Background

Beginning June 2017, the City of New Westminster started completing sewer separation work in Sapperton. Phase 1 of the Sewer Separation program saw the installation of new storm sewers which will divert approximately 10% of the catchment’s storm flows from the combined sewers. Subsequent phases of this project will result in approximately 30% diversion. The project will reduce the discharge of combined sewer overflows into the Fraser River by diverting significant amounts of storm water from combined sewers during rainfall events and providing improved storm water drainage that meets regional and federal requirements.

Project map

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Additional Works

In addition to sewer separation work, select streets will also be receiving upgrades to the city water main system. Work will be coordinated in an efficient manner to ensure disruptions are minimized.

What is Sewer Separation?

In combined sewers, our rainwater and sewage ends up in the same pipe which goes to the treatment plant. This is fine when the weather is drier. However, during heavy precipitation events, our combined sewage and rainwater overflows into our water bodies which has significant ecological impacts and increases the risk of localized flooding.

By separating sewers, it eliminates overflow and prevents localized flooding through increased capacity. In addition, rainwater can then be used as a resource to, for instance, irrigate plants.

City Contact

Should you require further information regarding the sewer separation portion of the project, please contact Amir Aminpour, Engineering Projects Manager, at 604.515.3796 or by email at aaminpour@newwestcity.ca