Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors heard at their June 6 infrastructure services committee that work will begin this summer to close a portion of the Sechelt landfill.
A report from solid waste management coordinator and acting manager of sustainable services Jeremy Valeriote showed that companies are already bidding on the work to close 1.7 hectares of the seven-hectare dump site.
The closure work involves installing a geosynthetic cover system, landfill gas collection and storm water infrastructure and a new fence.
The SCRD forecasts that the Sechelt landfill located atop Dusty Road will reach its capacity by 2030. In preparation for that eventuality they are working to close a portion of the site that's full now, while there's money in the budget to do it.
The project is estimated to cost $2,221,000 and there is $2,612,251 in the closure reserve fund.
"The closure shouldn't affect the public because it's in an area of the landfill that the public doesn't access," Valeriote noted.
He said a second partial closure may take place in 2024 with the final closure work to be done in 2031.
In order to try to extend the life of the landfill, the SCRD is also working on educating the public on their garbage production and recycling options.
Water plan
Sustainability and outreach coordinator Marina Stjepovic said there seems to be "general support" for the SCRD's draft comprehensive regional water plan (CRWP).
The plan maps out a strategy to balance conservation with the projected water needs of Coasters for the next 25 years.
On June 6, Stjepovic presented a report detailing public consultation for the plan, which took place between April 8 and May 15. A total of 82 feedback forms were received by the SCRD and about 100 people attended open houses.
"Placing more emphasis on education and promoting the use of rainwater harvesting and grey water recycling for outdoor water use will not realize the overall gains in the timeframe needed to defer or eliminate the need for the capital upgrades," Stjepovic's report to the board stated.
One of the capital upgrades proposed in the draft plan is the construction of a floating pump station, which is something many respondents disliked.
"Although there was significant concern raised with the interim floating pump station design concept, the CRWP refers to this interim measure as 'floating pump station or alternative system,' in part to recognize this concern," Stjepovic wrote.
Directors accepted Stjepovic's report on citizen engagement and the draft CRWP, which includes key recommendations to move forward with universal metering, accessing the lower reaches of Chapman Lake in drought conditions, constructing an engineered lake and expansion of the Chapman water treatment plant.
