Skip to content

Wastewater solution

Letters

Editor:

As a resident of Halfmoon Bay, I recently attended a meeting to listen to SCRD’s presentation regarding future rate increases to homeowners for maintenance and future infrastructure improvements to wastewater facilities in the area. SCRD staff should be congratulated for managing a group of seniors who definitely have “skin in the game” and are concerned that the modelling used does not truly reflect the demographic reality of those currently living and using the majority of the Halfmoon Bay wastewater treatment facilities. While some homeowners may have the requisite number of toilets in their homes to meet the test, I expect that usage is surely much less than homes with two working adults and school age children.

Having said that, I would like to offer a potential solution based on a “usage model” similar to that of the water meter argument (charge them and they will use less). Simply put – reduce rates when one or more composting toilets is installed in the home. Models such as the Separett (see compostingtoiletscanada.ca) is one example that may meet the code and policy requirements of the B.C. government. In this way, individual homeowners can choose to reduce solid waste, thus lowering maintenance fees and prolonging the life cycle of the infrastructure currently in place. The SCRD can offer an incentive similar to the low flow toilets offered to homeowners in the past. Time to get in touch with our “inner selves” and truly help save the environment.

Brian Hofler, Halfmoon Bay