Dear Editor:
Re: Excessive Wastewater a Concern, Sept. 1.
I find Dr. David Gregory’s Letter to the Editor both troublesome and misleading.
Dr. Gregory’s letter provides tidbits of information but does not provide sufficient detail to allow the reader to fully understand the situation.
He is correct in stating that, due to the Actiflo and filter backwash processes, 94 megalitres of water was directed to the residual management stream but he fails to note that this is less than 1.2 per cent of the total volume of water passing through the Water Treatment Plant and that this percentage is well within industry standards.
He is also correct in stating that the dewatering facility was expensive but again he fails to note that it was the least expensive option, was the only option that could be completed within the tight time constraints, and was more than a million dollars less than the next viable option. Water Operations staff has met with Dr. Gregory on several occasions to discuss the performance of the WTP but Dr. Gregory continues to perceive that there is an issue.
We stand by the facts and our position is firm that the WTP is a state of the art facility.
For those of you who believe there is some merit in Dr. Gregory’s claims, we would ask that you take the time and visit the WTP so that you can see first-hand how the plant is operating.
Please contact Scott Lee, Manager of Water Operations at 250-494-9747 to arrange an individual or group tour.
Scott and his staff will take whatever time is necessary to explain the operations of the WTP, the residual management ponds, and the dewatering facility.
They will also welcome the chance to clear the air of any misguided perceptions.
Don Darling
Director of Engineering and Public Works
Summerland