There has been increased concern expressed for accountability for the local governments on their spending of our tax dollars. There is apparently the ability of these councils to spend millions of the municipal funds on projects that they deem to be required without any necessary approval by the taxpayer. One of the largest amounts spent has been the regional compost facility, Ogogrow, development. This project, which was built above Kalamalka Lake, has been a blight on the hillside causing and continuing to send unacceptable odours for miles around.
Despite promises to fix this problem, and the spending of millions more of our money, the problem has not been resolved. Eighty percent of the sewage comes from our neighbour to the south which is more than pleased that we are so kind to accept it. The site on which it sits was chosen because of a zoning loophole, and with little consideration given to the environmental impact it would have.
Now, a more concerning problem exists, namely, the pollution to the main source of Vernon’s drinking water, Kalamalka Lake. We all recognize that the best preservation of this water is to curb all possible sources of pollution. As the lake gets more polluted the only cure is further treatment or boil our water.
While the amount of pollution from the Ogogrow facility is marginal at present, it has been identified by some of our environment watch dogs as a very potential hazard. The plant operators have acknowledged serious problems and have again spent millions more of our tax dollars to try to contain it.
The fact remains that besides airborne chemicals that are emitted, when it rains or snows on the uncovered waste piles pollution and germs from the waste will find its way to Kalamalka Lake. If you are concerned about the risks and the future of our lake and if you agree that the problem needs to be addressed now, then tell your government to:
1. Enclose the waste piles within a building to contain the run off and airborne chemicals.
2. Or tell Kelowna and our neighbours to the south to keep their sewage. When we have to install an upgraded treatment plant to fix our water I doubt Kelowna will offer to pay some of the costs.
It is your drinking water, so let’s prioritize spending on this cure before spending money on a new project such as an art gallery or new sports complex.
Don Matheson
