The Town of Gibsons is intensifying efforts to address an ongoing grease buildup in its wastewater collection system.
The problem has persisted into the second quarter of 2025 despite earlier outreach to local businesses.
According to the Infrastructure Services Q2 report, the source of the grease remains unidentified, but the volume suggests it is likely coming from one or more commercial kitchens. “We know which end of the collection system it’s coming from,” Trevor Rutley, director of infrastructure services told council members, “but we haven’t been able to narrow it down to a specific property.”
In response, the town is preparing to conduct in-person inspections of restaurant grease traps. Under Gibsons’ bylaw, commercial kitchens are required to maintain grease traps and keep inspection records for three years.
While letters were previously sent to businesses, staff now plan to follow up with site visits to ensure compliance.
Meanwhile, operators at the wastewater treatment plant have been adjusting the treatment process to manage the grease more effectively.
The Q2 report notes that “caustic soda” is being added at the headworks to help break down fatty acids, and that seasonal heat and UV exposure have also reduced the severity of the issue compared to Q1.
The town’s bylaw and infrastructure teams are coordinating on the next steps, which may include more targeted enforcement if inspections reveal non-compliance.
“We have a little bit more invested into that inspection,” Rutley said, “so we can confirm that all of the commercial restaurants are following best practices.”
The grease buildup is one of several operational challenges highlighted in the quarterly report, which also includes updates on wastewater flows, infrastructure upgrades, and staffing changes.
Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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