MOTION

GVRD Liquid Waste Management Plan File: 3753

MOVED by Cllr. Louis,
SECONDED by Cllr. ,

WHEREAS on March 28, 2000, Department of Fisheries and Oceans pollution officer Mike Nikl advised the GVRD that "their ( Liquid Waste Management) plan is not compatible with the Fisheries Act," and "the public has already told them (GVRD) they are willing to pay for sewage upgrades";

AND WHEREAS on February 16, 2001, Fisheries and Oceans Regional Director Guy Beaupre advised GVRD Manager Ken Cameron that "It is our view that the (GVRD Liquid Waste Management) Plan currently does not address clearly the need to meet regulatory requirements in a timely fashion";

AND WHEREAS in February 2001, toxicity tests of effluents samples at the Iona and Lions Gate Sewage treatment plants conducted by Environment Canada found that discharges from both violate the Fisheries Act;

AND WHEREAS on March 20, 2001, Environment Canada's Environmental Protection Branch advised the GVRD of the results of toxicity tests at Iona and Lions Gate and warned that the GVRD was not complying with the Fisheries Act;

AND WHEREAS when Council adopted the GVRD Liquid Waste Management Plan on March 15, 2001, Council was not advised of concerns raised by the Department of Fisheries, nor was Council aware of Environment Canada's concerns about effluent discharge from Iona and Lions Gate;

AND WHEREAS GVRD Director and West Vancouver Cllr. Victor Durman, is seeking a legal opinion on GVRD liability if the Liquid Waste Management Plan is in violation of the Fisheries Act;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Council invite Environment Canada's BC and Yukon Director General Don Fast, Fisheries and Oceans Canada Regional Director Donna Petrachenko and GVRD Regional Utility Planning Manager Fred Nenninger to advise Council of their concerns about the GVRD Liquid Waste Management Plan.

* * * * *