After a two-year battle with Halifax Water, 82-year-old Fred Lordly is raising the white flag, giving up the fight over his water and sewage services.
Lordly says he refuses to pay to fix the problems with his storm runoff and sewage stream, but Halifax Water says the resident must follow regulations.
“They told me to have it fixed by tomorrow, the 31st of May and I have not been very cooperative,” admits Lordly.
Lordly built his home in the south end of Halifax about 45 years ago. He says his storm and sewage pipes were approved by the city at the time and he doesn’t understand why he should have to pay to fix it now.
The system was built in a cross-connection and, after tests were done, it was discovered that some of the sewage is leaking in the Northwest Arm, which raises some serious environmental concerns.
“I want to know, if the cross-connection is here, it could be out in the road. I wasn’t here when they built the road, so why should I be responsible for that?”
Lordly took his complaint to the Utility and Review Board last September.
After reviewing the case, the UARB found in favour of Halifax Water, which means Lordly is responsible for all costs involved in fixing the problem.
“We worked with some of the residents in the neighbourhood and six of the seven have connected, made proper connections, so there’s no longer wastewater being discharged into the Northwest Arm,” says James Campbell, a spokesperson for Halifax Water.
He says Lordly must obey the rules, like everyone else.
“We can issue summary offence tickets, or there is other legal options we can take,” says Campbell. “We are hopeful Mr. Lordly will have his illegal cross-connection completed.”
Lordly says he is waiting to hear what will happen next.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Suzette Belliveau
