Decision delayed, but discussed
The resolution to grant the RDOS access to the Summerland landfill site to carry out technical studies related to the proposed regional compost facility was delayed Monday until all six councillors could be present.
Coun. Richard Barkwill was on vacation and Coun. Erin Carlson is on maternity leave until Oct. 21.
“This is a very important decision. We should make it when all councillors are available,” Coun. Janet Peake said.
Peake made the motion to table the resolution.
The desirability of postponing the decision had been raised during the public comment period at the beginning of the meeting.
The RDOS’ recent selection of the Summerland landfill as the preferred site for the regional compost facility has generated considerable debate within the community.
A crowd of about 100 people filled council chambers and overflowed into the hallway.
Several of those present told council their concerns which ranged from possible odour and the potential impact on the water reservoir to the effect of increased truck traffic on roads and the safety of residents, including schoolchildren.
Sharon Mansiere spoke of the porous nature of soil on the west side of the valley as compared to the east side, which she considered to be a more suitable location for the facility.
An outside agency, RDOS, controlling the municipal site, a potential drop in quality of life for many residents and impact on nearby businesses were also mentioned.
In his report to council Mayor Peter Waterman explained why he supports the testing to determine if the landfill site is a suitable location.
“I see this as an opportunity to explain how we might have a more comprehensive way of handing things (landfill operations) and have someone else pay for upgrades including road improvements,” he said.
Waterman said that the proposed regional facility would be located one kilometre west of the water reservoir and be the destination of kitchen waste which now goes to the landfill.
Removal of kitchen waste would extend the life of the landfill.
Currently, bio solids are dewatered at the sewage treatment plant and trucked to the landfill, where they are mixed and composted with yard waste and green wood.
“This mix is not ideal for gardens or commercial agricultural use,” Waterman said.
Moving into the future, the next phase of recycling is to produce a full organic mix without bio solids, but including kitchen waste, yard waste and greenwood.
Many communities now collect kitchen waste as part of their recycling program.
“I see an opportunity for the district to vastly improve our landfill operation and move towards a full recycle program,” Waterman said.
The proposed facility would be a full in-vessel facility which would prevent any leachate from entering the soil.
The facility would be fully covered and in two parts — one for the bio solids mix and one for the totally organic mix.
“The bio solids mix is the preferred mix to provide an effective cover for landfills when they are sealed up,” Waterman said.
The organic compost would be of use in gardens, orchards and vineyards through the Valley.
“High quality organic compost is in demand for food crops. In addition, orchards and vineyards need high-quality compost that not only creates better soil conditions and weed control, but also enables excellent water conservation,” Waterman said.
Waterman acknowledged that trucking is a concern and there are safety issues.
He told the RDOS board that all of Prairie Valley Road requires upgrading and safety issues must be addressed and that sidewalks must be considered from Cartwright to Giants Head School zone, as well as significant traffic calming conditions and signage.
Waterman anticipates the RDOS would be picking up the major portion of the cost for road upgrades.
“I made it clear to the RDOS board that Summerland could only consider a full and complete state of the art facility. There are a number of facilities that are built to this standard and I would consider nothing less,” he said.