Media Release

For Immediate Release
March 23, 2007

CRD Releases Final Series of Discussion Papers for Sewage Treatment

Victoria, British Columbia – The Capital Regional District today released the final four in a series of eight discussion papers regarding sewage treatment. The papers deal with issues including the potential number of facilities and the preliminary cost estimates.

Initial estimates place the cost of sewage treatment facilities for the CORE area municipalities of the Capital Regional District at between 1.0 billion and 1.2 billion based on whether a decentralized or centralized approach is taken. These estimates are in 2007 dollars and include design and construction. They do not include operational costs.

"Based both on the analysis of our staff and outside technical experts, the CRD is now in a position to provide these preliminary cost estimates,” said Lowe. “While these are only initial estimates, we are committed to transparency and want to ensure that local residents are aware of these preliminary costs.”

To date a number of options for the location of the wastewater treatment facilities have been reviewed. The merit of a decentralized approach is that it is designed to meet future growth patterns, while a centralized approach minimizes site requirements. Submissions have also been reviewed from a worldwide request for technology solutions. The technologies evaluated range from proven methods to emerging ones.

“A triple bottom line approach, including social, economic and environmental criteria has been used in all evaluations,” said Lowe. “Specific details regarding the type of facilities, exact locations and technologies are yet to be finalized. However, the CRD wants to ensure that whatever treatment plants are built will be integrated and blend with local neigbourhoods.”

Through the CRD’s collaboration with technical experts, consultants will present a first draft of the plan at the end of April 2007. Public information exhibits will be used as part of an information program to gather input on the draft plan. The overall strategy is expected to be completed by the end of June 2007. It will then be sent to the provincial government for approval, which will provide the basis for a long-term solution for sewage treatment.

Additional details are available in discussion papers located on the CRD’s website.

Contact:
Dwayne Kalynchuk
General Manager
Environmental Services
250.360.3092