Dumping raw sewage into ocean no longer viable for Victoria, says report

http://www.dailycourier.ca/CPstory.php?cpid=464468By: The Canadian Press at 19:32 on July 12, 2006, EST.
VICTORIA (CP) - Dumping raw sewage into the Pacific Ocean is no longer a long-term treatment option for Victoria, a report prepared by an independent scientific body hired by Victoria-politicians concludes. Victoria must eventually do something to treat the millions of litres of sewage it pumps into the ocean, Dr. Bill Stubblefield, chairman of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry North America, said Wednesday. Victoria, which bills itself as a tourism mecca and environmental paradise, is constantly criticized nationally and internationally for promoting its clean and healthy life style while allowing 129 million litres of sewage to flow into the ocean every day. Victoria's Capital Regional District accepted the $605,000 report on behalf of the city and neighbouring communities, but indicated the sewage treatment issue will require further study. The regional district will assess the issue, including costs, over the next five months. A report on sewage options will be debated near the end of this year. "We know that there are some who would like us to make a decision immediately," said Victoria Mayor Alan Lowe in a statement released as the regional board met to discuss the issue behind closed doors. "While I understand those concerns, it is important that we look at all facets of the sewage issue," he said. "Only then will we be in a position to make an informed decision." Stubblefield said the society's seven-member panel concluded the Victoria area should consider sewage treatment options, because the current practice of pumping untreated sewage into the Strait of Juan de Fuca is no longer a long-term answer. About 50 people attended the meeting in a downtown boardroom, including several local sewage activists.
Seated next to bureaucrats in suits was a person in a brown felt suit designed to resemble a large piece of human waste. Outside of the meeting, the person in the brown suit, who calls himself Mr. Floatie, said he wanted action on the sewage issue. "The bottom line is that I need a home," said Mr. Floatie. "Come on Victoria, build me a home. Get off the pot." Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Ottawa was willing to pay some of Victoria's sewage costs during the last election, but there has been no confirmation of how much money the federal government will contribute to a project estimated to cost about $500 million. Last March, federal Environment Minister Rona Ambrose said municipalities that dump raw sewage in the ocean are placing public health at risk. But Vancouver Island's chief medical health officer said last November, a secondary treatment plant for raw sewage will not produce a measurable benefit to the health of Victoria area residents. Dr. Richard Stanwick said the money to build a secondary sewage treatment plant, estimated to cost $477 million plus almost $17 million a year in operating costs, could be better used building other city projects. He said the health risk from the sewage pumped into the ocean was negligible.