Hemlock Valley, a ski resort in British Columbia has been fined $120,000. The penalty comes partly from its continued inability, over nearly two decades, to run a functioning sewage system. The resort failed to test the effluent for at least a dozen contaminants. This certainly included fecal coliform bacteria, which they dumped into a local creek. This waterway is able to support populations of coho salmon, rainbow trout, and steelhead, making environmental impacts extremely concerning.
These violations were no fluke. Hemlock Valley had repeatedly violated environmental regulations, in fact, seven times. Today, the resort boasts a state-of-the-art level three wastewater treatment system. Such a complex system requires great accountability and infrastructure stewardship. By law, the facility is required to be operated by operators certified through the Environmental Operators Certification Program Society. Hemlock Valley was not able to demonstrate that it had properly certified and maintained its wastewater infrastructure by qualified professionals.
In doing so, Hemlock Valley sidestepped an estimated $122,600 in expenses in the past several years. The resort first underestimated and then sidelined the issue of installing a flow meter. They neglect to properly measure monthly effluent samples and don’t provide regular records to provincial regulators. Thus, Hemlock Valley’s activities went beyond the scope of its necessary permit and endangered aquatic species in the surrounding waters.
As a result of these violations, Hemlock Valley is moving forward with a lawsuit. They are now taking flow meter readings at least once a day, which their permit requires. After the flow meter device got into an accidental state of disrepair, it has since been returned to proper working condition.
“The intention is to then proceed with further levels as required.” – Hemlock Valley Utilities
As part of their commitment to rectifying these issues, Hemlock Valley stated it “seriously and is committed to ensuring we are compliant.” They are now finalizing certifications for their current team members. These are one-off events that occur at different times of year and only in select municipalities across the province.
“Unfortunately, a large portion of the penalty was due to team certifications — presently being completed.” – Hemlock Valley Utilities
Kelly Mills, director of the Environmental Management Act, underlined the ministry’s commitment. By virtue of their work, they are wholly committed to protecting the environment and human health. To him, the most important thing was to stop the harm, not just respond after the harm has been done.
“The ministry’s mandate is to prevent harm to the environment and human health — not wait to act until something bad has happened.” – Kelly Mills
