Rural areas not interested in air quality service

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted Jun 3, 2016 at 10:00 AM
It appears that a regional approach to air pollution may go up in smoke. The five electoral areas will not join an air quality service proposed by the Regional District of North Okanagan. “It’s a provincial jurisdiction and we don’t have much influence over it,” said Hank Cameron, Cherryville director. The electoral area directors also insist that actions have been taken to deal with pollution, including reducing road dust and eliminating old stoves. “There is also year-round yard waste disposal so there is less reason to burn,” said Bob Fleming, BX-Swan Lake director. RDNO is still waiting to hear from most jurisdictions on involvement in the proposed service, but Armstrong has already stated it won’t participate. Coldstream is interested in taking part in the function.