Landfill Environmental Upgrade

September 26th Update

Squamish Landfill Environmental Upgrade Project is underway and involves earthworks, installation of liner and pipes to collect leachate, closure of the existing waste pile, and upgrades to the public use area.

The work will allow the landfill to meet modern environmental guidelines, increase opportunities for waste diversion and provide space for residual disposal for several more years.

• Please expect delays and single lane traffic at times, and watch for and obey any traffic control signs or staff.

• Be aware of heavy equipment and possible increased dust or mud.

Background

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP) was issued in 2007 and approved by the Provincial Ministry of the Environment. The SWMP noted that:
“The Squamish Landfill will become a regional disposal facility for all communities…in the southern corridor” The SWMP is now 5 years old and due for a review. The review is likely to focus even more on waste diversion.

On March 9, 2012, Council passed the Comprehensive Solid Waste Strategy to support an immediate upgrade to the landfill.

Work began in the fall of 2010 with the engagement of Sperling Hansen and Associates (SHA) to undertake design and construction management services. By the fall of 2011 a new lined cell had been built and a  pipeline to convey the collected leachate to the wastewater plant for treatment was connected. This was the first stage of this project and solved the urgent issues of uncontrolled leachate, along with lack of  space.

The constultants identified that the total capital budget to bring the site into compliance was estimated to be $6.2 million. The District was successful in obtaining a UBCM Gas Tax Grant to make up the $4 million  difference between the approved borrowing of $2.2 million and the estimated total.