Re: “Across-town sludge pipe to Hartland gets the nod,” Oct. 18.
I understand that the development of the former Butler gravel pits in Colwood has been put on hold after three different proposals over the last 12 years.
Why couldn’t the sewage sludge created by McLoughlin Point treatment be pushed through a sea-floor pipe across to the lower levels of the Butler site, which is being regraded? Processed sludge could be barged away from the gravel pit for use or disposal.
If the waters are deep enough and a sea-bottom pipeline does not affect naval security, wouldn’t it be easier to pump the sludge downhill or horizontally, rather than uphill, along the shortest path?
Also, if the pumps moving sludge uphill to Hartland fail due to power loss or earthquake, where will that sludge back slide to or burst out if a pipe or pump fails? Or do the planners intend to dump raw sludge in the ocean as an emergency backup plan?
The shortest route — a sea-bottom pipeline — could be less costly to construct and make more sense during emergencies.
How would our taxpayers feel about this idea, since our Capital Regional District representatives say they have run out of alternative ideas to pumping sludge uphill to Hartland?
Susan Rowntree
Victoria
