Bouchie Lake residents to have their say on sewer system study

Courtesy of the Cariboo Regional District:

The Cariboo Regional District is hosting a public meeting on April 30 between 4:00 p.m. and 7p.m. with Bouchie Lake residents about a proposed concept for a community sewer system. A survey and backgrounder have been distributed to residents of the proposed service area to enable the regional district to work directly with affected residents to better understand their concerns and aspirations concerning the health of the lake.

A study conducted by the B.C. Ministry of Environment in 2009 showed high levels of nitrogen and phosphate enter Bouchie and Milburn Lakes from areas in the watershed, which contribute to large algae blooms during the summer months. These algae blooms present health, safety and environmental hazards for humans, animals and have periodically caused fish kills. The largest sources of nutrient loading come from agricultural uses of lands in the watershed and sewage disposal systems for lakeshore properties which are in various stages of repair.

“We need to hear from residents around Bouchie Lake about their interest in having a system installed. I am deeply concerned about the current state of Bouchie Lake and its watershed, and am hoping residents of the area will come forward to share any concerns they may have and discuss this proposed solution further. The sewer system idea has been thrown around at various tables over the years, and we are seeking a more definitive answer through this process.” – Barb Bachmeier, Electoral Area “B” Director 

A community sewer system would provide one workable option to reduce the amount of nutrient inflow into Bouchie Lake from nearby residential properties. If residents provide initial approval of the concept, the Cariboo Regional District would complete a feasibility study to identify what that system would look like and how much it will cost. A feasibility study would also identify the area that any taxation for a service would apply to if a service establishment bylaw is approved through a referendum. Other actions would also need to be taken before a community sewer system could be built, including:

• Official Community Plan amendments to add a sewer system plan and land use policies;
• Engineering designs and drawings for a collection and treatment system;
• Consultation with First Nations and relevant provincial agencies;
• Confirm financing, including any  local area taxation, borrowing, and grant funds; and
• Hold a referendum to seek approval for the service being established.

Cariboo RD representatives will be present to speak with residents about this system as one option for improving the health of the Bouchie Lake watershed. Residents can attend the Bouchie Lake Community Hall on April 30 from 4pm to 7pm to speak about what they would like to see, their preferences, and address any questions they may have. Anyone with questions or concerns about the proposal is encouraged to attend to meet with the public engagement team.

Residents inside the proposed service area are asked to complete the public input survey. A link to the survey was provided in a letter mailed to each property owner within the conceptual service area, and paper copies will be available at the public information meeting. The Cariboo Regional District will not be distributing the survey or soliciting responses from anyone who lives outside of the conceptual service area as the taxation impacts of any new system would be directly onto property owners and residents in that area only.