POWELL RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT
SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW 2008

INTRODUCTION

Background on Planning Process

The Powell River Regional District’s current Solid Waste Management Plan was formally adopted in 1996. The 1996 Plan focused on increasing personal and institutional responsibility for waste generation, and on achieving environmentally sound and economically responsible methods of waste disposal. The 1996 Plan also set a goal of reducing the amount of waste sent to disposal by 50%.

We are now updating our 1996 Regional Solid Waste Management Plan. The new plan will determine how we will recycle, compost and dispose of our garbage for the next 10-20 years.

The review process has three distinct stages, with public consultation throughout the process. The plan review is being conducted as a tri-partite process, involving the PRRD, the City of Powell River, and the Sliammon First Nation.

Stage 1 (May 2008)
- Review of current system & report on implementation status of 1997 Plan
- Formation of advisory committee
- Public survey
Stage 2 (June 2008)
- Identify potential options for improving waste management
- Select preferred options
  - Consideration of issues raised in Phase 1
  - Technical assessment of options
  - Review of options by Advisory Committee
Stage 3 (September 2008 – November 2008)
- Community consultation process to obtain input into selected options
- Results of consultation reviewed with Advisory Committee
- Finalize content of Plan
- Approval by Board
- Submission of Plan to Minister of the Environment

Stage 1 - The Details

The preliminary planning process began last summer, with a review of the region’s solid waste management system. That report is available here, and will provide a starting point for the plan update.

The formal process started in March 2008 by determining how the current services and facilities compare to the 1996 plan. This information is contributing to the Stage 1 report. Check back here in June for a copy of the Stage 1 report.

We’ve also set up an advisory committee with representatives from each participating government, the general public, and the Ministry of the Environment. This group will work closely with PRRD staff and our consultants, Gartner Lee Ltd., in the development of the new plan.

Tell Us What You Think!

Community Survey

We want to have the community involved throughout this planning process. At this starting point we want to hear from the community about how to tackle issues such as increasing recycling, increasing composting, reducing illegal dumping and managing our waste in a sustainable manner. Please fill out our survey here. The survey will be available online from until May 30, 2008. Hard copies of the survey are also available at the Regional District office, City Hall, Sliammon Band Office and rural post office. Results of the survey will be posted on this website in late June.

If you have issues or comments to be considered in the revised plan please contact us at solidwaste@powellriverrd.bc.ca

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