Repairs have been completed to stop a sewage leak at the Comox Pump Station.
The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is thanking residents and businesses in Comox, Courtenay and the K’ómoks First Nation for their efforts to reduce flows and allow crews to complete the required repairs.
General manager of engineering services Kris La Rose said the community’s response to reducing flows was impressive.
“Planning for recovery is ongoing, but extensive environmental monitoring started yesterday and will continue for the foreseeable future.”
The CVRD said flows were reduced by approximately 50%.
The leak occurred Tuesday from temporary bypass piping, and the CVRD said the volume of leaking wastewater and its location made it a complex repair.
Operators were stationed at all Comox Valley sewage pump stations to modulate flow and allow a short window for a specialized dive team to access and close a valve to isolate and resolve the leak.
CVRD wastewater operations estimate approximately 6,000 cubic metres of wastewater spilled into the lagoon adjacent to the station and the neighbouring Comox Marina.
The Comox Pump Station has been undergoing retrofitting as part of the Sewer Conveyance Project, which has been put on hold to focus on cleanup and investigation into the leak.
The community is still being advised to avoid activities within the Comox Harbour and estuary, including Royston, Gartley Point, Dyke Road, the Courtenay Airpark and Goose Spit until further notice.
Testing will be conducted at the spill location and impacted waters and shorelines.
The CVRD said analysis of the testing takes time, but an update will be provided to the community early next week.
