The department said it arrived at that conclusion after conducting an assessment in the communities of Belle Vue, Fat Hogs Bay, Hodge’s Creek and East End. It further said poor practise as it relates to wastewater disposal is a violation of the Public Health Act.

According to Chief Environmental Health Officer Lionel Michael, the aforementioned communities were monitored and inspected after his department received numerous reports and complaints about the wastewater issue.

He said the department concluded that the untreated wastewater that is being made to flow on the streets of these eastern communities was coming from privately-owned septic tanks which are being poorly managed.

“The discharge of wastewater throughout our communities exposes residents to numerous health risks. It also undermines the integrity of our roads by creating gullies and potholes, which directly impede the flow of traffic and can even result in automobile accidents,” Michael stated.

The department is asking all residents who may need assistance in wastewater management to contact the Environmental Health Division at 284-468-5110.