Watershed fears put at ease

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 21, 2008

Fears that effluent disposal at Silver Star could negatively impact watersheds have been minimized. North Okanagan Regional District officials have met with Silverhawk Utilities, a private firm that treats the community’s sewer waste and then disposes of it through spray irrigation. “Silverhawk has alleviated some of my concerns and the concerns of downstream users,” said Rick Fairbairn, rural Lumby director. NORD directors recently decided 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. “We’ve met with the owner/operator of the facility and we’ve received all of their reports,” said chairman Jerry Oglow. “We’ve been given information about their operations.”

NORD has also arranged for an on-site tour of Silverhawk’s treatment and disposal operations. Some downstream residents have been concerned that sewage material could leak into their water sources. They have also questioned the level of water quality testing being done. But Fairbairn is satisfied with the company’s efforts. “They are testing some streams down to the valley bottom and all of this information is available,” he said, adding that the utility has also indicated treatment standards will be increased. Four creeks run off Silver Star Mountain and they provide water to parts of Lumby and Greater Vernon. But while NORD officials appear satisfied with Silver Hawk, they want to ensure that the public’s interests are a priority. Oglow said his board is pursuing a meeting with the environment minister to discuss public oversight of private utilities.