A new regional composting facility will be built at the Campbell River Waste Management Centre. Construction will be complete in 2021, enabling a phased introduction of organics collection for more than 30,000 single family dwellings in Campbell River, Comox, Cumberland and Courtenay.
The Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) board was presented with two potential locations. Campbell River was determined to be the most suitable option due to lower costs and the greatest buffer from neighboring properties. The property is zoned for heavy industrial use with a specific zoning for composting. All composting activities will be completed indoors, minimizing noise, odour and impacts to groundwater and surrounding habitat. The other location under consideration was the Norm Wood Environmental Centre.
Diverting organics from the waste stream will help to meet the goals of the CSWM Solid Waste Management Plan, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and extending the life of the landfill. Organics, which includes food and yard waste, comprise about 30 per cent of waste that is landfilled within the CSWM service area. This composting facility provides an opportunity to repurpose organic material into compost for agricultural and landscaping use.
The public will have an opportunity to learn more about the new facility, and provide input to guide its design and operations early in 2020. Public engagement will occur through a variety of channels, including opportunities to provide input through an online survey and open houses. Input received will be provided to proponents to inform the facility design and shared with the CSWM board.
FMI: www.cswm.ca/regionalorganics
