Signs are posted at overflow sites. If an overflow occurs, additional red warning signs are added to these signs to alert people. 
The Municipality of Meaford is committed to protecting the health and safety of the environment and community.  

What is an Overflow Event? 

An overflow event happens when there is too much wastewater in the sanitary collection system, and the system can’t manage it all. If this were to happen, the extra water and sewage would flow into the environment from overflow points in the system. 
This usually occurs after heavy rain, snowmelt, or when groundwater levels are high. 
Although overflow water is highly diluted, it still carries sewage and can pose health and environmental risks. 

Why Overflow into the Environment? 

Overflows are designed to direct extra wastewater into the environment to reduce the risk of:  
  • Flooding basements or homeowners nearby  
  • Flooding lands around the Wastewater Treatment Plant 
  • Harming infrastructure  
To reduce the risk of this, the overflow of wastewater is directed into Georgian Bay or the Bighead River, where it causes less harm. 

Is it Dangerous? 

While overflows are mostly rainwater or snowmelt, they may still contain bacteria and should be avoided. Overflows can impact: 
  • Human health 
  • Fish and wildlife 
  • The environment 

How Are We Preventing Overflow Events? 

  • Relining sewers to limit infiltration of groundwater into the sanitary sewer 
  • Parging maintenance hole chambers to limit excess infiltration of groundwater into the sanitary sewer  
  • Smoke testing to identify improper connections and defects in the sanitary system 
  • Disconnecting the roof leads from the sanitary cleanouts to direct storm water to the correct sewer system  
  • Disconnecting sump pumps and perimeter drains from the sanitary sewer system  

Why Are We Doing This Now? 

The Municipality of Meaford recently received a new Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval (CLI-ECA). In the past, we would have reported overflows to the Ministry of Environment Conservation and Parks; we are now additionally required to identify the overflow locations with the following signs. 

Any additional information will be shared through on-site signage, our website, social media, email alerts, and local media.  

 

A metal chain-link fence with barbed wire on top has two posted signs. The top sign reads “NOTICE – Wet Weather Wastewater Discharge Outfall Located Nearby” with additional text explaining that during wastewater overflow, a red warning will be displayed. The bottom red sign reads “WARNING – Due to recent wastewater overflow avoid contact with this water as it may cause illness.” The signs are issued by the Municipality of Meaford.A close-up of a metal sign on a chain-link fence. The sign reads “NOTICE – Wet Weather Wastewater Discharge Outfall Located Nearby” with the Municipality of Meaford logo. It explains that when wastewater overflow occurs, the sign will include a red warning to provide information during an event. The bottom directs readers to visit Meaford.ca for more information.

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