The Comox Valley Regional District is looking for your thoughts on the sewer system.
It’s an opportunity for you to weigh in on the cost, construction impacts and environmental protection for the future of the Comox Valley Sewer Service.
It treats wastewater, or raw sewage, from homes and businesses in Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation.
New options are also being considered to relocate a vulnerable section of sewer pipe that runs along Balmoral Beach, below the Willemar Bluffs.
“We know sewer planning isn’t top of mind for most people, but it is in fact one of the most important services we provide for the community,” sewage commission chair David Frisch said.
“Among other goals, our current planning process puts concrete options forward to deal with the urgent and unacceptable environmental risk of having a sewer pipe that moves raw sewage along an exposed section of Balmoral Beach.”
The location of the pipe makes it vulnerable to waves, rocks and logs and a break in the pipe would release raw sewage into Comox Bay and Baynes Sound.
The district said that’s a scenario that could have devastating impacts for the natural environment, the shellfish industry and the health of residents.
Your input is needed on options for upgrading the service’s conveyance system, including the pipes and pump stations that move wastewater to the sewage treatment plant.
To collect feedback on the three shortlisted options under consideration, visit the online survey here.
You can also go to an open house to share your input.
They’re being held:
- Monday, April 6, 5-7 pm, Comox Golf Course; and
- Thursday, April 9, 5-7 pm, Civic Room, CVRD Offices.
“A technical and public advisory committee will consider community input from this consultation and then recommend a preferred conveyance option for the Sewage Commission to consider,” said Kris La Rose, the district’s senior manager, water and wastewater services.
“The final conveyance option will be included in the Liquid Waste Management Plan, which provides a roadmap for this sewer service for the coming decades.”
For more information, visit the project webpage by clicking here.
