“Unacceptable” impacts to Rosemond Lake, adjacent to Mara Lake…

Shuswap Environmental Action Society

Media Release
April 15, 2010

Off-road vehicles damaging sensitive wetlands

The Shuswap Environmental Action Society (SEAS) recently received a report from local resident and SEAS member Bob Whitly with photos that describe and show serious damage to sensitive wetlands adjacent to Rosemond Lake.

Bob explained how on April 4, 2010, he and his wife went for a nature hike around the lake in the afternoon, ‘We encountered 4 motor bikes and 5 ATVs in the riparian zone of the lake.’ Bob’s photos, which are attached to this release, clearly show these irresponsible off-road riders tearing up the sensitive shoreline area of this lake. As well, there are signs posted that plainly state that no motorized vehicles are allowed.

Rosemond Lake is an ‘appendix’ to Mara Lake and provides important fish, reptile and bird habitat. The endangered painted turtles breed and winter in this area. The riders illegally access this area via a logging road from the Larch Hills.

Bob reported the incidence to the government’s RAPP phone line and a conservation officer phoned ten days later to explain that he is the only staff person for a large area and is only able to make infrequent visits. However, he does plan to visit the Rosemond Lake area soon. Bob also attempted to contact Crime Stoppers (as posted on the sign), but was cut-off after a 20 minute hold.

‘It is unacceptable that damage like this is occurring and government agencies are unable to adequately respond to these problems,’ said Jim Cooperman, SEAS president. ‘Government staffing and budget cut-backs are partly responsible for the lack of public oversight in the backcountry,’ he added.

The government is planning to license and develop regulations for off-road vehicles in 2011, but in the meantime damage to sensitive areas like Rosemond Lake is increasing. B.C. is the only jurisdiction left in North America without adequate off-road vehicle regulations.

For more information, contact:

Bob Whitley, 838-0626
Jim Cooperman, SEAS president, 679-3693

Houseboat companies must clean up their act…

Houseboat companies must clean up their act
Sicamous Eagle Valley News
March 09, 2010

We all know how connected Sicamous is to the houseboat industry and it is no wonder that they want the regional district to help subsidize these businesses. What makes sense here? Here is an industry that makes money polluting a public resource – our lake. There are close to 400 houseboats on Shuswap Lake, as well as hundreds of large boats with bathrooms. That is equivalent to over 400 motels dumping toxins in the water. This is not allowed on land so why allow it in our drinking water?

The commercial houseboat firms are breaking the law and putting their clients and the public’s health at risk rather than arranging for a pump-out facility. They do not appear to be concerned about our lake, the environment, or our residents, and do not deserve any community or government support.
This industry already takes advantage of our tax-payer- funded Shuswap Lake marine parks by filling up every allowable site with houseboats every summer. Now they expect local taxpayers to fund the construction of pump-out stations so they can continue to rake in money. By not enforcing the law against discharge of all types of greywater by all boats, the government is failing to respect its own laws and is failing to protect public health, water quality, the environment, and our communities.

What will it take to force these companies to be good corporate citizens and stop polluting the lake? I would suspect that when the word gets out to potential houseboat customers about this pollution, many will choose to spend their vacation dollars elsewhere. Only then, will houseboat companies act responsibly and clean up their act.

Jim Cooperman, president, Shuswap Environmental Action Society

More rational approach needed on greywater
Sicamous Eagle Valley News
March 16, 2010
Re: Letter, Houseboat companies must clean up their act, published in March 10 EVN.

I would hope that most people who read Mr. Cooperman’s letter and understand it for what it is. This is a letter that is long on emotion and short on facts.
While the issue of greywater on houseboats is indeed something which should, and is being addressed, it is an infinitesimal part of the overall health of the lake system.

The amount of attention being paid to this aspect seems totally out of proportion relative to the effect it has. Perhaps Mr. Cooperman might want to take a look at the septic systems of his neighbours and supporters, before he makes such broad-stroke accusations against houseboat companies.

It is my understanding that houseboat companies make their money from guests who pay to come to our region and enjoy Shuswap Lake. It would be very hard to understand that it would be in their interest to see the main attraction for these paying guests polluted. The houseboat companies pay for their guests to use the marine parks, and these are tourists who come to the area and bring all the benefits that such a large group of visitors has on the region.

Mr. Cooperman certainly comes across as being an elitist, and out of touch, as he appears to suggest that these paying tourists do not have the right to stay at the public facilities set up exactly for this reason. While Mr. Cooperman may have special interests to fund him, or be independently wealthy, many in the region do rely upon tourism for their livelihood.

The Ministry of Environment has recently replied to the charges of the like made by Mr. Cooperman with an approach that is very rational and based upon science. They are representing the interests of all British Columbians, and are in agreement that the houseboat companies have worked very closely with them and that great progress has been made on the greywater issue. It is my understanding that houseboat companies have put considerable resources and efforts into reducing greywater discharge and that those efforts continue.

Apparently Mr. Cooperman feels that there is an endless supply of money that the houseboat companies have to build huge and expensive infrastructure around the lake. Much of this infrastructure is required for others as well (both land- and marine-based), but apparently it is the houseboat industry alone that must support this.

While user pay is great, would it not be more feasible to get the facilities done and then have them paid for by those who use them – all of those who use them? While everyone can agree that the lake needs protection, Mr. Cooperman’s approach seems quite emotional, inflammatory, and indeed lacking in factual information.

Robin Campbell

Polluter’s tactic is to “Attack the messenger”..

Re: More rational approach needed on greywater
Sicamous Eagle Valley News
March 23, 2010

It is predictable for proponents of polluting industries to attack the messenger and deny their complicity instead of dealing with the content of the message. The impact of houseboat greywater is hardly ‘infinitesimal’ otherwise it would not be illegal. The photo shows the soapy wake from just a few houseboats leaving Bughouse Bay near Seymour Arm, so just imagine the amount of soapy water that contains bacteria, e-coli and nasty chemicals entering the lake where there are up to 50 houseboats beached for a weekend in some of the marine parks. And the impact of greywater is hardly ‘infinitesimal’ for those lakeshore property owners that take their drinking water from the lake, including the residents of Sicamous whose drinking water inlet is close to houseboats and the thousands of people in Blind Bay where there are a number of private houseboats.

The houseboat companies build boats with greywater containment built-in for sale in the U.S., where the Environmental Protection Agency has banned greywater discharges into all waterways. While in Sicamous, the companies spend extra dollars on hot tubs and internet access instead of investing in the infrastructure needed to protect lake water quality. Most direct greywater discharge into the lake comes from the commercial houseboats, yet the companies insist that local governments pay for the infrastructure because there are a few private boats that need it as well. The government’s own literature admits that greywater is almost as toxic as blackwater. Even small amounts of greywater create a health risk for lake users, and yet the B.C. government cancelled their enforcement to protect the houseboat industry instead of public health. Even treated water dischargers, such as Salmon Arm, are not allowed to have any e-coli in their discharge.

Some people may remember how the local houseboat industry fought against blackwater containment a few decades ago, but were finally forced to comply by the government due to growing public outrage. Hopefully public outrage will once again work to protect Shuswap water quality. The U.S. greywater ban was not a result of emotional arguments, but scientific ones and the same reasoning should apply in Canada. And why should anyone be called an elitist for wanting to protect water

Jim Cooperman

A week of events dedicated to the Shuswap Watershed…

Celebrate the Shuswap with Style
A week of events dedicated to the Shuswap Watershed

Celebrate the Shuswap Week is gearing up to be an exciting series of events, all focused on helping to improve understanding, appreciation and protection of the Shuswap watershed. The publication of the watershed poster was the first step in this collaborative effort by government agencies, local businesses and conservation organizations to raise awareness of watershed issues.

Many events are scheduled that will help connect people to the watershed through outdoor activities, educational initiatives and entertainment devoted to the Shuswap. During the week, there will be guided hikes throughout the region, tours of the city’s water and sewage treatment plants on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, stewardship projects undertaken by students of all ages, and fabulous, original art and entertainment.

On Wednesday, April 21st there are three public events beginning at 9:30 with a guided nature hike along the Salmon Arm Bay trails. At noon, music lovers can bring their chairs and lunches to Ross Creek Plaza and enjoy the great Shuswap inspired music of Sasha Lewis and Jesse Clarke. Then at 2 pm, there will be a tour of Salmon Arm’s sewage treatment plant that despite its advanced technology may still be contributing too many nutrients to our now algae bloom prone lake.

The Celebration Week involves nearly every sector of the community, including Shuswap photographers, artists and musicians. With 33 songs entered, the ‘Song for the Shuswap’ songwriting contest attracted interest from all types of musicians. The final judging takes place on Earthday evening, Thursday, April 22nd at the Salmar Classic Theatre, when these songwriters will share the stage with a video by Fred Bird and slide shows on the big screen produced by the Shuswap Photo Arts Club and other photographers.

The Shuswap Watershed Project recognizes that the key to improving understanding and respect for the watershed should involve young people, and one way to involve students has been through the essay, art-poster and song writing contests. A team of experts are now hard at work, judging the many entries. The winners will be announced on the 22nd and will receive substantial cash prizes.

The key event of the week, the Shuswap Watershed Conference, will involve students, teachers, and the public as well as government agencies and is being held at Salmon Arm Secondary Sullivan Campus on the afternoon of Friday, April 23rd. Speakers include Chief Judy Wilson, Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma, Kim Fulton, Phil McIntyre-Paul and Jim Cooperman.

This keynote speech is by Craig Orr, Executive Director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society on ‘Water, salmon and resilience: maintaining healthy watersheds in the face of climate change.’ Following the talks, a panel of experts will tackle the topic, ‘What needs to be done to best protect, preserve and restore the watershed?’

After the conference there will be a low-cost, Shuswap Foods dinner prepared by Cookshack Creations. The conference ends with a concert and family dance to Old Man’s Beard sponsored by Askews. Tickets for all events are available at Acorn Music and the Salmon Arm Observer. Conference registration is free with forms available at the Observer, Wickett Business Services and Bookingham Palace. For more information, visit www.shuswapwatershed.ca or phone 833-6100.

For more information, contact:
Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693
Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644
Monica Gail Kriese, ‘Celebrate the Shuswap’ Event Coordinator, 833-6100

April 23 conference details and agenda…

Shuswap Watershed Project
Press Release
April 2, 2010

Shuswap Watershed Conference to Explore Solutions

The Shuswap Watershed Project has lined up an impressive list of speakers for its upcoming Watershed Conference to be held on April 23rd from 1 to 11 pm. at the Sullivan Campus of Salmon Arm Secondary School. Conference participants will have an opportunity to listen to and question speakers representing conservation organizations and all levels of government. The objective for this event will be to examine how best to conserve, protect and restore the Shuswap watershed.

The conference begins with a poster session, where participants have an opportunity to view the posters and displays set up by government agencies, conservation groups, and students, as well as meet with representatives from these groups. After the opening welcoming addresses by a local First Nation leader and Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma, students will read their winning essays about what they can do to help protect the watershed. Mayor Bootsma will also be speaking about the work of the Fraser Basin Council, which works to promote environmental and economic sustainability throughout the region.

The conference keynote speaker is Watershed Watch Salmon Society executive director, Dr. Craig Orr, who will speak about water, salmon and resilience: maintaining healthy watersheds in the face of climate change. ‘Interior watersheds like the Shuswap are the bedrooms for wild salmon,’ explained Craig Orr, ‘and at the conference I will be explaining the need for maintaining watershed resilience to better prepare for the impacts of climate change.’ Joining him will be Michelle Walsh, with the Secwepemc Fisheries Commission, who will talk about their work regarding the connections between groundwater and salmon.

Shuswap Trail Alliance Executive Director Phil McIntyre-Paul will also be speaking on the importance of experiencing the watershed first hand, either by hiking, biking, canoeing or kayaking.

Conference participants will then have an opportunity to pose questions to a panel comprised of staff from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Ministries of Environment and Forests, the CSRD and King Campbell with Ducks Unlimited Canada, who will provide their perspectives on what actions are needed to protect the watershed. The conference will end with a summary talk by Dr. Warren Bell about what was learned from the presentations and what needs to be done in the future.

A low cost dinner comprised mostly of food sourced locally from Shuswap farmers and prepared by Cookshack Creations will be served to conference participants after the talks. The event will finish with a concert that begins with the Song for the Shuswap songwriting contest winners followed by an all-ages dance to Old Man’s Beard sponsored by Askews.

The conference will be free thanks to the sponsorship of the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union, but early pre-registration is recommended as seating will be limited. Registration forms are available at Wickett Business Services and Bookingham Palace and participants can also register online atwww.shuswapwatershed.ca.

For more information, contact:
Jim Cooperman, Project Leader, 679-3693
Kim Fulton, Project Educational Coordinator, 546-3644
Monica Gail Kriese, ‘Celebrate the Shuswap’ Event Coordinator, 833-6100

Shuswap Watershed Conference
April 23, 2010, 1pm to 11pm
Salmon Arm Secondary ‘ Sullivan Campus

This conference is free thanks to the sponsorship of the Salmon Arm Savings and Credit Union and Shuswap-North Okanagan School District #83

AGENDA

1:00-2:30 pm – Poster Session

2:30 pm – Welcoming address by a Chief Judy Wilson, followed by a welcome from Salmon Arm Mayor Marty Bootsma

2:40 – 2:45 – Brief talk by Jim Cooperman about the Shuswap Watershed Project

2:45 – 3:15 – Essay contest winners read their essays, hosted by Kim Fulton, Shuswap Watershed Project Education Coordinator

3:15 – 3:20 – Mayor Marty Bootsma will talk about the work of the Fraser Basin Council

3:20 – 3:50 – Keynote speech by Craig Orr, Exec Director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society, titled ‘Water, salmon and resilience: maintaining healthy watersheds in the face of climate change’ followed by Michelle Walsh, with the Secwepemc Fisheries Commission, who will talk about their work on the connection between groundwater and salmon.

3:50 – 4:00 – A song by Old Man’s Beard guitarist Jesse Cooke and short break

4:00 – 4:05 – Hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking the Shuswap to experience the watershed first hand by Shuswap Trail Alliance Executive Director Phil McIntyre-Paul

4:05 – 5:30 – Panel discussion “What needs to be done to best protect, preserve and restore the watershed?” Five minute talk by each panelist, followed by a question period (using written questions submitted by conference participants and allowing for discussion between panelists)

Panelists:

Carol Danyluk, Environmental Protection Officer, Ministry of Environment
Bruce Runciman, Habitat Management Biologist, Department of Fisheries and Oceans
Jan Thingsted, Planner, Columbia-Shuswap Regional District
Kimm Magill-Hofmann, Tenures Forester, Ministry of Forests and Range
King Campbell, Agricultural Program Head, Ducks Unlimited Canada

5:30 – 5:40 Warren Bell, Conference summary by Dr. Warren Bell and “Where do we go from here?”

5:40 – 6:15 Networking time (tables set up for dinner)

6:15 – 7:15 Shuswap Foods dinner by Cookshack Creations

7:15 – 7:30 Networking time (tables down and chairs set up)

7:30 – 8:30 Concert beginning with ‘A Song for the Shuswap’ winners

8:30 – 8:45 Break (chairs moved to make room for dancing)

9 – 11 Dance to Old Man’s Beard

Finally the justice system works…

Great to see the justice system work, but too bad the preventative system of rules and regulations did not work. And keep in mind that the town of Sicamous was also reckless in allowing the development in the first place…..

Sicamous Eagle Valley News
Court fines Old Town Bay developers
By Lachlan Labere

Published: April 13, 2010 5:00 PM

Developers of Old Town Bay in Sicamous have pleaded guilty to destruction of fish habitat.

Judge Edmond De Walle accepted a guilty plea Monday morning in Salmon Arm court from the legal counsel of Clint Caisin and Stan Pappus, representing numbered company 0702905 B.C. Ltd. The company, along with developers Jack Irwin, and Greg and Todd Kyllo, was facing charges under the federal Fisheries Act for Harmful Alteration of Fish Habitat. Charges against Irwin and the Kyllos were stayed, with the company accepting responsibility for the damage caused by land clearing at the mouth of the Eagle River and on Shuswap Lake. As per a joint submission with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to the court, the company agreed to pay a sum of $375,000. Five thousand of that is a fine; $70,000 will be paid to the Fraser Basin Council for use in such projects as the Shuswap Lake Integrated Planning Process; and $300,000 will go towards remediation of the damaged site.

Federal Crown prosecutor Todd Gerhardt said the $375,000 penalty should serve as a deterrent to other foreshore developers.

The charges relate to the clearing of seven hectares of land recognized by the DFO as important fish habitat. The Eagle River delta itself was described as rare and important to salmonid.

Gerhardt said the developer made no application to DFO to clear the land, and received no permission. He called the developers ‘reckless,’ but lauded the company for its co-operation with DFO, and for entering an early guilty plea, saving significant court time and expenses.

Brad Armstrong, the company’s legal representative, was agreeable to everything but the term ‘reckless.’ He said all parties involved gave consideration to fish habitat. He said the company had retained many experts and were advised that a 15-metre setback for one section of the development would provide sufficient protection of riparian habitat. He added local investors made an extrapolation of that, and increased the setback to 20 metres. But this proved to be insufficient by DFO.

‘They were not reckless in terms of being oblivious to the needs of fish habitat,’ said Armstrong.

A $300,000 bond will be kept in Armstrong’s trust until the remediation is completed over a five-year period. Thirty-thousand of this will not be returned to the company until the end of that period to assure the company has provided the prescribed remediation that includes replanting, irrigation, fencing off sensitive habitat from the upland development, and ongoing monitoring.

After the hearing, Caisin and Pappus told the Eagle Valley News that they were deeply sorry, that some mistakes were made and they were there to fix them.