Victoria, BC–- The Capital Regional District (CRD) is currently upgrading the wastewater treatment plant in Ganges Village on Salt Spring Island and in order to complete the work a wastewater bypass is required between August 16 and August 28, 2018. During this time, wastewater will receive preliminary treatment only (solids screening) and then bypass the normal treatment process and be pumped directly out the long ocean outfall in Ganges Harbour.

The treatment plant upgrade work is required as much of the original 40-year old equipment in the plant has reached the end of its design life and needs to be replaced in order to maintain the high level of treatment that the plant has been providing.

Approvals for the bypass have been received from Environment Canada and BC Ministry of Environment. A marine water sampling plan will be implemented to test the water quality in the ocean at nine locations from Ganges Harbour to Swanson Channel. As recommended by Environment Canada, a temporary shellfish closure will be implemented from Ganges Harbour to Swanson Channel. Marine water will be sampled before, during and after the bypass, and the shellfish closure will remain in place until at least 21 days after the bypass ends. It is recommended that anyone who comes in contact with ocean water within 500m of the outfall discharge point should wash themselves off as a precaution.

To learn more about the project, visit https://www.crd.bc.ca/project/capital-projects/ganges-sewer-plant

Ganges Wastewater Bypass Map (PDF)

Proud to be recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers and Canada’s Greenest Employers, the CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and all levels of government to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.bc.ca.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Madhu Mittal, Project Engineer
CRD Integrated Water Services
Tel: 250.474.9510

Chris Davidson, Manager of Engineering
Salt Spring Island
Tel: 250.538.4305