A local lake is suffering from a chemical imbalance, and a community sewer system may be the answer.
People in the affected area around Bouchie Lake are now involved in a public consultation process to check in on the neighbourhood’s views about how to help the rural residential lake. The sewer system is a longtime discussion point over the course of the years of growing concern.
According to the Cariboo Regional District (CRD), the B.C. Ministry of Environment did a study of the water’s contents in 2009.
“It showed high levels of nitrogen and phosphate enter Bouchie and Milburn Lakes from areas in the watershed, which contribute to large algae blooms during the summer months,” said a CRD statement. “These algae blooms present health, safety and environmental hazards for humans, animals and have periodically caused fish kills. The largest sources of nutrient loading come from agricultural uses of lands in the watershed and sewage disposal systems for lakeshore properties which are in various stages of repair.”
A community sewer system would have many benefits to the communities just outside of Quesnel, including improved resale potential of the connected homes, and easier maintenance for each resident.
But for Electoral Area B director Barb Bachmeier, there is no better benefit to the value of the homes and the health of the whole human/nature balance than addressing the ailing lakes. Whatever the solution to that may be, she wants local residents to have input to act on.
“We need to hear from residents around Bouchie Lake about their interest in having a system installed,” Bachmeier said. “I am deeply concerned about the current state of Bouchie Lake and its watershed, and am hoping residents of the area will come forward to share any concerns they may have and discuss this proposed solution further. The sewer system idea has been thrown around at various tables over the years, and we are seeking a more definitive answer through this process.”
The consultation process started with the CRD sending a survey and backgrounder to residents of the proposed service area. Those surveys can be submitted in paper form or filled out online.
Next was scheduling a public meeting for April 30 between 4-7 p.m. at the Bouchie Lake Community Hall with various officials there to meet the area’s residents for a detailed discussion.
The CRD said they would not be “distributing the survey or soliciting responses from anyone who lives outside of the conceptual service area as the taxation impacts of any new system would be directly onto property owners and residents in that area only.”
It was also underlined by CRD officials that the community sewer system was just one of many options to help clean up and restore health to Bouchie Lake, and perhaps Milburn Lake as well, depending on the circumstances.
The sewer system for Bouchie Lake was leading the discussion due to the direct cleanup effects it would have, combined with the known costs.
If residents provide initial approval of the concept, the CRD would complete a feasibility study to identify what that system would look like and how much it will cost. A feasibility study would also identify the area that any taxation for a service would apply to if a service establishment bylaw is approved through a referendum.
Other actions would also need to be taken before a community sewer system could be built, including:
- Official Community Plan amendments to add a sewer system plan and land use policies;
- Engineering designs and drawings for a collection and treatment system;
- Consultation with First Nations and relevant provincial agencies;
- Confirm financing, including any local area taxation, borrowing, and grant funds; and
- Hold a referendum to seek approval for the service being established.
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