Hamilton mayor calls for investigation into 26-year sewage leak

Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath is calling for an investigation into the undetected sewage dump into the Hamilton Harbour for 26 years.

Horwath asked for the city auditor to be brought in following a preliminary investigation of the pipe leak discovered Tuesday morning that suggests a contractor put it there in 1996.

City officials say the combined sewer pipe services approximately 50 properties, which have been leaking into the harbour.

READ MORE: City of Hamilton discovers continuous sewage spill since 1996

Officials say the leak did not affect any drinking water pipes or Lake Ontario, which is Hamilton’s source of drinking water.

While Horwath says she has been assured the risk to human health is “very low,” she is concerned about the environmental impacts caused by the sewage spill.

The city pledges to publicly report how much sewage was flushed since 1996 as soon as the assessment is complete.

A vacuum truck will remain at the scene to address any further leakage until repairs are done.

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