Battery offshore wastewater plant proposed

!City Council (and the Province) is apparently considering a proposal to put an offshore wastewater plant at Pier 17.   It should be of serious concern to Outer Battery residents.  Will there be a smell?  Noise? Will the waste water discharge flow past our front doors?  What will this mean for small boats?  For tourism?  How will it affect us?

We've asked our Ward Councillor, Frank Galgay, to give us information about this.

Meanwhile,  this information is from Councillor Sheilagh O'Leary's facebook page:  PLEASE read the following Provincial Environment and Conservation bulletin and if you agree with me, write or call Minister Hedderson and tell him you DO NOT want this wastewater facility for offshore drilling to be developed at Pier 17, right under Battery Road in historic downtown St. John's. During our City of St. John's Municipal plan review process, citizens who shared the common desire for a revitalized harbourfront (that is people friendly and engages pedestrian traffic and amenities) spoke loud and clear. 

This proposition is completely inappropriate and dangerous to our environment & unique heritage area and defies the input we have received from the public. 

***   The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.

UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED:NLIS 10
Environment and ConservationNovember 2, 2012
Environmental Assessment Bulletin:The Honourable Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation, has announced the following events relative to Part 10 Environmental Assessment of the Environmental Protection Act.
Encanex Wastewater Treatment Operation (Reg. 1679)Proponent: ENCANEX Environmental Oil & Gas Corp.
The proponent has submitted a proposal to establish and operate a wastewater treatment facility at Pier 17 on the north side of St. Johns Harbour.
The proposed 5000 square foot existing infill site at Pier 17 is located on the harbour front just east of the existing MI SWACO site and south of the Battery Road and residential area. This facility will receive wastewater from offshore drilling operations that may contain total petroleum hydrocarbons, total suspended solids, solids (90 per cent > 50 microns), metals typically associated with hydrocarbons, and free oil. The wastewater will be received from ship via piping on the existing infrastructure. Wastewater will be treated at a maximum rate of 50 gallons per minute and discharge water will meet Schedule A or B of the Newfoundland and Labrador Treatment Control Water and Sewer Regulations. With the necessary permits in place, treated water within these schedules will be released to storm or sanitary sewer.
The proposed facility will provide up to five new jobs and treatment operations are scheduled to commence as early as January 1, 2013.
The undertaking was registered on November 1, 2012; the deadline for public comments is December 7, 2012; and the Ministers decision is due by December 16, 2012.
Contact:Minister Tom Heddersonthedderson@gov.nl.caPhone: (709) 729-2577Fax: (709) 729-0112Toll Free: 1-877-787-0707