Prince George, B.C. – It will likely be next spring before there is any move to have bio-solids from Prince George stored on a rural property on Patterson Road in Red Rock.

Prince George Manager of Utilities, Marco Fornari says the land use application plan has been filed with the Ministry of the Environment, but lab tests have yet to be complete “ We sent off several samples to be tested, and while we have some back, not all have been returned and we promised the residents of Red Rock we would have those results for them before moving the bio-solids to the site.”

The plan would see bio-solids from the sewage treatment plant in Prince George trucked to an agricultural site on Patterson Road. The plan involves an agreement between the City of Prince George and a private property owner. Neighbours are concerned about pathogens  in any run off from the soil making it to Red Rock Creek which is a water source for many in the area.

Residents have taken part in information meetings and have pressed their concerns to the City of Prince George and the Regional District of Fraser Fort George.

The City of Prince George agreed to add environmental monitoring to it’s land use application.

Fornari says with results from lab tests not yet received and the weather turning cold so fast, it is quite possible  nothing  will  be hauled to the Patterson Road site before next spring.  Fornari says in the meantime, the bio- solids are being stored at the Lansdowne site in Prince George. He says the delay could be a positive thing “It gives us a great opportunity for more dialogue with the community.”