By Jackie Tegart, Fraser-Nicola MLA
The past few months have seen an issue come to the forefront in Merritt, one that has raised concerns and led to community members and First Nations taking action to ensure their voices are heard. The topic is biosolids in the Nicola Valley.
There’s been lots said on the topic and I continue to work with the Friends of Nicola Valley, First Nations, the Thompson-Nicola Regional District, the ministries of environment and agriculture, as well as the Agricultural Land Commission for a long-term resolution. During all these discussions, it has become clear there are no easy answers.
That’s why it is important everyone works from the same basic facts; people can have different interpretations but to move forward it is vital that there is a shared base of understanding.
Regulation of biosolids falls under the Organic Matter Recycling Regulation (OMRR), which is designed to protect human health and the environment in the use of composted organic material as fertilizer. This is something that has been happening here and around British Columbia for more than a decade on farms as an accepted farming practice, in mining and landfill reclamation, and for landscaping.
Currently, there are four notifications in place to apply biosolids in the Nicola Valley that meet the requirements of OMRR: Coquihalla Cattle Company (south of Merritt), Nicola Ranch (north of Merritt), Rey Creek (Logan Lake) and the Sunshine Valley Road compost site (west of Merritt).
The Dry Lake proposal does not currently meet the requirements of OMRR and the ministry has directed the proponent to provide additional information.
The Ministry of Environment has confirmed that biosolids will not be applied at the Dry Lake site until this additional information is provided and both the ministry and Interior Health Authority have reviewed it to confirm there will be no adverse impacts to the environment and human health. The revised plan is expected to be submitted this spring.
First Nations and others have raised concerns over the Sunshine Valley Road composting facility and are requesting operations cease at the facility until consultation has been completed. This facility meets the current regulatory requirements of OMRR, the Agricultural Land Commission Act and the TNRD’s zoning bylaw and so is a lawfully operating site.
In response to concerns raised by the community, environment ministry staff conducted two inspections at the Sunshine Valley Road composting facility, the latter following concerns from the TNRD regarding leachate on the site.
Inspection confirmed it was not leachate; it was snow melt, pooled due to a depression on the land.
The province is taking the concerns seriously. The environment minister has met on two occasions with local First Nations and elected officials from the city and regional district to discuss the community’s concerns and we must continue to work together if we want to find a solution.
The minister has made a commitment to continued dialogue with both groups focused on sharing information on all biosolids applications in the Nicola Valley, possible establishment of a science panel to review biosolids research, and further discussion on regulatory authorities between all levels of government.
I believe that by continuing to work together on this important issue, we can find a long-term solution for the Nicola Valley.
