Investigation underway after allegations of illegal sewage dumping in Montreal River

The Ontario Ministry of Environment is investigating allegations of illegal sewage dumping into the Montreal River, a concern that has raised alarms in the small town of Matachewan and the neighboring First Nation.

A complaint was filed with the Ministry of Environment in late February, alleging that the owner of a mining camp lodge had dumped waste into the river.

Nathaniel Oudyk, who was staying at a mining camp lodge near the river, said he filed the complaint after witnessing suspicious activity. 

"I saw an open little hole in the ground and there was a strong smell of sewage coming from that. And beside the hole, there was a pump, the similar kind of pump that forest firefighters would use. And there was a hose leading from that toward the Montreal River," Oudyk said.

The Ontario Ministry of Environment hasn't confirmed if any sewage leaked into the river, but said it is investigating. The ministry has said that it would take further action if necessary. 

The Township of Matachewan says it is aware of the allegations, has posted on its Facebook encouraging anyone with information to step forward, but isn't sure if they are true or not.

The allegations have stirred strong reactions in the small rural community of a few hundred people, as well as the neighbouring Matachewan First Nation. 

Chief Sonny Batisse said community members are shocked by the claims and deeply concerned about the potential harm to the river.

"When I first heard of it, I was mad. I said, 'How can somebody do a disrespectful thing like that?' I mean, you just don't do things like that," Batisse said. 

He explained that the First Nation has already met with ministry officials and frustration is growing since they have not yet received an update. 

"We want answers," Batisse said. "We're not going to sit down quietly and just let it fly by."