Island Health says it has no resources to help with septic issues – Cowichan Valley Citizen

Island Health says it currently has no resources to help North Cowichan find the best ways to deal with old and rundown sewage treatment plants in the community.

In a letter to the council, Rory Beise, Island Health’s land use / drinking water advisor, said the health agency did not have the capacity to fully engage in this discussion with North Cowichan as its resources are currently focused on addressing the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic.

“As soon as our capacities are available, we would like to meet and discuss strategies to address these matters,” said Biese.

RELATED STORY: NORTH COWICHAN LOOK FOR ANSWERS ON SUBSTANDARD SEPTIC TANKS

The letter was in response to a request from the council to work with Island Health, which is responsible for wastewater treatment, to produce a report or other input on the matter.

The request to Island Health came after Coun. Christopher Justice pointed out at a meeting in August that there are a number of areas in North Cowichan where septic tanks do not function properly and can introduce excessive nutrients and bacteria into the environment, which contributes, and sometimes causes, nutrient pollution to local waters unsafe for recreational activities.

RELATED STORY: NORTH COWICHAN SELECTES COMPANIES TO TAKE NEXT STEPS TO AGAINST SEWAGE DRAINAGE

He said at the time that sewerage is not even an option in some areas of the community, such as Maple Bay, where business opportunities are limited and environmental impacts are exacerbated by inferior sewage treatment plants and / or site conditions that preclude upgrading to current standards.

At the council meeting on October 20, Justice asked staff what their next steps would be after the community received a response from Island Health.

CAO Ted Swabey said North Cowichan is in a similar situation to Island Health in terms of lack of resources and staff workload.

“It’s not something I see on the radar for this year so it should be next year,” he said.

“Island Health said in the letter that they want to work with us to review some options and that is probably a good first step. We could contact Island Health and discuss options they think are feasible and would help to inform [staff] for a report we propose [at a later date]. “

[email protected]
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Local politics

Earl of North Cowichan. Christoph Justice. (File photo)