The idea of a chemical composter for the Town of Lake Cowichan could become a reality, if not this year then next.
Town staff has already begun primary research into the machine called the BIOvator which converts organic waste into compost.
“I went on the internet and found two companies that have a product close to what we have in mind but we’d need a mandate directed from council (to go ahead and purchase),” said superintendent Nagi Rizk at the Finance and Administration meeting held March 11 at town hall. “Those companies can send us a quote and their only catch is proof in the system. Both companies suggested an electric fence (around the machine).”
Rizk highlighted that the project would require “a lot of infrastructure” and predicted it would cost the town at least $180,000 up front.
Mayor Ross Forrest still wants numerous questions answered before going ahead with the purchase, but is an admirer of the concept.
“There’s a few questions in terms of operating costs, acquiring property, how much land we would need if it’s an acre or two acres. I’d hate to go in and rush without looking at other municipalities who say it doesn’t work. We have to do our homework. It’s a big investment,” said the mayor.
Like Forrest, Coun. Jayne Ingram wants to see much more detail come forward from staff in forthcoming weeks.
“We need a full report. I’d like to know where we’re getting the wood product or sawdust from to support that,” she said.
After waste is inserted into the cylindrical machine, a wood product is required to be placed on top as support, before the waste travels down the machine and is converted into compost.
The machine can take up to 500 kilograms of waste per day.
“There’s definitely the issue of location as well,” said chief administrator Joe Fernandez. “A fair bit of work needs to go into the logistics and financing of this.”
Coun. Tim McGonigle, who chaired the meeting, doesn’t see the BIOvator as a 2014 item but possibly in 2015.
“I don’t think it’s a 2014 item but it might be a topic for our five-year financial plan,” he said.
Coun. Bob Day, who instigated the idea, agreed.
“It would also cost about $100 a year to run the electric motor required,” said Day. “A ton of compost manure goes out of the grocery store each day and the farmers see it as gold, it’s the smell of money to them. I don’t think it’s a 2014 item but we could organize a road trip somewhere to find out even more about it.”
Coun. Frank Hornbrook wants to see a business agreement in order to sell some of the compost that the town produces through the machine, potentially with farmers.
“Somewhere along the line we need to create a partnership with somebody to use the compost. We’re not going to use it all,” said Hornbrook.
Council is envisioning using the compost within the Parks and Recreation department for its own use.
