City taking a new look at compost

The City of Penticton is looking for new ways to deal with the solids left over from the waste water treatment process.

The city currently composts the solids at the Campbell Mountain landfill, compost which is eventually sold, either in bulk or small quantities, mostly to local users.

But a combination of a drop in the local market for the city’s compost product, along with changes in regulations and the age of the city’s site at Campbell Mountain prompted a review which will be introduced to city council and their April 17 meeting.

“Although this simple process has worked reasonably well for many years, facility age, condition, site regulations, marketing challenges, landfill needs, and development pressures have created the need to review operations,” said Len Robson, public works manager. “We are taking the opportunity to look at all of the available options and plan for the future.”

Following the report to council, a request for proposals will be issued to qualified engineering consulting firms to review the existing waste water solids management processes and identifying alternatives. The report will provide council with a direction or options to consider for the management of waste water solids for the next 20 years.

The city is also promising to consult with the community as part of the review, both keeping residents informed and considering their feedback before making a recommendation.

Visit shapeyourcitypenticton.ca for more about the city’s process for handling the solids, the scope of the review and opportunities to get involved.