Frequently Asked Questions

The Town of Lincoln has retained GM BluePlan Engineering to conduct the Foundation Drain Disconnection Program.

• GM BluePlan’s staff will make an appointment with you to complete a detailed inspection of your sanitary sewer connection and property drainage characteristics.

• During the inspection, staff will require access to your basement and the exterior of your home to note the configuration of downspouts, sump pumps, and backwater valves. Staff will use a video camera and dye to inspect the condition of your sewer pipe and look for foundation drain connections to the sanitary sewer.

• The inspection will take less than one hour.

• Based on the inspection results, the Town may consider additional programs to assist Jordan Station homeowners in reducing their risk of basement flooding by disconnecting downspouts and foundation drains from the sanitary sewer system.

The Town has identified some leaks in the sewer system and is actively working to repair them. The Town is also planning improvements to the storm sewer system that may help reduce excess flows in the

Wet weather flow has, on several occasions, exceeded the capacity of the Bridgeport Pumping Station, putting the homes of Jordan Station at risk of basement flooding.

Foundation drains and downspouts that are directly connected to the sanitary sewer system are contributing factors to overloading the sewer system and basement flooding.

To reduce the risk of basement flooding, the Town of Lincoln has provided emergency bypass pumping, resulting in wastewater flow being directed to the environment.

To reduce the potential for future basement flooding and the need for emergency bypass pumping in Jordan Station, foundation drains and downspouts should be directed to the surface to allow the rainwater to infiltrate into the ground by overland flow naturally.

This project aligns with the efforts that Niagara Region is undertaking to increase the Bridgeport Pumping Station’s capacity, all of which will contribute to reducing the risk of ongoing flooding.

Keeping rainwater out of the sanitary sewer system is everyone's responsibility and to everyone's benefit. By disconnecting foundation drains and downspouts, homeowners help themselves and their neighbours by reducing the potential for basement flooding. They also help protect the environment by reducing overflows from the wastewater system into our lakes, rivers, creeks and streams.