Ontario’s environment ministry requiring Hamilton to undertake audit of sewage infrastructure
Global News
Environment minister David Piccini told legislators on Thursday he was 'angry' about the discovery of sewage being dumped from 38 homes into Hamilton harbour over 26 years.
Ontario’s environment ministry (MECP) says it’s “requiring” the City of Hamilton to undertake an audit of its sewage infrastructure.
The news comes a day after a spokesperson from the ministry said it was “evaluating” the process following the discovery of sewage dumped into hamilton harbour over 26 years from homes near Burlington and Wentworth streets.
David Piccini conveyed his “anger” about the discovery to the legislature at Queen’s Park on Thursday charcterizing the find as “absolutely unacceptable.”
“I was angry for the people who are yet again hearing about how their city and the lack of oversight has failed to protect their waters,” Piccini said.
In a follow-up question from Tory MPP for Flamborough-Glanbrook Donna Skelly, the minister revealed a conversation with Mayor Andrea Horwath and confirmed the examination.
“Upon learning of this latest spill and speaking with the mayor of Hamilton, I’ve instructed my ministry to require Hamilton to audit its entire sewage infrastructure and come up with a remediation plan to clean this mess up,” he said.
A spokesperson for the city addressed the order in an email to Global News saying it had not received such instructions from the MECP as of 2:15 p.m. Thursday.
Norm Miller, from the city manager’s office, did assure they would speak about it when confirmed.
