Emergency repair saves the day at Paradise sewer outfall

By Chad Feehan / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

That last big winter storm had staff in Paradise scrambling to make emergency repairs to a sanitary and storm outfall that runs out into Conception Bay.

“There was real concern that without action, the outfall, which had risen to the ocean’s surface, could fail during the impending storm causing further costly damage,” councillor Deborah Quilty reported last week. “There were other risks to boating and the environment.”
The repairs were conducted on March 6, just before the region was hit with some 80 cms of snow.

The line runs from the St. Thomas Line treatment plant to the coast.

A temporary work order was approved by the Town’s chief administrative officer Lisa Niblock to make sure the repairs were done in time. The work was carried out by Maloney Diving at the price of $16,309, which includes supply and installation of materials, and diving services.
A more permanent fix for the outfall is currently being addressed.
Councillor Glen Carew signaled his support of Niblock’s action, noting the station and outfall are critical infrastructure.
“The CAO took the right action and got this repaired immediately,” Carew said.
Still on the subject of infrastructure, council also on Tuesday gave approval to ratify a deal which will see the Town pay a household on Ashlen Crescent some $90,000 for a water and sewer easement on the property.
The Stephens Road water and sewer servicing project requires an easement through the land, which prompted staff to strike a deal with the owner.
“The Town created surveys and had the value of the easement appraised, and engaged with the owners to settle an easement agreement on January 23rd, 2024,” Quilty said.
The $90,000 price tag is to compensate for easement rights based on the area and for loss of ability to subdivide the property into two developable lots, she added.
The 2023 budget provided $75,000 for the easement deal, leaving the remaining $15,00 to come out of this year’s budget.