CRD-RELATED SEWAGE NEWS:
- ARESSTERS: SHOW YOUR HANDS AT ELIZABETH MAY'S "SAANICH TOWN HALL", UVIC, 9 SEPT!!
- RESIDENTS FLOAT IDEAS TO TRIM $6 MILLION FROM VICTORIA'S MUNICIPAL BUDGET (sewage cost mention)
- LETTER: PUGET SOUND HAS LIMITED FLUSH (BROCK-MILLER)
- LETTER: VICTORIA SEWAGE PLANT PROPOSAL OFFERED (ROBINSON)
- DENISE SAVOIE STEPPING DOWN DUE TO HEALTH REASONS (sewage mention)
GENERAL SEWAGE-RELATED NEWS:
- KENT: "ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CONTINUES TO BE A STRONG FEDERAL POLICY" (but not for the sewage plant!)
- ONE MILLION GALLONS OF SEWAGE FROM MEXICO CLOSES SAN DIEGO BEACHES
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ARESSTERS: SHOW YOUR HANDS AT ELIZABETH MAY'S "SAANICH TOWN HALL", UVIC, 9 SEPT!!
Join with other ARESST members to be at May's Saanich Town Hall because she has to hear from YOU about your opposition
to this unnecessary, environmentally-sketchy, costly land-based sewage plant.
May's Saanich Town Hall will be at UVic on September 9th, 7:30-9pm, the David Strong Building C103 (click here for location on campus).
To influence May, she has to hear from the floor about your opinion on this terrible project, so please come with a few words prepared to say something. We don't have a lot of opportunities like this - and we think May is really prepared to listen - if she is told what she needs to hear from you.
Our ARESSTER Richard will be speaking and will turn to the audience and he is going to ask for a show of hands - your hands!
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ARESST: Excerpt from article below:
Rouche has grown frustrated with the lack of housing affordability in Victoria for young families, a challenge made more difficult by property tax hikes in recent years. He said the proposed Capital Region secondary sewage treatment project could make matters worse. If approved, the project will raise annual tax bills between $350 and $700 for Victoria homeowners.
RESIDENTS FLOAT IDEAS TO TRIM $6 MILLION FROM VICTORIA'S MUNICIPAL BUDGET (sewage cost mention)
Daniel Palmer
Victoria News
August 30, 2012
As the City of Victoria looks to trim $6 million from its budget over the next three years, one councillor is looking to residents for innovative solutions.
Budget workshops are being held across the city by Coun. Lisa Helps. Participants are split into groups to brainstorm possible ways of generating savings, using board game money to divvy up expenses.
“What I’m looking for right now are ideas to feed into the process early, to ensure that citizen voices are there at the outset," Helps said.
In April, council passed a motion to restrict annual property tax increases to 3.25 per cent until 2015, but it faces difficult decisions on what services need to be scaled back to achieve that.
A formal public consultation on the budget will take place before council this fall, but the workshops offer a hands-on approach to allocating municipal dollars.
Fairfield resident Ken Rouche [note that Ken Roueche signed RSTV 2007 citizens letter] attended the first workshop in July and organized a similar exercise last Wednesday that attracted about 30 people at the Garry Oak Room.
"I think this is trailblazing in terms of what Lisa is doing," Rouche said. "This is the first time I've known a councillor to bring these issues to the community."
Rouche has grown frustrated with the lack of housing affordability in Victoria for young families, a challenge made more difficult by property tax hikes in recent years. He said the proposed Capital Region secondary sewage treatment project could make matters worse. If approved, the project will raise annual tax bills between $350 and $700 for Victoria homeowners.
"My block is populated by seniors like myself – property rich and income poor," he said. "It's sucking the life out of my neighbourhood and it's jeopardizing my city."
Helps said one strong idea emerging from the workshops is the potential to engage citizen volunteers and rely less on external consultants.
"We can draw on the wealth and expertise of our citizens, particularly our retired folks ... who want to be engaged in our communities and have some expertise," she said. The selection process would be similar to citizens advisory committees, where candidates are vetted for qualifications.
"Rather than contract out everything, we could pay residents small stipends to do the work."
The next budget workshop will be held Sept. 12 at 7 p.m. at the James Bay New Horizons, 234 Menzies St. More will be scheduled in Fernwood and Vic West in the coming months.
Helps encourages anyone with concerns about city spending to come out and contribute in an informal setting.
"All stones are being turned over. There's nothing that's not getting scrutiny," she said.
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LETTER: PUGET SOUND HAS LIMITED FLUSH (BROCK-MILLER)
Axel Brock-miller
Times Colonist
August 28, 2012
Over the last several years, it has been repeatedly reported in science programs on PBS Channel 9 in Seattle (usually originating in Boston) about marine pollution in North America, that some of the worst examples routinely cited for their deteriorating ecosystems from ongoing pollution are Puget Sound in Washington and Chesapeake Bay in Virginia and Maryland.
The terrible sewage situation in Puget Sound is the result of many secondary (or better) sewage treatment plants, where hardly any of them separate stormwater from sewage (like Oak Bay, but hundreds of times worse).
Rainfall and rainstorm amounts in the Puget Sound basin greatly exceed the amounts here on the south Island, and during every frequent heavy rainfall in the basin, stormwater amounts surpass the capacities of the sewage plants, which are then forced to release by overflow the combined stormwater and untreated sewage into Puget Sound directly or via tributaries.
Combine this ongoing situation with the fact that Puget Sound, with a much larger population, drains only a very limited area and thereby has a limited flush compared to the Juan de Fuca Strait, which channels the drainage of a huge area by some of North America's major rivers, creating a continuous gigantic flush.
Axel Brock-Miller
Langford
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LETTER: VICTORIA SEWAGE PLANT PROPOSAL OFFERED (ROBINSON)
Victoria News
August 30, 2012 12:07 PM
There is absolutely no requirement for a land-based sewage treatment plant on the South Island, but, if this proposed insanity must prevail and a billion dollars squandered for no purpose, I offer the following proposal.
We live in an earthquake zone. It is not logical to bury 45 kilometres of pipe underground to a dump that will reach its maximum capacity in 2035.
Instead, build the sludge collection facility at McLoughlin Point complete with a docking facility for two large barges. Build a treatment plant in the Albert Head area complete with a protected docking facility for one barge. The barges would act as holding tanks with the sludge pumped directly into the treatment plant.
The proposed system has numerous advantages.
By reversing the main trunk from the Western Communities at Parson’s Bridge to a treatment facility at Albert Head, the future cost of enlarging the trunk, as population growth in the Western Communities will require, is eliminated.
Properly maintained barges have the same life expectancy as large pipe. The risk of earthquake damage to the piping infrastructure to Hartland Road is eliminated. Maintenance and operating costs for the pumps required to pump uphill to the dump are eliminated. All the disruption and expense of the piping systems and the new McLoughlin Point outfall will be eliminated.
Consider this proposal, before more money is wasted on studies and lawyers fees.
D.A. Robinson
Esquimalt
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ARESST: Some of Savoie's statements on sewage treatment include her 2009 NDP blog entry expressing her disdain for large sewage plants, as well as her recent statement criticizing David Anderson's op-ed article.
DENISE SAVOIE STEPPING DOWN DUE TO HEALTH REASONS (sewage mention)
Victoria News
August 24, 2012
Victoria MP Denise Savoie (NDP) announced today she will step down on Aug. 31 due to unspecified health reasons.
She made the announcement the day after the first anniversary of the death of Jack Layton, which weighed on her decision.
"This spring, my doctor gave me a health warning," Savoie said at her Victoria office today with federal NDP leader Thomas Mulcair. "After I considered these facts over the summer, I realized that I can’t continue to represent my constituents to the standards that they have come to expect."
The former Victoria city counsellor and CRD director was first elected MP in 2006 (and was the first woman elected for the Victoria riding) and named NDP deputy speaker in 2011. We won re-election in her staunchly left-of-centre riding without much trouble in 2008 and 2011.
Savoie ran on a platform of supporting light rapid transit in the region, affordable housing and security for seniors. She lobbied to ban tanker traffic on B.C.'s coast and to secure federal funding for the Johhson Street bridge replacement project and regional sewage treatment.
During her first term, she served as critic for post-secondary education, skills training and literacy in Jack Layton's NDP caucus, and as co-chair of the party's environment caucus.
"I have always strived to set a civil and constructive tone in debate," she said regarding her role as deputy speaker. "My work to maintain mutual respect among MPs in a hyper-partisan environment has not always been successful."
A 68-year-old grandmother of six and mother of three, Savoie served in municipal politics from 1999 until 2005. During her days on Victoria council, she helped to establish a regional housing trust, championed the cleanup of the harbour and received two national awards for her work on the environment. She also spearheaded development of the Galloping Goose Trail and the Selkirk Trestle.
"I got into politics to help make a better world for my children and grandchildren. Now, it’s time for me to devote myself full-time to my family and to seeing my grandchildren grow up," Savoie said.
Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin called Savoie a friend and a colleague, and said her skills advocating for Victoria in Ottawa will be sorely missed. The mayor credits her with helping bring millions in federal dollars to the city for the bridge and sewage treatment. She also helped the city navigate jurisdictional issues of the proposed and controversial marina near the Inner Harbour and live-aboard boaters on the Gorge Waterway.
"She has shown a unique ability to really stay in touch with citizens, to work on behalf of local issues, and push much larger issues at the national stage. It's hard to do," Fortin said on Thursday. "For a lot of local issues she was a great voice for us in Ottawa dealing with the federal bureaucracy."
One of her last acts as MP was to submit a letter to the Enbridge Northern Gateway Project Joint Review Panel.
Following a similar tone as her provincial NDP counterparts, she opposes the project and says the risks to B.C.'s economy and environment far outweigh the benefits. She also noted that questions linger around Enbridge's ability to adequately respond to an oil spill and asserted the company has a poor safety record.
"Look at the way the Enbridge Project is evolving. At the beginning, Harper government called those opposed it radicals and extremists," Savoie said today. "But when it became clear the majority of British Columbians would be radicals and extremists, Harper had to back peddle and change his language."
The Victoria federal riding will hold a byelection in upcoming months.
MORE SAVOIE NEWS WITH SEWAGE TREATMENT NOTES:
UP FOR GRABS: Candidates to replace Victoria MP Denise Savoie will emerge soon
Excerpt:
While major national issues like the Enbridge pipeline project, environmental assessment cuts and a reduction in fisheries officers are going to weigh on voters’ choices, local concerns like the Capital Regional District’s secondary sewage treatment project – which Anderson opposes – could prove to be paramount to electoral success.
“This could be the sleeper that wins either the Liberals or the Greens the election,” Anderson said. “But it’s for the NDP to lose. They are the favourites.”
May said the Greens do advocate for regional sewage treatment, but that the proposed project – of which one-third will be funded by federal dollars – is not the right fit.
“The current system isn’t sustainable forever, but it’s certainly not an urgent crisis where we jump to the wrong system,” May said. “Municipally, provincially and federally, there are a lot of us who don’t think the solution that’s being proposed right now is the right one.”
The byelection provides the first democratic outlet for residents of Victoria, Oak Bay and a large portion of Saanich to voice their support or rejection of the controversial $782-million sewage treatment project, which will increase annual municipal taxes by hundreds of dollars per household.
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Editorial: Savoie earned our respect
Excerpt:
Despite political barriers, Savoie helped bring millions of federal dollars to the region for the Johnson Street bridge and sewage treatment projects.
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KENT: "ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW CONTINUES TO BE A STRONG FEDERAL POLICY" (but not for the sewage plant!)
PETER KENT
VANCOUVER SUN
AUGUST 28, 2012
There are about 3,000 projects under federal environmental review. The projects in question are still subject to strong federal environmental protection laws and regulations, including the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, the Fisheries Act, the Migratory Birds Convention Act, and the Species at Risk Act. In addition, many projects are also subject to provincial certificates of approval, permits for emissions of air and water and waste management, and local municipal permits.
At the same time, I have ordered major "screening" assessments under the old law (such as the Old Harry offshore exploratory project in the Gulf of St. Lawrence) to continue, and I have directed that consultations on the proposed new project list include all partners and stakeholders.
The new Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (CEAA 2012) has stronger enforcement provisions than the old act. Canadians expect their laws and regulations to be enforced. For example, the new act prohibits a proponent from proceeding with a project, identified in regulations, unless it undergoes an environmental assessment or unless the government decides that one is not required. In addition, at the end of an environmental assessment, proponents will have to comply with conditions set out in a decision statement. Federal inspectors, for the first time, will have authority to examine whether conditions set out in an environmental assessment decision statement are met. Finally, there are proposed penalties for violations that range from $100,000 to $400,000.
Stricter enforcement is enabled by our government's bolstered capacity. We increased enforcement boots-on-the-ground by 50 per cent in 2007, we invested an additional $21 million in 2008 to support enforcement work, and we passed the Environmental Enforcement Act in 2010. This year, despite our focus on deficit reduction, Budget 2012 increased the Environmental Assessment Agency budget by five per cent. Why? Because we recognize the importance of responsible resource development, which enables us to create jobs, grow the economy, and protect the environment at the same time.
With regard to the elimination of "screenings," this designation captured thousands of small and routine projects with little risk of significant environmental impact. These minor projects were automatically required to undergo an environmental assessment because the project was on federal land, included federal funds, or tripped another similar "trigger." Rather than focusing on these minor projects, our government has decided to focus federal environmental assessment efforts on major projects with significant negative impact and risk to the environment. Here are just three examples of projects (there are many more available online) that generated unnecessary paperwork, time and expense and diverted resources from major project assessments:
. Routine replacement of a culvert: Transport Canada was required to conduct an environmental assessment of the replacement of an existing culvert under a causeway.
. Interior improvements at Canada Place: The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) wanted to add office space at Canada Place. The water, electrical and sanitary systems that would service the new office space would be tied into the existing systems at Canada Place. With the possible exception of some utility connections, all the work was for the interior of the existing building. Nevertheless, the VFPA had to carry out a full environmental assessment as the project proponent and a federal organization.
. Maple Syrup Operation: A company in East Glassville, N.B., wished to expand a maple syrup operation. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, as a federal agency, had to carry out an environmental assessment because it was considering possible financial assistance to the project.
It has been clear for years that the former act, which demanded thousands of low-risk screenings, was inherently flawed. That was the conclusion of the independent Environment Commissioner in both 2009 and 2012, when he confirmed that nearly all these screenings dealt with projects unlikely to cause adverse environmental affects or pose significant environmental risks. He stated, very clearly, that assessment resources could be much appropriately focused on major projects that presented possible significant environmental impact.
With regard to the assessment of proposed major pipeline projects, there have been claims from several quarters that there is inadequate review. In fact, the National Energy Board (NEB) will continue to review these projects through an improved rigorous review of environmental considerations. The NEB will follow the same process whether an EA is required or not. The only difference is the amount of paperwork. Let's be clear: pushing paper does not protect the environment, but does add a regulatory burden that kills jobs.
Finally, it is important to note that there is a safety-net authority built into our plan. As federal environment minister, I can require an environmental assessment for any exceptional project not identified in the new project list. For example: a relatively routine type of project in a proposed location of significant environmental risk.
For more information on our responsible resource development initiative, please visit http: //actionplan.gc.ca/ page/r2d-dr2/responsible-
- Peter Kent is the federal environment minister.
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ONE MILLION GALLONS OF SEWAGE FROM MEXICO CLOSES SAN DIEGO BEACHES
LA Times
August 28, 2012
More than a million gallons of raw sewage from Mexico flowed north Tuesday and forced officials to close San Diego-area beaches.
Border Field State Park, Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge Shoreline and Imperial Beach, including Surf Camp were closed, health officials said.
The sewage began spilling Tuesday morning from a broken pipe on a beach in Tijuana, less than a mile south of the United States-Mexico border, officials said.
Warning signs were posted along the affected areas. It was unclear how long the beaches would remain closed.
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