More than 200 signatures have been collected on a petition urging the municipality to set up a sani-dump facility for recreational vehicle operators to dump their sewage.
In the past, a facility was in place at Peach Orchard Beach and more recently on Highway 97 just north of Trout Creek.
That facility was closed last summer and council has said it will not reopen.
The closure came because heavy use of the facility and illegal dumping caused problems at Summerland’s sewage treatment facility.
Keith Dunn, who circulated the petition, said Summerland needs a sani-dump facility in the community.
The closest facility is at the Canadian Tire store in Penticton.
There is also a sani-dump site in West Kelowna.
Dunn said there is a need in Summerland, for residents and visitors alike.
He said the Highway 97 site should not be used in the future.
“I don’t think it should be on the highway at all,” he said. “That was the worst possible place for it.”
Instead, he said a spot across from Peach Orchard Campground or across from the Summerland Arena would be preferred.
Since those locations are farther from the sewage treatment plant than the Highway 97 location, wastes would be diluted before they reached the treatment plant.
He added that students should be hired throughout the summer to monitor the use of the facility.
Mayor Janice Perrino said the municipality looked at nine sites for a possible sani-dump facility after the Trout Creek location was closed. All nine were not suitable.
In the future, when the Bentley Road area is developed, she said it could be a possible site for a sani-dump facility.
The area across from Peach Orchard Campground is not suitable since it is the site of the Adams Bird Sanctuary. The area near the arena is busy throughout the year with arena traffic.
Perrino added that the costs of a sani-dump facility are significant.
Setting up the facility would cost at least $100,000. Staffing costs must also be considered as two to three people would be needed in order to provide proper levels of staffing.
She added that a private business would be welcome to set up a sani-dump facility, but so far none have offered to do so.