Over 500,000 sand bags have been distributed throughout the Okanagan-Similkameen. The Ministry of Forest Lands Natural Resources, under the Water Sustainability Act, requires that no sand be dumped or emptied intentionally along any creek, river, waterbody or foreshore. Instead, the Province of BC will pay Local Governments to remove full sandbags. The disposal process will be coordinated by Local

Governments and there will be no cost to residents. Again, please use the online app to identify your sandbags to the local authority for eventual removal.

Natural Debris:

Natural debris includes trees, branches and other organic materials. These materials that have washed into the foreshore of local lakes can be brought to local landfills as yard waste. There is no charge for the first 500 kg (1100 pounds) of natural debris brought to any landfill.

Introduced Non-Natural Debris:

The RDOS is working with other regional districts and the provincial government to coordinate the removal of non-natural material such as docks, lumber and large plastic drums from local lakes. This material cannot be treated as yard waste and requires special handling. Residents that wish to conduct their own clean up should ensure pieces of debris do not exceed eight feet in length. This material will be treated as garbage at the landfill.