Reports ordered on an embattled private sewer system near Okanagan Falls have been delayed and are still currently unfinished.
The Vintage Views Sewer System, which services the Heritage Hills neighbourhood, is being studied for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen ahead of a decision on whether to purchase the system from its current owner.
The reports were commissioned by the RDOS in December of 2022 after the system’s current owner, Johnny Aantjes, approached the district about taking it over. The reports were originally expected to be complete in mid-2023.
A press release and update from the RDOS now says that unexpected delays mean the reports are expected to be finished by the end of January and are going to be presented to the board on Feb. 8.
According to the release, several tasks are still outstanding, and other tasks took longer than expected.
At the Feb. 8 board meeting, the reports and information gathered so far will be presented, along with possible next steps for the board. The reports will be publicly available on the RDOS’ Regional Connections website after the meeting.
The system, which has a maximum planned capacity of 120 properties, currently has connections to 90 properties in the Heritage Hills neighbourhood.
The system in 2023 was under two pollution prevention orders, and as a result the RDOS, refused to issue building permits for lots within the Vintage Views development until their cancellation.
READ MORE: Skaha sewer system owner hit with over $190k in penalties
It has also racked up $197,000 in fines from penalties levied by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy and the Ministry of Energy, Mines, and Low Carbon Innovation for multiple breaches of municipal wastewater regulations.
The Ministry’s enforcement database contains documents including three known releases of effluent (liquid waste) where the ministry was not informed. The effluent that has been discharged has also been well beyond the legal limits, with samples submitted in 2022 ranging from an average of 4,920 per cent to a maximum of 24,700 per cent higher than acceptable fecal coliform levels.
