It appears that water-use watchdogs have been barking up the wrong watered tree.
As Richmond and the rest of the Lower Mainland remains under Stage 3 water restrictions that prohibits sprinkling lawns or other landscaping — even if a permit to do so was issued previously — the recently opened Mercedes-Benz Collision Centre has been unfairly collared as a “water hog.”
That’s according to Jeff Chong, manager of fixed operations at the Cambie Road vehicle repair facility that started straightening out bent out of shape luxury rides bearing the three-pointed star two weeks ago.
Chong told the News, Thursday, that the facility has an underground reservoir placed below the parking lot that collects rainwater and run-off from cars being detailed and uses it to water the grass and shrubbery outside the building.
Chong added that he has had visits from city bylaw officers who have okayed usage of the grey water to keep things green. But
there has been a number of passersby who have complained about the sprinkling which is programmed to start in the evening hours.
One concerned, local resident even sent a photo to the News showing the sprinklers on and the grass boulevard outside the collision centre a lush shade of green.
Chong said he wasn’t sure of the underground reservoir’s capacity, but added that with the lack of steady rainfall over the past few months, the system is likely using the waste water from car washing which is still allowable for commercial enterprises under the Stage 3 restrictions.
City of Richmond spokesperson Kim Decker stated all forms of watering using treated drinking water are prohibited on commercial
(and residential) new/unestablished lawns (Editorial note: trees, shrubs, and flowers may be watered by hand or spring-loaded nozzle.)
Since June 1, the city has responded to 598 complaints and issued 49 tickets cover- ing restrictions in Stages 1, 2, and 3. Since July 20, a total of 281 complaints have been received and 19 Stage 3 tickets issued. If people see a violation of the Stage 3 regula- tions, they can call 604-276-4355.
— With files from Graeme Wood
