The problem was first reported to the Sunshine Coast Regional District around 7:30 Wednesday morning. The regional district notified Sechelt and the spill was contained just after 8 a.m.
The district said the lift station is checked regularly and was working at the last inspection at 2 p.m. on March 17.
The spill was traced to a mechanical failure.
According to the district, the lift station always operates at full capacity. “During times of strain such as when grease or disinfectant wipes are added to the sewer system, added pressure is put on the system,” the district said in a news release.
The spill has been reported to Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
District of Sechelt staff are now conducting an assessment of all lift stations.
“Equipment failure can happen, even with a diligent maintenance program, but staff responded quickly and contained the overflow as much as possible,” said Christine Miller, supervisor of the district’s Water Resource Centre.
The district said it has budgeted for replacement of the Wakefield lift station in both the 2019 and 2020 budgets. The cost is expected to be around $870,000, but the district is also awaiting the results of applications for senior-government grants.
Replacement of the lift station will not be grant reliant.
