Approximately eight years ago in the Big White area of Highway 33, the roadside garbage collection bins were removed from the truck brake check rest area, and over a period of two years the area was overrun with garbage in the ditch, bushes and rest area.
Several reports from locals and tourists appeared on the highways minister’s desk and as a result the highways manager and roads contractor contracted a clean up to restore the area to a pristine condition and re-installed the required garbage bins.
This action was taken because of the hilly terrain and watershed concerns where melting snow and rain would wash across the garbage and seepage would wind up in the watershed and water wells close by. This is a standard of excellence in water protection set by the local highway manager under the direction of the highways minister.
On Cora Lynn Road, located above the Cora Lynn dam, (we have the same) garbage problem experienced and solved in the Kelowna location. It would appear logical that the highways minister (and staff and contractors), could easily adopt the same standard of excellence in pollution control as demonstrated by the highways administration in the Big White area.
Water flows to the lowest point and conveys unwanted and undesirable materials. Double standards, or a poorly written contract, or a lack of contract enforcement will not solve the garbage problem and demonstrates a lack of respect for the preservation of the fragile ecosystem.
R.E. Johnson
Nelson