Why Not?

I think most people would agree that the thought of pumping raw sewage into the ocean is not only repulsive, but morally wrong. When I first approached this topic, I assumed that scientists would be side by side with environmentalists in urging the city to change its ways. As I have researched the topic, however, this is not the case. Although there are scientists who believe that the data show that the area around the outfalls are being negatively affected by the sewage, there are other prominent scientists who disagree. A University of Victoria biologist, Dr. J. Littlepage, wrote a report on Victoria's sewage policy, and concluded that “all studies have indicated that we have one of the most efficient and environmentally friendly sewage disposal systems in the world." Even the former Victoria's Regional Medical Health Officer, Dr. Shaun Peck, found no evidence of bacterial contamination around the outfall stations.

With the scientific community divided, residents and politicians of Victoria are able to voice concerns over the substantial cost that a treatment facility would inflict, without enduring feelings of guilt which an outsider might expect. The concerns over cost are not without merit. In 2005, a Capital Regional District report estimated that a primary treatment facility would cost the city $237 million, while a secondary treatment facility would cost $447 million. Both figures provided are only estimated for building the facilities, while annual operating costs would be a multi-million dollar endeavor.