It’s not the spill that caused the biggest stink for Spallumcheen, it’s the lack of communication.
Residents and officials are upset that they were kept in the dark about a Feb. 16 spill from a manure effluent lagoon at the Grace-Mar Farm on Salmon River Road.
“Nobody notified the residents or us or anything,” said Mayor Janice Brown, adding a lot of upset could have been avoided. “The Ministry dropped the ball.”
Brown is heading to the Lower Mainland this week to meet with officials and express her concerns, which are currently being echoed in the Parliament buildings.
“Our MLA Greg Kyllo is in Victoria right now and he is hands on trying to figure out what happened and what can be done better.”
While Ministry of Environment officials insist residents are not at risk, Brown questions that as she estimates 120,000 to 160,000 gallons were spilled in an area where the Hullcar acquifer starts.
“We’re hoping that it has no impact on the water,” said Brown, adding that crews were working all weekend to clean up the mess but residents need assurance that their water is safe.
“Interior Health should be testing the waters. It’s a very sensitive area up there.”
The Township of Spallumcheen is also asking that a maximum possible fine be issued to the farm if an investigation shows they were at fault. Brown says the farm has a previous offence.
Meanwhile Spall residents are commended for keeping an eye on the situation.
“Our community people are watch dogs out there,” said Brown.