News
Nov 8, 2024
Outfall Relocation Project - Transport Canada Notification
Good afternoon,
I am writing to update you on the progress of the Joint Utilities Board (JUB) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Outfall Relocation Project, and to make you aware of public notices that will be posted at Hecate Park and in local papers.
As you are aware, the JUB STP currently discharges highly treated effluent into the Cowichan River, about five kilometres upstream from the mouth of the river. The Outfall Relocation Project will move this outfall to a more suitable deep water location at the embayment line of Cowichan Bay.
Moving the outfall has multiple benefits for the river and estuary environments, for the infrastructure, and for Cowichan Tribes. Scientific studies have confirmed that the Cowichan Bay outfall location more than meets provincial water quality guidelines and will avoid impacts to shellfish beds and other marine life. Indigenous knowledge has also contributed to an understanding of protection of shellfish beds and other marine organisms.
Through extensive consultation with First Nations, interest groups, and the public, a preferred route has been selected. This will see the pipe buried underground along road rights-of-way through Reserve lands of Cowichan Tribes, along part of Cowichan Bay Road, and into the marine environment at Hecate Park. From here the pipe will rest on the seafloor and out to the new outfall.
At this time, Anchorage B is preventing us from laying pipe through this area. We are currently working with Transport Canada in the hope that this anchorage can be removed before work begins. In the meantime, we have identified a suitable interim outfall location if it is necessary.
Transport Canada approval is needed for the marine pipe routing. Part of its process involves a 30-day public notice period with opportunity for public comment on the proposed routing. In compliance with Transport Canada requirements, we will be placing signage at Hecate Park and notices in local papers.
In addition, North Cowichan (on behalf of the JUB partners) is planning a broader public engagement process to let the public know about the selected route and anticipated costs. More information can be found on our website northcowichan.ca/outfall.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this project.
Clay Reitsma P.Eng., M.Eng.
Director, Engineering
Engineering
T: 250-746-3159
E: Clay.Reitsma@northcowichan.ca
Outfall Relocation Project - Transport Canada Notification
Good afternoon,
I am writing to update you on the progress of the Joint Utilities Board (JUB) Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) Outfall Relocation Project, and to make you aware of public notices that will be posted at Hecate Park and in local papers.
As you are aware, the JUB STP currently discharges highly treated effluent into the Cowichan River, about five kilometres upstream from the mouth of the river. The Outfall Relocation Project will move this outfall to a more suitable deep water location at the embayment line of Cowichan Bay.
Moving the outfall has multiple benefits for the river and estuary environments, for the infrastructure, and for Cowichan Tribes. Scientific studies have confirmed that the Cowichan Bay outfall location more than meets provincial water quality guidelines and will avoid impacts to shellfish beds and other marine life. Indigenous knowledge has also contributed to an understanding of protection of shellfish beds and other marine organisms.
Through extensive consultation with First Nations, interest groups, and the public, a preferred route has been selected. This will see the pipe buried underground along road rights-of-way through Reserve lands of Cowichan Tribes, along part of Cowichan Bay Road, and into the marine environment at Hecate Park. From here the pipe will rest on the seafloor and out to the new outfall.
At this time, Anchorage B is preventing us from laying pipe through this area. We are currently working with Transport Canada in the hope that this anchorage can be removed before work begins. In the meantime, we have identified a suitable interim outfall location if it is necessary.
Transport Canada approval is needed for the marine pipe routing. Part of its process involves a 30-day public notice period with opportunity for public comment on the proposed routing. In compliance with Transport Canada requirements, we will be placing signage at Hecate Park and notices in local papers.
In addition, North Cowichan (on behalf of the JUB partners) is planning a broader public engagement process to let the public know about the selected route and anticipated costs. More information can be found on our website northcowichan.ca/outfall.
Please let me know if you have any questions regarding this project.
Clay Reitsma P.Eng., M.Eng.
Director, Engineering
Engineering
T: 250-746-3159
E: Clay.Reitsma@northcowichan.ca