Our Noble Stewards of Planet Earth (PART 1 ) ( 1st in a Series )
Part of the mythology re: the Indigenous is that they are in sync with Nature and that they are stewards and protectors of Mother Earth. Perhaps to some degree ,..at least in the Past.
What is rarely noted is that since the “Settlers” came..the Indigenous numbers grew substantially as Settlers provided modern amenities, much like the Black population exploded in South Africa under the Boers. We should all refute, debate and expose false gods. My Terms of Reference is we are ALL, at least in theory, ” EQUAL “.
However we have every right to both defend ourselves from demeaning and insulting words ,outright lies and also expose hypocrisy and those continually taking advantage of our benevolence and generosity . However, if we don’t ,then this further emboldens and encourages abuse, exploitation and rising INequality and we ALL will suffer.
Article and ” COMMENTS “ below:
Dump Site on Cowichan Tribes Reserve
In August 2023, it was reported that there was dumping of large amounts of material on land within the Cowichan Tribes reserve on Tzouhalem Road. The unauthorized dump site is causing environmental concerns due to the presence of construction and demolition debris, soil, and other materials. Asbestos was detected. A recent report estimated the volume of waste exceeded 290,000 cubic meters and highlighted issues with leachate impacting the Cowichan River.
Waste at the dump site includes construction debris, imported soil, wood, and household garbage. It releases harmful substances like heavy metals (arsenic, lead, zinc), hydrocarbons, and volatile organic compounds. The MOE order relates to 3 lots 5544 Indian Road above the Cowichan River.
James Anthony Peter, 59, has been fingered for the illegal dumping and for the expensive task of cleaning it up. Peter is required to hire a professional to develop a site pollution prevention and remediation plan. He appeared on a list of Councillor Candidates in 2022.
 | The three destroyed lots fall on Cowichan Tribes land. |
Fisheries and Oceans Canada has conducted a “formal investigation” into the dumping on the Cowichan Tribes reserve on Tzouhalem Road.
——————————————–
COMMENT:
I will expose more of these “abuses” in upcoming PARTS . In this case, it appears some “rogue” Cowichan Band Member has been “fingered” as THE cause and in control aka “to blame “. Really ?
QUOTE:
“……In August 2023, it was reported that there was dumping of large amounts of material on land within the Cowichan Tribes reserve on Tzouhalem Road. The unauthorized dump site is causing environmental concerns due to the presence of construction and demolition debris, soil, and other materials. Asbestos was detected. A recent report estimated the volume of waste exceeded 290,000 cubic meters and highlighted issues with leachate impacting the Cowichan River…….”
HOW MANY TRUCK LOADS = 290,000 cubic meters ?
FROM AI
The number of truckloads for 290,000 cubic meters depends entirely on the capacity of the dump truck used. Dump trucks have widely varying capacities, typically ranging from 6 to 30 cubic meters for full-size commercial trucks, or up to 80 cubic meters for larger specialized trucks with trailers.
Here are the estimated number of truckloads based on common dump truck sizes:
| Dump Truck Type |
|---|
| Approximate Capacity (cubic meters) | Estimated Number of Truckloads | |
|---|---|---|
| Small dump truck | 3 m³ | ~96,667 loads |
| Tandem dump truck | 8 m³ | ~36,250 loads |
| Full-size/Large dump truck | 15 m³ (average within 6-25m³ range) | ~19,333 loads |
CONT’ D
Let’s average this out and estimate it’s around 40,000 loads.
AI Overview re: Truck sizes.
+1
An average standard dump truck is about 8.5 feet wide, 20–26 feet long, and 10–12 feet tall. They can typically haul 10 to 25 cubic yards of material, with payload capacities ranging from 10 to 25 tons depending on the model.
40,000 Dump Trucks lined up end -to -end = approx . 175 MILES.
Finger Pointing one individual is laughable.This Reserve is pretty much surrounded by Non Indigenous lands. This attack on Nature seems to be packaged
as a figurative quick event that happened overnite.
” We just found out “. It’s beyond reasonable that the Band was aware as were neighbouring properties given all the truck traffic, noise, leaching, smells etc.
CUI BONO
AI Overview
Dump fees in the Cowichan Valley, charged by the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD), have specific rates for different materials effective as of January 1, 2025
. For example, the fee for garbage is $204.00 per tonne, and the minimum fee for a small amount of garbage remains at $7.00. Mattresses are $16.00 each, while organics/food waste costs $140.00 per tonne.
…….It is further reasonable to assume each “average” Dump Truck load dumping fees would be in excess of $1,000. This would then
calculate to 40,000 truckloads @ $1,000/truckload = $40 MILLION (WOW.)
The obvious reality is Indigenous Bands have control over their lands to a degree that far exceeds NON Indigenous landowners..
even though Band Lands are effectively kept IN TRUST by the Crown(Gov’t). So..why doesn’t Gov’t intervene re:this abuse and pollution ?
This cowardly approach to allow and not challenge and stop the start of this dumping is very disturbing. WHO knows WHAT is in this unauthorized and illegal
dump. The list posted already shows some very bad and toxic compounds. Are BODY’s part of the dump contents ? Who knows?
The fallout out will be leaching
and off -gassing for decades and there are few if any means to address this . Surrounding properties and waterways will be impacted as well as the pollution
crosses property lines. Rather than set an example of good stewardship,it appears their legacy is to exploit Planet Earth as they see fit.
$$$ trump good stewardship ?
They have also shite in their own beds as the Dumps pollutants will. also leach onto the Band’s own lands and ultimately end up in the Ocean as well.
CUI BONO/SUMMARY: A combination of things.
It is fair to say the Cowichan Dumping Fees would be less than approved Dump Sites. We can be sure complaints
were filed soon after dumping commenced. However, the various Authorities, as usual, are too timid to treat the Indigenous Bands as “Equals” but
instead as “Superior UNtouchables”, no more obvious than with ad nauseam Land Acknowledgements. In all likelihood the Taxpayer-” Settlers ” will pay for the
clean up ( if its possible ) of Indigenous- led pollution, greed and being a bad neighour. It appears that greed took over, as you likely made $MILLIONs off dumping fees and turned a blind eye
as to what was actually dumped..the evidence is all there in the article (above).
Message to Cowichan. Clean up your own back yard first before attacking and insulting others. and imposing UNnecessary and avoidable costs onto Taxpayers solely due to to your actions.
If you want equality and respect.?….. then YOU EARN IT like the rest of US !!!
STAY TUNED……To Be Continued.
Roland
