PUBLIC Liquid waste management meeting June 11 - Vernon Public Library

http://www.vernon.ca/services/operations/liquid_waste.html

Spray Irrigation and the Environmental Impact Study

DRAFT EIS REPORT
In order to operate the spray irrigation program in a sustainable manner, there must be enough customers for reclaimed water. When there is more reclaimed water than available land, the City of Vernon needs options for discharging the water until new customers come forward. While the search for new customers continues, there are limits to how much water can be applied on the spray irrigation system and periodic discharge to Okanagan Lake may be required. An environmental impact study is a scientific exercise to forecast the effects to the lake by adding reclaimed water. The study includes nutrient and pathological analysis and review of water quality objectives. It also includes studying the way water circulates within the lake near the outfall. Together, water movement and nutrient analysis help can explain the anticipated environmental effects. The outcome of the EIS is the level of risk that may arise and ways to reduce the risk. It should be noted that reclaimed water from the Vernon Water Reclamation Center is very high quality and under the current plan direction most is still proposed to be used for spray irrigation. No change in the current practice of 100% planned spray irrigation will occur unless approved by Council and the Ministry of Environment through the LWMP process. The Ministry of Environment has reviewed the EIS and their comments will be incorporated in the final EIS. The EIS will help inform the City the best way to discharge reclaimed water to Okanagan Lake, if and when it is required.