A hillside in rural Lumby is being transformed into the site of a multi-million-dollar infrastructure project.
Heavy equipment is moving dirt and removing trees as part of the construction of the new Duteau Creek water treatment plant for thousands of residents in Greater Vernon.
“We’re well on our way because the last time I was here, there were a heck of a lot more trees,” said Jerry Oglow, North Okanagan Regional District chairman.
Work on the $30 million initiative began Oct. 13 and a ground-breaking ceremony was held Wednesday.
“It’s a couple of years late but I’m pleased it’s going ahead,” said Stan Field, BX-Silver Star director.
The plant has been on the drawing board for many years but construction was delayed because of an environmental review and consultation with local First Nations.
“It’s a complex project. It required considerable senior government funding and that took time to work through the system,” said Oglow.
The main contract for the project will be awarded soon and it’s anticipated the plant will be completed in the spring of 2010.
The plant — which will provide a maximum of 155,000 cubic metres of treated water daily — will use clarification to reduce the visible particulate matter and natural organic material in the water.
“It will greatly reduce the colour issue,” said Al Cotsworth, Greater Vernon’s water utility manager.
By removing the particulate and organic material, it could lead to a significant decease in the use of chlorine required for disinfection.
“The need for boil water alerts will also be incredibly reduced,” said Cotsworth.
And that is good news for politicians who have heard numerous complaints about the colour and the need for boil water advisories.
“I hope it will give us water that’s fit to drink compared to what we have now,” said Cliff Kanester, BX-Swan Lake director.
That’s also the view of Gary Corner, Coldstream mayor and Greater Vernon Advisory Committee chairman.
“It will clear the water up and make this a much better drinking source for all of our communities,” he said.
Duteau Creek is the source of water for the former Vernon Irrigation District, which meets the needs of the two electoral area, much of Coldstream and parts of Vernon.
Wayne Lippert, Vernon mayor, believes enhanced treatment will go a long ways towards improving public health.
“People can get ill from poor quality water and that affects the health care system,” he said.
While all Greater Vernon jurisdictions have supported the new plant and sought government funding, special credit for the project is being directed towards Corner.
“Gary was instrumental in keeping this project in front of senior politicians and our board,” said Oglow.
The current project is just the first phase of proposed upgrades to the Duteau Creek system, and NORD is planning to add filtration in 2015.
Filtration would provide an additional barrier against parasites and viruses.
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