Prince George, B.C. – The dumping of bio solids from the City of Prince George on to property in Red Rock, continues to be a source of concern for residents of Red Rock.  

The residents  have requested from the Regional District of Fraser Fort George a community grant in the amount of $40 thousand dollars. The money is to be used for  tests on the bio solids, the water ways and soils. This is the same amount requested ( and denied) last month. At that time, fellow directors believed the money would be used to launch a legal battle against another member community of the Regional District

In a passionate plea to his fellow Directors, Bob Headrick, Director for the Red Rock area, delivered a prepared statement :

“This site is less than 1 kilometer from residents and is near the Red Rock Creek. After researching the use of Class B bio solids there are concerns in the community that contamination in the form of heavy metals , patghogens and other contaminants may affect surface and underground water ways, may dry and become airborne and may affect game such as moose, deer grouse, etc.”

Director Headrick also indicated people are concerned that although Sylvis , the company hired to dispose of bio-solids,  has assured them that all is well and proper testing will be conducted, they are of the opinion there is bias and Sylvis is in a conflict position. “In order that the community can feel assured that their property and livelihoods are safe they ask that one time grant of their own tax money, be extended so that unbiased and independent testing can be done.”

Earlier during the regular meeting of the Regional  District of Fraser Fort George, a letter which detailed   comments and questions posed during a meeting between Sylvis , the City of Prince George and the residents was received.  The City of Prince George plans to enter into an agreement with the owners of a property on Patterson Road which would see the bio-solids spread over the property.

The City has yet to file the application plan with the Ministry of the Environment, the final application is not expected to be complete and ready for submission until next month.

In the prepared statement to the Board, Director Headrick says the community  is concerned about a number of contaminants: Pathogens, hormones, helmut eggs, salmonella, hepatitis A and E, staphylococcus, falian, PCB’s, fecal coloform, antibiotics, parasites, carthagens, e Coli and furans. 

RDFFG Chair, Art Kaehn says there will be no money issued today, but he called on Headrick and the community of Red Rock to present a detailed proposal for the use of the money “ Just asking for $40 thousand dollars out of the air doesn’t work here.”

Headrick argues the community cannot develop a detailed proposal because they don't have the money to hire a consultant  to find out what they should be  testing for and  how much that would cost.   With a clear indication  there would be no grant delivered today,  Headrick responded "Government for the people, by the people...bull feathers."

Director Dan Rogers noted that perhaps the best way to help clarify the issue of environmental concerns would be to invite the Ministry of the Environment to come to a Regional District meeting   “Ultimately they are the one’s responsible, they are the regulatory body responsible.”

It was brought to the Board’s attention that Sylvis has added environmental monitoring  in it’s land use application.