Reduction in the number of fecal coliforms

Verdun Borough Director Gilles Baril said that several defective installations were identified during analyses carried out over the last few years. Remedies were instituted in 2007, but periodic analyses carried out by the Réseau de suivi du milieu aquatique (RSMA) led to the discovery of another building with certain anomalies. Corrective measures implemented in the beginning of July have solved the problem. The most recent analyses revealed very satisfactory results.

Some ten buildings were affected caused by insufficient installations and these have now been rectified except for one. This one case involves a dwelling which the owners have not occupied for several years which means that the dwelling’s lack of activity did not cause any pollution.

The detection of defective connections is a very complex task which can be done only during certain periods of the year. It was therefore done in the Fall 2007; at that time, inspectors discovered another defective installation. It took several months in determining the exact location of this installation before work could start. The City of Montreal has transferred a total budget of $120,000 to fix these defective cross connections.

The water quality was analysed near the approach of the sampling station located downstream from Champlain Bridge in the northern tip of L’île des Sœurs. The last analyses showed that the samples were well below the maximum threshold of 200 fecal coliforms per 100 ml (COLI). Below this limit, it is possible to engage in aquatic activities. Mayor Claude Trudel participated Monday noon in a press meeting during which he reported on the situation. He stated that numerous efforts were focused on solving the problem and that he is convinced that the water quality of the river shore will continue to improve.

Internet users can read the analysis results by visiting the web site of the réseau du suivi du milieu aquatique of the City of Montreal at: www.rsma.qc.ca.