Liquid Waste Management

Boat On Water

Program Information

The CSRD completed four Liquid Waste Management Plans (LWMP) in 2009 and 2010 for Electoral Areas C, E, F (separate LWMP for Seymour Arm). All LWMP's were approved by the CSRD Board of Directors and the Ministry of Environment.

Recommendations

The LWMP's identify a number of common recommendations including prohibition of effluent discharge to the lake from private sources, ground water monitoring programs and on-site system surveys that target selected areas that are candidates for a community sewer system in the future, and the adoption of policies that enable the CSRD to own and operate new sewer systems (minimum 50 connections) initiated through development. The Sewer System Acquisition Strategy that has been approved by the Board is the implementation of this recommendation. The LWMP's suggested the development of a public education campaign around the encouragement of proper maintenance and inspection of on-site sewer systems. The CSRD launched the Septic Smart program in 2012 and conducted field surveys of on-site systems in select communities.

Additional recommendations included the provision of community sewer systems for the communities of Scotch Creek, Celista, and Anglemont, starting with the community of Scotch Creek. Additionally in Electoral Area C, community sewer systems were identified for Sorrento and Blind Bay. In 2013 the CSRD retained a consultant to review the LWMP's in Scotch Creek and Electoral Area C in order to update costing and determine if lower cost options are available.

Service areas have been established and properties are taxed for the public education, groundwater monitoring, and on-site system surveys. The CSRD has been waiting for grant funding to advance the recommendations for community sewer systems.

Planning

The purpose of a Liquid Waste Management Plan is to explore and recommend the most financially and environmentally acceptable solutions to resolve any problems created by existing sewage treatment and disposal systems and to deal with sewage management in future developments.

The planning process includes comprehensive public consultation and input through newsletters, surveys and public meetings.

Reports & Bylaws