News Release - June 24, 2016

New Marine Outfall Installation is Underway

The Greater Nanaimo Pollution Control Centre (GNPCC) Marine Outfall is being installed today. Work to replace the outfall pipe has been ongoing since 2014 and this final stage involves setting the 2 km-long marine portion of the pipe into place in the Strait of Georgia. Installation is an all-day process and weather dependent, but work was able to begin this morning at first light.

"This is an exciting day for everyone involved," said RDN Chairperson Bill Veenhof. "This important project took years of planning and preparation and I would like to take this opportunity to thank area residents for their patience as work was underway and thank contractors and staff for their hard work and dedication."

The RDN hired McNally International Inc. to construct and place the marine portion of the outfall. The 54" high density polyethylene pipe was assembled in Nanoose Bay with the cooperation of the Nanoose First Nation. Tugboats pulled the pipe into the Strait of Georgia this morning and are sinking it into place this afternoon.

The GNPCC provides wastewater treatment for the City of Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation, and parts of the District of Lantzville. Treated effluent is discharged through a buried outfall that runs from the treatment plant to Morningside Park, and continues for approximately 2 km out into the Strait of Georgia along the sea floor.

Please visit www.rdn.bc.ca/gnpcc for more information on the Marine Outfall Replacement Project.

Contact:

Sean De Pol
Wastewater Coordinator
Regional District of Nanaimo
(250) 390-6560
sdepol [at] rdn.bc.ca (sdepol[at]rdn[dot]bc[dot]ca)