Environment takes stage at forum

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 28, 2013 1:00 AM
The possibility of pumping treated effluent into Okanagan Lake is unpopular with those individuals wanting to represent the area in Victoria.  Because waste management must be approved by the provincial government, candidates were asked during a Sustainable Environment Network Society forum Thursday if they would support a consultant’s recommendation that Vernon discharge waste water into the lake instead of using it for irrigation. “If you want to commit political suicide in this town, abandon spray irrigation,” said Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee Liberal incumbent, at the event which drew about 100 people to the Schubert Centre. “It was strictly a financial core review (by the city’s consultant). It would never get to Victoria because the people (councillors) who suggest it would be out of business.” Scott Anderson, B.C. Conservative candidate, was also reluctant to back a shift in waste disposal. “I’ve heard it’s cleaner than lake water but I wouldn’t drink it,” he said. “I would take it to referendum and take the results to Victoria.” Independent Korry Zepik called for treated waste water to be expanded into residential yards for irrigation. “There are other methods,” he said. Mark Olsen, with the NDP, believes waste water can reduce pressure on domestic water supply, and he questioned the consultant’s report. “What’s the rationale for this proposal? Is it the cost? Yes, there is a cost, but there is an impact to our lake,” he said. The candidates were also asked if they would lobby for provincial funds so Greater Vernon’s domestic water supply can be separated from irrigation customers as a way of lowering treatment costs. “We will have to find a way to help the water district to twin the lines. You won’t be able to do it yourself,” said Foster. Anderson also supported meeting the needs of local communities. “A major part of our platform is to develop infrastructure in the north and the Interior,” he said. Olsen indicated that he would acquire more information from civic leaders. “I would advocate for it because that’s my job to represent the community,” he said. Zepik believes there are broader issues surrounding access to water. “Our rights to water are being taken away. People should have the right to store or collect water,” he said. Another question revolved around how to keep local agriculture viable. “We’re trying to encourage people to buy from B.C. farmers,” said Foster. However, Anderson slammed the Liberals’ meat processing regulations. “If no licenses are required there (northern B.C.), why are they required here?” Olsen says an NDP government would have hospitals purchase locally grown food. “That will support agriculture and health care.” For Zepik, there is a need to ensure local farmers aren’t unfairly competing with foreign nations. “Trade protection made our country strong,” he said. The Green party candidate Rebecca Helps did not attend the forum.

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EDITORIAL: City left without advocate
By Editorial - Vernon Morning Star Published: April 28, 2013 1:00 AM
The City of Vernon could face a significant hurdle if it decides to proceed with a controversial recommendation from a consultant. KPMG, which is conducting a core services review of city operations, recently suggested that about $1 million a year could be saved if treated effluent water was pumped into Okanagan Lake instead of the current practise of using it to irrigate pasture, parks and golf courses. However, such a dramatic policy departure couldn’t occur without the blessing of the province. And given the response of Vernon-Monashee candidates at a forum Thursday, the city may not have someone willing to advocate for them on this matter. “It would never get to Victoria because the people who suggest it would be out of business,” said Eric Foster, Liberal candidate, of the likelihood that Vernon council would face a strong public backlash. NDP candidate Mark Olsen also has concerns about the recommendation. “What’s the rationale for this proposal? Is it the cost? Yes, there is a cost, but there is an impact to our lake,” he said, adding that irrigating with treated effluent also conserves fresh water for domestic use. Yes, every other community in the valley discharges treated waste water into Okanagan Lake but Vernon has been invested significantly in spray irrigation since the 1970s. But more importantly, officials in Victoria know that the concept of discharging into the lake is controversial and has been the subject of legal action over the years. No matter who is elected May 14, it is likely the government is going to want to avoid being drawn into a battle in Vernon.