Background -- Waste Water Issue at Anmore Green Estates

Waste discharge permit 4606 was issued to the strata in 1978 to operate a wastewater treatment system. Along with other requirements, the permit limits effluent quality and quantity and requires monthly sampling of the effluent discharged to the tile fields. 

Testing, conducted by a qualified professional in September 2017, showed that fecal coliform and E.coli were present in the adjacent school field, Eagle Mountain Middle School.

Action Taken

The Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy (ENV) issued a Pollution Abatement Order in November 2017 requiring:

• that steps be taken to mitigate risks to public health;
• an investigation be completed of the extent and cause of the problems with the sewage system; and
• a long term plan be submitted for Ministry approval to address the source of pollution and any remaining risk from the sewage breakout.

A second Pollution Abatement Order was issued in April 2018 requiring the continuation of measures to mitigate risks to public health and a peer-reviewed engineering report be submitted to determine if onsite sewage disposal is feasible and can continue in a manner that is protective of the environment and human health.

A Minister’s Order was issued August 16, 2018 to the Village of Anmore requiring them to submit to the Ministry for approval, a plan on how they intend to manage liquid wastes within the Village of Anmore prior to November 30, 2018

A third Pollution Abatement Order was issued August 30, 2018 requiring the continuation of the previous mitigation measures and added detailed monitoring and reporting requirements to ensure protection of the environment and human health.

Onsite Activity

• Temporary fencing and warning signs have been erected to keep the public away from the area until the owners implement a solution for safe sewage disposal, and the health hazard is abated.
• ENV compliance staff will continue to conduct inspections of the site to ensure there are no signs of new contamination.
• ENV compliance staff will maintain ongoing communication with AGE, the school district, Port Moody, Metro Vancouver and the Village of Anmore to ensure the safety and health of school children.
• AGE has indicated they are making efforts to secure a connection to the Greater Vancouver Sewer and Drainage District system as a possible solution.