As expected, the houseboat industry gets another year to comply….

…..To give you an idea of how the industry deals with this issue ‘apparently Sicamous houseboat companies build boats for other regions with a greywater holding tank installed’ because in the U.S. greywater containment is the law!
It may be the law here too, but until a solution can be found for the need for more pump-outs (such as a barge with a huge container), the companies here will continue to resist complying. Here is the latest news from the government:

Shuswap /Mara Lakes Greywater update

As you have expressed previous interest in the greywater discharge issue on Shuswap Lake, I am relaying to you our recent message sent to the houseboat industry on the lake.
MOE has been engaged with the House boating industry on the Shuswap /Mara lakes system since 2007, working towards greywater containment. One our projects was a water quality monitoring project in 2009. The results can be viewed at the following web link:
a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/eirs/viewDocumentDetail.do?fromStatic=true&repository=EPD&documentId=10060

As the imposed deadline of 2010 approached, and is now here, MOE has been contemplating the direction we are taking with this project. Just recently we have given direction to the Houseboat industry on the greywater issue and I wish to forward to you the message we are now conveying.

The message being delivered to the CSRD, the boating industry and community, as well as interested stakeholders is:

In consideration of the work been done to date, most importantly the efforts by the houseboat industry and results of the environmental monitoring, MOE has re-visited the strategy on this pilot and have recently adopted the following approach:

– In 2010, we will continue our promotional compliance efforts for the elimination of grey water discharges.

– We retain the option of full enforcement if quantifiable progress with the houseboat industry does not continue and/or there is a significant public health or environmental impact issue that arises.

– We will continue to work collaboratively with other ministries, other levels of government and the public in implementing strategies to protect the water quality of Shuswap Lake and the human health of those associated with it.

– We will be actively engaging the houseboat industry and boating public in a public education campaign during the 2010 boating season.

– Based on further progress towards containment, the findings of the Fraser Basin Council-s study, and our discussions with Transport Canada we will appropriately adjust the strategy of this pilot in the fall of 2010.

The Ministry-s long term goal for the appropriate management of boat discharges has not changed. In moving ahead with this pilot we are balancing the desires of the community, reasonable targets for industry and adjusting the priority as supported by science.

If you have any questions this, please feel free to contact our office.

Regards,
Neale Waters
Environmental Protection Officer
Ministry of Environment
email: Neale.Waters@gov.bc.ca