Kelowna resident Alexandra Wright believes that the $78,368 fine handed out to Sandher Fruit Packers in the Central Okanagan for illegally discharging effluent into a ditch was inadequate and described it as a “slap on the wrist.” This fine was issued by the Ministry of Environment, which deemed it a major violation. Sandher Fruit Packers had previously been warned and fined for similar contraventions dating back to 2017. In addition to this recent penalty, the company was also fined $32,000 in 2022 for violating wastewater discharge regulations. The Ministry of Environment stated that discharging into the environment without authorization compromises the regulator regime’s integrity and hinders environmental protection efforts.
Sandher Fruit Packers had requested the ministry not to impose a fine, as they claimed to be actively working towards compliance and proposed setting benchmarks to achieve full compliance. However, the ministry rejected this proposal, emphasizing the need for the fine to serve as a deterrent for the contraventions that had occurred. Enforcement director Stephanie Little mentioned that unauthorized discharge disrupts the establishment of discharge limits, monitoring programs, maintenance systems, and reporting requirements required for compliance. Furthermore, compliance and enforcement staff are closely monitoring Sandher Fruit Packers to ensure continued adherence to environmental regulations.
Following weeks of noticeable odors emanating from the fruit packing plant, Kelowna resident Alexandra Wright organized a community meeting on Old Vernon Road near Sandher Fruit Packers, which was attended by around 100 people. Wright expressed concern about the implications of the effluent discharge, stating that it passes through Mill Creek and Simpsons Pond before reaching Okanagan Lake. She questioned the adequacy of the fines imposed on the company over the past seven years and criticized authorities for not taking sufficient action to prevent contamination and warn residents about potential risks. Despite multiple attempts to reach out to Sandher Fruit Packers for a response, no reply has been received.
Sandher Fruit Packers has published two “community updates” on its website, with the latest being on April 17, where company president Gurtaj Sandher assured customers and neighbors that they are actively working on finding a permanent solution to the issue. The company has applied for an effluent discharge application, which has generated opposition in the form of a petition with over 1,600 signatures. Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Norm Letnick presented the petition in the provincial legislature on April 3, urging the Ministry of Environment to reject Sandher Fruit Packers’ application to continue discharging effluent into the onsite storm system. The community and concerned residents are actively involved in advocating for a stricter stance on the company’s environmental practices.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Sandher Fruit Packers and their effluent discharge violations highlights the importance of environmental regulatory compliance and the need for stringent enforcement measures. The fines issued by the Ministry of Environment have been criticized as inadequate by residents like Alexandra Wright, who are concerned about the potential impact of contaminated effluent on the environment and public health. The company’s stated commitment to finding a permanent solution is not enough to appease the community, as evidenced by the opposition to their effluent discharge application. The situation underscores the importance of proactive monitoring and enforcement to prevent environmental degradation and protect natural resources like Okanagan Lake. Citizens and authorities must continue to work together to address environmental violations and ensure compliance with regulatory standards to safeguard ecosystems and public well-being.
