MERRITT — It appears the blockades and demonstrations have had the desired impact in the ongoing battle over sewer sludge from the Central Okanagan being dumped in the Merritt area.
Last March, several First Nations from the Nicola Valley and local residents began blocking trucks loaded with human waste from being dumped at a private ranch — citing health concerns.
The move prompted the Regional District of Central Okanagan to ship its sludge to Cariboo in the interim.
The protest peaked in mid-April when First Nation leaders occupied the constituency office of Premier Christy Clark in West Kelowna.
READ MORE: Protest continues in Merritt against biosolids being dumped
Today, the protesters say they’ve reached an agreement with the province whereby First Nations will be consulted before any more sludge is dumped in the Nicola Valley.
“We’re pleased that the Province finally agreed to seriously engage with us on this issue,” says Chief Aaron Sam of the Lower Nicola Indian Band. “We’ve repeatedly told the Province that the use of biosolids in our territories poses a serious threat to the health of our communities and to our Title and Rights.”
Chief Sam says the province and First Nations will conduct a joint review to assess the impacts of biosolids and there will be no further dumping of biosolids until both parties come to a mutual agreement.
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