DAVID COLUSSI ON CRD SEWAGE TREATMENT FIASCO: ‘It is ultimately up to citizenry to decide, based on whatever scientific or non-scientific reasons we may choose’

SEWAGE: GET FACTS, HOLD REFERENDUM

For a decision on the need for additional sewage treatment, we have looked to science.  The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC Report, P2006), gave us 573 pages of information, with the conclusion on page 100 that “sentiments based on willingness to bear risks, ethics, esthetics or other factors … cannot be resolved on purely ’scientific ground.’”

So science alone cannot give us a decision – instead it is ultimately up to the citizenry to decide, based on whatever scientific or non-scientific reasons we may choose.  In that case, the citizens of the Capital Regional District should be given the chance to make this important decision.

The SETAC report also said, sensibly, that cost is a key factor in this decision.  Accordingly, we need cost estimates showing what we would actually pay in each part of the CRD – and not fast ferry or Vancouver convention centre or 2010 Olympics type of cost estimates, but realistic, accurate and firm estimates, per neighbourhood, covering both the construction cost and annual additional operating costs of the additional sewage treatment.

How can we decide without this information?

David Colussi

Mayne Island 

 

CCC reprint: Victoria Times Colonist, Sunday, July 5, 2009, page C3