Town releases statement regarding a malfunctioning sediment bag, ‘poses no threat;’ officials state

ERIN – Town officials stated a “malfunctioning” sediment control dewatering bag poses “no risk” to the environment.

In an Aug. 14 press release officials explained the bag, used in the construction of Erin’s ongoing water and wastewater project, caused a “harmless slurry” of sand and groundwater to leak onto Water Street and into the adjacent Credit River.

The malfunction occurred the evening of Aug. 13.

The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) was notified of the “small” release of sediment and water that “poses no threat to the environment,” stated the release.

“The broken de-sediment bag was minor in nature and released a small amount of water and sediment,” town spokesperson Chris Vernon told the Advertiser via email.

The bags are used to control sediment and protect sewers, nearby properties and waterways during construction.

Dewatering bags remove silt and other debris from construction projects by forcing standing or pooling water through the bag, where sediment is collected.

“Our contractor informed MECP, remediated the site and reported back to MECP,” stated Vernon.

The release noted the bag has been replaced and no further action is required.