Off-road activity hampers water supply

by Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star posted May 13, 2015 at 1:00 AM
The integrity of Greater Vernon’s water supply is being undermined by those breaking the rules. Greater Vernon Water is continually having a problem with off-road vehicles roaring up and down the Grizzly, Aberdeen, Haddo and King Edward dams on the Aberdeen Plateau. “Our biggest concern is dam failure if there’s a lot of activity on the dams,” sad Renee Clark, water quality manager. Some dams are being used for hill climbs while mud-bogging has taken place in the reservoirs. “People are camping all over the dams. There are no outhouses and it’s turning out to be a bit of a zoo,” said Clark. If the dams were to fail from degradation, not only would Greater Vernon lose a substantial portion of its water supply, but the sudden flow of water could negatively impact areas downstream, including Lumby. “We are the owners of the dams and under provincial regulations, if they fail, we are responsible,” said Clark. “We are trying to maintain them in the best condition possible.” Beyond physical damage to the dams themselves, GVW’s ability to provide water on a day-to-day basis is also threatened through vandalism. “Solar panels on the buildings allows us to operate the equipment and remotely open and close the gates and they have been shot off,” said Clark. Because of the growing problem, GVW is working with Natural Resource officers, Recreation and Trails B.C. and the RCMP. “The Off-Road Vehicle Act established in the spring 2014 has created an effective registration system that allows for the development of safety standards and conditions for a wide range of off-road vehicles,” said Clark. “The display of plates will be mandatory from June 1.” Anyone who observes vandalism to dams or water utility facilities is asked to call the Natural Resource violation hotline at 1-844-676-8477. It’s expected there will also be increased enforcement on the plateau on long-weekends during the summer.