Wasted weed
Construction materials are being blamed for “a clearly noticeable increase in commercial waste,” at the Sechelt Landfill according to Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) infrastructure services general manager Remko Rosenboom, but so is another, newer, commercial by-product– cannabis waste.
The wood and gypsum is “demolition-related” said Rosenboom at a July 18 infrastructure committee meeting, while grow-op waste such as soil in opaque plastic bags and plants are also contributing to the increase.
“Some of the material, we know that it was previously brought forward as residential garbage but now we treat it as commercial because it’s legalized and that has further increased the commercial waste stream as well,” he told directors.
Approximately 525 tonnes of commercial garbage was disposed of at the landfill in May, compared to the three-year average of 450 tonnes for the same period.
Free non-potable water in Granthams
Staff are preparing to complete a pump test of the groundwater source next to Elphinstone Avenue in Granthams Landing in early August and will be allowing the public to collect the untreated water over the course of the test.
“During the four-day pump test there will be a lot of water pulled out of the aquifer,” said infrastructure manager Remko Rosenboom. “We’re setting up a station where the community can come by and fill up their tanks with that water.”
Additional staff will be on site to manage that component. The remaining water will be diverted back into the creek.
A six-inch diameter test well was drilled last year, and an eight-inch well was drilled in early July. The test will establish the water quality and capacity of the well.
A water licence application for the well field is expected to be submitted shortly.
Committed to transit
Bus ridership is up and significantly more people are purchasing monthly passes and tickets in advance, indicating “a greater commitment to future transit use,” according to an infrastructure services department quarterly report.
June year-to-date transit fare sales have increased 14 per cent over 2018, which is the second increase in as many years.
Staff are also developing a bus shelter and amenities program, which is expected to be reviewed at a future committee when complete. On-time performance has also improved following a scheduling review that allowed for more time between stops.
