Golf course lands in debate

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 07

North Okanagan politicians want assurances that water quality will be protected before giving their blessing to any golf course development at Silver Star. Directors decided Wednesday to review reports on existing spray effluent irrigation at the resort to see if there is any impact on local watersheds, and whether the situation could be compounded by the construction of a golf course. “The downstream users will want some answers,” said Stan Field, BX-Swan Lake director. Four creeks run off Silver Star Mountain and they provide water to parts of Lumby and Greater Vernon. “People aren’t against spray irrigation but the level of contamination needs to be addressed,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. Officials with the Ministry of Environment insist water samples have been done. “I personally don’t see that they are causing an impact to people downstream,” said Mike Reiner, senior environmental protection officer. The area currently being used for spray irrigation is closed off, and Reiner says that is purely precautionary for public protection. “That spray irrigation area has containment around it.”

Development of a golf course would likely use spray irrigation, and Reiner says a higher level of treatment would be required because of people on the course. “Silver Star is aware of what our regulations require in terms of spray irrigation for a golf course,” he said. NORD officials question the ministry for allowing companies who discharge effluent to do water quality tests themselves. “I don’t think the Environment people have their hands on what’s happening here,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. Field also believes there is a lack of consultation. “The regional district can’t get involved and there’s very little way for the public to get involved unless we stand up and make some noise,” he said. The operators of the private utility defend treated effluent spraying. “The treatment system and the disposal system have all the necessary approvals and are operated and monitored as per government guidelines and regulations,” states Len Sukovieff, with Silverhawk Utilities, in a release. “The City of Vernon treats its waste water and then disposes of the treated effluent in the same manner as Silver Star.” Sukovieff added that the utility is open to providing more informaiton about treatment at Silver Star. “The treatment plant and irrigation areas are stricted to public access by public regulations and by Silverhawk, so to view the system, arrangements for a tour are mandatory.” The golf course is part of Silver Star Mountain Resort’s master plan but there is no timeline involved. Ian Grant, chief executive officer, says a course developer is being sought to take over the concept. “For us to take a course forward, it would require an amendment to the official community plan and that would involve a public process.”