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Half-truths clouding treatment discussion

Denise Blackwell speaks the truth. The truth is that the CRD requires the installation of sewage treatment by legislation.

Denise Blackwell speaks the truth. The truth is that the CRD requires the installation of sewage treatment by legislation. Unfortunately, that’s not the whole truth.

The rest of the truth is that Victoria doesn’t need secondary sewage treatment. Study after study through the years has demonstrated this. Victoria is geographically unique.

We live on the shores of a huge volume of deep, fast flowing water. The marine environment deals with it better than any other means we could develop. The current system is the most environmentally effective way to deal with our effluent.

A land-based sewage treatment plant would be much more energy intensive and greenhouse gas emitting than the current system – with no environmental advantage.

So, this is yet another case of politics versus science. The politicians are not interested in the facts. They only want to meet the “one size fits all” legislative requirements which are flawed. We need this plan like we need another fleet of Fast Ferries. If this was taxpayer’s money well spent for the benefit of all, I would support the additional taxation.

If we don’t all stand up and say no to this huge waste, we’re going to be on the hook for the better part of a billion dollars. Not to mention the funds that will no longer be available for better purposes.

There is a plus side though: the bureaucrats will all feel better when they flush the toilet.

Lingxia Li

Saanich