Feasibility Study for On-Island Composting Treatment Of Cortes Island Septic Wastes

Roy L Hales/Cortes Currents - The SRD will be carrying out the second step of a feasibility study to determine whether on-island compost treatment of Cortes Island’s septic wastes would be more beneficial than the current pump-out system, and could it be delivered at a cost comparable to setting up a conventional system. 

Cortes Island’s septic systems need to be cleaned out roughly every three years. This is currently done by a septic truck, which takes the wastes off-island. 

The SRD has just completed the first part of the feasibility study.

Sylvis Environmental carried out a study which found that, ”On island composting of septage would produce a valuable soil amendment, slightly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and  keep local organic matter and nutrient resources within the community.” However it could cost twice as much as setting up a conventional treatment system.

Regional Director Mark Vonesch said this is not something that Cortes Island taxpayers are interested in, but still wishes to proceed with a phase two of the feasibility study. This consists of reviewing design specifications of up to three commercially available compost systems and providing capital and operational cost estimates for each system, with recommendations for the SRD Board’s consideration. 

At the SRD Board meeting yesterday, Wed June 26, 2024, Vonesch explained his rationale. 

“The initial report that came through showed,  it's roughly a million dollar investment into making this happen on Cortes with anywhere between $150,000 and $250,000 in operating costs each year. This is not a project that we can just move forward with using tax requisition, not something I'm interested in. I don't think Cortes is.”

Vonesch wanted to proceed with phase two because, “If we can get this study done when the provincial or federal government opens up,  infrastructure funding, it could be something that we can jump on.” 

“I do want to make a note  after talking with the CAO , I think there are some aspects  that weren't necessarily considered  in the first stage that could be considered in the second stage.

“Cortes is such a boating  and sailing center for a lot of people, and the Gorge Harbor has gone through a huge revitalization.  If septic removal from boats could be added to that service, it could be a way to bring down operating costs.”

“I'm really excited about this potential and recognize that it's a long term thing and hope we can have the board support to move forward with the second step.” 

There is no cost to Cortes Island taxpayers. 

Phase One of the study was funded by a $10,000 grant from the Infrastructure Planning Grant Program. 

If the Board proceeded with phase two, it would be funded by a $20,000 grant from the Growing Communities Funds and $5,000 from the Liquid Waste Management Service Function 340.

There was a slight hiccup when Director Vonesch moved that the Board proceed with part two for Cortes Island (Area B). The studies were proposed for Areas B and D, but Regional Director John Rice of Area D agreed to have it carried out in his area as well. 

The Board unanimously voted to proceed with the second step of a feasibility study for compost septic treatment systems in  Areas B and D.