Nelson - The Editor, Re: "Farm neighbours raise concerns about more dumping," News, Oct. 18.
I happened to read your article on the dumping of asphalt grindings at the property located just east of Fong's Market on Westminster Highway just east of No. 6 Road. I would like to say I'm shocked and dismayed, but honestly I'm not. I was previously with the ALC Compliance & Enforcement section. From what I can recall, not only did I place a stop work order on the property, but because of continued non-compliance I requested the CEO of the ALC issue an order for rehabilitation against the property. I believe that I served the order on the owner some time ago. Neither order was appealed.
So, technically speaking, the ALC can at any time proceed to court for an enforcement order to compel the owner to remove all the fill and rehabilitate the land to some level of agricultural capability. You should be able to confirm the documents via FOI to the ALC or perhaps the City of Richmond.
Technically speaking, residential construction would be permitted and the fill necessary could be permitted, but they would only be permitted to fill a certain area. From what I recall, the landowners have vastly exceeded that footprint.
To continue to import and deposit anything on the site pretty much slaps the ALC in the face and shows no respect for the regulations. Hopefully, as the ALC gets my vacancy back-filled, and the government can stay out of their business, the ALC can get on with the enforcement.
Thomas Loo
Nelson
