The new provincial government is taking a fresh look at ongoing water quality issues in Spallumcheen.
There continues to be concerns about the level of nitrate in the Hullcar Aquifer, a drinking water source for some residents of Spallumcheen and some members the Splatsin Band.
On Wednesday the province said an “independent, respected expert” will be named to review the situation with the Hullcar Aquifer with the goal of “ensuring agricultural practices are consistent with the provision and protection of clean, safe drinking water.”
“The review will look at decisions and actions taken to-date with respect to pollution in the Hullcar Aquifer,” said a Ministry of Environment media release.
The review is welcome news for local water activist Al Price, the chairman of the advocacy group Save Hullcar Aquifer Team.
“It is certainly a good start,” said Price. “I’m particularly pleased that the report has to be in by the end of September 2017 this indicates to us that they are quite serious about getting a better process going.”
Residents in the area have raised concerns for years about the situation with the aquifer and the provincial government’s handling of the problem.
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“As we’ve said from day one, what we want is the contamination of the aquifer stopped,” said Price.
The Liberal MLA for the area has previously defended the province’s handling of the situation and earlier this year the former Liberal government announced $950,000 in funding partially dedicated to finding another drinking water source.
The province said in March that elevated nitrate levels in the aquifer were caused by the application of agricultural waste to farmland.
“We will continue to work with provincial and local government to foster sustainable agriculture in the Hullcar region,” said Dave Taylor a chairperson with the B.C. Dairy Association in a media release.
In announcing the review, the new Environment Minister promised to balance the needs of farmers and water users.
“Residents need to have faith that government is listening and will be taking action to protect water quality and safety in the region while ensuring agricultural interests are protected,” said George Heyman in a media release.
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