VERNON – More than 3.5 years ago, a well in Lavington was contaminated resulting in a strict water ban.The incident lead to quasi-criminal charges against a local dairy farmer, the District of Coldstream and the Regional District of the North Okanagan.
The farmer and the District of Coldstream pleaded guilty but the RDNO wanted its day in court and on Wednesday it was found guilty.
In finding the RDNO guilty, the judge noted the district had been aware of the risks that the water system could become contaminated for a decade before it happened, but it failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the problem.
The district has not decided whether it will appeal the decision — a decision that would add to their taxpayers legal fees estimated at $70,000.
The water system was operated by Coldstream and owned by the Regional District.
*********************************************************************
No comments:
Post a Comment