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Rod and Gun Club tackles lead problem

Consultant develops plan to handle potential lead contamination at Brookswood range

A potential lead contamination problem at the Langley Rod and Gun Club (LRGC) has been dealt with to the satisfaction of the provincial ministry of environment and the Township of Langley.

A report to council says the non-profit LRGC hired a consultant to create an environmental management plan that has been approved by the provincial ministry of the environment.

For several years, the ministry has been pushing the club to have the site tested for possible lead contamination from old shotgun shells.

The Township, meanwhile, has been warning the club could lose its municipal tax break if it didn't deal with the problem.

The Oct. 5 report from the Township finance division said because the club has complied with the ministry demand, it should keep its tax-exempt status, a savings of $29,505 in 2016.

The 37.5 acre Brookswood shooting range near 40 Avenue and 208 Street has been occupied by the club for close to 70 years.

Environment Canada banned the use of lead shot for hunting most migratory game bird species in 1999, but it is still allowed on shooting ranges.

At press time, the LRGC had not responded to a Times request for comment.



Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, I’m the guy you’ll often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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