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Pumping up

The grass will be greener on the other side after a new water supply pump goes in at the Rossland-Trail Country Club Birchbank Course.
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The grass will be greener on the other side after a new water supply pump goes in at the Rossland-Trail Country Club Birchbank Course.

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary board of directors approved a budget of $20,000 to purchase and replace the aging supply pump at the Murphy Creek pumping station near the course.

The money will be coming from the Electoral Area 'B' Gas Tax apportionment for the Rossland-Trail Country Club (Birchbank) for the installation of the new pump, entering into the Community Works Fund third party funding and reporting agreement.

The cash was approved at the June 25 regular board meeting, with the hope it would also reduce electricity costs by up to 45 per cent, around $500 per year.

The pumping station pulls water from Murphy Creek adjacent to the south end of the Birchbank course, moving water up 30 metres and over 1,350 m. to fill a holding pond on the number three fairway.

The original pump was purchased by Cominco in 1962, then bought for the gold course one year later.

Even though the pump has served tirelessly for over 50 years, leaks had begun appearing as it aged.

Birchbank has always worked with Fisheries and the Trail Wildlife Association on the Murphy Creek Fish Enhancement Program. The intake area for the golf course also serves as a resting area for fish.