By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: November 13, 2008
A controversial fertilizer plant in the Commonage could see its activities drastically reduced. Vernon council is directing itself and the City of Kelowna to reduce the amount of sewer sludge the Ogogrow biosolids facility processes to the level it was designed to handle for six months so issues of odour can be monitored. “That facility has not been proven to be efficient and to operate without the odour,” said Coun. Barry Beardsell. Reducing the level of product will only occur when a suitable site for any excess sewer sludge is found. Staff had been recommending a $5.6 million expansion of the facility as a way of trying to improve operations and reduce the odour.
That argument didn’t go over well with some council members. “We should make it function now before we expand it,” said Coun. Patrick Nicol. Construction of the facility — which is owned by the cities of Vernon and Kelowna — began in 2004 and it became operational in 2006. It replaced facilities Kelowna had within its own community and Lake Country. “There was no mention of the problems that occurred in Glenmore (Kelowna) and Lake Country,” said Beardsell of reports he has heard about odour complaints at those two sites.“This council needs to send a strong message to the City of Kelowna.”
Thirty per cent of the volume at the Commonage plant comes from Vernon and the rest from Kelowna. Odour complaints have come largely from residents living along Kalamalka Lake. “Quiet evenings on the deck have been cut short by the overwhelming noxious odour,” said resident David Facey. “This plant has taken away our opportunity for social gatherings.” There is also a concern that the odour could be causing health problems. “Two residents have been diagnosed with severe respiratory issues,” said Facey. Facey also suggests that the sludge could be contaminating the environment.“It does not perform as promised,” he said of the facility.
Beyond the odour, Beardsell is upset with comments some of his colleagues are making about the plant. “A lot of misinformation has been put out blaming the previous council,” he said. During a recent all-candidates forum, Coun. Jack Gilroy stated that the operating agreement for the plant had been signed by the old council and not the present one. But the former council only reached a memorandum of understanding with Kelowna and present council ratified the actual operating agreement for the facility. “If I was perfect, I wouldn’t be a politician. I made a mistake,” said Gilroy. While he apologizes for his comments, Gilroy says current council signed the agreement based on information provided by its predecessor. “It came down as the greatest thing since sliced bread. It had all been worked out by them,” he said.
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Morning Star Editorial: Biosolids decision a good move
The right choice was taken by Vernon council when it voted to reduce the amount of sewer sludge processed at the Ogogrow biosolids facility to levels the plant was designed to handle. And no expansion should be considered until the very legitimate concerns of nearby residents are addressed. It's hard to ignore the foul odour that rolls across the Commonage down towards Kalamalka Lake, and as for the prospect of sludge material contaminating the environment, that hasn't been proven but it's an issue that requires investigation. The residents have a right to enjoy their yards without having to gag from the smell or worry if their health is being impacted. But while some residents would like to see the facility closed down, that is unrealistic. Firstly, anything in our community that turns a waste product into a usable resource, such as fertilizer, should be welcome, especially when sustainability and recycling should be more than buzz words. And secondly, millions of dollars have been spent by the cities of Kelowna and Vernon on the facility. It may be in the wrong spot, but it's there now and closing it would be a complete waste of tax dollars. And even the plant's most vocal critics must understand that if the concerns are to be addressed, it will take another chunk of cash to fix them. But for now, the best approach is to reduce the load being processed and monitor the situation in the hopes of getting a handle on the problem. We should keep in mind, though, that Vernon has a partner at the plant and that is Kelowna, and it's not known if that city will follow council's edict. But if Kelowna turns a blind eye to the problems, relations between the two towns could go down the toilet.
