The investigation into a mysterious substance found in a stormwater management pond in Cambridge shows “no evidence of contaminants of concern,” as reported by the provincial government.
Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) collected initial samples from the pond after reports of an “odorous, milky white substance” surfaced nearly two weeks ago.
The ministry stated its Spills Action Centre was alerted at around 2:30 p. m. on July 19 and has been on-site since, collaborating with regional authorities.
MECP informed on Wednesday that a sample was taken that same day at West Creek for analysis.
The ministry noted that the substance initially affected West Creek and the Speed River, which flows into the Grand River, but it ceased leaving the property once the pond was contained.
A spokesperson from the Region of Waterloo told on Wednesday that cleanup efforts are ongoing and “the investigation into the nature and source of the spill is ongoing.”
“Our Engineering and Environmental Services department has confirmed that there is no impact to the drinking water system or other Regional infrastructure, including wastewater and stormwater at this time,” said the region.
![]()
Ascent operates a data centre in the City of Cambridge on Vondrau Drive across from a stormwater management pond that is under investigation by both the Region of Waterloo and Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. (Carmen Groleau/ CBC)
“The laboratory results from testing on site show that water quality was likely due to natural processes, not indicative of any chemical release,” said the spokesperson, who added that testing downstream yielded similar findings.
The spokesperson mentioned that they have brought in a third-party environmental consultant to “prevent future stagnation” in the pond.
“While we believe this situation is natural, we’re proactively draining and treating the stormwater detention pond before resuming standard operations.”
</pp A city spokesperson added staff have not seen any effects on water quality following tests conducted since the incident. No issues were found within Brantford’s drinking water system.</pp “Preventive actions were taken out of an abundance of caution; however, no adverse or concerning effects were detected,” said the city representative.
Source link
Property owner attributes substance to ‘bacterial bloom’
The stormwater pond sits across from a data centre on Vondrau Drive in Cambridge, co-owned by Ascent and Related Digital. A spokesperson for Related Digital shared with that stagnant water combined with high temperatures and decomposing organic matter in the pond led to conditions conducive for a “bacterial bloom.”Brantford takes precautionary steps
<p Out of caution, Brantford city officials took precautionary measures to monitor their drinking water system after being informed about "a spill event upstream," according to a city representative. The Grand River Conservation Authority provided an estimated travel time to Brantford after it had been requested.</pp A city spokesperson added staff have not seen any effects on water quality following tests conducted since the incident. No issues were found within Brantford’s drinking water system.</pp “Preventive actions were taken out of an abundance of caution; however, no adverse or concerning effects were detected,” said the city representative.
Source link
