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It might be a step in the right direction, but we expect the Province will continue with their land applications of biosolids in the Nicola Valley, commented a somber Chief Aaron Sam from the Lower Nicola Indian Band (LNIB).
On Wednesday, the Provincial Government announced that a Technical Working Group will be initiated to conduct a scientific review on the dumping of biosolids in the Nicola Valley, as a means of addressing a number of issues and concerns raised by local First Nations groups and community members.
Although it might be a step forward, Chief Sam said he’s concerned the Province is simply boycotting the real issue at hand.
“We’ll stay open minded about it, but we’re skeptical that the Province isn’t really interested in looking at real solutions to the issue,” said Chief Sam.
Community members from the Nicola Valley protesting the dumping of biosolids. (Photo Credit: Dave Caswell Twitter).
Less than two weeks ago a new biosolids site was approved just kilometres outside of Merritt. The LNIB was not consulted prior to site approval.
According to Chief Sam, this new site near Dry Lake in the Nicola Valley will soon act as dumping grounds for biosolids moving in from surrounding B.C. communities.
Since the site approval, there have been a number of well-attended community meetings in the Valley, where Chief Sam said a lot of citizens have voiced their deep concern regarding this issue.
“When it comes to our food and clean water, which First Nations people and community members rely on, we’re not prepared to wait for results. There are no independent, conclusive studies confirming that the application of biosolids on land is safe and we expect the government to respect our own moratorium of the five Chiefs here in the Nicola Valley,” added Chief Sam.
As the LNIB awaits notice from the Provincial Government concerning the announcement of a Technical Working Group, Chief Sam said the Band and community members of the Nicola Valley are figuring out what their next steps will be regarding another protest.
Photo Credit: Friends of the Nicola Valley
The scientific review is expected to focus on: developing a monitoring and testing regime for biosolids in the Valley; reviewing the effectiveness of the current requirement for a Land Application Plan, and reviewing research on how biosolids impact wildlife and determine if any monitoring or resting is required.
In addition, an advisory committee will also be established to oversee the Technical Working Group and make recommendations to Minister of Environment Mary Polak.
“Our government is committed to continue working closely with all parties to ensure concerns are heard and addressed and that we ensure the application of biosolids is done safely for both the residents of Nicola Valley and the environment. I would also like to thank MLA Jackie Tegart for all of her hard work on this matter,” said Polak.
The Technical Working Group will include technical and scientific staff from the Ministry of Environment, First Nations Health Authority and Interior Health Authority, as well as academia and industry professionals.
According to the Provincial Government, recommendations from this review are expected later this fall and the findings will be made public.
Photo Credit: Friends of the Nicola Valley
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