UPDATE – Structural Failure on Portion of Port Hope Harbour Wall
Municipality of Port Hope staff, along with representatives from its stakeholders, including Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (which is implementing the Port Hope Area Initiative) and Cameco, has been monitoring the west harbour wall closely since the structural failure that occurred on the afternoon of Tuesday, October 9. The following is a progress update on the incident:
- A new silt curtain has been sourced and is scheduled for installation this week. The barrier will be installed along the length of the west harbour wall, from the north to the south end, and is designed to prevent suspended materials from migrating into the rest of the harbour.
- End to end investigation of the local sanitary sewer line was completed using a closed circuit camera. Municipal staff determined that the pipe is clear and stable.
- The Municipality’s regular water sampling schedule has been enhanced and is being conducted by municipal staff daily. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is also conducting water sampling to ensure water safety and compliance.
- Planning is underway for a harbour wall revetment and the stakeholders are working collaboratively to source materials and resources to address the repair expeditiously.
- The incident has been reported to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
- There is no interruption to service for Cameco; however, the area surrounding the harbour wall has been blocked off, until the revetment is completed.
Residents are reminded that there are no human health or safety concerns related to this incident and that the area will continue to be monitored regularly.
Inquiries about the incident may directed to Jim McCormack, Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture at
905-885-8760, jmccormack@porthope.ca
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love