Higher outflow from Stratford sewage facility closes commercial shellfish fishing area

Some areas around Stratford, P.E.I., have been closed to commercial fisherman due to more "flow" than usualfrom Stratford's wastewater treatment facility.

Fisheries and Oceans Canada said the area was closed following a recommendation from Environment Canada.

Commercial fishermen generally harvest oysters and sometimes quahogs in this area. The closure affects up to 100 fishermen.

Heavy rain

"Recently, because of all the heavy rains, our flows have gone up somewhat," said Jeremy Crosby with the Town of Stratford.

Crosby said the closure was a "precautionary measure" while water samples are being tested to ensure harvested shellfish are safe.

"It's something that all facilities experience during heavy rainflows," he said.

"All the treatment systems that are in place are working at 100 per cent, and there are no overflows from the facility, it's all treated effluent that's going out, and we're confident that the samples will prove that."

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