The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region received this report and FAQ for information purposes as they provide an update on the development requirements for Muskrat Lake.
Ivan Burton said that the report was a response due to the restraints presented to septic developments around Muskrat Lake.
“Muskrat Lake is a sensitive lake deemed ‘at capacity’” he said, citing insufficiently dissolved oxygen to facilitate trout survival.”
He said the soil requirements required low calcium and high calcium and aluminum.
“What have have done is that we’ve done some soil sampling around Muskrat Lake to determine if this soil exists. “ he said. “What we’ve determined is that the soils that are east of muskrat lace are generally have a lower acid rate and a higher aluminum and calcium content.”
He said they tested gravel bits and found them to be ‘ideal soils to use for septic systems.”
He said they developed an FAQ for developers to answer their questions.
Councillor McLaughlin asked if there was a peat moss septic system.
Burton said that the ‘only viable system” right now was the soil system presented.
Nicholson said this was an ‘excellent use of a student, and of science to find a local solution.”
He asked if there were grants available to ‘support these kinds of requirements.
Ivan conformed there were grants available for ‘these kinds of solutions, available up to 75,000.”
He asked if this plan was to be applied to other water sources in the region.
“Only Muskrat Lake was identified as an at-capacity lake.” he said. “Theoretically, local individuals can use this solution.”
Councillor Olmstead asked about point 5 and asked if septic systems have to be approved by BcIN, and Ivan Burton confirmed they must approve any designs.
The motion was carried.
