Once the emergency bypass pumping system is installed and operational, the sewage discharge will stop, and the 800mm pipe will be permanently abandoned. The bypass pumping system will remain in place until new river crossing pipes can be permanently installed and connected to the D’Arcy Pumping Station.

Estimated amount: 0.003 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 9 minutes

Cause: Sensor failure

Incident details and response:

• On January 12, 2024 at 12:39 a.m., our Wastewater Control Center received a wet-well level sensor fail alarm at the Syndicate Wastewater Lift Station. Our station instrumentation indicated that an overflow started at 1:12 a.m. A standby maintenance crew was called in to attend. They were able to manually start the station pumps to stop the overflow at 1:21 a.m.
• At 3:02 a.m., an instrumentation technician was called in to investigate the cause of the level sensor failure. The technician found some loose wires in the control panel, which he secured. The crew remained on site overnight to monitor the performance of the pumping station and noticed no further issues.
• Later that morning, a technician checked the level sensor again and concluded that there was no issue with the sensor. The Wastewater Control Center will continue to monitor this station.

Estimated amount: 0.50 megalitres

Estimated duration: Approx. 11 hours, based on the time of the 311 call

Cause: Water main break

Incident details and response:

• On January 6, 2024, at 2:15 p.m., our Wastewater Control Center received notification from our 311 Call Centre that there may be wastewater discharging from an outfall at 63 Shier Drive. A stand-by maintenance crew was dispatched to investigate. They found a blockage in the sewer on Barker Boulevard. This blockage caused wastewater to back up in the system and overflow to the Assiniboine River through the high-level overflow pipe located at 63 Shier Drive. A vacuum cleaning unit was called in to clear the blockage. At 1:15 a.m. on January 7, the blockage was cleared and the overflow had stopped.
• The 311 Call Centre was notified of the discharge by a local resident. The resident noticed what they believed to be wastewater flowing from the overflow pipe around December 30, 2023 while walking along shoreline of the river.
• A review of instrumentation data from the Barker pumping station indicates that the sewer was only partially blocked on Barker Boulevard and that the overflow was only occurring during times of high flows in the local wastewater system.