Input on Greater Vernon waste plan continues

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: May 27, 2012 1:00 AM

It’s not a sexy topic, but addressing effluent and storm sewer waste is critical to any community. Vernon is holding a community input session for its proposed liquid waste plan Tuesday. “It’s a super important issue for the community,” said Greg Thompson, a municipal financial technician. “It’s a public plan and we need public input to decide how to handle the issue. It has huge cost implications for the community.” The plan includes a number of options including expanding the land base for treated waste water irrigation, water conservation and extending city sewer into areas currently using septic fields. It also suggests a partial discharge of treated waste water into Okanagan Lake, something that has been contentious among residents for decades. “People still treat waste water as something dirty but it’s cleaner than the creek and the lake and it’s near drinking water standards,” said Thompson of the extensive treatment process the city currently provides. The liquid waste plan also considers expanded storm water management to improve the quality of BX Creek, Vernon Creek and Okanagan Lake. “It’s all about zero pollution,” said Thompson, adding that the city is committed to improving the environment. During the open house, details, including costs, will be presented. The session runs from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Centre with a presentation at 6 p.m.