Province pumps $400,000 into sewer plant

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff Jul 27 2007 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/

A major infusion of cash will allow Enderby to proceed with a $1 million upgrade to its sewer plant. The provincial government announced Thursday that the city will receive $400,000 for the wastewater treatment system. “It’s huge news for us,” said Coun. Brad Case. “For a small community like ours, we can’t handle the whole shot so this helps.” The project will include a new 12-meter diameter sewage clarifier, a new pumping system and flow controls and meters as well as sampling equipment. “We are at capacity and this allows us to move ahead with some subdivisions,” said Case. And while there haven’t been concerns about the quality of effluent being discharged into the Shuswap River, Case believes the project will allow the city to continue high standards. “We just want to be proactive,” he said.

Thursday’s announcement was made by George Abbott, Shuswap MLA. “It’s a very substantial investment in an important environmental project,” said Abbott. Effluent discharged into the Shuswap River ultimately makes its way into Shuswap Lake, the Thompson and Fraser rivers and the Pacific Ocean. “It’s a nice win-win for Enderby but also for the full Fraser-Thompson system,” said Abbott. It’s anticipated construction could begin later this year.

Abbott also announced $178,000 for a public square in Armstrong. “It’s terrific news from the province,” said Mayor Jerry Oglow. The total project cost is $354,000 and it will include a platform for train passengers to use, cobblestone street bricks and decorative lighting.
“It serves to revitalize historic downtown Armstrong,” said Oglow. Funding also comes from the City of Armstrong and Tolko Industries. “It will be a place to not only connect with history but to celebrate events,” said Abbott of the train platform. Work on the platform should get under way in early spring next year.