The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) has approved $300,000 in grant funding to projects that will conserve and protect the water of the Okanagan including:
1. Project Title: Pilot Testing of Biological Manganese Removal
Organization: Town of Osoyoos
Description: Manganese is a common groundwater quality issue for in the Okanagan. The Town of Osoyoos will pilot test an innovative biological removal technology and assess performance, operating costs and design criteria to implement it permanently if successful. All project results will be shared among groundwater users in the valley.
Staff Notes: This project has basin wide significance, as all groundwater users can benefit from the results.
Project Budget: $40,000
Recommended Funding: $15,000
2. Project Title: Water Intake Feasibility Study for Okanagan River’s Connected Oxbow Lakes
Organization: Okanagan Nation Alliance
Description: Climate change is increasing the frequency of low flows in Okanagan River; this project will assess the feasibility of changing water intake levels on the Oxbow Lakes of Okanagan River for operation at a lower flow. Ultimately conserving water through Okanagan River (lower flows) will improve Osoyoos Lake habitat for sockeye salmon.
Staff Notes: This project addresses adaptation to climate change and protects salmon habitat, which are high priorities.
Project Budget: $12,018
Recommended Funding: $12,018
3. Project Title: ORRI Phase 2 – 2012 Water Quality Monitoring
Organization: Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA)
Description: Recent funding announcements mean that construction work on the Okanagan River Restoration Initiative (ORRI) will re-commence in 2012, including connecting a side channel to the main river channel. ONA will monitor water quality in the river during the course of this work, ensuring all water quality objectives are met.
Staff Notes: This project has valley wide benefit. The ONA can use funds remaining from previous water quality monitoring grant to assist with this phase.
Project Budget: $792,000
Recommended Funding: $4,000