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Extreme weather and property damage in Kingston.

This year we have already had two instances of extreme weather that caused property damage. In March we had heavy rain coupled with significant snow melt. As a result of that one event, the city’s sewer overflow exceeded the entire overflow of 2010. On July 29 we again had heavy rain that caused sewer problems.

Who is responsible for what, and what can be done as we go forward?

The city is responsible for providing appropriate sewer capacity and maintaining it in proper working condition. The limits of the city responsibility are defined by private property lines. Homeowners are responsible for the “lateral connections” on their property, as well as the maintenance of their home’s foundations.

The heavy rain on July 29 resulted in a volume of water that exceeded the capacity of the sewer system over most of the downtown area and in many residential areas as well. People talk about the “one in a 100 years storm” but they seem to be happening with rather greater frequency. Are greater weather extremes a consequence of global warming that are in fact becoming a normal condition, and should therefore trigger in increase in capacity? I do not know that answer, and I suspect some may suggest we need more “events” to confirm a trend.

As you know, Kingston is in the midst of a considerable infrastructure renewal program which includes the separation of storm from sanitary sewers, and other upgrades. When a road is dug up, in theory it should be simple to put in a larger sewer. Do we want to? I asked a similar question of Utilities Kingston staff at a recent meeting of the Environment Infrastructure and Transportation Policies (EITP) Committee. A larger pipe obviously costs more money but do we want to spend it? A larger pipe with past “normal” flows will not work as efficiently because low volumes in relation to capacity mean that the pipe is not regularly kept clear. Therefore we have an additional maintenance cost to keep the sewers clear. Hence it is important to have a better understanding of “normal flows” as we move forward.

A new sewer system, such as is now in place in parts of Sydenham District, is described as being “tight.” There are no leaks or cracks through which water can enter the pipes, thus causing additional flow and potentially an overflow that much faster. But water, such as we had on 29 July, has to go somewhere. I wonder if that water is finding or making new cracks in our foundations? Of our laterals are not properly maintained, it is also possible that water enters them, and then back flows into basements because the sewer itself is full.

Going forward, I shall be looking for two things. First, staff have suggested that homeowners may want to have a TV inspection of their lateral connections. It is not something that is at the top of most of our minds. I must admit that when my street was being rebuilt, I do not recall anyone suggesting that was a good thing to do. Nor would I have known how to have it done. Therefore, I do believe that as streets are being reconstructed, Utilities Kingston can play an important role in educating homeowners, advising us of things we may wish to consider.

Second, there has been much talk recently of a valve to prevent backflow into basements. Staff have been quite emphatic that valves must be properly installed, and regularly inspected to ensure they have not become jammed. But properly installed and working, they would provide protection. Again, when my street was being dig up, I do not recall anyone talking about this. At a minimum I shall look to staff to initiate an education program. Some of told me of funding support programs in other municipalities to assist homeowners with the associated costs. I have asked staff to review this as an idea.

At the end of the day, with enough money, anything could be done. But first, seven members of council have to agree that money should be spent. At the June EITP committee meeting, staff reported that only 260 homes had reported a sanitary sewer backup problem. There was no number reported for ground water flooding. That number is not of a magnitude that seven members of council would likely support a significant increase in spending.

On the other hand, one resident at the meeting reported that her insurance agent had 300 files open as a result of the July 29 storm. I suspect that the actual number of sewer backup problems is probably a factor of ten or more larger than staff’s June figure. We need good quality information as a basis for any important policy change, particular one with financial implications, if it is to be supported by a majority of council.

I cannot overemphasize the importance of reporting every instance of flooding and back flows to Utilities Kingston. Without that, they will not have accurate information on which to base recommendations to council. Only accurate information will accurately show the true magnitude, geographic areas, and nature of the problems.

At council on August 16 I brought forward a motion asking that staff expedite the analysis of the July 29 storm and damage.

If you have not already done so, please report your experience to Utilities Kingston so they will have the best possible information.

www.utilitieskingston.com

Customer service will take data: (613) 546-0000.

I welcome your comments and ideas on this issue.



613.549.1900
www.billglover.org
bglover@cityofkingston.ca

 


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