The City of Greater Sudbury announced this morning that Bell Park beach has been re-opened.
The beach was closed yesterday after algae made its way into Ramsey Lake near the beach. The city said the source of the algae was likely from a residential pool that had been drained into a nearby storm sewer.
The city said this morning water conditions have been evaluated and determined to be safe for swimming.
The beach was closed today for the second time in two days. It will remain closed to public swimming until further notice, said Shannon Dowling, corporate communications for the city.
The Sudbury and District Health Unit and Ministry of Environment are on site at the Bell Park main beach evaluating water conditions. Photo by Heather Green-Oliver.
The Sudbury and District Health Unit and Ministry of Environment are on site and have evaluated water conditions. The substance has been traced to a residence where a pool was being drained into a nearby storm sewer. The resident has since ceased draining the pool. City staff is flushing the storm sewer to clear the system.
Greater Sudbury staff and the Health Unit will continue to evaluate water conditions. The City will issue updates as they become available.
Residents are reminded that Sewer Use Bylaw 2010-188 prohibits the discharge of wastewater from outdoor swimming pools either directly or indirectly into a storm sewer. The best way to drain pools is at a slow trickle onto personal property so that wastewater evaporates or soaks into the ground.
Residents also have the option of contracting the services of a licensed waste hauler or discharging by way of a temporary connection to the sanitary sewer system upon written authorization of an official of the City of Greater Sudbury's Water/Wastewater division.
