Thunder Bay flooding overwhelms sewage treatment facility

Thunder Bay has declared a state of emergency after a rainstorm on May 26-27 unleashed 91 mm on the city in 18 hours, flooding the city’s sewage treatment facility.

Seventy-one millimetres fell in the city over a little less than six hours, noted André Cantin, a spokesman for Environment Canada.

A Thunder Bay flood update on May 30 said a special council meeting has been requested to approve a resolution directing the city manager to take all necessary actions to secure financial assistance for city flood victims.

“Discussions are ongoing with the provincial and federal governments and the resolution is required to proceed further with formal requests,” the update says.

The city established a temporary pumping station at the Atlantic Avenue Secondary Sewage Treatment Plant, which started at a 50% pumping capacity on May 29. The city reported the capacity of the temporary pumping station increased on May 30.

“Everyone can help by doing their part to reduce the amount of water being flushed, whenever possible,” the May 30 update reads. “We are continuing to deal with this unprecedented flooding and need everybody’s cooperation.”

RSA Canada issued a press release noting it has already started to respond to claims in the area.

The Salvation Army and The Canadian Red Cross have launched national appeals to assist residents. Known as the Thunder Bay Flood Fund, the national appeals are to help homeowners recoup some of their costs in dealing with the emergency.