B.C. government to review spreading of treated human waste in Nicola Valley

MERRITT, B.C. – The B.C. government has announced it will conduct a scientific review of biosolids, or treated human waste, that is being spread across parts of the Nicola Valley.

The announcement comes two months after First Nations leaders occupied Premier Christy Clark’s office in West Kelowna to protest the distribution of the sewage-treatment waste in their territory.

The province has set up a technical working group that will develop a monitoring and testing regime, review research on the impact of wildlife and consider current restrictions meant to protect the environment and human health.

Environment Minister Mary Polak says her government will work closely with all parties to ensure the spread of biosolids is done safely for both Nicola Valley residents and the environment.

The government has sent invitations to local First Nations, the Interior Health Authority, the local regional district and others to participate in an advisory committee that will oversee the working group.

Several First Nations chiefs moved into Clark’s office for days in April to demand the government disclose where the waste was being spread and what impact it was having on their land, water, traditional foods and health.