Kelowna wastewater treatment staff pose for a photo at the Merritt wastewater treatment plant.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/City of Kelowna
November 22, 2021 - 1:49 PM
Eight Kelowna city staffers are on their way over the Okanagan Connector to assist in getting Merritt’s water systems up and running again.
Local water and wastewater operators are on route to help the overwhelmed municipal services in Merritt after the flood stopped city services and forced over 7,000 residents to evacuate, according to a City of Kelowna media release.
“We received the request for support late last week,” city utility services manager Kevin Van Vliet said in the release. “The Merritt team is small and mighty, but their systems are overwhelmed and they’re dealing with their own personal losses.”
“As water and wastewater operators, we understand the challenge ahead and we have the expertise and ability to move around our activities to free up a team to support them,” city wastewater manager Mike Gosselin said in the release. “It’s a full-team effort, whether you’re one of those on the ground in Merritt or taking on extra duties here in Kelowna while this team is away.”
Since Saturday, the team in Merritt has worked 12 hours a day to bring the two systems back online.
Merritt’s wastewater system, and primary treatment facility, was flooded, and as a result rocks and silt were brought into the system.
The system needs to be emptied, cleaned, and re-seeded with active biologicals to make the system operate effectively.
The water system in Merritt must be fully flushed and disinfected, checked for leaks and damage repaired before clean water can run again.
“Here in Kelowna, we understand what it’s like to face large natural disasters for long, extended periods of time. It takes many people, talented and dedicated people, to step in and help out,” Van Vliet said. “As water and Wastewater operators, we have always supported each other with collaborative training, tours, and learning opportunities, so we’re also pleased to be able to support other communities in challenging times too.”
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