Water trucks are utilized every day to keep the dust down at Area 27.
Photo by Lyonel Doherty
As the need for speed grows during construction of Area 27 in Oliver, so too does the need for dust suppression among some residents.
Last week concern was raised by a couple of residents of Lakeside Drive regarding the dust clouds coming from the race track’s construction site off Nk’ Mip Road.
Resident Alan Niven said he was inundated with dust from a “mile-long” cloud that left a filthy mess on his porch on Tucelnuit Lake. He noted that a wet rag he used to wipe it turned black after use.
“I thought it (the dust cloud) was a fire,” Niven said.
Neighbour Gary Magee said he has allergies and finds it hard to breathe with all of the dust around.
He noted the dust problem has been ongoing for the past month, and every day he has to wash off his patio table which is covered in dust.
Magee said the Indian band should come to his residence and see how much dust there is.
“It’s every day from early morning to 6 or 7 pm.”
Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louie confirmed that crews are doing all they can to address the issue by running water trucks back and forth.
“Area 27 is spending thousands (of dollars) on dust control. Part of the problem that no one can control is the higher than normal winds over the last few weeks.”
Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson said the province has no jurisdiction on band land, but noted they can ask if crews can water the site more often to keep the dust down.
Area C director Terry Schafer said he has fielded a few calls about the dust issue, but he noted it’s the OIB’s jurisdiction, not the regional district’s.
“The reason for the dust is that there are so many huge pieces of heavy equipment working to complete the track that it won’t take too long before paving starts and this dust issue will be over.”
Diane Vaykovich, corporate officer for the Town of Oliver, said they received one complaint regarding dust issues created during construction of Area 27.
She noted the Town has no authority on OIB lands.
“Residents would need to contact the OIB directly to express their concern, possibly RDOS and Ministry of Environment.”
Area 27 public relations director Jeannette Montgomery said they have active watering trucks on site that run all day long, each day of construction.
“With the nature of the soil composition, any construction in the area raises dust; however, our site is large so it’s quite noticeable.”
Montgomery added that mother nature hasn’t been helpful with an unusually dry spring.
“Our major earthworks were planned in spring to take advantage of the rainfall but it hasn’t materialized.”
By Lyonel Doherty
