Cochrane sewer line continues to pour waste into Bow River, water safe to drink

After officials said a main sewer line break in the Town of Cochrane had been contained, they now say wastewater continues to seep into the Bow River.

The Town of Cochrane said early Sunday morning that sewage flowing out of line had been contained, but a statement from the town several hours later says information from the “response team” was inaccurate.

“Although the discharge has been significantly reduced, wastewater is continuing to flow into the Bow River at this time,” the statement reads.

“The onsite incident response team continues to work to mitigate the impacts. The top priority remains ensuring the continued provision of safe drinking water and implementing all necessary measures to stop the flow.”

There are now level three water restrictions in place for the town, which means outdoor water use is prohibited, water pressure will be reduced as required, and bulk water sales will not be permitted.

Officials are asking residents to use water sparingly by limiting doing laundry, washing dishes by hand, and reducing shower time.

“By making simple adjustments to your daily routines, you can significantly contribute to the preservation of our water resources,” said Stacey Loe, director of emergency management with the Town of Cochrane in a news release. “Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as we work together to protect our water resources.”

The town explains that this is a “complex and quickly evolving situation and we appreciate your cooperation as we continue to respond.”

In the meantime, Cochrane residents are asked to stay out of the area and away from the river.

“Please continue to avoid the area to allow crews the space to do their job,” the statement reads.

“All pathways adjacent to the Bow River from the Hwy 22 bridge to Griffin Industrial Point are closed. This includes the Jim Uffelmann Memorial Park and the paths directly adjacent to and below the Hwy 22 bridge. Eastbound Griffin Road is down to one lane of traffic.”

The Town of Cochrane explained a contractor completing work on behalf of the town had “impacted” its wastewater and water pipelines while setting up for drilling operations.

The impact area was right next to the Bow River.

Residents of the town received an emergency alert just before 10 p.m. Saturday, which said access to the river is closed from east of Highway 22 at Riverfront Park downstream to Calgary.

The town activated its Emergency Coordination Centre at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, which is meant to support the town’s Incident Command Post for “large or long duration emergency events.” It consists of groups, like RCMP and fire services, who carry out the town council’s statutory powers and obligations to mitigate the emergency.

It also noted they’re continuing to work to address the issue alongside the City of Calgary, Rocky View County and Alberta Environment and Alberta Health Services.

Meanwhile, the City issued a release saying it is closely monitoring Calgary’s water quality, and that water remains safe to drink but is still cautioning Calgarians to stay away from the river for the rest of Sunday.

“We activated our Water Services Response team and have been carefully monitoring the situation and working with the Town of Cochrane,” the release reads.

“As of Sunday morning, we have seen no change in water quality at the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant. Calgary’s water remains safe to drink.”

A critical Alberta Emergency Biological Hazard Alert was also issued Saturday before 10 p.m. and was cancelled at around 11:50 p.m.

Cochrane is in the middle of preparations for the Highway 22 to Riverview Syphon project, with officials stating on Oct. 20 that crews have been working on a second wastewater line and “essential maintenance upgrades.”

In addition, crews are using trenchless drilling technology for a significant portion of the sanitary pipe installation.

They say the additional line is meant to support the Cochrane West sanitary syphon.