PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
For Residents and Users of Beck's Brook and Bissett Lake, Cole Harbour
(Wednesday, May 29, 2002) - There has been a sewage overflow from the Municipality's sewer system on Colby Drive, near Beck's Way in Colby Village. The sewage flowed into Beck's Brook, just below where it crosses under Colby Drive. The volume of sewage involved was relatively small and there is no evidence at this time that the sewage travelled into Bissett Lake.
The overflow was reported this morning by an area resident, and staff of Halifax Regional Municipality acted promptly to control the overflow and to clean the immediate area.
Staff have sampled the brook and the lake to determine the extent of the overflow and impact, if any. The Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour and the Medical Officer of Health were immediately contacted, and they are monitoring the situation.
There is a public beach located not far from the spill, accessible from Colby Drive and Greenwich Drive. Although there is no indication that the beach area has been affected by the spill, the Municipality is advising the public to not use the beach or other nearby areas of the lake for swimming or other recreational purposes at this time. Signs to that effect have been posted at the beach, and at Beck's Brook.
Any resident that has questions related to public health issues should contact the Medical Officer of Health at 481-5800. Questions with respect to water treatment should be directed to the Nova Scotia Department of the Environment at 424-7773. Questions with respect to the overflow should be directed to the Halifax Regional Municipality at 490-6950.
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Contact:
John O'Brien
Corporate Communications Officer
(902)490-6531
