Okanagan Vernon MLA Tom Christensen agrees a plan to pump treated effluent into Sugar Lake requires scrutiny, but he isn’t willing to take a position yet. Cherryville and Lumby residents have contacted Christensen about Kokanee Lodge Resort’s expansion proposal, including discharging effluent into the high-elevation lake. “I recognize the concern they are taking,” said Christensen. However, he isn’t prepared to come out in favour or against the development at this time. 
“I’m in a fact-finding and information gathering state,” he said, adding that he’s in contact with the ministries of health and environment. “I’m getting background information about the situation and determining what the appropriate standards are there.” The Ministry of Environment has jurisdiction over effluent discharges. Under its proposal, Kokanee Lodge Resort wants to expand the number of cabins from 10 to 21 and recreational vehicle sites from 34 to 46.
The possibility of treated effluent going into Sugar Lake has created substantial debate within Cherryville and Lumby, and has dominated the agenda at the North Okanagan Regional District. Officials claim while they have issued a development permit, they weren’t aware of plans to use the lake for effluent disposal. The NORD board will write a letter of concern to the Ministry of Environment, and it will withhold a campground permit until the resort owner has a public meeting.
Christensen is aware of NORD’s concerns. “I’m encouraged by the actions of the regional district to take a step back and look at the information (at a public meeting),” he said. Christensen hopes to have the information he is seeking soon. “Everyone’s goal is to ensure the integrity of Sugar Lake and that the area is protected,” he said. The situation at Sugar Lake is also being watched closely by the Okanagan Indian Band. “We’re not against development but we support good environmental practices,” said Chief Fabian Alexis. Alexis says the band’s concerns revolve around water quality, the impact on fish and government consultation. “The Ministry of Environment makes decisions without community input.”
No comments:
Post a Comment