Compost proposal concerns residents
Special to the Herald
SUMMERLAND — Summerland residents want answers to questions about the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen’s recommendation to locate a compost facility at the community’s landfill.
A group of about 80 residents gathered Thursday night to voice concerns and ask questions.
“We will send a summary of this evening’s results to the mayor and council,” said Dave Smith, who with his wife Kathy Smith organized the meeting.
“Write letters and send emails to council. Attend Monday’s (Aug. 28) council meeting. Bring someone with you,” Kathy said.
Tonight council will consider granting the RDOS authority to access the Summerland landfill site in order to conduct technical studies related to the proposed regional compost facility.
Council will also consider authorizing staff to execute an access agreement.
The access agreement, also called a “lease in principle,” was of particular concern Thursday evening.
“Tom Johnston told me an agreement in principle is difficult to get out of,” Kathy said.
Johnston is a retired lawyer and also a former mayor of Summerland.
“What’s the hurry? So little is known at this stage,” Kathy said.
“Perhaps it’s not necessary to make the decision Monday evening,” said Coun. Janet Peake.
Peake was the only member of council in attendance. Peake also said there was a need to understand all aspects of any lease and all risk management issues.
All Summerland residents should be concerned, not just those who live in areas that would be affected by the increased truck traffic and odour, Kathy said.
Of paramount concern is the potential impact of the proposed facility on the water reservoir which is located downhill from landfill.
Former mayor David Gregory spoke of leachate migration from the proposed site to the unlined reservoir and how changes in amount of surface water into the site could affect groundwater volume and direction.
“RDOS will not pay for road upgrades. We’d all be on the hook,” Kathy said.
Heavy truck traffic to the site has been estimated at 100 one-way trips a day for product in and out.
The increased traffic would be on roads already in need of substantial upgrades, through residential and commercial areas and by an elementary school.
Other questions for council included — How accurate is the odour modelling done by RDOS? Is there a market for the product? What is the mayor expecting to receive for Summerland if this goes ahead?