Central Saanich Firehall Project - Site / Environmental Assessment

The District of Central Saanich will assess the contamination level and remediation potential of a 1.57 hectare municipal property identified as the future location of a new energy-efficient municipal fire hall. The site was selected through a location review to evaluate various facility options aimed at improving fire department response times and fire protection throughout the municipality. The District has already completed Stage 1 and Stage 2 Preliminary Site Assessments, which confirmed the presence of various groundwater and soil contaminants from previous residential and commercial use of the site. The current study will complete a Detailed Site Investigation by extracting and testing soil and groundwater samples, particularly in the area of a former residential heating oil tank. The municipality will also complete a Risk Assessment to ensure the site can be brought back into productive use. The Risk Assessment will involve the review of data obtained to date, completion of a hydrogeological study and modeling of contaminant flow and potential migration patterns. This study will advance Central Saanich’s plans to redevelop the site, and implement a two-hall model to reduce the risk of fire loss in the area. The eventual project will also align with the District’s 2008 Community Energy Plan and 2010 Corporate Strategic Plan, which set a LEED Silver certification target for all new construction and major renovation of municipal facilities.

(Project description from original funding application)