The provincial government ordered the Capital Regional District (CRD) to treat sewage from the region’s core area.
The CRD has undertaken a comprehensive planning process using a triple bottom line approach. This process has included the evaluation of centralized versus distributed treatment facilities, siting investigations, environmental and social reviews, public consultation and preparation of the business case.
The plan for a treatment system, approved by the province, represents the best choice for the region and allows for future flexibility to integrate resource recovery, including biosolids and solid waste processing as well as opportunities for district heating systems. The CRD will also be sending out a request for proposals (RFP) that will allow for innovative technology proposals, which may result in further cost reductions.
The proposed North Vancouver treatment system is very similar to the CRD’s approved plan, namely, a centralized liquids treatment plant. The main differences are that North Vancouver has proposed the immediate construction of a waste-to-energy facility and district heating system, rather than phasing in these components.
Not only does the CRD have to comply with the provincial directive, it will also have to comply with new federal regulations, which will require secondary sewage treatment for all areas by 2020. From the CRD’s perspective the time for debate on the need for sewage treatment passed with the provincial order and the expected federal regulations.
Denise Blackwell
CRD core area liquid waste management committee