New fines will take effect July 1 for people emptying their sump pumps into the Penhold sewer system.
Town council voted on an amendment to the fine schedule associated with the water and sewer bylaw during the May 28 meeting.
The majority of council voted in favour of upping the fines to $500 for the first offence and $1,000 for the second offence. The amendment says the fines apply to “any consumer who contravenes any part” of the water and sewer bylaw and is summarily convicted.
Rick Binnendyk, the town's chief administrative officer, said they're going to increase enforcement of the water and sewer bylaw.
“If we're suspicious of something going on we'll have the peace officer enforce it,” Binnendyk said. He said a peace officer would likely seek entry to the home in conjunction with a public works member. If the homeowner refuses entry the RCMP can be involved, Binnendyk said.
The current fine is $100 a day for each day that the offence continues. The background given on the written report said the change is mostly to target homes that have sump pumps tied into the sewer system.
“I think this is a big stick thing,” said Mayor Dennis Cooper of the upcoming change. “It cost us $82,000 last year.
“I think we have to try and cut back as much as possible people pumping their sump down into the sewer,” he said.
When a couple of councillors questioned the $82,000, Binnendyk said that was actually probably a low estimate. He said the rain events caused inflow issues but there is a suspicion that some people are putting the contents of their sump pumps into the sewers.
Cooper had explained they had compared sewer charges from the previous year and there had been an $82,000 increase.
Coun. Danielle Klooster said she remembered a discussion where grease had been discovered in the line. She noted this bylaw has to do with residential use and not commercial use. She suggested the whole fine schedule be brought in for review by council in the future.
Cooper suggested the new fine take effect on July 1 so people can be warned about it. Coun. Chad Hoffman voted against passing the amended fine while the rest of council voted for it.
