Regional Organics

Groundwater
Moisture content is carefully controlled as part of the composting process and water that comes into contact with organic waste (leachate) will be collected in sealed tanks and reused. Unprocessed materials will be stored inside, and composting will be undertaken exclusively inside buildings on concrete surfaces.

Stormwater will be collected in a lined holding pond where it will be aerated, and sediment will be removed. The resulting treated stormwater will be discharged into an unlined pond and re-infiltrated into the ground. Water use onsite will be managed carefully and will not have an impact on groundwater quality or supply.

Odour
The receiving and processing of organic waste will take place daily within a fully enclosed building. Air will be captured through an HVAC system and then treated using biofilter technology, preventing odours from leaving the building. The finished compost will be stored under a covered area and will look and smell like rich, dark earth.

Pest Control
The daily processing of organic material indoors minimizes odours and helps control rodents and pests. High temperatures during processing create an inhospitable environment for rodents and other pests. The entire perimeter of the property will be fenced, preventing larger wildlife from entering the site.

Carbon Emissions
Greenhouse gas emission reduction will be achieved by removing organic material from the waste stream, reducing the production and release of methane gas in the landfill. Recycling organic matter into soil restores carbon and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers.

Trees and Wildlife
The facility will be located on a cleared area of land. A wooded area will be kept around the perimeter of the facility to protect natural habitat and mitigate visual impacts. While some trees will need to be cleared on the site, careful site planning and layout will retain the maximum amount of forest possible for habitat and buffer. Site development and tree cutting will occur during an appropriate nesting window.

All delivery of compost feedstock and active composting will occur indoors to prevent birds and wildlife from being attracted. Fencing will prevent larger wildlife from accessing the site.

Noise
The use of back-up alarms will be minimized to reduce noise during operating hours, and equipment with lower noise ratings will be used. Sound attenuating enclosures will also be considered.

Traffic and Lighting
Traffic impacts will be minimal, as organic waste collection will integrate with the existing waste collection system. The main access to the site will be from Highway 28, which will not affect most neighbouring properties on Argonaut Road.

The site design creates the greatest buffer area possible between the facility and neighbours, protecting sightlines and minimizing light and noise. Exterior lighting will be a lower colour temperature to minimize impact and will be turned on only during operating hours.

Planning is underway for a new regional composting facility at the Campbell River Waste Management Centre and residents were invited to provide their input and learn more about the project throughout January and early February, 2020.

Residents had the opportunity to complete a survey online and in person, and the community was also invited to provide feedback and meet the project team at two open houses that took place in Campbell River. We’d like to thank everyone who participated in our consultation. The information collected has helped Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) better understand what is important to residents and will be used in the planning of this facility.

The province of British Columbia has announced the grant recipients of the new Organics Infrastructure Program, which includes the CSWM's regional organics composting facility. The project received $484,815 million in provincial funding on January 30, 2020. Total grant funding for the $14.7 million project is expected to be $6.4 million, with the remaining $8.3 million in project costs to be funding by reserves.

Planning is underway for a new regional composting facility at the Campbell River Waste Management Centre and residents are invited to provide their input and learn more about the project over the next month.