FRIDAY
S I N C E
1 8 9 5
SEPTEMBER 21, 2012
New look for Fruitvale salon Page 2
Vol. 117, Issue 183
110
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Record water levels wreaked havoc on sewer system District’s repair bill nears $400,000 BY TIMOTHY SCHAFER Times Staff
A near record river level in July means the city is now on the hook for over $35,000 in repairs to the regional sewage treatment facility, prompting a call for new flood control levels, according to the city’s regional district director. Robert Cacchioni said the high water level of the Columbia River has meant the city will be forking over 70 per cent of the local costs to repair the Columbia Pollution Control Centre (CPCC) and its Glenmerry Lift Station. Cacchioni admitted $35,000 was a bite-sized portion of the total $390,000 bill the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary incurred over the damage, there was additional concern over the situation reoccurring. “It appears this is going to be an annual event,” Cacchioni said about flooding. “I think we are going to get this runoff every year, with the way the rains have changed and the weather has changed.” He called on BC Hydro to look at its permits for allowable water runoff levels. If the permit levels—or the water level allowed—are set too high they will affect where the sewage treatment plant’s outflows and the pumps are working. If there was $400,000 in damage here, what is the damage level throughout the entire Columbia basin that taxpayers have to absorb, Cacchioni asked. He raised the issue in the regional district’s sewerage committee, noting concerns about the permit levels and the prospect of ongoing damage. However, the regional district and the City of Trail do not have authority to adjust permit levels, it has to be looked at by the province. He will be talking to the minister responsible for BC Hydro, Rich Coleman, at the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities convention in Victoria later this month. “Why should the taxpayer be absorbing almost $400,000 in costs every year because the BC Hydro permit levels is set where it is. It is at least something that should be reviewed,” Cacchioni said. Although infiltration of water into the sewer system from high river flows has ceased, said the regional district director of environmental services, Alan Stanley, in an Aug. 15 letter to
See EMERGENCY, Page 3
TIMOTHY SCHAFER PHOTO
Kyle Shannon of Gerick Cycle and Sport Center puts a precise edge on another pair of skates as local hockey players prepare for their upcoming seasons in Greater Trail. The Trail Smoke Eaters will be carving up the Cominco Arena ice tonight in the team’s home opener. See story Page 12
Aquatic Centre upgrade delayed by delivery BY BREANNE MASSEY Times Staff
Completion of the multi-million dollar upgrades on the city’s aquatic centre have been delayed for one month due to a delivery hold up on electrical equipment. A “significant piece” of electrical equipment—called a motor control centre— which would provide power to much of the new system was delayed, recreation director Trisha Davison said. As well, work crews ran into unmarked utility lines around the exterior of the building and had to have them moved, draining more time away from the task of completing the upgrade. Despite the challenges, Davison said
the project is expected to be completed by early October. “But work continues daily and the project continues to move forward,” she said Thursday. Work remaining includes completion of piping and wiring to major pieces of equipment once they are in place, staircase completion and new exterior access points to utility room, as well as commissioning and inspection of the system. The goal of the $2.8-million project is to have a properly functioning HVAC system that includes proper dehumidification and improved energy efficiency while reducing operating costs, as well as preserving the facility’s infrastructure.
The de-humidifier that served the building’s main pool area failed over 10 years ago and it was never properly repaired, said Davison. Over time, there have been issues with the unit and the building like excess moisture in the building, largely in the pool atrium, has resulted in premature aging of the mechanical systems and the building envelope. In addition, repairs are being made to the building’s envelope system (primarily the building soffits), and upgrades to various electrical functions within the building. These two systems form part of a proper functioning facility, she said.
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