Public Input Improves the CRD Solid Waste Management Plan
On May 12, 2021, the CRD Board approved the revised Solid Waste management Plan for the Region. It will now be submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change for final approval.
A number of public groups had a major influence on the final plan including Creatively United, the Mount Work Coalition and Zero Waste BC and the Willis Point and Prospect Lake Community Associations.
The main changes in the plan include:
Committing the CRD to becoming a national leader in zero waste and a circular economy.
Inclusion of an aspiration target to reduce per capita waste disposal from 250 kg in 2030 to 125 kg in an amended plan following 2030.
Deferring the expansion of the Hartland landfill till at least 2030 thus protecting the 73 acres of forests and preserving recreational activities in this beautiful area.
Commitment to consider innovative integrated resource management technologies for Esquimalt to eliminate all wastes to the landfill.
Such new technologies can potentially reduce carbon emissions and contribute to the CRD target of becoming net carbon neutral by 2050.
CRD to contribute up to $4 million to reduce impacts of new road access to the landfill to meet community needs.
Aligning Zero Waste Victoria’s plan with CRD waste reduction targets.
Consider new approaches to managing biosolids from the CRD liquid waste treatment facility to avoid land disposal and potential contaminants that impact groundwater and the environment.
The CRD Board acknowledged that the public had a major influence on shaping the final plan by promoting more aggressive zero waste targets, aligning the plan’s commitment to a circular economy and thus contributing to the overall target of net carbon neutrality by 2050.
The Chair of the Board noted that this plan is really a place holder for a more ambitious plan to be developed over the coming years as the waste reduction targets are implemented and new technologies are investigated. He congratulated all members of the public who commented on the plan.
There is public optimism that with an intent to pursue more aggressive waste diversion targets, there will be no need to expand the landfill so the trees and recreation values of the Mt. Work area can be protected forever.