As part of Fisher Road Recycling’s ongoing commitment to control odours and improve operations, the facility has announced it will install an air curtain for its main door.
The delivery time for the air curtain is expected to be up to six weeks, according to press release from the Cowichan Valley Regional District.
The release said that, in addition, and as part of ongoing improvements on the property, the FRR will also be replacing the cover of its composting building, which was originally constructed in 2007.
“These upgrades will further assist in increased odour controls going forward,” the release said.
“The cover replacement is expected to take 25 to 30 days. Efforts will be taken to minimize odours during this time; however, as a result of the removal of the old cover in sections, there may be temporary odours while the cover replacement work is being performed.”
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The measures come after recent odour issues in Cobble Hill were reported to originate from FRR’s composting operation.
FRR had stated in the past that it remains committed to addressing odours originating from the facility and thanks community members who have provided constructive feedback and taken the time to complete the odour complaint form on the CVRD website.
Mike Wilson, the Cowichan Valley Regional District’s director for Cobble Hill, said odour issues in the area have been ongoing for years and he hopes the measures being taken by FRR will help alleviate them.
“It’s one of the those things that affect the quality of life for those in that area,” he said.
“The FRR does some great work and it isn’t going anywhere, but something has to be done to deal with the odours. We’ll have to wait and see how effective these measures will be and I expect the CVRD will be talking more about it as we move forward.”
Wilson pointed out that there are other sources of odours in the area as well, so FRR is likely not the only source of the smells.
But he reiterated that he hopes the upgrades at FRR will improve the situation.
“They really are doing a great job there, and I think they do have the best interests of everyone at heart,” Wilson said.
The Cobble Hill Village Wastewater Treatment Plant, also known as the Hutchinson Road WWTP, and the Gallier Road wastewater lift station and disposal site are also currently undergoing upgrades.
“The upgrades will reduce odours from these two sites and are expected to be completed in January, 2020,” the release said.
“As it is very difficult to investigate odour issues after an odour event has occurred, the best way to help address odours is to report them as soon as they are noted. To report odours associated with Central Landscape Supplies, Fisher Road Recycling or the CVRD WWTPs, please use the online odour complaint form on the CVRD website.”
