Concerns have been raised about log monitoring and water quality monitoring after an inspection from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks at the Laurentian Valley water distribution centre.
A report presented to council on March 1st, showed all microbiological water quality monitoring requirements for distribution samples were not being met. A review of samples taken at the Laurentian Valley Distribution System found that for the months of January, June and July 2021, distribution system microbiological sampling requirements were not met.
Logbooks were also not properly maintained and/or did not contain the required information. It was reported that for the Laurentian Valley Distribution System, time sheets are considered as logs of all operators on duty for any given time period.
Laurentian Valley Reeve Debbie Robinson raised several concerns and while she admitted she doesn’t know how serious the issues are, she says the township should be highly concerned about water quality and potential deficiencies.
Director of Public Works Mark Behm says staff were completing the logs, but not filling them out in the dedicated water log book.
Laurentian Valley was required to demonstrate to the inspector by March 16th that corrective actions were being taken.
Chief Administrative Officer Dean Sauriol says the township will make the necessary changes before the deadline. Sauriol told council he will speak with the chief building inspector to get clarification on the testing requirements that weren’t met and will report back.
According to the Township website, Laurentian Valley Waterworks is a distribution system only, that purchases treated water from the Pembroke Drinking Water System and distributes it to 640 homes and businesses throughout 14 kilometres of distribution piping.
