The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) will consider allocating approximately $325,000 in the 2018 budget for test drilling at four well sites that were identified as potential sites to supplement the current water supply from Chapman Creek.
On Oct. 24 the SCRD lifted all outdoor water restrictions. The week before that, the SCRD went from Stage 4 to Stage 2 restrictions, following a ban on all outdoor water use in the Chapman water supply area that started Oct. 3.
On Oct. 19, the infrastructure services committee heard an overview of the investigation into groundwater and voted to include the proposed work in the 2018 budget process.
Hydrogeologist Darren David provided SCRD committee members with an overview of the groundwater investigation conducted by Waterline Resources Inc. The company identified four potential aquifer sites that could provide a reliable, long-term source of groundwater. David said until test drilling is done, the company could not confirm which site would be the best option. The estimated cost for test drilling would include the drilling and well installation of four test wells, pumping equipment, water tests and a 48-hour pumping test.
“Bottom line is, we have to drill,” David told committee members.
The four sites identified as the best potential sources are: a Dusty Road site, which is adjacent to the District of Sechelt public works operations yard; Elphinstone (west of the Town of Gibsons boundary) on Mahan Road; Gray Creek, located on Sechelt Inlet Road near the parking area south of the Gray Creek Bridge; and a Soames-Granthams site next to the Soames Point Reservoir.
Originally 12 sites were considered. That number was narrowed down to four following a ranking of the sites based on a number of criteria, such as environmental impacts, regulatory requirements, land tenure, water quality and hydrogeological feasibility.
“We looked at all areas equally and selected based on discussions with SCRD. The top criteria [are] feasibility, hydrological feasibility and where there is good information to support existing wells and potentially additional wells. Any water that can be added to the Chapman Creek water system will reduce the load on the reservoir itself,” David told committee members.
Following the presentation, the committee members weighed in on the results of the groundwater study.
Roberts Creek director Mark Lebbell said he’s “nervous about aquifers because it’s difficult to see and know. Our understanding is very limited. I appreciated the report and learning, but I have some trepidation seeing this as a silver bullet to our problems.”
Elphinstone director Lorne Lewis asked, “Is there any wisdom to take the burden off [the drinking water supply] by seeking non-potable water sources that can be used for other things so people aren’t watering gardens with potable water?” He added, “Even if parks were watered with non-potable water, that would set a good example.”
SCRD chief administrative officer Janette Loveys said staff “are looking at all water initiatives and how they work together … and the ways they link to the budgeting process.” She told the committee that a comprehensive report is being worked on and would be presented soon.
Gibsons director Jeremy Valeriote expressed disappointment that the Town of Gibsons had not been consulted regarding the Elphinstone proposed drilling site that is near the Gibsons aquifer. He recommended that consultation with Gibsons be done before any financial commitment is made in the budget process.
Halfmoon Bay director, and board chair, Garry Nohr said the recommendation should not be specific to consultation with Gibsons, but rather, consultation with everyone “who gets water from our system. All areas are involved,” he said. West Howe Sound director Ian Winn agreed with Nohr.
Loveys said consultation was seen as one of the next steps. “Once we have the report, the next steps include consultation with the Town and District [of Sechelt] staff as well,” she said.
The committee agreed to forward the groundwater report to the 2018 budget process and also agreed to include the amendment to consult with the Town of Gibsons, District of Sechelt and Sechelt Indian Government District regarding proposed aquifer exploration identified in the report, prior to concluding the 2018 budget process.
