As the Capital Regional District looks to benefit from sewage sludge, Sooke is keeping its options open.
Last week, CRD directors struck a new committee to see if innovative technologies dealing with sewage sludge and kitchen scraps could provide environmental benefits and offset costs.
The committee will spend the next six months investigating and evaluating options for “integrated resource management.”
Currently, all Greater Victoria communities truck sewage waste and garbage to the Hartland landfill in Saanich.
Sooke produces about 170 tonnes of sewage sludge every year. The cost to transport the sludge is $20,000.
Coun. Rick Kasper, who represents Sooke on the CRD, said the district is not represented on the new committee because it is not covered by the same regulations as the CRD sewer system. Sooke operates its own independent sewage treatment facility.
“We’re certainly looking at what Sooke’s options are for dealing with septic sludge. It’s a big cost,” he said.
“What Sooke has to do is keep open on how we can dispose of materials in the most environmentally friendly and affordable way.”