Wastewater Treatment Project
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) will be regularly updated below.
Overall
- The Village of Daajing Giids is getting a new wastewater treatment plant.
- The new plant will be the largest project in our community for years to come – it’s a big deal!
- We are one of the last remaining communities to pump raw sewage into the ocean. This project is an exciting opportunity to better protect our environment and island home.
- The new plant will help keep the environment healthy and support our community.
- Every drop of wastewater that goes through our pipes to the ocean must be treated – this is a requirement of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment.
- Almost half a million litres of raw sewage is discharged into Bearskin Bay every day.
- Raw sewage can harm the places that make our community special - our shorelines, our beaches and our ocean. It can have effects on shellfish, fish and other ocean creatures that are important parts of our economy, our culture and our heritage.
- The new plant will ensure wastewater is treated before it makes it into the ocean, meaning less harm to our environment, and safer water for us all to enjoy.
- There are a lot of places where the new wastewater treatment plant could go.
- It is too early to say where the wastewater treatment plant will go. The site and treatment selection process will take at least six months (maybe 18 months) to complete.
- There are also a lot of things the project team needs to think about when deciding the best place - things like site size, road access, environmental and soil conditions and more.
- A lot of people and organizations are interested in the wastewater treatment plant project. The project team will consider these interests as well as their technical work when choosing a location for the new wastewater treatment plant.
- The Province has made a $20 million investment in our community. Daajing Giids received government grants to cover the cost of planning and building a new wastewater treatment plant which is a good start for us. This funding includes $1.3 million from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Fund.
- Efforts will be made to find a solution that is affordable for the community based on the grant funding available.
- Once built, the cost of running the wastewater treatment plant will be our responsibility.
- We all benefit from treating our raw sewage and will share the cost of maintaining our new system through user fees.
- It is too early to say what the user fees may be. The cost of running and maintaining the plant will depend on the site and treatment process selected.
- This community investment is essential for our long-term health and well-being.
- Once built, the cost of running the wastewater treatment plant will be our responsibility.
- We all benefit from treating our raw sewage and will share the cost of maintaining our new system through user fees.
- The new wastewater treatment plant is an exciting opportunity to better protect our environment and island home. This project will make our ocean cleaner, our beaches safer and our environment healthier.
- This project will allow us to plan better for our future and manage growth and development wisely.
- This will be a big construction project that could take more than a year to complete once started.
· Check
the Village webpage and look for newsletters in your mail. The Village will
keep you updated on the project as it progresses.
· If
you have any questions, you can send them to office@daajinggiids.ca and the Village will do their best to answer. This FAQ page will also
be updated regularly.
· Wastewater
Treatment is also a standing item at Council meetings (item 17.1). Meetings are
open to the public, so you can attend in person or via Zoom. Check www.daajinggiids.ca/council-meetings for details.
Proximity to Existing Residences
Council directed the engineers to complete a comprehensive review of potential sites across the community because of the importance of the wastewater treatment plant. Several sites were found to be technically unfeasible or unaffordable due to their size, shape, topography, or geology. Some of the technically feasible sites are located near existing homes or residential properties. At this stage, the site layouts are conceptual. The final location of the plant and its setback from nearby homes and properties will be confirmed during detailed design. This work will include exploring ways to reduce impacts through process and building design, landscaping, and buffering for noise and other effects. Engagement with affected property owners will be an important part of that process.
There is no legislated setback distance for wastewater treatment plants in British Columbia, however, best practices from other jurisdictions will be considered. Separation distances are determined through engineering design, operational considerations, and mitigation measures such as odour and noise control.
The approximate distances were calculated from the outside edge of the proposed aerated tank to the nearest existing home based on conceptual layouts and aerial photographs. Proximity to both existing homes and residential property lines will be considered through the planning and detailed design stages.
Impact on Existing Residences
Wastewater treatment plants are essential municipal infrastructure, but they can raise concerns about noise, odour, and air quality. These impacts can often be reduced through treatment technology, odour control measures, careful site planning, landscaping and buffering, environmental monitoring, and ongoing community engagement. A detailed impact assessment and mitigation plan will be completed during the design stage, and construction-related impacts such as dust, noise, and access disruptions will also be managed.
The Skidegate plant is a great example of one technical solution that is being explored for the in-town locations. We understand residents do not complain about the smell of the plant. The wastewater treatment lagoons in the Village of Old Massett are about 200m from the closest homes. The lagoons use a similar process to treat wastewater.
The Skidegate plant is a great example of one technical solution that is being explored for the in-town locations. We understand residents do not complain about the smell of the plant. The wastewater treatment lagoons in the Village of Old Massett are about 200m from the closest homes. The lagoons use a similar process to treat wastewater.
If something goes wrong at a wastewater treatment plant, people living nearby may notice smells, noise, or changes to what they see, depending on the problem. The law requires all plants to have monitoring and backup plans in place to deal with issues if they happen. Plants are also checked and maintained regularly to help protect the environment and public health.
Wastewater treatment plants are subject to provincial regulations that require ongoing monitoring and reporting. Wastewater treatment plants are designed with impermeable structures and containment systems that prevent leaks. At this time, in-ground disposal of treated effluent does not appear to be feasible, and it is anticipated all treated wastewater will be disposed away from the treatment plant site, through a marine outfall. A site specific hydrogeological assessment will be conducted during the detailed design phase to confirm groundwater protection measures for construction and operation.
Being near a wastewater treatment plant can affect how some people view a property. Any impact on property value depends on several factors, including how close the plant is, how visible it is, how well noise and odour are buffered, local wind patterns, personal preferences etc. Potential community impacts, including property values, are being considered as part of the decision-making process.
Skidegate Connection
One advantage of the Skidegate option is that it is already familiar to the community -people know the location of the existing plant and have a general understanding of its appearance and odour. The site is also reasonably separated from existing homes and community facilities. In addition, this option creates an opportunity for the Village of Daajing Giids and Skidegate Band Council to work together on shared regional infrastructure. Both engineering teams are also assessing whether a shared system could improve operating efficiency.
Construction of the sewer forcemain to the Skidegate plant would affect highway travel. In locations where the sewer forcemain is being installed, one lane will likely need to be closed for construction. The result would be single lane alternating traffic in those locations. This situation could last for one year given the length of forcemain to be installed (8.4km), as well as construction of new pump stations.
Access to private driveways will be maintained, however may be temporarily disrupted at times. The Village of Daajing Giids would work closely with the construction contractor, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, and affected property owners and businesses to ensure impacts are minimized and emergency services, ferry access and other important services are maintained.
It is important to note that highway travel would also be impacted should two (2) of the in-town options be selected as the preferred site.
Access to private driveways will be maintained, however may be temporarily disrupted at times. The Village of Daajing Giids would work closely with the construction contractor, Ministry of Transportation and Transit, and affected property owners and businesses to ensure impacts are minimized and emergency services, ferry access and other important services are maintained.
It is important to note that highway travel would also be impacted should two (2) of the in-town options be selected as the preferred site.
The length of the forcemain and additional pump stations that would be needed to convey our wastewater to Skidegate introduces additional operational and maintenance requirements to ensure the system runs properly.
The length of the forcemain and its location along the highway could make it more vulnerable to disruption from pipe failures, seismic events, or highway washouts. These events are rare and the Village of Daajing Giids would have standard operating procedures and emergency response plans in place to manage these events should they occur.
The length of the forcemain and its location along the highway could make it more vulnerable to disruption from pipe failures, seismic events, or highway washouts. These events are rare and the Village of Daajing Giids would have standard operating procedures and emergency response plans in place to manage these events should they occur.
The Council of the Haida Nation and the Province have indicated that a land tenure application will be required (this is a provincial process) which will go to the Solutions Table.
The Skidegate option requires construction of a new third aerated concrete tank. Because there is not enough space on the existing site within the reserve boundary, the additional tank would be built off reserve, on Haida Title Land.
The Skidegate plant does not have the capacity to accommodate the addition of our projected wastewater flows over the long-term and the projected Skidegate flows. As a result, the construction of the third treatment cell is required to make the project viable for both communities.
The Village of Daajing Giids cannot speak on behalf of Skidegate Band Council. To date, Skidegate Band Council and its engineers have been collaborating with the Village of Daajing Giids and our engineers to explore the joint treatment option.
Wastewater treatment is a standing item on Council meeting agendas (item 17.1). Meetings are open to the public, so you can attend in person or via Zoom. Check www. daajinggiids.ca/council-meetings for details.
Sewer and Septic Servicing
Development of a water and wastewater servicing strategy is not part of this project as outlined in the funding agreement. The Village of Daajing Giids is working on a long-term strategy for water and wastewater servicing separately. This work is exploring alternative options for expanding municipal water and sewer services to un-serviced properties that are currently using septic fields and/or ground or surface water sources. This work will involve the development of financial models, including the costs for residents. For more information about the water and wastewater strategy please contact the Village office at: office@daajinggiids.ca.
All in-town options for the wastewater treatment plant would require new forcemains to convey wastewater to the treatment plant. Most of these routes would not be near many unserviced properties. Where they are, nearby properties may have opportunities to connect directly to the forcemain using private lift stations. Depending on the final plant location, constructing the forcemain at the same time as future water or sewer servicing works could also reduce costs. Any future service extensions would be a separate project.
The water and wastewater servicing strategy project, separate from the wastewater treatment project, is exploring ways residents and businesses across the community could connect into the sewer system regardless of where the wastewater treatment plant is located. The servicing options being considered include:
1. A low-pressure sewer system. This would include a common municipal forcemain and all residents and businesses would own and maintain private lift stations to discharge their wastewater into the municipal forcemain.
2. Gravity collection systems to convey wastewater from private properties to community municipal lift stations, like our current system. This option would not require private lift stations.
The water and wastewater servicing strategy project, separate from the wastewater treatment project, is exploring ways residents and businesses across the community could connect into the sewer system regardless of where the wastewater treatment plant is located. The servicing options being considered include:
1. A low-pressure sewer system. This would include a common municipal forcemain and all residents and businesses would own and maintain private lift stations to discharge their wastewater into the municipal forcemain.
2. Gravity collection systems to convey wastewater from private properties to community municipal lift stations, like our current system. This option would not require private lift stations.
The scope of this project does not include an assessment of existing septic systems, which are regulated by the provincial Ministry of Health via the Sewerage System Regulation under the Public Health Act. Individual property owners are responsible for monitoring and maintaining their septic systems with the support of an Authorized Person (AP). An Authorized Person is either a professional or a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner. Professionals are typically engineers or geoscientists. If you have a question about an existing septic system, please contact Northern Health at php@northernhealth.ca or 250-565-7322.
Yes, the wastewater treatment plant will be designed to accommodate current and projected flows over the next 20 years. The engineering design process will ensure the plant operates effectively as flows rise and fall over time. Future expansions or upgrades should also be considered for population growth beyond the initial 20-year growth projections, and sites are being assessed at a high level for their long-term expansion potential.
The grant funding we received requires the Village of Daajing Giids to prepare a new or updated Water Conservation Plan. Efforts to conserve water can impact wastewater treatment plants in positive ways by reducing the amount of water to be treated and reducing stress on pumps, aeration systems etc. There are also many environmental and cost benefits that can be realized by conserving water. Any new water conservation measures or policy for the Village of Daajing Giids would be created as part of the updated plan.
The Village of Daajing Giids is also drafting plans and designs to remove the treatment residuals from the existing drinking water treatment plant from the sewer system to the extent practical, which will reduce the wastewater volumes the new facility needs to manage.
The Village of Daajing Giids is also drafting plans and designs to remove the treatment residuals from the existing drinking water treatment plant from the sewer system to the extent practical, which will reduce the wastewater volumes the new facility needs to manage.
BC Ferries is not currently part of the project. The Village of Daajing Giids plans to contact BC Ferries in the coming weeks to confirm whether there is interest in connecting to a municipal sewer system. If there is, further analysis will be needed to determine whether the system could serve BC Ferries and what the impacts would be on capacity and cost.
Order of Magnitude (O&M) Cost Estimates
The cost estimates provided are called “Order of Magnitude” costs given the conceptual nature of the designs completed to date - we are still in the site selection phase.
At this stage, the costs are presented with the following:
At this stage, the costs are presented with the following:
- A contingency to account for unknowns that may be required as part of the project but are not yet fully defined (such as variable ground conditions). This contingency is part of the base capital cost estimate and is included for all options.
- Costs are presented in a range to show what the low and high costs are projected to be based on the information available. Currently a range of plus or minus 50% has been used on the base capital cost estimate.
The cost estimates will be refined through the detailed design phase. The detailed design phase will also help the engineers identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact the project schedule and budget.
Costs for clearing and development of access roads to the proposed wastewater treatment plant sites have been included for all options. Land acquisition or tenure costs have not been included in the cost estimates. All shortlisted sites need some Haida Title Land.
The form of treatment will be determined through the detailed design phase. The cost estimates are currently based on using aerated concrete tanks to treat wastewater. Aerated concrete tanks are a reliable and low maintenance (more passive) technology that could meet our treatment requirements. The Skidegate plant uses aerated concreate tanks to treat wastewater. There is sufficient space at all shortlisted sites for this treatment type.
The estimated costs include capital costs to construct the wastewater treatment plant and annual operations and maintenance costs to run it. Capital costs include the treatment plant, site development, wastewater conveyance, outfall, off-site services and water plant residuals, as well as a contingency and professional services.
The costs are different because some sites need more work to get ready, longer pipes to carry wastewater, or extra services outside the site. The best outfall location also depends on where the treatment plant is built. Each site is unique which is why there are differences in the capital cost estimates.
The shortlisted sites are all technically feasible. Depending on the option, some existing sewer lift stations would need to be retrofitted and reconfiguration and installation of new sewers would be required to reverse the direction of sewer flows from the current outfall location west towards those potential sites. The cost estimates for each shortlisted site were presented at the Town Hall event, which include the necessary conveyance upgrades. A copy of the Town Hall presentation may be found here: www.daajinggiids.ca/wastewater.
Property owners within the sewer service area will be responsible for paying the annual operating and maintenance costs of the new plant in addition to the sewer fees already in place to maintain the existing collection and conveyance system.
Wastewater treatment plants are typically designed to accommodate a community’s forecasted needs for 20 years. The initial capital costs for construction of the plant including this allowance for growth is anticipated to be paid for with grants. The Village of Daajing Giids will continue to explore more grant opportunities. If grant funding is not sufficient, the Village of Daajing Giids may consider borrowing money to fund the construction. This loan would be repaid overtime by the Village and would be recovered through a frontage tax, like how our water treatment plant was funded and recovered from users.
Operating and maintenance costs for the plant would be paid for by users, however these costs would be relative to the actual flows conveyed in the plant, and not the maximum design capacity. For example, power consumption and pump maintenance conveying and treating the wastewater would be based on the actual number of users which will change over time.
The plant will be designed to meet our changing capacity requirements over time.
Operating and maintenance costs for the plant would be paid for by users, however these costs would be relative to the actual flows conveyed in the plant, and not the maximum design capacity. For example, power consumption and pump maintenance conveying and treating the wastewater would be based on the actual number of users which will change over time.
The plant will be designed to meet our changing capacity requirements over time.
If borrowing is required, the cost of borrowing would be paid by all properties in the sewer service area through a frontage tax. Operations and maintenance costs of the proposed facility as well as existing sewer assets are paid by those connected to the sewer system. A range of potential sewer fees and borrowing costs per residential user are shown in the table below.
The table presents two (2) scenarios that include borrowing costs and one without borrowing. The estimated annual fee of $883 includes the cost of borrowing $3 million from the Province while the estimated annual fee of $1,282 includes the cost of borrowing $6.5 million. The borrowing costs for both scenarios are shown in orange.
The table presents two (2) scenarios that include borrowing costs and one without borrowing. The estimated annual fee of $883 includes the cost of borrowing $3 million from the Province while the estimated annual fee of $1,282 includes the cost of borrowing $6.5 million. The borrowing costs for both scenarios are shown in orange.
Please note that the user fees will not be confirmed until the design process is complete and all operating, maintenance, biosolids management, and borrowing costs are known.
The rates shown are for residential users only (people already connected to the sewer system). The user fees will be different for commercial and industrial users.
The rates shown are for residential users only (people already connected to the sewer system). The user fees will be different for commercial and industrial users.
Outfall
A longer outfall will result in better mixing between treated effluent and ocean water. Specialists completed an outfall study and requested input from the Council of the Haida Nation Marine Planning Program. The study found that our existing outfall, although it meets current regulations, is old and has a lower pressure rating (i.e. a lower mechanical resistance). The specialists recommended installing a new, longer outfall that will provide more flushing and dilution of the future treated effluent.
The design phase will confirm if the existing outfall may be able to remain (and be used in emergency situations) rather than be removed.
The design phase will confirm if the existing outfall may be able to remain (and be used in emergency situations) rather than be removed.
Specialists identified two (2) in-town outfall locations that meet environmental requirements. The preferred outfall location will depend on more environmental testing and which site is selected.
The wastewater treatment plant will provide secondary treatment. This means the treated wastewater will have much lower levels of nutrients, germs, and harmful substances before it is released into the ocean. Specialists completed an initial outfall study and asked the Council of the Haida Nation Marine Planning Program for input. The study looked at possible outfall locations that meet regulations and help reduce impacts on sensitive marine areas.
Once a site is selected, an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will be completed. This study will go through more regulatory review and assessment of the potential impact on the ecosystem and human health. Rules also require monitoring before and after discharge to help protect the marine environment.
The treated wastewater could have a minor effect on salinity in the water close to the outfall. A mixing area will be created around the discharge point where the treated wastewater blends with ocean water. Water quality rules must be met at the edge of this area. The size of the mixing area will be confirmed through modelling and design in the next phase.
Once a site is selected, an Environmental Impact Study (EIS) will be completed. This study will go through more regulatory review and assessment of the potential impact on the ecosystem and human health. Rules also require monitoring before and after discharge to help protect the marine environment.
The treated wastewater could have a minor effect on salinity in the water close to the outfall. A mixing area will be created around the discharge point where the treated wastewater blends with ocean water. Water quality rules must be met at the edge of this area. The size of the mixing area will be confirmed through modelling and design in the next phase.
Other
A desktop geotechnical analysis has been completed for all sites. This means our engineers have reviewed existing data and information about each site’s geology and soil conditions to assess the feasibility of locating a wastewater treatment plant on them. More detailed geotechnical work that includes test pits and/or drilling underground to better understand soil and rock conditions will be done once a site is selected. Limited underground work has been done near the proposed sites on the west side of Daajing Giids.
Our deadline to comply with the Fisheries Act (Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulation) is December 31, 2030. The project timeline has been designed with that strict deadline in mind. Our engineers have built additional time into the pre-design, detailed design and procurement, and construction phases to ensure we meet that deadline.
The project team is exploring alternative access roads for all shortlisted sites. There may be instances where easements may be required. The Village of Daajing Giids cannot speak on behalf of Parks Canada or private landowners as to the likelihood of an easement being agreed to. Outreach has been initiated to inform the technical work being undertaken.
Elected officials in British Columbia have the authority to make independent decisions – they are not legally bound to advance a previous government’s decision. Following the fall election, the new Council will meet for the first time in November. A change in direction (i.e., a new site is selected) could delay the project’s progress.
Residents may write to Council directly at council@daajinggiids.ca to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns.
Have a Question?
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on this page, or send your question to office@daajinggiids.ca. The Village will work with Urban Systems to answer all your questions.
Want to Learn More?
Check this webpage regularly and look for newsletters in your mail. The Village will keep you updated on the project. Wastewater Treatment is also a standing item on Council meeting agendas (item 17.1). Meetings are open to the public, so you can attend in person or via Zoom. Check www.daajinggiids.ca/council-meetings for details.